There’s something about Queens in the summer that just feels alive in a way no other place does.
Maybe it’s the sun lingering longer over our neighborhoods, or the way every street corner seems to carry the sounds of laughter, music, and yes — dance. As someone who’s been lucky enough to call Queens home, I can tell you one thing for sure: our borough knows how to celebrate itself, especially when it comes to culture and community.
That’s why the Queensboro Dance Festival holds a special place in our hearts. It’s more than just a series of performances. It’s a living, breathing celebration of everything that makes Queens so unique — the incredible mix of cultures, traditions, and stories that all of our neighbors bring to the table.
A Festival That Moves with Queens
Running from June through September, the Queensboro Dance Festival brings over 30 free events across the borough — from Jackson Heights to Bayside, Far Rockaway to Astoria. Each event is a chance to celebrate the rich cultural fabric that makes Queens unlike anywhere else.
You’ll catch performances from Queens-based dance companies showcasing traditions like:
Argentine folk
Indigenous Filipino
Bolivian Caporales
Indian Odissi and Kathak
Chinese traditional dance
West African, Flamenco, Korean, Salsa, Hip-Hop, and more
No matter where you’re from or what style you connect with, there’s something for you — and a neighbor next to you who’s just as excited.
Key Dates and Where to Catch the Energy
June 2025
Friday, June 6 | 6 to 9 PM — Kick things off with a Preseason Party and Silent Disco at Culture Lab LIC (tickets needed).
Saturday, June 7 | 3 to 7 PM — Opening performances and classes along 34th Avenue & Travers Park in Jackson Heights. (Rain date: June 8)
Saturday, June 14 | 5 PM. — Free evening of vibrant dance performances at Evergreen Park, Ridgewood.
Sunday, June 22 | 1:00 to 3:00 PM — Class Xchange #1 at Modega Dance Studio, LIC.
Saturday, June 28 | 1:30 to 3:30 PM — Plaza Party and Family Day at MoMA PS1, LIC.
Sunday, June 29 | 5 to 6 PM — Performance on Beach 94th Amphitheater, Rockaway.
July 2025
Saturday, July 5 | 6 to 7 PM— Performances at Beach 17th Stage, Far Rockaway.
Sunday, July 6 | 4 to 6 PM — Plaza Party at Murray Playground, LIC.
Saturday, July 12 | 6 to 7 PM — Performance at Windmuller Park, Woodside.
Sunday, July 13 | 1 to 3 PM — Class Xchange #2 at Modega Dance Studio, LIC.
Sunday, July 13 | 2 to 4 PM — Plaza Party at 71st Avenue Plaza, Ridgewood.
Saturday, July 19 | 5 to 6 PM — Performance at Roy Wilkins Park, St. Albans.
Sunday, July 20 | 3 to 4 PM — Indoor performance at Bayside Historical Society Castle, Fort Totten.
Saturday, July 26 | 6 to 7 PM — Performance at Gantry Plaza State Park, LIC.
August 2025
Sat, August 2 | 3 to 5 PM — Class Xchange #3 at Modega Dance Studio, LIC.
Thursday, August 7 | 7 to 9 PM — Performance and live music at Forest Park Bandshell, Woodhaven.
Friday, August 8 | 6 to 8 PM — Plaza Party at Lowery Plaza, Sunnyside.
Saturday, August 9 | 5 to 7 PM — Classes and performance at Socrates Sculpture Park, LIC.
Sunday, August 10 | 6 to 7 PM — Performance at the Unisphere, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Saturday, August 16 | 6:30 to 7:45 PM — Performance at Hunter’s Point South Park, LIC.
Sunday, August 17 | 4 to 6 PM — Performance and live music at Corona Plaza, Corona.
Tuesday, August 19 | 6 to 7 PM — Performance at Athens Square, Astoria.
Saturday, August 23 | 5:30 to 7 PM — Performance with Jacob Riis Settlement at Queensbridge Park, LIC.
Sunday, August 24 | 6 to 7 PM — Performance at Diversity Plaza, Jackson Heights.
For the latest event info and artist lineups, check out queensborodancefestival.org.
Why This Festival Matters
Queens is the most diverse borough in NYC, and probably the entire country. We’re home to folks who speak over 180 languages and come from more than 120 countries. That kind of diversity isn’t just a statistic — it’s our daily reality, shaping the food we eat, the music we listen to, and the festivals we throw.
The Queensboro Dance Festival does something special. It gives a stage to all these voices and stories, bringing neighbors together in a way that’s joyful and unifying.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan, whose district includes Jackson Heights, puts it simply: “Bridging our cultures makes us a stronger community.” And as someone who walks these neighborhoods every day, I couldn’t agree more.
A Little Local Advice
If you're heading out to one of these events this summer, here are a few tips from someone who's been to more than a few:
Come early for good spots, especially in popular venues like Gantry Park or the Unisphere.
Stay cool — Light clothes, sunscreen, and a water bottle go a long way.
Explore the area — grab a bite from nearby restaurants or food trucks. Trust me, the neighborhood eats are half the fun.
Don’t be shy — a lot of performances are interactive. You might find yourself dancing before the night’s over.
Living in Queens Means Belonging to Something Bigger
I’m lucky to live here with my family, and every day I see how Queens is more than just a place — it’s a vibrant, living community.
If you’re thinking about moving here or just want to dive deeper into what makes this borough so special, reach out anytime. I’d love to help you find not just a home, but a place where you belong.
Photo Credit: Josef Pinlac