When Cali, Colombia\u2019s salsa capital, meets New York City, the birthplace of salsa as a genre, something historic happens on the dance floor. That collision arrives in Queens this weekend as the Salsa Cale\u00f1a USA Festival returns for its second edition at Flushing Town Hall, May 30 and 31, 2026.<\/p>\n
2nd Salsa Cale\u00f1a USA Festival 2026
Colombian Salsa master classes, showcases, dance parties
Flushing Town Hall
Flushing, Queens
Sat-Sun, May 30-31
Full Pass $81+ (2 for 1)<\/p>\n
Workshops and Competitions
Sat, May 30
9am Workshops | $23+
3pm Youth Dance Competition, Showcase, Celiz Cruz tribute | $55<\/p>\n
Agua\u2019e Lulo Social
Typical Cale\u00f1o all-ages dance party with local food vendors
Flushing Town Hall in Flushing, Queens
Sun, May 31 | 5-10pm
$17+ (2 for 1)<\/p>\n
2nd Salsa Cale\u00f1a USA Festival 2026<\/p>\n
Saturday is the main event \u2014 workshops, live shows, and nonstop social dancing. Top instructors lead five master classes covering Ladies Style, Salsa Cale\u00f1a, Partnerwork, Footwork, and a special touch of Pachanga and Boogaloo. The evening lights up with live performances, a special tribute to Celia Cruz, and DJ sets from dedicated salsero mel\u00f3manos who will not let you stop moving. Kids ages 4 to 12 also take the floor in their own showcase \u2014 proof that the Cali tradition is already passing to the next generation in New York.<\/p>\n
Sunday brings an evening social dance session to close out the weekend the cale\u00f1o way, with Latin food and good vibes throughout.<\/p>\n
Agua de Lulo parties are a Cale\u00f1o tradition from the 1960s. They are non-alcoholic, very social, and end early so all ages can attend. Lulo (Naranjilla or Little Orange) is a Colombian tropical fruit used to make a fruit punch. <\/p>\n
Opening Salsa Boat Party<\/p>\n
The official opening of the festival weekend is actually Friday, May 29 \u2014 the NYC Sunset Salsa Boat Cruise departing from Skyport Marina (2430 FDR Drive, Manhattan) at 7 PM, with boarding from 6:30 PM. Salsa World Champions perform on deck as the city skyline glows at golden hour. It\u2019s a fun cruise because New York Harbor is the backdrop. It\u2019s a selfie night. <\/p>\n