In Queens, often called the World’s Borough, you’ll find walking tours dedicated to street food in Jackson Heights and every type of noodle you can dream up in Flushing. You can have Greek souvlaki for lunch, Asian-inspired black sesame cheesecake for dessert and Yemeni coffee to round out your afternoon—all on the same street.
So, imagine our surprise when we discovered none of our staff picks are about food! What isn’t surprising, however, is that each of the entries below still showcases diversity throughout the borough through art, music, dance and design.
Courtesy, Cucala Dance Company
Cucala Dance Company
47-10 32nd Pl., Long Island City
What it is: Cucala is a Queens-based dance company and studio helmed by expert “salsa on 2” masters who have more than 20 years of experience in the dance industry. Cucala offers many different types of classes that, to me, reflect the various cultures of the people of Queens. You can try New York–style salsa, Dominican bachata, Argentinian tango, Mexican cumbia, hip-hop, house and even Bollywood-style dance workshops.
Why I love it: I’ve taken dance classes across the City before and I felt most comfortable at Cucala; it’s obvious that the studio is not just offering instruction but a genuine sense of community. One of the things I loved most was how much they encourage you to go dance outside of class at one of the City’s many salsa socials to really understand your new skills in context (plus it’s fun). The studio has its own monthly salsa social that includes an intro class and an open bar. They also have drop-in classes and workshops.
I also love that salsa classes in particular are two hours; the first hour is for drills or “shines,” which is solo footwork, and the second how is for partner work, so you get a very thorough lesson.
When to go: Find the class that suits you, but check their calendar of events for their free dance classes and socials, along with special events and short-term workshops. Many of their offerings are evening classes, with the latest starting at 8pm.
What’s nearby: You’re a few blocks away from the 33rd Street stop on the 7 line in Long Island City, but I think you should continue walking east along Queens Boulevard to Philomena’s Pizza in Sunnyside. —Emma Diab
NY Art Book Fair at MoMA PS1. Photo: Megan Mack. Courtesy MoMA PS1
NY Art Book Fair at MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City
What it is: The New York Art Book Fair is a much-beloved annual event from the Queens extension of the Museum of Modern Art and Printed Matter, a cornerstone of the City’s arts-publication purveyors. The 2025 edition marked the fair’s return to MoMA PS1 after a hiatus, with the previous few years’ events being held at Printed Matter.
Why I love it: It’s madness—in the best sense. Small presses, artists and other publishers of rare and limited-edition books gather for an appreciative audience. Expect a colorful, often crowded, demonstration of the City’s commitment to the arts, and a lovely event.
What’s nearby: You’ll find a slew of some of Queens’ best and brightest, including the Noguchi Museum, the Pepsi-Cola sign and the Court Square Diner, a longstanding favorite.
When to go: The book fair is usually one of those post–Labor Day happenings when the City practically overflows with culture. Watch out for it in mid-September, but visit MoMA PS1 all times of the year. —Jonathan Durbin
Socrates Sculpture Park. Photo: Vincent Tullo
Socrates Sculpture Park
32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
What it is: Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum and gallery that supports artists by providing space to create and exhibit sculptures and multimedia works, set against a backdrop that includes the East River and parts of the skyline. The park also hosts an annual artist fellowship that offers financial support to potential participants.
Why I love it: Socrates is on the East River, and you can take the ferry there—my favorite way to get around! I also love that the exhibitions rotate throughout the year and are always free. Some art pieces are interactive. The staff is friendly, especially James, who has worked at the park for years and knows everyone.
The park also organizes community-centered events, such as the Halloween Harvest Festival (which features a dog costume contest) and the Guelaguetza Festival, with Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York.
What’s nearby: My favorite dog café, Château Le Woof, is across the street. It has a section for coffee, brunch and drinks and a separate space with a dog shop and indoor dog park. They even have a food menu for dogs. It’s woman owned, and the founder, Natassa, is always there helping people choose the best treats, sweaters or anything else their dog might need. There is also Astoria Yoga, a woman-owned spot in the same building, founded by Alexa Strautmanis. It’s a beautiful space with great classes. The Noguchi Museum is really close too, just steps from the park.
When to go: Check the park’s calendar for current exhibitions and events—and to make sure it’s open. —Jordana Bermúdez
Terraza 7
40-19 Gleane St., Elmhurst
What it is: Terraza 7 is a small but mighty live music institution centered around community, artist expression and the diversity of sound found throughout Latin America. Every night there is something happening for the curious minded: literary events, film screenings or jam sessions that double as workshops for learning about different genres of Latin music.
Why I love it: I love this venue for the live music, affordable drinks, welcoming staff and friendly patrons. The caliber of talent is next level; you might hear a different style of music each night, like Cuban jazz or Venezuelan joropo. The space is small; once you enter, look up and you’ll realize the ceiling opens to the second floor, where you can see parts of the elevated stage. You can dance at the bar downstairs—the music easily pours through for all to hear—or pay a small admission fee to walk up, take a seat around the suspended stage and feel like you’re a part of the band.
What’s nearby: From food carts to taquerias to Nepalese cuisine, late-night eats are plentiful in this part of Queens. If you’re grabbing dinner before seeing a show, head to Angel for some of their aloo tikki chat—it will not disappoint!
When to go:
Performances happen almost every night, while weekends (plus some weekdays) have an early and late show. Check their calendar for exact times and lineups. Happy hour takes place every day from 4pm to 8pm. —Jen Davis
Courtesy, Vander Ende-Onderdonk House
Vander Ende-Onderdonk House
What it is: New York City’s oldest Dutch fieldstone house is the home of the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society headquarters and museum.
Why I love it: The name is fun to say, and it’s a beautiful—and unexpected—piece of old New Amsterdam right on Flushing Avenue. On view you’ll find a permanent exhibit on the archeology of the site, plus rotating exhibits around arts, culture and history.
What’s nearby: Grab a pint at nearby bar Left Hand Path (actually across the border in Bushwick, Brooklyn), and relax in its cottage-y wood-clad interior or in the spacious shady garden.
When to go: Head over on a weekend (it’s open to the public noon to 5pm both days). Ride a bike there in nice weather, when you can enjoy the green and lush 2-acre surrounds. —Elizabeth Daggar