Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a new NYC Neighborhood Passport initiative encouraging visitors to explore small businesses, cultural institutions and immigrant communities throughout the five boroughs during the World Cup this summer, with dozens of Queens locations included.

The passport initiative, launched in partnership with NYC Tourism + Conventions and Team Wonder, will allow locals and visitors alike to collect special-edition stamps at a number of locations across the city as part of efforts to expand the influence of the World Cup beyond MetLife Stadium.

“The World Cup isn’t just coming to MetLife Stadium. It’s coming to Corona and Flatbush,  Astoria and Sunset Park, and every neighborhood that makes New York the most diverse, dynamic city in the world,” Mamdani said in a statement. 

He said the new passport initiative will help locals and tourists alike explore “fun, free and accessible” activities across the city.

The passport booklets will be available from every library and some select events in the city starting June 11, with stamps available at hundreds of cultural institutions, community organizations and public events. Each stamp has been designed by New York City-based artists with roots across the world in a bid to reflect both the cultural diversity of New York and the countries participating in the World Cup.

Mamdani has also announced the launch of a new events calendar and interactive digital map that will help New Yorkers and World Cup fans discover low-cost programming across the city. 

The initiative aims to encourage participants to explore dance performances, film screenings, art exhibits, book talks, block parties and more across the five boroughs in addition to exploring immigrant neighborhoods like Little Colombia in Jackson Heights.

Dozens of Queens organizations have been featured in the initiative, including Culture Lab LIC, the Lewis Latimer House in Flushing, the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona and the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning.

Ran Yan, executive director of the Lewis Latimer House, asserted that cultural exploration can help strengthen local communities and shine a light on local histories that are often overlooked.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity and creativity that define our city. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to engage with legacies of innovation and community in Queens and beyond,” Yan said in a statement.

Maya Handa, Mamdani’s World Cup Czar, said the new initiative will help provide affordable ways for New Yorkers and tourists alike to celebrate the World Cup during the summer.

“With these new initiatives, we’ll make it  easy for New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the five boroughs, find free watch parties, visit small businesses, and enjoy the historic tournament coming to our community,” Handa said in a statement. 

Mamdani also recently announced that official fan fests will be free to enter across the five boroughs, with a Queens fan fest planned for Louis Armstrong Stadium at the National Tennis Center between June 11 and June 27. The event was originally slated to cost $10 per visit.

“By bringing these free fan events to every borough, we’re making sure everyone can be part of that joy,” Mamdani said in a statement last month.

NYC Tourism + Conventions will launch its new World Cup events calendar on May 27 through the World Cup hub on the agency’s website, spotlighting events, special offers and promotions from businesses and organizations across the city.

Businesses and organizations across New York City will be welcome to submit events and promotions for consideration free of charge.  

List of Queens organizations participating in new World Cup passport program

Culture Lab LIC

Franklin Furnace

Friends of Argentine Tango

Glow Cultural Center

Harmony 4 All

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning

King Manor Museum

Korean Community Services

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Lewis Latimer House

Long Island City Partnership

Louis Armstrong House Museum

Make the Road NY

NONGKI NYC

Outerboro Soccer

Project New Yorker

Queens Botanical Garden

Queens County Farm Museum

Queens Museum

Queens Public Library

Queens Theatre

Thalia Spanish Theater

The Haitian Americans United For Progress, Inc.

For stamp locations and a full list of organizations participating in the passport initiative, click here.