On Saturday, July 26, Staten Island will join the five-borough celebration known as Summer Streets 2025, and this year, it’s Forest Avenue’s time to shine.
From Elizabeth Street to Bard Avenue, the usually car-filled stretch will go completely vehicle-free from 7 AM to 3 PM, transforming into a community space filled with open-air fun, public art and all kinds of free experiences. It’s not just a street closure—it’s a chance for people of Staten Island to take back the pavement, breathe, play and connect.
Why Summer Streets 2025 Feels Special Here on Staten Island
As someone from Staten Island and for many of us, it’s rare to see one of our main corridors emptied of cars and buzzing with nothing but neighbours, families, music and movement. That alone makes Summer Streets 2025 feel like something worth showing up for.
Whether you’re strolling with a morning coffee, catching a live art installation or walking the street while your kids dart around with a yogurt cup in one hand and a free popsicle in the other—it’s a reminder of how different our city feels when we slow it down.
What’s Happening on Forest Avenue?
Here’s what to expect when Forest Avenue opens up for people instead of traffic:
Live Activations & Art Installations
Keep an eye out for NYC DOT Art’s inflatable “Friends and Follies” sculptures—playful, large-scale art pieces by Mookntaka that’ll pop up at surprise locations. Snap a pic with the NYC Art Stop Letters, too—each one a giant sculpture designed by local artists to capture the joy of the day.
The Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour
In partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 countdown, Staten Island will also host a stop from the Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour. Expect soccer-themed games, community storytelling, music and giveaways all themed around the upcoming World Cup, bringing global excitement to your neighborhood block.
Free Snacks and Sips from Coca-Cola, siggi’s and Stonyfield
Cool off with Coca-Cola’s new Orange Cream Zero Sugar, Vitaminwater or Smartwater with antioxidants. Grab a creamy skyr yogurt from siggi’s or taste something organic and wholesome from Stonyfield. These big names will be there, but it’ll still feel like a neighborhood block party.
A Five-Borough Celebration
This year, Summer Streets 2025 is happening in all five boroughs marking New York City’s 400th anniversary. Staten Island shares the July 26 kickoff with Queens, and then the fun rolls into Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx throughout August. (We’ll be posting updates for each location—check back on Nova Cadeau for links to all five.)
On Staten Island, Summer Streets 2025 isn’t just about closing a road—it’s about what happens when we open it up to the people.
There’s something different in the air when cars are gone and the streets are filled with families, kids on scooters, artists and neighbors chatting. It’s peaceful, but alive. The kind of day that feels like the best version of New York—local, vibrant and free.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: Forest Avenue between Elizabeth Street and Bard Avenue
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 7 AM to 3 PM
Cost: Completely free
Rain or Shine: Yes, it’s happening either way!
We’ll be sharing guides for the other boroughs soon— Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx—so be sure to check back on Nova Cadeau if you’re planning to catch more Summer Streets weekends around the city.
Need to plan around street closures? Follow @nyc_dot on Instagram and X for live updates and route info.
For more local updates like this, follow Nova Cadeau and stay in the loop with the things that make this city feel alive.
