Have you ever walked past a mural in Jackson Heights, heard live music in Astoria Park, or seen a theater production in Long Island City and thought: “Wow, this is why I love Queens!”
Well, get ready to feel that way all month long.
Because Queens Rising is back, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever.
Every June, this celebration captures the spirit of Queens not just through art, but through the vibrant energy of the communities that call it home. This year’s kickoff at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park was a beautiful reminder of how creativity continues to bring us together.
What Is Queens Rising?
Think of it as Queens’ biggest love letter to the arts.
Now in its fourth year, Queens Rising is a month-long festival that highlights the borough’s creative soul, from music and dance to film, poetry, and everything in between. It brings together singers, artists, and institutions from all around our neighborhoods to celebrate the rich diversity that defines Queens.
You’ll see events popping up from Corona to Jamaica, Sunnyside to Flushing, all hosted by local organizations that have been nurturing talent and telling stories for decades.
Why It Matters—Especially Now
I read something powerful that Jeff Rosenstock from Queens College shared during the launch event. He said, “We’re here to amplify the cultural vitality of this borough.” And I couldn’t agree more, because when you really think about it, that’s exactly what events like Queens Rising do.
Celebrations like this shine a light on what makes Queens so special. They bring us together, not just to enjoy the arts, but to truly see one another. The creativity on display isn’t coming from somewhere far away—it’s coming from right here, from our neighbors, our friends, our families.
Whether you’re catching a student film through the Queens World Film Festival, seeing a live performance at Flushing Town Hall, or walking into a gallery that’s sharing immigrant stories through dance and photography—you’re not just watching art. You’re witnessing your neighbors in action.
Real Talk: What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re new to Queens, or even if you’ve lived here your whole life, this is the perfect time to explore.
Ask yourself:
- Have I really experienced the arts scene in my own neighborhood?
- Do I know the local theater group around the corner?
- What kind of stories are being told here—and how do they reflect me?
Here’s the thing: Queens isn’t just where we live, it’s where we belong. And events like Queens Rising give us the chance to connect with that identity in a deeper way.
Highlights to Watch For
This year’s programming spans across music, dance, theater, visual art, and film. Some local favorites and institutions involved include:
- Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park
- Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning
- The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona
- Resorts World NYC as a lead sponsor
- …and so many grassroots groups creating magic on smaller stages
One standout moment during the launch was a powerful preview of Echoes of Arrival, a performance that weaves immigrant stories through dance, music, and poetry. It reminded me of so many clients I’ve worked with families who came here with dreams and built lives from scratch.
This Is What Queens Is All About
When I think of why I love this borough, why I’ve spent over two decades helping people find their homes here, it’s not just the real estate. It’s the rhythm of the streets in Jackson Heights. The food trucks in Corona. The community theaters in Sunnyside. And now, the month-long celebration that reminds us just how rich and layered our home truly is.
So if you’re looking for something to do this June—skip the usual. Step into an exhibit, catch a live show, support a local artist. You might just see your story in theirs.
And if you ever need a second set of eyes on the neighborhood or want to talk more about finding your place here in Queens—I’m always just a call away.
Let’s keep celebrating the one-of-a-kind spirit that makes this borough home.
Photo Credit: Jessica Militello