NYC’s music scene is massive, and from the city’s–and world’s, for that matter–largest stages to hole in the wall venues in Brooklyn, there’s ample opportunity to bop around to some of your favorite beats. And this just in: one of the top music venues on the East Coast lies in our beloved borough of Queens. We’re sure you can guess which one it is…
A study was just released that unveiled which venues bring the best of live entertainment to fans across the globe, and considering it was done by renowned music and entertainment publication Billboard, we’re pretty confident in their judgment. According to the 2025 ranking, Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium was named the best amphitheater on the East Coast.
The more than century old Forest Hills Stadium has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s, when it was first constructed as part of the West Side Tennis Club to host the US Open. The stadium transitioned to a concert venue for a festival in 1960, and it has since welcomed a lineup of A-list acts ranging in everything from rock and pop to indie and electronic–they’ve even welcomed the likes of The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Dylan over the years!
The venue holds about 13,000 people between the floor and its bowl seating, making it the only outdoor venue of its kind and size in the city, and was designed to optimize acoustics and has no obstructed views. Concerts here typically run in full general admission, meaning the floor is first come first serve.
Billboard pointed out the stadium’s storied history, of course noting the musical legends and icons we listed above. It also noted how, after reopening as a concert venue in 2013 following some years of an empty lineup, the stadium has drawn in a number of big-name acts including Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeranm and Hozier, who marked a record-breaking four nights of sold-out concerts last summer.
Forest Hills Stadium promoter Mike Luba stated:
Sharing live music creates memories, bonds friendships, and gives people of all ages a chance to enjoy a non-digital experience and commune. Forest Hills Stadium was designed more than a century ago to provide a magical setting that delivers magical moments. The entire Forest Hills Stadium team remains acutely aware that we are stewards to a singular venue and its history.
And though Forest Hills Stadium has had a rough go as of late with noise complaints and lawsuits, the venue remains THAT girl. Stay tuned for its 2025 summer concert lineup, which we’re sure will be as fabulous as it always is!
Other stadiums in and near NYC that made it onto the ranking include Madison Square Garden and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Beyoncé is set to perform her Cowboy Carter Tour this summer!