3 minute read
It’s in Queens: Summertime festivities
IT’S IN QUEENS
By Rob MacKay, Director Public Relations, Marketing & Tourism, Queens Economic Development Corporation
The world’s most diverse borough is going to be hopping in June.
First of all, there’s Queens Rising, a multi-disciplinary arts celebration that will sponsor performances, exhibitions, and cultural events for the entire month.
Then, there are unrelated outdoor and indoor events, such as street festivals, music marathons, dance festivals, and surfing. Add warm weather and declining Covid, and get ready to have fun.
Queensboro Dance Festival June 4 - Oct. 2
Twenty-six Queens-based dance companies offer performances and classes in public spaces around the borough. Expect Hawaiian, West African, Turkish Gypsy, Kathak, and other genres.
Long Island City Ballet June 4 @ 3 p.m.
This local troupe performs Kaleidoscope!, a magical view of Alice in Wonderland to a score by Sir Malcolm Arnold.
Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Bayside Food and Music Fest June 5 from 1 - 6 p.m.
An afternoon of live music, art, games, bouncy houses, volleyball, and a restaurant stroll.
Vicinity of Bell Boulevard and 41st Avenue.
The New Queens Pride Parade June 5 @ 12 p.m.
An annual tradition and multicultural festival returns after a two-year, Covid-provoked hiatus. Expect a fun afternoon of marchers, vendors, performances, and costumes.
Vicinity of 37th Road and 75th Street in Jackson Heights.
Queens Rising at the Gantries June 11 @ 3 p.m.
A free day of music as part of Queens Rising, a month-long celebration of arts and culture. This day features Joel Ross, Cumbia River Band, DJ Rekha, and Gentlemen of Soul.
Gantry Plaza State Park, 04-09 47th Rd., Long Island City.
Historic Jackson Heights Weekend June 11 - 12
The Jackson Heights Beautification Group hosts a weekend of walking tours, a slide lecture, an exhibition, and top-notch local networking.
Community United Methodist Church, 81-10 35th Ave.
Cow Goes to the Opera June 12 @ 1 p.m., 4 p.m.
The world premiere of Queens College faculty member Sunny Knable’s opera for children and families about a curious cow in southern France that falls in love with the lights and sounds.
The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills.
Enter the world of AMC’s series “The Walking Dead” at the Museum of the Moving Image on June 25
Catch a wave and hang ten with AmpSurf at Rockaway Beach on June 25.
Def Poetry Jam Reunion Concert June 16 @ 8 p.m.
Danny Simmons brings the talent from his HBO show Def Poetry Jam Reunion Concert back to the community that raised him.
The lineup features several accomplished artists who have agreed to return to honor the memory of the award-winning program.
Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
Inti Raymi Sun Festival June 18 @ 12 p.m.
A special celebration of Inti Raymi (a South American sun festival) with a ceremony by Abya Yala Arte y Cultura, art making for the whole family, and dance performances from the Andes.
Queens Museum, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Court Square Block Party June 19 from 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Live music, food, crafts, a popup playground, puppetry, comedy, and more outdoor fun.
Vicinity of 43-15 Crescent St., Long Island City.
Early Morning Summer Solstice Walk June 21 @ 8 a.m.
Jocelyn Perez from Herbalists Without Borders leads a stroll through Alley Pond Park. She discusses plant species, especially those associated with the Solstice and its traditional folklore.
Alley Pond Environmental Center, 224-65 76th Ave., Oakland Gardens.
Gospel meets Cote D’Ivoire June 24 @ 1 p.m.
Jewish Gospel singer Joshua Nelson performs. Then, Ivory Coast traditional dance and drum master Vado Diomande goes next. To finish on the right now, they jam together.
Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Living with The Walking Dead June 25 @ 1 p.m.
The AMC series “The Walking Dead” depicts survivors in a postapocalyptic world plagued by flesh-eating zombies.
This exhibition includes production material such as costumes, props, concept art, storyboards, scripts, and prosthetic makeup.
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.
AmpSurf Learn to Surf Clinic June 25 @ 7 a.m.
The nonprofit AmpSurf offers surfing lessons to veterans, first responders, and people living with disabilities. Beach 67th Street and the water, Rockaway Beach.
