If you haven’t made plans for the weekend yet, clear your Saturday. MoMA PS1, the Long Island City icon that recently grabbed headlines for becoming the largest free museum in NYC, is throwing the biggest borough-wide bash of the spring.
This Saturday, April 18, the museum celebrates its 50th Anniversary with an all-day Block Party that transforms its famous courtyard, public plaza, and indoor galleries into a high-energy festival of art, food, and shopping. Here’s everything you need to know before you head to Queens this weekend.
A Massive FAD Market Takeover (For the First Time in Queens!)
The biggest update to this weekend’s lineup is the arrival of FAD Market. For the first time ever, the celebrated curated market is heading to Queens, taking over the museum’s entire second floor with over 60+ artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs.
You can shop unique, handcrafted goods while exploring the galleries. Highlights to look out for include:
- Base Ceramics: Stunning slip-cast ceramics by Catalina Parra
- Numia Design: Playful, eco-friendly 3D-printed lamps made right here in NYC
- Studio Sophia Sophia: Bold, handcrafted statement jewelry
- We are Closed on Mondays: Intricate made-to-order baskets and paper goods
- María-Elena Pombo: A Venezuelan-born artist (also featured in the Greater New York exhibition) selling books and prints
Beyond the stalls, you can get a live aura watercolor painting by Courtney Kali, a portrait by The Line Up (New Yorker cartoonists), or a black-and-white photo by Kristopher Johnson.
The Return of ‘Greater New York 2026’
The block party officially kicks off the opening of “Greater New York 2026,” MoMA PS1’s signature survey of artists living and working in NYC today.
Spanning the museum’s galleries, this exhibition features the cutting edge of contemporary art–and because of PS1’s free admission policy, you can experience the entire show without spending a dime.
Food, Music, & Legendary Guests
The courtyard and plaza will be buzzing from 10 am to 6 pm with a “who’s who” of local culture. Expect a full day of programming including:
- The Food: Iconic eats from Queens Night Market vendors
- The Music: High-energy DJ sets, activations by Discolocas NYC, and performances by the Queensboro Dance Festival
- The Legends: Get hands-on with a mural workshop led by world-renowned graffiti artist Lady Pink, or check out activations from the Lower Eastside Girls Club, Malikah, and Red Canary Song
Know Before You Go: RSVP & Logistics
While the event is free and open to the public, it’s expected to be the busiest cultural event of the season.
- Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
- Time: 10 am – 6 pm
- Location: MoMA PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City)
- Entry: Online reservations have officially ended, but don’t worry–walk-up registration is available all day. We recommend arriving early (doors open at 10am) to beat the crowds
Pro tip: Skip the Long Island City parking nightmare. Take the 7, E, M, or G train to Court Square–the museum is just steps away.