The office of New York State Senator James Sanders Jr., the Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation and other community partners gathered to celebrate the launch of a community pop-up and the countdown to the Queens Carnival 2026 at the end of the August on Friday, July 31, at Beach 21st Street Plaza, located at 10-47 Beach 21st Street in Far Rockaway. The pop-up showcases the borough’s rich culture, music, food, art, costumes and community partnerships that have contributed to the Queens Carnival growing into one of the most unique cultural celebrations in New York City. This pop-up is meant to act as a preview to the Queens Carnival 2026, which is set to launch on Saturday, Aug. 29, at DredSurfer Grill, located at 16-27 Seagirt Ave. in Far Rockaway. Today, we’re just out here to celebrate the Caribbean culture and let everybody know Rockaway has a carnival for all of Queens.” A signature cultural celebration in southeast Queens, the annual Queens Carnival brings together thousands of community members from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Caribbean heritage and promote tourism, small business development, community unity and economic opportunity.