Queens, the most ethnically diverse borough in New York City and arguably the world, continues to thrive as a model of cultural coexistence and collaboration.
As of 2025, with more than 180 languages spoken and communities representing over 120 nationalities, Queens is not only a geographic melting pot but also a vibrant hub of art, cuisine and civic engagement. Its diverse residents are amplifying their voices through local business ventures, celebratory festivals and artistic expression, particularly in the form of dance.
One of the most visible celebrations of this diversity is the Queensboro Dance Festival (QDF), which returns this summer for its 12th season with an expanded tour of more than 30 free events in neighborhoods across the borough. From June 7 to September 13, audiences will experience live performances from 21 Queens-based dance companies representing an extraordinary range of traditions: Argentine folk, indigenous Filipino, Bolivian Caporales, Classical Indian Odissi and Kathak, Chinese, West African, Flamenco, Korean, salsa, hip-hop and more.
“Through dance, they highlight the diversity of our borough and celebrate our immigrant communities,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, whose district includes Jackson Heights, where the festival launches. “Now more than ever, we are reminded that bridging our cultures makes us a stronger community.”
The festival’s opening day, set for June 7 in Jackson Heights, will transform multiple open street blocks and Travers Park into a cross-cultural dance floor. And throughout the summer, the performances will travel through every corner of Queens, from Far Rockaway to Bayside, with new programming at institutions like MoMA PS1, where the Family Festival will feature intergenerational and youth-focused dance education.
Founding Executive Director Karesia Batan emphasized the festival’s mission to promote deeper artist connections and community inclusion. “We set an intention this season to carve out space for the dancers to connect more with one another through the lens of creative process and community,” said Batan. “And our hope is this network of support will have a ripple effect out to our many neighborhood communities we serve.”
The borough’s commitment to inclusion doesn’t stop with the arts. Queens’ food scene is also emblematic of its global makeup. The Queens Night Market—now in its 10th year- continues to draw tens of thousands to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, offering dishes from nearly 100 countries at accessible prices. Recent vendor highlights include Haitian diri kole, Uzbek samsa, Bangladeshi fuchka, and Colombian arepas.
Earlier this month, the Queens Taste hosted over 50 restaurants at the New York Hall of Science, further spotlighting how food unites local communities.
From the Latin jazz grooves at Terraza 7 in Elmhurst to the classical and contemporary collaborations at Culture Lab in LIC, Queens’ creative scene is as diverse as its population. Events from Queens Rising and ongoing art installations at Socrates Sculpture Park blend tradition with innovation, often rooted in the diasporic experiences of the borough’s artists.
As Queens continues to evolve, its celebration of difference has only grown stronger. Whether through food, music, business, or dance, the borough stands as a beacon of what it means to live and thrive together.
Queensboro Dance Festival 2025 Schedule
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Friday, June 6 — 6 to 9 p.m.
Preseason Kickoff Party and Silent Disco
Culture Lab LIC (ticketed event)
Saturday, June 7 — 3 to 7 p.m.
Tour opening performances and classes
34th Avenue (between 93rd–94th and 89th–90th streets) and Travers Park, Jackson Heights
Rain date: Sunday, June 8
Saturday, June 14 — 5 p.m.
Performance
Evergreen Park, Ridgewood
Sunday, June 22 — 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Class Xchange 1
Modega Dance Studio, Long Island City
Saturday, June 28 — 1:30 p.m.
Plaza Party and Family Day
MoMA PS1, Long Island City
Sunday, June 29 — 5 p.m.
Performance
Beach 94th Street, Rockaway
Saturday, July 5 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Beach 17th Street, Far Rockaway
Sunday, July 6 — 4 to 6 p.m.
Plaza Party
Murray Playground, Long Island City
Saturday, July 12 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Windmuller Park, Woodside
Sunday, July 13 — 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Class Xchange 2
Modega Dance Studio, Long Island City
Sunday, July 13 — 2 p.m.
Plaza Party
71st Avenue Plaza, Ridgewood
Saturday, July 19 — 5 p.m.
Performance
Roy Wilkins Park, St. Albans
Sunday, July 20 — 3 p.m.
Performance
Bayside Historical Society Castle at Fort Totten, Bayside (indoors)
Saturday, July 26 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City
Saturday, Aug. 2 — 3 to 6 p.m.
Class Xchange 3
Modega Dance Studio, Long Island City
Friday, Aug. 8 — 6 p.m.
Plaza Party
Lowery Plaza, Sunnyside
Saturday, Aug. 9 — 5 p.m.
Classes and performance
Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City
Sunday, Aug. 10 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Unisphere, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Thursday, Aug. 7 — 7 p.m.
Performance and live music
Forest Park Bandshell, Woodhaven
Saturday, Aug. 16 — 6:30 p.m.
Performance
Hunter’s Point South Park, Long Island City
Sunday, Aug. 17 — 4 p.m.
Performance and live music
Corona Plaza, Corona
Tuesday, Aug. 19 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Athens Square, Astoria
Saturday, Aug. 23 — 5 p.m.
Performance with Jacob Riis Settlement
Queensbridge Park, Long Island City
Sunday, Aug. 24 — 6 p.m.
Performance
Diversity Plaza, Jackson Heights
Tuesday, Sept. 9 — 6 to 9 p.m.
Dancing With the Queens Stars Gala
Queens Theatre (ticketed event)
Saturday, Sept. 13 — 1 to 9 p.m.
Season Grand Finale
Queens Theatre (extended special lineup of events and activities; ticketed)
For event updates and artist lineups, visit queensborodancefestival.org.
*This story first appeared in the Times Ledger Guide to Queens special.
