Late Night Block Party @ The Myrtle Wash – Food, Cars & Culture for the Neighborhood

Summary

As part of Daikoku NYC’s mission to reframe New York’s car scene through community and culture, I partnered with The Myrtle Wash (a local car wash in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn) and Eat Little Kirin (an Asian American-owned food brand) to throw an unpermitted, but beautifully organized late-night block party. It featured detailed cars, late-night eats, and curated vibes — all held under the Brooklyn sky.

The Challenge

This wasn’t just a meet — it was an activation. We had to:

  • Turn a functioning car wash into a safe, event-worthy venue for 100+ attendees

  • Coordinate vendors, music, and car staging in a tight urban footprint

  • Navigate after-hours planning with neighborhood and business owners

  • Ensure that it stayed fun, safe, and respectful — even without formal permits

My Role

Concepted the event’s theme, layout, and partnership strategy

  • Handpicked collaborators aligned with Daikoku NYC’s brand and community values

  • Directed all logistics, roll-in flow, lighting setup, vendor placement, and visual storytelling

  • Created the event flyer, social promotion, and live documentation strategy

  • Managed on-the-ground execution alongside Daikoku core team and Eat Little Kirin

Process Overview

1. Site Planning

  • Scoped Myrtle Wash during off hours for size, sightlines, power, and safety

  • Designed a roll-in plan and foot traffic path that wouldn’t block the street

  • Coordinated lighting setup to elevate the visual tone after dark

2. Community-First Strategy

  • Worked closely with the Myrtle Wash owners to ensure mutual benefit and respect

  • Partnered with Eat Little Kirin to provide warm food and drinks into the late hours

  • Selected cars and guests intentionally — no revving, no showboating, all love

3. Promotion & Storytelling

  • Released a teaser and official flyer one week prior

  • Captured the event with both photographers and roaming video coverage

  • Created a recap edit featuring interviews, ambiance, and food x car culture crossover

Impact

  • Drew 100+ guests across automotive, creative, and food communities

  • Sold out Eat Little Kirin’s full menu before midnight

  • Created one of Daikoku NYC’s most visually iconic events to date — setting a blueprint for future small-business-based activations

  • Strengthened community relationships in Ridgewood and set precedent for future neighborhood collaborations


Reflection

Sometimes the most meaningful cultural moments happen in the least expected places. The Myrtle Wash wasn’t just a venue — it became a lens into what Daikoku NYC stands for: culture, community, and care, under the hood and beyond it.

Previous
Previous

Rolling Representation — Daikoku NYC at the AAPI Heritage Parade

Next
Next

From Safety to Culture — Building Chinatown Night Out with Daikoku NYC