Head to Flushing Meadows Corona Park next month for an evening of food, live music and fundraising.
From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, The Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park will hold its annual Evening Under the Sphere fundraising event, which marks the fifth anniversary of the park’s nonprofit organization. Formed in November 2015, the alliance is a public-private partnership created to support Flushing Meadows with enhanced programming and services.
The celebration will take place under the iconic Unisphere and feature food and drink from Queens Night Market vendors, music by Queens-based DJ Rekha and a live performance by the all-women Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul.
All-inclusive tickets for the evening are $50 and all proceeds go toward benefitting Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
“Evening Under the Sphere celebrates Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s rich diversity with incredible cuisine and music that reflects the global culture of the surrounding communities and our visitors from around the world,” said NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Margaret Nelson. “We’re excited to welcome our neighbors and visitors back to this iconic landmark for another memorable evening in celebration of one of our city’s greatest parks.”
The gala will also honor and celebrate the retirement of NYC Parks Administrator and Alliance Executive Director Janice Melnick, who has been part of the organization since its inception.
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park was a refuge for so many during COVID,” Melnick said. “It will be wonderful to celebrate together and enjoy the park in-person at this fun event.”
All you can eat food and drink from the borough’s popular Queens Night Market will be included in the price of one ticket.
Confirmed vendors include the following:
- Hong Kong Street Food (Hong Kongese)
- Black Orchid Kitchen (Belizean)
- Anda Cafe (Asian bubble tea)
- Cambodiannow (Cambodian)
- DiLena’s (Italian sweets)
- Treat Yourself Jerk Chicken (Jamaican)
- Parantha Alley (Indian)
- Cocotaso (Puerto Rican)
- The Bois (Filipino)
- Artisan Beer by Queens-based Finback Brewery
- Wine by Monsieur Touton
- Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost Ginger Ale
“The Queens Night Market has called Flushing Meadows Corona Park home since we launched back in 2015,” said John Wang, founder of the Queens Night Market and alliance board member. “It’s been a pleasure and an honor to help plan and curate the alliance’s annual fundraiser under the glow of the Unisphere since the tradition started in 2017. Huge thanks to all the generous vendors and in-kind sponsors who make the event so much fun.”
Tickets are $50 and are available at allianceforfmcp.org/gala. All proceeds benefit the park.
Corporate sponsorships of the event include New York-Presbyterian Queens, Delta Air Lines, T-Mobile, Forest Hills Long Island Jewish Hospital, and the USTA National Tennis Center. To become a corporate sponsor, contact Janice Melnick via email at allianceforfmcp@gmail.com or by phone at 718-760-6568.
