Riis Beach is the most joyfully unbothered stretch of sand in New York, and the closing Sunday of ROCK! AWAY! puts free underground music right into it - no gates, no wristbands, just a bar, a sound system and the Atlantic. Max Power has run this since 2017 as a genuinely community-powered thing, which shows in a crowd that is local, queer and unimpressed by anything trying too hard. Swim between sets and stay for the gold light.
What to expect
A beach-bar footprint rather than a fenced festival: DJs and live sets run from the Riis Beach Bar area while people move between the music, the sand and the water. Drinks and food come from the beach concession operation. The vibe is loose and unhurried, with the crowd building through the afternoon.
Good to know
- The Q35 bus from Brooklyn College or a drive to the Riis lot are the usual routes
- The NYC Ferry to Rockaway plus a shuttle also works and is far prettier
- Bring a towel, swimsuit and cash - it is a beach day with music attached
- Sun exposure is total on open sand; shade is whatever you bring
- The bathhouse pavilion is the landmark to orient by
- This is the final installment of the festival's run, so it draws the biggest crowd
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Common questions
Is it free?
Yes, the beach programming is free. Food and drinks at the beach bar are paid.
How do I get to Riis Beach?
By the Q35 bus, by car to the Riis parking lot, or by NYC Ferry to Rockaway plus a connecting shuttle.
Is Riis Beach the same as Rockaway Beach?
No - Jacob Riis Park is a separate federal beach on the western end of the peninsula, with its own bathhouse and bar.
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