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 traffic cleared and the streets transformed into safe, open spaces, families can walk, bike, scoot, and play freely, without worrying about vehicles.
Summer Streets transforms key thoroughfares into car-free zones, replacing bumper-to-bumper traffic with free fitness classes, live cultural performances, and kid-friendly fun. This year, it’s part of the citywide celebration marking New York City’s 400th anniversary. Summer Streets will take place in all 5 boroughs on the next five Saturdays.
This Saturday, July 26, families have the chance to reclaim the streets for play, movement, and memory-making as Summer Streets kicks off this year in Staten Island and Queens.
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Summer Streets in Staten Island
Forest Avenue between Elizabeth Street and Bard Avenue will be transformed into a safe, car-free area filled with local flavor and family fun. Forest Avenue, west of Clove Rd, East of Bard Avenue, and adjacent avenues will remain open to motor vehicles. No parking begins Friday at 5 pm, and street closures run from 5 am to 3:30 pm Saturday.
Families can enjoy free fitness sessions for all ages, from morning stretching to dance classes, along with live performances by local musicians, dancers, and youth groups. Interactive art stations and playful pop-ups are especially fun ways to engage curious little minds. Along the route, rest stops offer hydration, family seating, and shaded areas to relax and cool down between activities.
Elizabeth Street Rest Stop
Enjoy a full day of live entertainment at the Elizabeth Street Rest Stop. Start your morning with a fun fitness session from Alana Life & Fitness, followed by high-energy dance from the Staten Island Musical Steppers and a relaxing ukulele performance by Jahtiek Long.
Later in the day, take in the beauty of dance with Ballet Guadalupano, live music from the Richmond County Orchestra, and a lively Puerto Rican dance performance by the Staten Island Puerto Rican Neighbors. The afternoon continues with traditional Sri Lankan dance from the Sri Lankan Dance Academy of NY and closes with a high-energy live band performance from La Tractiva.
Kids can also enjoy hands-on fun like bouncy castles, crafts, watercolor painting, and even circus performances from the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. There are also free skate and bike lessons, environmental activities, and interactive art installations.
Wellness stations include free samples from sponsors like siggi’s, Stonyfield, and Smartwater and helpful info from local nonprofits and city agencies. FIFA will offer a Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour, offering soccer games, music, and giveaways.
2025 Summer Streets Schedule
The full Summer Streets schedule spans all five boroughs over five Saturdays, with free activities from 7 am to 3 pm each day.
- Staten Island and Queens: July 26
- Manhattan: August 2
- Manhattan: August 9
- Manhattan: August 16
- Brooklyn and The Bronx: August 23
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