Foodies from far and wide can once again taste the entire world in one night at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Starting Sept. 19, the Queens Night Market again will bring international delicacies, engaging cultural performances and more back to the parking lot area of the New York Hall of Science. The event has been on hiatus for the last few weeks, as tennis fans came to the area in droves for the US Open, but will return every Saturday night through the end of October.
The Queens Night Market, sponsored by Citizens bank, is now in the midst of its 11th season. It features dishes from every cuisine imaginable, as well as more than 100 vendors selling merchandise and art. And it’s affordable — the market has a $6 cap on all food items, but organizers have said 2026 will be the last year for that ceiling.
“Obviously the prices are very reasonable,” said Michelle Cronin, a repeat attendee. Not only is it a good place for families to gather and enjoy a bite, she said, but she also likes being able to try food from different restaurants in the area, and possibly visit them in the future.
“I just think this is an embodiment of what Queens really is,” said Kianna Duncan of Ridgewood, a first-time attendee. “It smells great. The vibes are great. I feel like you can feel the energy.”
The flavorful dishes sold at the Queens Night Market are as diverse as the borough’s population, and visitors are bound to try something new. Among the delicacies being sold this year are Colombian arepas, Trinidadian shark sandwiches and Taiwanese beef noodle soup.
There are even options for those with dietary restrictions. Eli Geoghan of Forest Hills was pleasantly surprised by the variety of gluten-free offerings during his first visit on July 25. He particularly enjoyed his twisted potato on a stick and cachapa, a Venezuelan corn pancake.
Asked which dish was his favorite, he said, “I can’t pick. And I’m not done yet.”
Those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied, too. Dessert items include fried ice cream, Indonesian coconut pancakes and Syrian booza.
“I love trying new things that I normally wouldn’t try,” said Jessica VanScoy, adding that the night market is her favorite part of the summer (which, astronomically, is not over until Sept. 22).
Joey Bats, which is back at the market for its eighth year, serves creamy Portuguese pastéis de nata.
“It’s like a custard filling wrapped in a flaky croissant outside,” said Bryant Cruz, adding that his stand offers traditional and blueberry varieties at the market.
But it’s not just about food — the night market also features an array of merchandise vendors and artists selling their work.
Kate Durkin, who has set up shop there for the past three years, sells prints, pillows and other items that feature her illustrations of iconic New York City symbols, such as pigeons, bagels and yellow cabs.
“The weather hasn’t been great this season for the night market, but when we have been open, it’s been going really well,” she told the Chronicle. Getting feedback from crowds of diverse customers is what keeps her coming back, she added.
And the evening always includes entertainment. Each installment comes with a lineup of vibrant performances — Batalá New York, a band of exclusively women drummers playing Afro-Brazilian beats, got people dancing during the Chronicle’s visit.
The Queens Night Market runs on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight. One may visit queensnightmarket.com for more.