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Queens Gears Up for Summer Streets 2025: Car-Free Fun Returns to Vernon Boulevard This July

Summer Streets 2025 – If you’ve ever wished Queens had a little more room to breathe in the summer—this is your chance. NYC’s beloved Summer Streets program is back for 2025, and this time it’s bigger than ever. For the first time, over 400 blocks across all five boroughs are going fully car-free for five Saturdays, turning the city into one big playground.

Kicking things off on July 26, the celebration starts right in Queens—and we couldn’t be more excited.

Summer Streets 2025 in Queens

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Vernon Boulevard, between 44 Drive and 30 Road in Long Island City

For eight full hours, the usual traffic of Vernon Blvd will make way for something a whole lot more vibrant. Think walkers, runners, bikers, families, performers, music, free fitness classes, art installations and plenty of surprise giveaways.

It’s one of those NYC days where you actually feel the city pause and breathe—no horns, no cars, just pure and open street energy.

What Can You Expect?

Live Performances & Street Vibes: From pop-up music to dancers and performance artists—don’t be surprised if the street turns into a full-blown block party.

Interactive Art: Queens will feature special inflatable art installations by Mookntaka, courtesy of the NYC DOT Art Program. These playful pieces are designed to spark imagination and spontaneous fun.

NYRR Start Line Series – Queens Run/Walk:
Ready to move? Join the New York Road Runners for a 2.5-mile community run or walk starting at 7:30 AM on Vernon Boulevard. It’s free, fun and open to everyone—no bibs, no pressure.

Register here for the Queens NYRR Start Line Series.

Freebies & Giveaways: From popsicles by Remitly to refreshing drinks from Coca-Cola, there will be no shortage of free treats. Plus, yogurt lovers—siggi’s and Stonyfield Organic will be handing out samples too.

Not Just for Bikers and Runners

For those in Queens, it’s not every day a whole section of the borough is turned over to pure community joy. Summer Streets 2025 is about more than just closing roads—it’s about opening up space. Real, walkable, breathable space.

Whether you’re cycling down Vernon with your kids, joining the NYRR fun run or just soaking up the atmosphere with a cold drink and a free yogurt cup in hand—this is the kind of New York day that reminds you why we live here.

Summer Streets 2025: Citywide Celebration

This is just the beginning. After Queens and Staten Island on July 26, Summer Streets 2025 continues across the city:

Manhattan: August 2, 9, and 16
Brooklyn and The Bronx: August 23

In Case You’re Wondering

Rain or shine? Yep. Bring an umbrella or your sun hat. This party doesn’t stop.
Pets welcome? Definitely—but keep them leashed and hydrated.
Need to plan around street closures? Follow @nyc_dot on Instagram and X  for live updates and route info.

Summer Streets is one of those rare NYC events that actually feels made for us. No tickets, no gates—just open streets and good vibes. Whether you’re a runner, stroller, cyclist or just someone looking for something different to do this weekend, make sure July 26 is marked on your calendar.

Follow Nova Cadeau for your borough-by-borough Summer Streets coverage and everything else happening across NYC this summer.

Hitesh J
Hitesh Jhttps://novacadeau.com
I’m Hitesh, writer at Nova Cadeau — an urban storyteller and NYC enthusiast. I cover the city’s culture, neighborhoods, and events while also highlighting national and global news that matters to New Yorkers. My goal is to keep readers informed and connected to the vibrant pulse of NYC.

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