Looking to dig into sizzling churrasco and dance samba in the streets?
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a free Brazilian Independence Day Festival is taking over Astoria’s 31st Avenue—bringing live music, dance workshops, and authentic Brazilian street food to Queens for the very first time.
Best of all? It’s completely free to enter.
What to expect at Queens’ first-ever Brazilian Independence Day bash
The street party will take over 31st Avenue (between 33rd and 35th Streets), taking advantage of Astoria’s iconic Open Street program, which transforms car-traffic lanes into lively pedestrian spaces every weekend, April through December.
Shutterstock / Steve Sanchez Photos
While official Brazil Independence Day falls on September 7 (marking the nation’s 1822 declaration of sovereignty from Portugal), Queens is starting the celebration two days early.
Here’s what visitors can expect:
Authentic Eats & Drinks: Savor freshly baked pão de queijo (cheese bread), rich brigadeiros, sizzling churrasco, and traditional regional dishes
Local Vendors: Andrea’s Homemade, A Bouquet of Flours, Bahia Taste, Green Gorilla Kitchen, Helton Cakes, Hott Cravings, Minas Bites, Queijo Mel, and more
Live Music & Dancing: High-energy performances and live samba bands featuring local NYC Brazilian artists, complete with open dance lessons for all skill levels
Artisanal Market: Local makers selling handcrafted Brazilian goods, art, and accessories
Community Fun: Interactive games, family-friendly activities, and street-wide celebrations
Roots tracing back to Manhattan
NYC’s most famous Brazilian Independence Day celebration historically took over Manhattan’s West 46th Street starting in 1984–drawing over a million people at its peak and designating the stretch as Little Brazil Street by the city in 1996,
However, the heart of the city’s Brazilian community has since steadily moved outer-borough, with rising costs in Manhattan pushing residents, bakeries, and eateries across the East River.
Today, Astoria holds the title for New York City’s largest Brazilian population, making Queens the natural home for this new neighborhood tradition.
Event details
🇧🇷 What: Free Brazilian Independence Day festival
📍 Where: 31st Avenue between 33rd and 35th Streets, Astoria, Queens
🗓️ When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 2 pm – 7 pm
🎟️ Admission: Free