Queens International Night Market Returns To NY Hall Of Science

CORONA, QUEENS - The Queens International Night Market kicked off its third season on Saturday, April 22, sharing its debut this year with Earth Day. Held behind the New York Hall of Science in Corona, the market saw large crowds queuing to partake in a wide range of international fare, from cricket tamales — yes, you read that correctly — to Chinese sugar paintings.

Convening 6 p.m. to midnight every Saturday through Aug. 19, and then again from Sept. 30 to Oct. 28, the market’s first two openings require tickets, purchasable online for $5, with free entry beginning May 6. A foodie favorite, the event features menus from 45 different food vendors.

Taste the keema palata from Burmese Bites or Sweet Zahra’s Persian love cake. Snack on takoyaki (octopus balls) from Karl’s Balls, or try the “Ramly” burger from Malaysian Project, wrapped in an omelet and drizzled with spicy mayo. (For more commute updates and other news for your NYC neighborhood, click here to sign up for Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts.)

The event also features a number of non-food vendors, such as Etsy retailer Unicorn of Doom, Queens Thread, Dovecote Collective and the Corona Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Vendor applications are still available, and the market is also accepting applications for musicians and performers.

The purpose of the event, according to founder John Wang, is to approximate the experience of a traveler. As reported earlier this year, half of the international night market’s proceeds will go toward local charities: the New York Immigration Coalition, the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund and the Alliance for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Photo credit: Kyle C. Wong