Best Things to Do in Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew

August in Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens brings a vibrant energy to the heart of Queens. As the summer heat settles in, the tree-lined streets and bustling commercial corridors like Austin Street become the perfect backdrop for community gatherings, outdoor dining, and cultural exploration. Whether you are a long-time resident or a visitor exploring these historic neighborhoods, August offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement.

From the iconic architecture of Forest Hills Gardens to the diverse culinary scene in Rego Park, there is no shortage of things to do this month. We have curated a list of verified events and local experiences to help you make the most of your August. Grab a cold drink, enjoy the breeze in our local parks, and dive into everything these wonderful neighborhoods have to offer.

August 1: Open House at Sunrise Manor, Rego Park

Experience the luxury of high-rise living in Rego Park with an exclusive open house at the Sunrise Manor penthouse. This 2,300-square-foot residence offers stunning views and premium amenities, including a fitness center and private storage. It is a fantastic opportunity to see one of the most unique properties in the area while exploring the quiet, residential charm of Rego Park.

August 8: Mini Concerts in Dinkins Circle

Join the community for a delightful afternoon of music at Dinkins Circle, featuring performances by talented musicians from Queens College. This recurring summer series brings live entertainment to the heart of the neighborhood, providing a perfect, low-key way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Bring a blanket, grab a coffee from a nearby shop, and enjoy the sounds of local talent.

August 14: Peter and the Wolf at Forest Park Bandshell

The Forest Park Bandshell hosts a special performance of the classic 'Peter and the Wolf' this August. This family-friendly event is a wonderful way to introduce children to orchestral music in an outdoor setting. Admission is free, making it an accessible and educational outing for families living in Forest Hills and the surrounding areas.

August 15: Forest Restoration at Buddy Monument

Give back to the community by participating in the forest restoration project at the Buddy Monument in Forest Park. Volunteers will help maintain the natural beauty of our local green space, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for all. It is a great way to meet neighbors, get some fresh air, and contribute to the environmental health of Queens.

August 25: Queens College Choral Society Auditions

For those with a passion for music, the Queens College Choral Society is holding auditions this August. Whether you are a seasoned vocalist or looking to join a community of music lovers, this is your chance to get involved with one of the borough's most respected choral groups. The auditions take place on the beautiful Queens College campus, just a short trip from Kew Gardens.

Forest Hills is perhaps best known for the historic Forest Hills Gardens, a private community featuring stunning Tudor-style architecture and winding, tree-lined streets. A walk through this area feels like stepping back in time, offering a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. Nearby, the Forest Hills Stadium remains a premier destination for world-class concerts, drawing music fans from across the city to its intimate, historic venue.

Rego Park offers a different vibe, characterized by its vibrant commercial corridors and diverse dining options. Queens Boulevard serves as the main artery, connecting residents to a wide array of shops, restaurants, and services. It is a neighborhood that truly reflects the melting-pot culture of Queens, with cuisines from around the world available just steps from the subway.

Kew Gardens provides a lush, green atmosphere, anchored by its proximity to Forest Park. This massive park offers miles of trails, sports facilities, and the famous bandshell, making it the lungs of the neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a morning jog, a family picnic, or a quiet spot to read, the natural beauty of Kew Gardens is an essential part of the local experience.

Navigating Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens is convenient thanks to the E, F, M, and R subway lines, which provide direct access to Manhattan and other parts of Queens. The LIRR station in Forest Hills also offers a quick commute for those heading into Penn Station or out to Long Island. Always check the MTA website for weekend service changes before you head out.

For those driving, street parking can be competitive, especially near Austin Street and the commercial hubs of Rego Park. Consider using public transit or ride-sharing services to avoid the stress of finding a spot. Planning your day around the subway stops will allow you to easily hop between neighborhoods and maximize your time exploring the best of what Queens has to offer.

As you enjoy the summer festivities, remember that adults 21+ can explore the Silly Nice store locator to find licensed cannabis dispensaries in the area. Whether you are looking for premium products or just curious about local options, our locator makes it easy to find reputable shops nearby. Please always consume responsibly, follow all New York state laws, and never operate a vehicle while impaired.

Respecting public consumption laws and being mindful of your surroundings ensures that everyone can enjoy the neighborhood safely. Start low and go slow, and always prioritize your well-being and the comfort of those around you. We hope you have a fantastic and safe August exploring the best of Queens.

What are the best things to do in Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens in August?

August is perfect for outdoor activities like visiting the Forest Park Bandshell, exploring the historic architecture of Forest Hills Gardens, and enjoying the diverse dining scene on Austin Street. You can also catch live music events or participate in community volunteer projects.

Are there free events happening this month?

Yes, many local parks and community centers host free events throughout August. Keep an eye on the NYC Parks calendar and local community boards for free concerts, family performances, and outdoor fitness classes.

What family activities are available?

Families can enjoy the many playgrounds in Forest Park, attend children's theater performances at the bandshell, or explore the local libraries. The neighborhoods are very walkable and offer plenty of space for kids to play and explore.

What is the nightlife like in these neighborhoods?

Nightlife in Forest Hills and Rego Park is centered around cozy bars, pubs, and restaurants along Austin Street and Queens Boulevard. It is a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Manhattan, perfect for a quiet drink or a late-night meal.

How do I get around using public transit?

The E, F, M, and R subway lines are your best bet for traveling within the neighborhoods and into Manhattan. The LIRR also provides a fast connection for those traveling further afield. Always check the MTA app for real-time updates.

If you found this guide helpful, please bookmark it and share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Sharing this guide in local Facebook groups or on your social media helps everyone discover the hidden gems and exciting events happening right in our backyard. Don't forget to check back with SillyNice.com next month for our September guide!

Explore more Silly Nice cannabis guides, product deep-dives, and New York dispensary insights below.

Eddie's Sweet Shop on Metropolitan Avenue has been scooping housemade ice cream since 1968, and on a humid August evening the line still spills onto the sidewalk. A few blocks away, Nick's Pizza draws devotees willing to wait forty minutes for a Neapolitan pie with a blistered crust. Kew Gardens, meanwhile, punches above its weight with a cluster of Persian, Bukharian, and Colombian restaurants tucked along Lefferts Boulevard, proof that this pocket of Queens rewards anyone willing to wander a block or two off the main drag.

Rego Park adds its own chapter to the borough's food story, anchored by the Bukharian Jewish community that has shaped Queens Boulevard's restaurant row for decades. Cheburechnaya remains the neighborhood's most-cited destination for lamb kebabs and fried cheburek, often packed past midnight. After a meal like that, plenty of Queens residents head home to unwind with a nightcap that doesn't involve alcohol. Licensed dispensaries scattered throughout the borough now carry Silly Nice's Infused Flower and 510 vape cartridges, giving adults a legal, low-key way to close out a long August night.

Austin Street functions as Forest Hills' de facto main street, lined with independent boutiques, jewelers, and the kind of bookstores that host neighborhood poetry nights. Walk its length on a Saturday and you'll pass window displays that haven't changed much since the 1990s alongside newer fitness studios and coffee shops chasing the post-pandemic wellness crowd. It's a corridor built for browsing rather than rushing, which suits the unhurried pace of a Queens summer.

Rego Park takes the opposite approach with Queens Center Mall, one of the borough's busiest retail hubs, where over 160 stores draw shoppers from as far as Nassau County. For something more specialized, adults 21 and older can stop into one of the licensed cannabis dispensaries near Queens Boulevard, several of which stock Silly Nice's Bubble Hash and Frosted Hash Ball alongside their Diamond Powder line — small-batch products from a Brooklyn company that has built a loyal following across more than 165 New York dispensaries.

The Forest Hills-71st Avenue station puts the E, F, M, and R trains within walking distance of nearly everything in this guide, making a car largely unnecessary for a day of wandering Austin Street or catching a show at Forest Hills Stadium. Commuters and visitors coming from Manhattan often find the F train's express run from Forest Hills shaves real time off the trip, especially compared to summer traffic on the Long Island Expressway.

Kew Gardens offers its own transit advantage: the Long Island Rail Road stops directly at Kew Gardens station, connecting to Penn Station in roughly fifteen minutes and to Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn shortly after. Cyclists, meanwhile, can take advantage of the protected bike lanes along Yellowstone Boulevard, a increasingly popular route for commuters heading toward Forest Park. For anyone planning a night out that includes a dispensary stop, ride-share or transit beats driving — New York law prohibits cannabis consumption behind the wheel, full stop.