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Nothing marks the start of warmer weather like the festival circuit. And one of the best food festivals in the world is making its return this weekend.
The Queens Night Market is returning for its 11th season for a sneak preview this Saturday, April 18. The longstanding, open-air food market will once again take over New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, attracting thousands of hungry souls to “The World’s Borough.” Over its decade-plus run, the market has featured cuisines from over 100 countries, launched 500 new businesses and has attracted over four million people to Queens.
RECOMMENDED: Looking back at 10 years of Queens Night Market, the no. 1 ranked food festival in the U.S.
Over 60 vendors will be in attendance this year, serving bites and drinks from Nepal to Peru. You'll get to nosh on Filipino silog from Sampaguita Eats, Nigerian meat pies and moi moi from Soronko Kitchen and Bakery, Dominican quipes and orejita fritas from Baez Flavor Co. and so much more. And, despite our current economic uncertainty and rising costs overall, the market is extending its $6 price cap for one last year, thanks to its sponsors Citizens and Citizens Philanthropic Foundation.
“Keeping the $6 price cap in place since 2017 hasn’t been easy,” said the founder of Queens Night Market, John Wang, in a press release, citing 35% inflation and tariffs. “It’s required the leanest of business models, passing every possible cost saving along to the vendors, and ultimately to the customers.” Wang notes that the food festival is always on the hunt for additional investment from companies, foundations and philanthropists interested in support.
The Queens Night Market is selling a limited number of tickets for two sneak preview events this month: Saturday, April 18th, and Saturday, April 25th. Tickets are priced at $5 online and $8 at the door, if available. Children under 12 are free. At least 20% of net ticket proceeds will be donated to charity.
If you can’t make it to either weekend in April, the market officially kicks off on May 2nd with free entry. But if you want to beat the crowds (reminder: roughly 20,000 visitors make it out to the fest every Saturday), we say reserve your tickets now.