<div class="tldr">Jackson Heights drew large crowds for the opening Saturday of the 2026 Street Food Festival on June 6. Dozens of food vendors set up along 37th Avenue for the six-week event.</div>
<ul class="key-facts">
<li>The 2026 Street Food Festival began June 6 and ends July 12.</li>
<li>Over 60 vendors from Queens and neighboring boroughs.</li>
<li>Organized by the Jackson Heights Merchants Association.</li>
</ul>
The Street Food Festival returned to 37th Avenue between 74th and 80th Streets on Saturday, marking its first in-person opening since 2023. Organizers estimate that several thousand people attended throughout the afternoon and evening. Local vendors served food from carts and kiosks starting at noon.
Attendance was steady despite brief rain in the late afternoon. Cuisines represented included Colombian, Tibetan, Bangladeshi, Thai, and Mexican. Vendors such as Birria-Landia, Momos & More, and Tawa House reported strong early sales. Jackson Heights Merchants Association president Luis Gomez said crowd size met expectations for the first festival weekend.
Festival organizers closed 37th Avenue to traffic from noon to 8 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Attendees cited the event's return after a two-year hiatus as a major draw. Some local residents noted increased congestion, but merchants reported higher foot traffic and steady business.
The 2026 Street Food Festival is scheduled to run for six weekends, finishing on July 12. Each weekend will feature rotating food vendors and live music performances. Organizers stated that health inspectors from the Department of Health visited vendors on Saturday morning and cleared operations to proceed.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h2>When and where does the Street Food Festival take place?</h2>
<p>The festival runs from June 6 to July 12, 2026, on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Food stalls are open from noon to 8 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.</p>
<h2>How many vendors participate in the event?</h2>
<p>Over 60 vendors from Queens and neighboring boroughs are set up for the 2026 festival. The list of participating businesses may change each weekend.</p>
<h2>Is the festival free to attend?</h2>
<p>Yes, entry to the 2026 Street Food Festival is free. Food and beverage prices vary by vendor. Some events and performances may have suggested donations, but no tickets are required.</p>