This ‘hidden oasis’ park in Queens is hosting a massive free festival all summer long — with movies under the stars, immersive concerts, and an Italian feast

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Sydney Hargrove

 –  Junior Staff Writer

 ·  May 4, 2026

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A beloved, open–air tradition is headed back to a Queens park this summer! 

As the lineups for summer concerts, movies, and more start to drop, it becomes more and more obvious that we’re in for an exciting season of community and culture.

At Juniper Valley Park, Council Member Phil Wong, in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the Queens Culture & Arts Network (QCAN), has officially announced the 2026 return of the Summer Concert Series and “Movies Under the Stars, as per a report by QNS.

These long–standing traditions in Middle Village are set to once-again transform the neighborhood into a hub of music, film, and family-friendly fun starting in late May.

 Council Member Wong said in a statement:

There’s nothing better than seeing neighbors, families, and friends come together on a summer evening.

☀️ Summer Concert Series

The 2026 concert season offers an eclectic mix of soul, rock, and nostalgia. Performances generally begin at 7 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to secure a spot on the grass. T

his year’s series features several high–energy tribute acts and the highly anticipated Italian Festival.

• Thursday, May 28: The Sensational Soul Cruisers (Rain date: June 1)
• Thursday, June 4: Cracklin’ Rose – A Neil Diamond Tribute (Rain date: June 5)
• Saturday, June 6 (12 p.m.): Italian Festival – Held in partnership with the Federazione Italo-Americana di Brooklyn and Queens and the JPCA.
• Thursday, June 11: David Clark’s “All About Joel” – A Billy Joel Tribute (Rain date: June 15)
• Thursday, June 18: Richie Santa – Elvis Forever (Rain date: June 21)
• Thursday, June 25: Best of the Eagles (Rain date: June 29)
• Tuesday, July 7: Live Vinyl presents “Ladies who Rocked the 80s”
• Tuesday, July 14: East Coast Band: “Ultimate Party Band”
• Tuesday, July 21: White Wedding: “Rockin’ the 80s and 90s”
• Tuesday, July 28: Black Ice: “Hard Rocking Classic Big Hits”
• Tuesday, August 4: School of Rock – Performing as part of National Night Out Against Crime.

🎬 Movies Under the Stars

For those looking for a magical cinematic experience, the “Movies Under the Stars” program will take over the Field 3 grass area of Juniper Valley Park every Wednesday in June.

These screenings are perfect for families, with festivities running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s schedule leans into beloved Disney favorites:

• Wednesday, June 3: Bolt – Follow the adventures of a canine TV star who thinks his powers are real.
• Wednesday, June 10: Tangled – A modern, musical retelling of the classic Rapunzel story.
• Wednesday, June 17: Cars – High-speed fun with Lightning McQueen and the residents of Radiator Springs.
• Wednesday, June 24: Moana – An epic voyage across the ocean featuring unforgettable music.

All events are free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the park’s atmosphere before the shows begin.