The Seuffert Bandshell is one of the city's great old music venues — a 1920s bandshell tucked into Forest Park's woods — and this free annual concert fills it with the genuine article: a full big band playing swing-era standards as evening falls. The crowd is lawn chairs, dancing couples and multi-generation Queens families; the sound is Ellington, Miller and Sinatra-adjacent brass done live. It's a time machine with free admission.
What to expect
Expect a polished big-band set from the bandshell stage, fixed bench seating plus lawn-chair rows, and couples swing-dancing near the front. The concert runs about two hours in the early evening; arrive a bit before start for good seats.
Good to know
- Free at the George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, Woodhaven
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket — bench seating fills early
- The J train to Woodhaven Blvd plus a walk, or the Q53 bus, gets you close
- Dancing near the stage is welcomed and common
- Evening in the park cools down — bring a layer
- Parking lots near the bandshell fill before showtime
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Is the concert really free?
Yes — it's a free annual community concert presented by the local state senator's office.
Can we dance?
Yes — swing dancers claim the space near the stage every year, and beginners are welcome to join.
