Senator James Sanders Jr. thanks performers, sponsors, volunteers, NYPD, media partners and the community for making Queens Carnival 2026 Phenomenal.

FAR ROCKAWAY, NY — August 30, 2026 — By all indications, the 2026 Queens Caribbean Carnival was a resounding success. Senator James Sanders Jr., Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, Council Woman Selvena Brooks-Powers & RDRC's President, Kevin Alexander collaborated with the Queens  Carnival Committee and they did it again. The big highlight of the day was, bar none, the food, the people and the atmosphere, as Far Rockaway came alive Saturday with the sights, sounds, flavors and energy of Caribbean culture.

The sun was out and a steady breeze kept the day comfortable from early morning, when revelers, the float and DJs descended on Beach Channel Drive to prepare for the parade. What began as a gathering of participants continued to swell along the route as residents and spectators joined the celebration, marching together toward the park, where vendors, community-based organizations, activities and the main stage awaited them.

“The energy was incredible,” said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. “Everywhere you looked, there were people dancing, eating, laughing, enjoying the music and celebrating together. That is what Queens Carnival is supposed to be about. We brought different cultures, generations and communities together, and Far Rockaway showed us once again what community looks like.”

This event could not have happened without the hard work of the Carnival Committee, Staff, Volunteers & our generous Sponsors;

Queens Caribbean Carnival Sponsors included

1. National Grid
2. Resorts World Casino
3. Gotham Health
4. Episcopal Health Services
5. PSEG Long Island (PSEG LI)
6. JetBlue
7. Addabbo Family Health Services
8. REMA 4 US
9. Prestige
10. Soundchat Radio
11. New York Career Training School
12. L&M Development Partners
13. The Community Builders
14. 149th Street, Ozone Park Committee
15. King of Kings Foundation
16. Queen Royal Priest Hood, Inc.
17. Braata Productions
18. QPTV
19. Black Spectrum Theatre
20. NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
21. UBIZ
22. 100 Suits

Performers Deliver Electrifying Show

The entertainment lineup proved to be another major highlight of the day, with the billed artists showing up and delivering electrifying performances for the Carnival crowd.

The stage featured Iwer George, Mr. Easy, Anika Berry, Lady Sparkle, the Mau Mau Brothers and Ricochae, Stilts on Fire, Brawta, Production, along with the other performers and entertainers who kept the celebration going throughout the day.

“Every artist brought something special to the stage,” Sanders said. “From our emerging and community performers to our internationally recognized artists, they gave the audience a show worthy of Queens Carnival.”

A Community Effort

“A Carnival doesn't happen because one person decides to throw a parade,” Sanders said. “It takes months of planning, meetings, telephone calls, permits, logistics, fundraising, outreach and people willing to work tirelessly behind the scenes. I want to congratulate our Carnival Committee & Staff and thank every sponsor, partner, and volunteer who worked assiduously to make Queens Carnival 2026 happen.”

Lisa George, the Carnival Committee Chairperson said "I am incredibly proud and grateful for the tremendous turnout and positive spirit that made this year's Queens Carnival such a success. On behalf of the Carnival Committee, thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and celebrated with us, and I look forward to building an even bigger and better event together next year. If you thought this year's festivities were amazing, get ready because next year we plan to take the Queens Carnival to another level."

Special appreciation is extended to the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau and other NYPD units of the 101 Precinct that supported the event. They ensured that our parade route was safely secured and that our revelers and visitors were protected throughout the march and at our various locations during the day. Public safety is essential to an event like this, and we appreciate their partnership.”

Above all, Senator Sanders thanked the residents of Far Rockaway, Southeast Queens and the wider New York community who came out to participate.

Planning is already beginning for the ninth staging of Queens Carnival.

“Queens Carnival 2026 may have just ended, but we're already looking toward 2027,” Sanders said. “We learned from this year's Carnival, we saw what worked, and now our challenge is to make the ninth staging even bigger and better. 

Businesses, nonprofit organizations, community groups, performers and individuals interested in participating in Queens Carnival 2027 are encouraged to begin making plans now.

To inquire about Queens Carnival 2027, call 718-523-3069.

“Whether you want to sell, sample, table, sponsor, march, volunteer, perform or put a float on the road, we want to hear from you,” Sanders said. “Queens Carnival belongs to the community, and we're inviting everyone to help us make 2027 unforgettable.”