
Major Events & Festivals in Queens, New York, United States
1. Cherry Blossom Festival
Annual celebration of the beauty of cherry blossoms at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a unique opportunity to see thousands of cherry blossom trees in bloom.
- Community Gathering: Encourages participation and bonding through various cultural performances and activities.
- Picnicking & Photography: Provides picturesque settings for family picnics and memorable photo opportunities.
2. Queens Night Market
Weekly night market showcasing food, art, and music from various cultures.
- Cultural Diversity: Brings together a diverse array of cultural food vendors.
- Entertainment: Features live music and dance performances throughout the evening.
- Affordability: Offers reasonably priced items, making it an accessible experience for all visitors.
3. World's Fair Anniversary Celebration
Annual event commemorating the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
- Historical Significance: Offers a chance to learn about the impact of the World's Fairs on Queens and the world.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits showcasing technological advancements since the original fairs.
- Community Pride: Celebrates the sense of pride and accomplishment felt by Queens residents during the World's Fairs.
4. Queens Pride Parade
Annual LGBTQ+ celebration with a parade, festival, and march through Jackson Heights.
- Celebration of Diversity: Emphasizes the importance and beauty of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Community Building: Provides an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, network, and build relationships.
- Advocacy & Awareness: Raises awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocates for equality and rights.
5. India Day Parade
Annual parade celebrating Indian culture in the heart of Jackson Heights.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes traditional Indian art, music, dance, and cuisine.
- Community Connections: Strengthens connections within the Indian community in Queens and beyond.
- Inclusion & Unity: Promotes a sense of unity among diverse cultures and communities in Queens.
6. Astoria Bookish Festival
Annual event celebrating literature, storytelling, and the arts in Astoria.
- Literary Enrichment: Offers opportunities for literary workshops, panel discussions, and author meet-and-greets.
- Community Engagement: Encourages participation from the local community through events and activities.
- Arts & Culture Appreciation: Highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Astoria through literature, art, and performance.
7. Queens County Farm Museum Pumpkin Festival
Annual autumn festival featuring pumpkins, hayrides, and live entertainment at Queens' oldest farm.
- Historical Experience: Offers a glimpse into the rural history of Queens.
- Family Fun: Provides enjoyable activities for all ages, including pumpkin carving and hayrides.
- Community Bonding: Brings the community together through family-friendly events and activities.
8. Rockaway Beach Surf & Music Festival
Annual beach festival featuring music, surf contests, and art in Rockaway.
- Cultural Expression: Showcases the vibrant surf culture of Rockaway Beach.
- Community Empowerment: Promotes community empowerment and resilience in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
- Nature & Recreation: Encourages outdoor recreational activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, and beach games.
9. Feast of San Gennaro
Annual festival celebrating the patron saint of Naples in Little Italy, Astoria.
- Cultural Heritage: Honors Italian-American traditions and heritage.
- Community Gathering: Brings together the Italian-American community in Queens for food, music, and festivities.
- Food & Drink: Offers a chance to sample authentic Italian cuisine and pastries.
10. Queens Borough Band Concert Series
Summer concert series featuring the Queens Borough Band in various parks throughout Queens.
- Community Unity: Brings together diverse communities through music and entertainment.
- Cultural Appreciation: Highlights the importance of classical music within Queens' cultural landscape.
- Outdoor Fun: Provides an opportunity for picnicking, socializing, and enjoying live music outdoors.
11. Sikh Day Parade
Annual parade celebrating Sikh culture in Queens.
- Cultural Pride: Empowers the Sikh community to showcase their rich heritage and traditions.
- Community Connections: Strengthens connections within the Sikh community in Queens and beyond.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Encourages dialogue between different faith communities and fosters mutual understanding.
12. Astoria Greek Festival
Annual festival celebrating Greek culture in Astoria.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes traditional Greek art, music, dance, and cuisine.
- Community Engagement: Encourages participation from the local community through events and activities.
- Food & Drink: Offers a chance to sample authentic Greek cuisine, pastries, and beverages.
13. Queens Hallowe'en Parade
Annual Halloween parade featuring costumes, floats, and entertainment in Woodside.
- Spirit of Halloween: Celebrates the fun and excitement of Halloween with elaborate costumes and decorations.
- Community Bonding: Brings together families, friends, and neighbors for a festive celebration.
- Creativity & Expression: Encourages creativity and self-expression through unique and imaginative costumes.
14. Caribbean Carnival
Annual celebration of Caribbean culture in Queens, featuring music, dance, food, and colorful costumes.
- Cultural Diversity: Showcases the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean.
- Community Unity: Brings together diverse communities through music, dance, and shared traditions.
- Food & Drink: Offers a chance to sample authentic Caribbean cuisine and beverages.
15. Holiday Sparkle in Jackson Heights
Annual holiday celebration featuring lights, music, and a tree-lighting ceremony in Jackson Heights.
- Community Spirit: Brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season.
- Cultural Expression: Highlights the diverse cultural expressions of the Jackson Heights community during the holidays.
- Seasonal Fun: Provides a festive atmosphere and opportunities for family-friendly activities.