Queens Night Market
New York City, NY
Queens is known for its multicultural population, which is reflected in its diverse food scene. The seasonal Queens Night Market, held in the grounds of the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is a great place to sample this local cuisine and is a must-visit for foodies. It operates from mid-April to mid-October.
The basics
It can be hard to narrow down the dining options in Queens: Do you want Colombian stew, Nepali dumplings, Greek pastries, or Taiwanese sliders for dinner? Visiting the Queens Night Market makes the decision a little easier by providing a home for diverse vendors all in one place. Even better, the food is generally very affordable and there’s live entertainment, dancing areas, and picnic tables. Most travelers visit independently while staying in or exploring Queens.
Things to know before you go
- Entry to the market is free, except during “sneak preview” nights at the beginning of the season in April.
- The market is partly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, although some of it is held on grass.
- Bringing outside food and drink is allowed but alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- It’s a good idea to bring cash. There are ATMs on-site and some vendors accept cards, but not all.
How to get there
The market is held in the parking lot behind the New York Hall of Science. Parking is very limited (and expensive), so arriving by public transport, or other means, is strongly encouraged. The nearest subway station is 111 Street (7 train), which is four blocks north of the park and the market.
When to get there
The Queens Night Market is seasonal, operating from mid-April to mid-October, with a short break for the US Open between late August and early September. In season, it’s held on Saturday nights, between late afternoon and midnight. It operates in all weather, except hazardous conditions. Early and late in the season the temperatures can be cold, so dress warm. On warm summer evenings, come early to avoid having to queue for too long.
Top foodie neighborhoods in Queens
If you’re visiting Queens in winter or can’t attend the Queens Night Market on a Saturday night, you can still enjoy an around-the-world food experience in the borough. Join a food-focused guided tour of Flushing, where New York City’s largest Chinatown is located, or independently seek out Indian food in Jackson Heights, Filipino and Bhutanese dishes in Woodside, Lebanese flavors in Sunnyside, and more.
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