There are some places that just have a pulse. You walk in, and it feels like the energy is already waiting for you.
For us here in Queens, that place is Forest Hills Stadium.
If you’ve ever been to a show there, you know exactly what I mean.
And if you haven’t? Let me show you why this iconic venue is so much more than just a place to see a concert—it’s the heart of live music in our borough, and a living reminder of how history, community, and sound come together to create something unforgettable.
A Stage with Soul: Nearly 100 Years of Music and Magic
Forest Hills Stadium isn’t just a venue—it’s the venue.
It opened back in 1923, originally as a tennis stadium. But over the decades, it became something more; a stage for legends. Think Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, and yes… even The Beatles, who played their very first U.S. stadium show here in 1964.
Can you imagine the buzz in the air that night?
The charm of this place is in its DNA. That Tudor-style architecture, the tucked-away location in one of Queens’ most peaceful neighborhoods, it all adds to the feeling that you’re stepping into something sacred, something with history underfoot and music in the walls.
Big Shows, Small-Venue Feel
Here’s the thing I love most about Forest Hills Stadium:
It feels intimate—even when there are 14,000 people dancing with you.
There’s no bad seat in the house. Whether you’re right up front or lounging on the grass in the back, you feel close to the music. And in today’s world of massive, impersonal arenas, that’s rare.
Last year, Hozier played four sold-out nights in a row. We’ve already seen Ed Sheeran and other top names light up the stage. And the 2024 lineup? Let’s just say it’s stacked.
But beyond the big names, it’s the vibe that makes people fall in love with this venue. It reflects everything Forest Hills is about—charm, calm, character—and community.
The Ultimate Comeback Story
I’m a sucker for a good comeback, and Forest Hills Stadium has one of the best.
In the late ‘90s, the venue went quiet. No shows. No crowds. Just memories fading. But in 2013, it made a roaring return with Mumford & Sons, and everything changed. Since then, it’s become one of the top outdoor concert venues on the East Coast—officially recognized by Billboard this year.
And you know what? That recognition didn’t surprise me.
It made me proud.
Promoter Mike Luba, who helped bring the music back, once said the mission was to bring “love and joy to Queens and NYC.” Every time I’ve been there since, I’ve felt exactly that.
Why This Matters for Queens
Here’s where it gets personal.
This isn’t just about music, it’s about identity.
About community pride. About watching people from all over New York (and beyond) come into our neighborhood and experience what makes Forest Hills so special.
As a real estate professional, I see firsthand how things like this shape how people view a neighborhood. When Forest Hills Stadium thrives, the whole community rises with it. More visibility. More visitors. More love for our borough.
It’s a heartbeat.
So, If You Haven’t Been Yet…
Let this be your sign.
Go to a show. Feel the buzz in the air. Grab a bite on Austin Street before the lights go down. Take it all in.
Because whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, Forest Hills Stadium doesn’t just host concerts—it creates memories.
And if you’re lucky enough to call this place home (or thinking about making that leap), know this: you’re not just buying into real estate—you’re becoming part of a community with rhythm.
Want to Learn More About Living Near the Music?
Forest Hills is a place where history, heart, and harmony meet.
If you’re curious about homes in this area or just want to know more about the neighborhoods that make Queens sing—let’s talk.
Photo Credit: foresthillsstadium