Queens residents looking to shake off the cold of winter have a reason to head to Floral Park this spring, as the Queens County Farm Museum looks to blend beloved traditions with fresh cultural celebrations across its 47 acres at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
For tickets and more information, one may visit queensfarm.org.
The season opens this Saturday, March 21, with a Holi celebration from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The event explores the Hindu festival’s cultural and spiritual roots, complete with traditional dancers, Indian snacks and vibrant color powder play.
Guests are encouraged to wear white clothing they don’t mind getting stained, and perhaps bring a towel or sheet to sit on during the ride home.
The Barnyard Egg Hunt returns March 28 and April 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sending kids scrambling through the farm’s orchard in search of prize-filled eggs every 30 minutes.
Families also can snap photos with Whiskers the Bunny and join a self-guided scavenger hunt. The farm encourages one to BYOB — that is, bring your own basket.
The Apple Blossom Carnival will run weekends, April 11 through 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and feature fun for the whole family. There will be thrill rides for both children and adults, games and, of course, delicious fair fare.
The Sheep Shearing Festival on May 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers what the farm calls New York City’s only sheep shearing event.
Attendees will enjoy farmer-led tours and sheep and alpaca fleece clipping demonstrations, as well as the opportunity to patronize “egg-cellent” area food and craft vendors and fiber artisan showcases.
Visitors also can shop a selection of the farm’s own yarn, pick up seedlings at the spring plant sale, greet the farm’s other animals and enjoy a hayride to top off the day.
The following weekend, the new Flavors of the World Festival will debut May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is designed to celebrate Queens’ wide cultural diversity with authentic food from around the globe and live performances.
On May 30 and 31 is the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, held in two seatings each day — one from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the other from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — on the farm’s bucolic outdoor grounds.
The Victorian-style afternoon tea will feature freshly baked scones, sandwiches, bite-sized treats and a selection of delectable teas, alongside delightful character appearances. Activities include trivia for adults and storytime for children.
And, as a bonus: everyone will leave with a small gift, per the farm’s website.
“Spring represents renewal, growth, and connection to the land, values that have defined Queens Farm for fifty years,” David Hughes, the Queens Farm’s executive director, said in a prepared statement. “As we celebrate this milestone year, we are proud to continue providing a place where New Yorkers of all ages can gather, learn, and create lasting memories while engaging with agriculture, education, and culture in a truly unique setting.”