Home Global Trends

7 Must-Know Secrets For The Forest Hills Street Fair 2025: Date, Location, And Vendor Breakdown

• minute read
Contents

Get ready, Queens! The annual Forest Hills Street Fair, officially known as the Forest Hills Festival of the Arts, is one of New York City’s most anticipated community events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the heart of this historic neighborhood. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, while official final permits are always pending, the highly anticipated autumn edition of the fair is tentatively scheduled to return, promising a massive celebration of local commerce, art, and food.

This comprehensive guide breaks down all the essential details for the 2025 event, from the projected date and time to the specific stretch of Austin Street that will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise. Whether you're a first-time visitor, a local resident, or an aspiring vendor, knowing these key facts will ensure you make the most of this vibrant Queens institution.

Forest Hills Street Fair 2025: Projected Date, Location, and Organizers

The Forest Hills Street Fair actually refers to two major annual events: a summer fair and a larger, more popular fall fair, often dubbed the "Festival of the Arts." The fall date is the one most widely recognized and planned for, and based on historical patterns and early listings, the 2025 event is expected to follow suit.

  • Projected Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
  • Time: Typically runs from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Location: Austin Street, Forest Hills, Queens, NYC
  • Specific Street Stretch: The fair closes down Austin Street, spanning the area from 69th Road to Ascan Avenue. This is the heart of the Forest Hills commercial district.
  • Organizers: The event is officially hosted by the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce and produced by Clearview Festival Productions.

The fair’s organizers, Clearview Festival Productions, are well-known for managing large-scale street fairs across the New York City area, ensuring a professional and well-structured event. The Chamber of Commerce's involvement guarantees a strong focus on supporting local Forest Hills businesses and community engagement.

#1. The "Festival of the Arts" Name is a Clue to the Vendor Mix

While the event is colloquially known as the Forest Hills Street Fair, its official title—the Forest Hills Festival of the Arts—is a key indicator of the types of vendors you can expect. Don't be fooled by the name, however; the fair is a true hybrid of an arts and crafts showcase and a traditional NYC street fair.

A Breakdown of the 385+ Vendor Booths

The fair often boasts over 385 vendor booths, offering a massive array of goods. This mix is what gives the event its unique flavor, appealing to a broad audience of shoppers and browsers:

  • Arts and Crafts: You will find numerous vendors selling genuine handmade items, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, and unique decorative crafts. This is the core of the "Arts" focus.
  • Antiques and Collectibles: Look out for booths dedicated to antiques and vintage finds, a nod to the area's historic roots.
  • General Merchandise: Like most NYC street fairs, a significant portion of the booths will feature general merchandise, such as clothing, sunglasses, t-shirts, makeup, and imported goods.
  • Exhibitors: Local businesses, non-profits, and service providers from the Forest Hills community and surrounding Queens neighborhoods often set up informational booths.

The sheer length of the fair along Austin Street ensures there's something new to discover around every corner, from 69th Road all the way down to Ascan Avenue.

#2. Culinary Delights: Beyond the Funnel Cakes

No street fair is complete without classic fair food, and the Forest Hills event delivers. However, the Austin Street location offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional street fair fare with the neighborhood's established, diverse dining scene.

Must-Try Food Experiences

  • Street Fair Staples: Expect the classics—sausage and peppers, corn on the cob, gyros, and, of course, the ever-popular funnel cakes and crepes. These vendors often line the center of the street.
  • Local Restaurant Integration: Many of the brick-and-mortar restaurants and cafes along Austin Street will set up sidewalk extensions, offering their specialty dishes to fairgoers. This is a great chance to try local favorites like Austin Street Pizza or other established eateries.
  • International Flavors: Forest Hills is known for its culinary diversity. Keep an eye out for food vendors offering global cuisines, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Queens, New York.

The combination of temporary food stalls and permanent local businesses creates a dynamic and flavorful experience that sets this event apart from smaller community bazaars.

#3. Explore the Historic Forest Hills Neighborhood

The street fair is the perfect gateway to explore the beautiful and historic neighborhood of Forest Hills. The closure of Austin Street offers a rare chance to appreciate the stunning Tudor-style architecture and local landmarks without vehicle traffic.

Key Local Entities and Attractions Near the Fair

Take a detour off the main fair route to experience these neighborhood highlights:

  • Forest Hills Stadium: Just a short walk from the Austin Street fair, the iconic Forest Hills Stadium is a legendary concert venue that has hosted everyone from The Beatles to modern-day superstars. Even if there isn't a show, the area is worth seeing.
  • Midway Theater: Located near the end of the fair route, the historic Midway Theater (now a Regal United Artists cinema) is a local landmark and a testament to the neighborhood's rich past.
  • Queens Boulevard: While Austin Street is the main fair location, Queens Boulevard—which runs parallel—is another major thoroughfare with additional shops and businesses, providing an excellent route for parking or public transit access.
  • Forest Hills Gardens: Adjacent to the fair, the private community of Forest Hills Gardens features some of the most distinctive and beautiful residential architecture in New York City, offering a quiet, picturesque escape from the crowds.

The street fair is a celebration of the community, and supporting the local businesses that call Austin Street home is a key part of the experience.

#4. Transportation and Accessibility Tips for September 28, 2025

Given the closure of Austin Street, planning your transportation is crucial to a stress-free visit. The area is highly accessible via public transit, which is the recommended method of travel.

  • Subway: The E, F, M, and R subway lines all stop at the Forest Hills–71st Avenue station, which is just a short walk from the start of the fair.
  • LIRR (Long Island Rail Road): The LIRR also serves the Forest Hills station, providing a quick option for visitors coming from Long Island or other parts of Queens.
  • Parking: Street parking will be severely limited due to the fair and the neighborhood's general parking restrictions. If driving is necessary, plan to use a commercial parking garage and be prepared for a short walk to the fairgrounds.

#5. Vendor and Exhibitor Opportunities

For small businesses and artists, the Forest Hills Street Fair is a prime opportunity to reach a massive audience. The fair is known for its high foot traffic, with past events drawing tens of thousands of shoppers. Interested vendors should contact the organizers, Clearview Festival Productions, or the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce directly for 2025 application details and Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements. Securing a spot early is essential, as the fair is one of Queens' most popular events.

#6. The Austin Street Vibe: A True Queens Experience

The atmosphere of the Forest Hills Street Fair is what truly makes it special. It is a family-friendly environment that showcases the vibrant, sophisticated, yet down-to-earth character of the Queens borough. Beyond the vendors, look out for potential live entertainment, including local musical acts and community performances that often pop up along the route. The street fair is more than just a place to shop; it’s a vital annual gathering that brings together the diverse communities of Forest Hills and beyond in a shared celebration of local life.

forest hills street fair 2025
forest hills street fair 2025

Detail Author:

  • Name : Sidney Kling
  • Username : marvin.onie
  • Email : maiya.klein@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1994-09-16
  • Address : 52547 Smitham Mission West Jessberg, KY 55121
  • Phone : +17815515922
  • Company : Gaylord, Wintheiser and West
  • Job : Retail Sales person
  • Bio : Est nihil et officiis sit hic eos et aliquam. Doloremque ipsum ex architecto labore tempora. Qui saepe reprehenderit quod.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/jpollich
  • username : jpollich
  • bio : Dignissimos numquam cupiditate mollitia possimus iusto.
  • followers : 3196
  • following : 1818

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/jpollich
  • username : jpollich
  • bio : In odio sit non quasi. Qui quaerat ut consequatur velit non et.
  • followers : 2079
  • following : 860

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/jack.pollich
  • username : jack.pollich
  • bio : In facere sed fuga magnam repellat officiis. Aut voluptates eum ex porro. Quia omnis quisquam deserunt enim similique voluptas.
  • followers : 126
  • following : 830

linkedin:

Random Posts