Anti-violence block events are among the most purposeful things that happen on a New York street — a closed block, food, music, speakers, and the fact of neighbors standing together in a place that has reason to. This one takes Dillon Street at Claude Avenue in southeast Queens from the afternoon into the night. If you live nearby, showing up is the entire point; the turnout is the message.
What to expect
A barricaded block with tables, food, sound and speakers addressing the crowd, alongside the ordinary rhythms of a street party — kids in the road, neighbors on chairs. Expect the program portion in the afternoon and a longer social stretch into the evening.
Good to know
- Southeast Queens is served by Q-line buses and the LIRR; most attendees drive or walk from nearby blocks
- Free and open to the community
- The closed roadbed is flat and step-free once barricades are up
- Bring cash if food is being sold by neighbors
- It runs into the night, so the later hours are the busiest
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Common questions
Is this open to anyone?
Yes. Community anti-violence events are held on closed public streets and are explicitly about turnout from the surrounding neighborhood.
Is the street closed to cars?
Yes. A street activity permit closes the block to through traffic for the duration of the event.
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