Twilight Racing at the Kissena Velodrome event image
Kissena Park: Velodrome-Track-01, Queens

Twilight Racing at the Kissena Velodrome

Watch fixed-gear racers fly around NYC's only velodrome under the lights at Kissena Park—free, fast and gloriously niche.

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Special EventQueensParks Department

Tucked into Kissena Park in Flushing is the only velodrome in New York City, a banked 400-meter track from 1962, and on summer evenings it hosts Twilight Racing, a hypnotic, free-to-watch program of fixed-gear track cycling. Riders with no brakes and no gears hurtle around the curves in tight packs and flat-out sprints, close enough to hear the tires hum. If you want a genuinely off-the-radar NYC spectator sport, this hidden Queens oval is a summer secret.

What to expect

An old-school banked concrete oval with riders flying through sprints, points races and pack events in the evening light, plus a friendly scene of cycling regulars, families and curious newcomers along the rail. The action is fast and continuous, the vibe is low-key and welcoming, and you can get remarkably close to the track.

Good to know

  • Kissena Velodrome is in Kissena Park, Flushing—take the 7 to Main St then a bus, or drive; it's a bit of a trek from Manhattan
  • Free to watch; bring a folding chair or blanket as seating is limited
  • Evenings can cool down and get buggy near the park—bring a layer and insect repellent
  • Great for cycling fans, photographers and anyone after an unusual outing
  • Racing depends on weather and the series schedule, so check before you head out
  • Pair it with a walk around Kissena Park's lake and trails beforehand

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Common questions

Where is the velodrome?

In Kissena Park, Flushing, Queens—it's the only velodrome in New York City.

Is it free to watch?

Yes, spectating the Twilight Racing series is free.

What kind of racing is it?

Track cycling on fixed-gear bikes—sprints, points races and pack events on the banked 400-meter oval.