Walk, bike, scoot, and explore the Queens waterfront during Summer Streets on July 25 with free activities, public art, family-friendly events, and miles of car-free streets.
At a Glance
- Summer Streets kicks off its 2026 season in Queens and Staten Island this month.
- Vernon Boulevard becomes a car-free destination for families.
- Enjoy free activities, public art, walking, biking, and more.
- Find out how to save on Citi Bike rides during the event.
- See the complete Summer Streets schedule for all five boroughs.
Each year, Summer Streets gives New York families the rare chance to enjoy the city in a whole new way they may only have dreamed about …without cars! With the streets cleared of traffic, families get free rein to walk, bike, scoot, and just play, without having to watch for cars.
This year, Summer Streets is back in all five boroughs across five Saturdays in July and August. Last year, more than 500,000 people came out to walk, run, bike, or just hang out on the car-free streets.
This Saturday, July 25, Summer Streets kicks off the season in Queens and Staten Island, with streets closed to cars and wide open for walking, biking, and playing.
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Summer Streets in Queens
In Long Island City, the Queens Summer Streets route runs along Vernon Boulevard from 44th Drive to 30th Drive, giving families the chance to enjoy the entire Queens waterfront in Long Island City and Astoria without traffic.
This year, hours in Queens (along with the other outer boroughs) have been extended to 9 am–5 pm, later than in past years, to help more families make it out to enjoy the day.
Bring the stroller for little ones, and scooters and bikes for older kids, or just enjoy walking the route. You can also use a Citi Bike for free. NYC DOT is partnering with Lyft to offer discounted rides through the Lyft and Citi Bike apps. For the July 25 event, use code SUMMER2WHEEL to save up to $10 on two rides (max savings of $20). The code is valid for July 25 only, quantities are limited, and terms apply.
As part of this year’s programming, NYC DOT is partnering with New York Road Runners to bring back the NYRR Start Line Series to Queens on July 25, a free, community-based running and walking event geared toward beginner athletes.
Along the route, look out for NYC DOT Art’s Big Spinning Wheels, a kinetic sculpture by artist Josh Cohen featuring colorful arms that twirl together to create hypnotic optical patterns. You’ll also spot the NYC Art Stop Letters, designed this year by illustrators Amanda Lobos and Grace Park, popping up along the route for fun photo ops.
Summer Streets on Staten Island returns to Broadway, running from Richmond Terrace to Harvest Avenue. The route cuts through West Brighton, linking Corporal Thompson Park to one of the borough’s busiest shopping strips.
Whether you’re out for a car-free walk or just want something different to do with the kids, Summer Streets is a relaxed, easy way to enjoy the Queens waterfront this summer.
Summer Streets 2026 Schedule
Summer Streets runs across all five boroughs over five Saturdays this July and August.
Queens and Staten Island: July 25, 9 am–5 pm
Manhattan: August 1, 7 am–3 pm
Manhattan: August 8, 7 am–3 pm
Manhattan: August 15, 7 am–3 pm
Brooklyn and The Bronx: August 22, 9 am–5 pm
Stay tuned for updates on the Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Bronx Summer Streets line-ups!
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