Jacob Riis Park is the Rockaways' most character-packed beach, and its Beach Bazaar layers a whole food-and-music festival right onto the sand — tacos, frozé, oysters and DJ sets under the shadow of the historic bathhouse. It's free to walk in, easygoing, and one of the best full-day summer escapes the subway can reach. Pack a towel, plan to eat your way down the boardwalk, and stay for the golden-hour music.
What to expect
Expect a laid-back beach crowd drifting between vendor stalls, bars and the open sand, with music building through the afternoon. You can swim, grab food and drinks, and catch live sets or DJs, all in one spot behind the restored bathhouse. It's busiest and best on warm weekend afternoons.
Good to know
- The QM35 express bus or a car via the Marine Parkway Bridge get you there fastest
- Entry to the bazaar is free; you pay for food, drinks and beach parking
- Bring a towel, sunscreen and cash as a backup for smaller vendors
- Weekend afternoons are liveliest; mornings are calmer for swimming
- It's a long trek from central NYC, so plan a full-day outing
- Restrooms and showers are at the bathhouse pavilion
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How do I get there without a car?
The QM35 express bus runs to Riis Park in summer; otherwise it's a ferry-plus-bus or bike trip.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the bazaar is free to enter; only food, drinks and parking cost money.
Is it running this weekend?
Yes — the bazaar operates weekends across the summer season, including Aug 1–2.
More this weekend
