A Park for All Seasons! Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s Cultural Institutions Unite to Announce Fall Seasons

Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, Queens Zoo and New York Hall of Science celebrate year-round arts, science, and culture in Queens

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and DCLA Commissioner Laurie Cumbo join cultural institutions and local leaders  to highlight the Park as a destination for all seasons

Today, Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s leading cultural institutions came together to announce their upcoming fall seasons, underscoring that “A Park for All Seasons.” The unprecedented collaboration between the park’s major cultural anchors sends a clear message that Flushing Meadows Corona Park is more than a green space—it’s a living cultural campus where world-class programming happens 365 days a year.

“Queens Theatre is proud to bring together our neighbors in the park for a celebration that shows New Yorkers that Flushing Meadows Corona Park is alive with arts, culture and incredible experiences all year long. This truly is a park for all seasons and all people,” said Queens Theatre Executive Director, Taryn Sacramone. “While many people know the park for spring and summer events like the US Open and major outdoor festivals, we want everyone to discover that the cultural magic continues through fall and winter with world-class programming at all of our institutions.”

Hosted at the historic Queens Theatre and former 1964/1965 World’s Fair Theaterama building,  the event brought together Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, alongside leaders from Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, and the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). Each institution highlighted signature programs designed to invite New Yorkers back to the park as the seasons change, demonstrating that culture, science, and the arts flourish year-round in America’s most diverse borough.

“We’re excited to share our upcoming season with New Yorkers, alongside the incredible programming from our fellow cultural institutions,” said Queens Theatre Director of Programming, Shaun Neblett.  “When visitors come to experience one institution, they inevitably discover the rich tapestry of arts, science, and culture that makes this park so special.”

The press conference concluded with a dynamic performance by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, offering a preview of their Día de Muertos production, which returns to Queens Theatre this fall with performances October 24-26. Additional season highlights include performances from internationally renowned dance companies such as Parsons Dance and Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, engaging family programming like Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical and The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, and bold theatrical works including a special staged reading of Broadway comedy Chicken & Biscuits, which Queens Theatre premiered in 2020. For more information about Queens Theatre’s full season visit https://queenstheatre.org/

This season at:

Queens Museum, visitors can experience Fia Backström: The Great Society, an exhibition exploring how communities endure in the face of environmental and social crises, alongside the Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration on November 8. Artists and knowledge holders Shane Weeks and Mazorca Colectiva will also debut special projects throughout the Museum this fall as a part of the Indigenous Practice Studio (IPS) Commissioning Program. These highlights, in addition to exhibitions by Abang-guard and Umber Majeed, and family-focused programs like October Family Day, reflect the Museum’s commitment to serving Queens’ diverse communities. For more information about Queens Museum programming visit https://queensmuseum.org/

Queens Botanical Garden, families can celebrate the harvest at Apples and Honey Day on September 28 from 12–4 p.m. The festive afternoon will feature live music, apple and honey tastings, crafts, garden tours, beekeeping demonstrations, and seasonal beer and cider — a perfect way to welcome fall in the heart of Queens. For more information about Queens Botanical Garden’s programming visit: https://queensbotanical.org.

New York Hall of Science, experience the wonders of urban innovation at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). 2025 is the year of CityWorks, an interactive exhibit that delves into the invisible inner workings of the built environment. Beyond this fascinating exploration, NYSCI is also hosting two captivating events designed to inspire the next generation of innovators: a Climate Expo on September 27, from 4–7 p.m., presented in partnership with the Queens Borough President, and the annual STEM College Fair on October 23, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., offering students ages 14–19 the chance to meet college representatives and explore diverse academic and career paths.  For more information, visit https://nysci.org

Queens Zoo, visitors can explore exhibits featuring wildlife native to the Americas and take part in the second annual Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1–2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event will include bilingual story times, wildlife meet-and-greets, themed crafts, and an interactive skull-matching game that connects extinct species to their modern-day relatives — blending cultural tradition with lessons in conservation. For more information, visit https://queenszoo.com

“Queens Museum is thrilled to join our neighboring institutions in celebrating the incredible year-round programming that makes Flushing Meadows-Corona Park a true cultural destination,” said Sally Tallant, Queens Museum President and Executive Director. “We love being a part of this amazing coalition of institutions that creates such a vibrant cultural ecology. Our fall exhibitions, from Fia Backström’s exploration of community resilience, to our vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration, are designed to serve our Borough’s beautifully diverse population alongside the exceptional offerings of our park partners. Together, we’re proving that this historic park continues to be a place where all communities can see themselves reflected and celebrated.”

“This part of Queens offers so much – a botanical garden, science museum, theatre, zoo and museum – all within walking distance and near great restaurants, too.” said Evie Hantzopoulos, Queens Botanical Garden Executive Director. “Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a must for anyone who wants an authentic and engaging cultural experience all year round.” 

“Along with our neighboring cultural institutions, the New York Hall of Science is proud to call Flushing Meadows Corona Park home, as it has always been a unique location for New Yorkers of all ages to learn, experience and explore year-round,” said NYSCI President and CEO Lisa J. Gugenheim. “Through the ‘A Park for All Seasons’ initiative, NYSCI warmly invites curious visitors to experience our fall program of activities as well as visit our iconic new CityWorks exhibit. Serving as our newest permanent exhibit, CityWorks looks to reveal the infrastructure and engineering marvels that allow cities of all sizes to function.”

“Fall is a wonderful season at the Queens Zoo, and we are proud to stand alongside our fellow cultural institutions in celebrating it,” said Wildlife Conservation Society Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, John F. Calvelli. “Our annual Día de los Muertos event has become a cherished tradition for families across Queens, offering an opportunity to honor the borough’s extraordinary cultural richness. Through wildlife meet-and-greets, bilingual storytelling, games, and crafts, we highlight Latin American heritage in a way that brings people together and reflects the vibrant spirit of New York City.”

“All five of Flushing Meadows’ incredible cultural institutions breathe so much life into our borough, and they do so 365 days per year. I’m proud to have put a combined $15.1 million into these crown jewels of Queens as Borough President, and I will continue to be blown away by the programming available to Queens families like my own,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, the Queens Zoo and New York Hall of Science all embody the unrivaled cultural diversity and dynamism of this borough. That’s why I encourage all 2.4 million of our neighbors to come take in a show, enjoy an exhibit or smell the roses this fall.”

“Art and culture are New York City’s superpower—they strengthen communities, drive our economy, and inspire New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds,” said NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “The five incredible institutions in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park are shining examples of how cultural organizations can come together to offer something for everyone, all year long. The City is proud to support their work, ensuring these programs remain affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

“Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a beloved pillar of Queens, inspiring residents and visitors with world-class programming and providing the opportunity to connect with one another,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, Queens Zoo and the New York Hall of Science ensure that the park is not only a vital outdoor space, but also a cultural hub that uplifts our communities. I encourage everyone to take advantage of yet another exciting season at the park and enrich their lives with what these institutions have to offer.”

“I’m so proud to support ‘A Park for All Seasons,’ and the amazing Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, Queens Zoo and New York Hall of Science, which are dedicated to celebrating year-round arts in Queens,” said New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan. “As Chair of the New York City Parks Department, I understand the hand-in-hand partnership our green spaces and the arts have in fostering and celebrating the borough we all love. I’m thrilled that Queens is continuing to bring arts, science, and culture to Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” 

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a destination for entertainment as diverse as the community that surrounds it. It is a place for world class sports, art, culture, and community. As someone who was born and raised in Corona, I’ve seen firsthand how the Queens Theatre, Queens Museum, Queens Botanical Garden, the Queens Zoo and the New York Hall of Science inspire, educate, and bring our diverse communities together,” said New York City Council Member Francisco Moya.  “Art is for everyone and these institutions tear down the economic barriers often preventing communities like mine from accessing it. A Park for All Seasons is a reminder that no matter the time of year, families from East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, LeFrak City, Corona and across New York City can come here to experience world-class arts, culture, and community together.”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park exemplifies what makes our parks system so special – it’s a place where nature, culture, and community come together in every season,” said NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam. “From spring cherry blossoms to winter ice skating, this park offers year-round opportunities for families to connect with the outdoors and with each other. We are proud to partner with world-class cultural institutions to ensure that visitors can experience the best of Queens – our incredible diversity, our commitment to education, and our welcoming spirit – no matter when they visit.”

About Queens Theatre

Queens Theatre (QT) is a performing arts center located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. Its mission is to provide high-quality performances and programs that are accessible to the residents of Queens, the most diverse county in the nation. The Theatre’s work reflects and celebrates its community. QT presents dance companies, produces, presents, and develops new works of theater, family programming, community engagement events and initiatives, and offers a range of education programs onsite, in schools and in senior centers. In 2017, QT launched, and has since expanded, Theatre For All (TFA), a ground-breaking initiative to advance the inclusion of disabled people in the performing arts.

About Queens Museum

The Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park presents contemporary art, events of hyperlocal and international impact, and educational programs reflecting the diversity of Queens and New York City. Changing exhibitions present the work of emerging and established artists. The Museum works outside its walls through engagement initiatives ranging from multilingual outreach and educational opportunities. The Museum’s educational programming connects with school children, teens, families, seniors as well as people with disabilities. The Queens Museum is housed in the New York City Building, which is owned by the City of New York. The Museum is supported, in part, by public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Queens Borough President and the New York City Council. 

About Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden is an urban oasis where people, plants, and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs and real-world applications of environmental stewardship. QBG is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Queens Borough President, the New York City Council, State elected officials, the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with corporate, foundation, and individual supporters. For more information, visit www.queensbotanical.org or call (718) 886-3800. 

About New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)

Founded in conjunction with the 1964 World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is a local and global leader in providing innovative education, scientific and technological learning experiences. The mission of NYSCI is to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers and active citizens through an approach called Design, Make, Play. This innovative approach emphasizes open-ended exploration, imaginative learning and personal relevance, resulting in deep engagement and delight in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For more information, visit nysci.org. Follow NYSCI on Twitter and Instagram: @nysci, and on Facebook at: facebook.com/nysci.

Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo

Open every day of the year. Admission is $10.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors 65 and older, $7.95 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow’s–Corona Park in Queens. For further information, visit queenszoo.com.