Experience
Latino Cultural Festival - July 23 - August 3, 2008- Flamenco, folk music, and comedy? The annual Latino Cultural Festival at Queens Theatre in the Park always does a great job of bringing in more than just the usual players from across Latin America. Among the 16 performances, Carlos Mario Gallego and Luis Alberto Rojas bring their comedy from Colombia, and Ruben Rada takes Afro–Uruguayan candombe music to Queens.
Jam on the Avenue
12th Annual Jamaica JAMS Festival - August 1-2, 2008- Busy Jamaica Avenue becomes busy with people for the two day fest. That's reason enough to check it out. Friday night is the big concert at King Park, and Saturday the downtown becomes a street fair.
Race on the Lake
Dragon Boat Festival - August 2 and 3, 2008- Over 100 teams will compete for $60,000 in prizes. There will be music, dancing, martial arts demonstrations, an ethnic food court, and more, all celebrating the Year of the Rat. I hope to see you at this year's dumpling eating contest.
Family Fun
Arthur Ashe Kids' Day - August 23, 2008- Even if your kids don't play tennis, there are lots of reasons to go to Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the USTA in Flushing Meadows. Although the big concert costs, everything else is free, and that includes tennis tips from stars, games, giveaways, and other activities. It's one of the best kids events in New York City (just be careful with hot and humid weather).
Get Great Tennis for Free
US Open Qualifying Tournament - August 19-22, 2008- Real tennis fans know this is the best time to come to the US Open. The Qualifying Tournament is full of heart pounding action and tons of drama and emotion that too often isn't in the more glorified competitions. Best of all the Qualifying Tournament is free.
See the Other Amazings in Flushing Meadows
US Open - August 25 to September 7, 2008 -- The tennis great converge once a year on Flushing Meadows for the most-watched sporting event in the United States. If you're a fan, try the Qualifying Tournament or the excellent first few days of competition. If you're getting free tickets, then have a ball at Arthur Ashe (in the lower seats). (Don't waste your money on upper-level seats at Arthur Ashe.)
Explore the Estuary
Free Canoe Rides on East River - Summer Sundays- A free canoe ride on the East River? Though it's only for certain folks, oh those folks are in luck! The good people at the LIC Boathouse may not have a boathouse, but they sure are great at opening up the waterfront. Enjoy!
Got an event? Email me about your Queens event for listing on Queens.About.com.
