Key Takeaways
- The Fresh Pond Street Festival in Ridgewood celebrated its 30-year anniversary, despite facing controversies and criticisms from local residents.
- Forest Hills Stadium was named the best amphitheater on the East Coast by Billboard, recognizing its historical significance in the music industry.
- A new film and television studio, East End Studios, opened its Sunnyside campus, providing a state-of-the-art facility for film and TV production.
- The studio is expected to create approximately 750 permanent full-time jobs in the borough.
- Niederstein’s Restaurant in Middle Village, a historic hub for the community, was demolished in 2005 to make way for an Arby’s restaurant and small retail center.
Introduction to Queens’ Top Stories
The year 2025 was a significant one for Queens, with various events and developments that showcased the borough’s rich cultural heritage and its growing importance in the arts and entertainment industry. From the annual Fresh Pond Street Festival to the recognition of Forest Hills Stadium as a top music venue, Queens has proven itself to be a vibrant and thriving community. In this article, we will revisit the top stories in arts and entertainment from 2025, highlighting the events, people, and places that made the year so memorable.
The Fresh Pond Street Festival
The Fresh Pond Street Festival, held annually in Ridgewood, celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2025. The four-day festival, which took place from September 4-7, featured carnival-style rides, games, vendors, and food stalls, attracting thousands of community members to celebrate Italian music, food, entertainment, and culture. Despite facing controversies and criticisms from local residents, the festival persisted, with its organizers emphasizing its cultural significance and economic benefits for local businesses. The festival’s continuation is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting unity and celebration.
Forest Hills Stadium: A Legendary Music Venue
Forest Hills Stadium, located in the heart of Queens, was named the best amphitheater on the East Coast by Billboard in 2025. The stadium, which has been in operation since 1923, has hosted numerous musical legends and icons, including Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and the Beatles. Its Tudor-style architecture and 14,000-capacity seating make it a unique and iconic entity in the music industry. The recognition from Billboard validates the stadium’s mission to bring love and joy to Queens and NYC, and its historical significance in the music industry is a source of pride for the community.
Niederstein’s Restaurant: A Middle Village Landmark
Niederstein’s Restaurant, located in Middle Village, was a sprawling hub for the community before it was demolished in 2005. The restaurant, which had served German cuisine since the Civil War era, underwent several changes in names, owners, and locations throughout its history. From its humble beginnings as Schumacher’s Lager Beer Saloon and Hotel to its final days as Niederstein’s, the restaurant was a staple of the community, serving up to 500 patrons at a time. Although it is no longer in operation, Niederstein’s remains an important part of Middle Village’s history and cultural heritage.
East End Studios: A New Film and Television Hub
East End Studios, a new film and television studio, officially opened its Sunnyside campus in October 2025. The state-of-the-art facility, which spans 350,000 square feet, features four full-service sound stages, production, office, and mill spaces, as well as 225 below-grade parking spaces and eight enclosed loading bays. The studio is expected to create approximately 750 permanent full-time jobs in the borough and is intended to attract jobs in the film and television industry. The opening of East End Studios is a significant development for Queens, cementing its status as a premier destination for film and TV production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for Queens, with various events and developments that showcased the borough’s rich cultural heritage and its growing importance in the arts and entertainment industry. From the Fresh Pond Street Festival to the recognition of Forest Hills Stadium and the opening of East End Studios, Queens has proven itself to be a vibrant and thriving community. As we look ahead to 2026, we can expect even more exciting developments and events that will continue to showcase the borough’s unique character and charm.