Long Island City is getting a full-campus takeover on Saturday, April 18, when MoMA PS1 throws a free, daylong block party to celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary. The plaza, courtyard and galleries will be packed with curator-led talks, family workshops, local food vendors and DJ sets, all timed to coincide with the opening weekend of Greater New York, PS1’s signature survey of New York artists.
According to MoMA PS1, the Block Party runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features activations by community partners including the Asian American Arts Alliance, Discolocas NYC Fiesta Club, FAD Market, Lady Pink, Queens Night Market and Queensboro Dance Festival. The museum notes that online reservations have ended, with walk-up registration available on the day of the event.
Local coverage points out that the Queens Night Market curated the day’s food vendors, while DJs will be spinning across the site, with Discolocas scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. and St. James Joy from 3 to 6 p.m. As reported by Brooklyn Eagle, organizers are expecting crowds and are urging visitors to show up early for limited-capacity programs.
The block party lands in the middle of a bigger anniversary shift at PS1. The museum scrapped admission fees this year, following a February press release that announced free admission for all visitors through the anniversary period, funded by donor Sonya Yu and framed as a core part of the 50th-anniversary slate. Related programming, including the Greater New York survey and a May gala, is outlined in MoMA materials.
What to expect
The day’s schedule leans heavily into community programming: family workshops range from quilting and mapping “home” to a self-defense class. A mural workshop with graffiti artist Lady Pink requires an advance RSVP, while a screening of Red Canary Song’s Fly in Power will be followed by a panel discussion. Visitors can also browse a makers market on the museum’s second floor, and DJs will hold down the terrace throughout the afternoon. Full program details and timing are listed on the event page from MoMA PS1.
Getting there
MoMA PS1 is located at 22–25 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. The museum recommends taking public transit, specifically the 7, E or M to Court Square, or the G to Court Square or 21 St–Van Alst, and notes that on-site capacity will be tight during peak programming. Visitor information and directions are available in MoMA materials and on the museum’s calendar.
The block party is free and open to all ages, with walk-up registration for general activities and limited RSVP spots for specific workshops and screenings. For the latest on RSVP availability and market details, visitors are directed to the listing on Eventbrite or the museum’s calendar.
