Forest Hills Stadium is one of the greatest places in New York City to see live music, and it's easily accessible by the E/F/M/R trains and the Long Island Rail Road (which you can now also catch from Grand Central Madison).
The open-air venue, now over 100 years old, has a fascinating history filled with highs, lows, and legendary lineups. They’ve hosted iconic acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, hometown boys Simon & Garfunkel, and even Richie Tenenbaum. Not bad for a stadium that was originally built to host the U.S. Open back in the 1920s, and you'll see its history all over when you visit.
Before we get to the present day offerings, let's take a look back:
The 13,000-capacity stadium has been revived in recent years, and consistently delivers on solid lineups during the warmer weather months in the city.
You won’t just be welcomed by the music, though. The unique stadium is also home to a number of food vendors, complimenting the great spots you can hit up around Forest Hills before the show — definitely take a stroll along Austin Street before heading in. It also offers a relaxing space for a pre-show hang along the sprawling grass tennis court concourse.
THE FOOD
The stadium has plenty of food and drink options on site, but also encourage attendees to visit local establishments; here's their list of nearby spots to check out. For what you'll find on the stadium grounds, keep scrolling.
MIGHTY QUINN BBQ
Pulled Pork Sandwich | 16.00
comes w/ pickled veggies, and 4 oz cole slaw
Burnt End Sandwich | 17.50
comes w/ pickled veggies, and 4 oz cole slaw
Dirty Fries | 15.50
comes smothered in burnt ends, spicy sauce, onions, and scallions
Mac Fritters | 10.00
6 fried mac and cheese balls. Served with Tangy BBQ sauce
Cornbread - $4.00
Fries | 6.50
NICK’S BISTRO
Loaded Lamb Gyro Sandwich | 15.00
Sliced Lamb Gyro, Lettuce, Tomato, Tzatziki, French Fries, Served On Pita Bread
Loaded Chicken Gyro Sandwich | 15.00
Sliced Chicken Gyro, Lettuce, Tomato, Tzatziki, French Fries Served On Pita Bread
Loaded Vegan Gyro Sandwich | 15.00
Sliced Vegan Gyro, Lettuce, Tomato, Hummus, French Fries Served On Pita Bread *Vegan*
Baklava | 5.00
NICKS BISTRO CART
Filet Mignon Spring Rolls | 16.00
Florentine Spring Rolls | 13.00
Spinach & Feta Stuffed Spring Rolls Served With A Pesto Aioli
Baklava | 5.00
STACKED SANDWICH SHOP
Stacked Vegan Sandwich | 16.00
Salami, Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Mortadella, Provolone, American Cheese, LTO, Sweet Peppers, Spicy Peppers, Oil and Vinegar
Stacked Cheesesteak | 16.00
Thinly Sliced Top Round Beef, Sauteed Onions, Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pastrami | 16.00
Pastrami, Swiss, Coleslaw, Tomato, Onion, Russian Dressing and Spicy Mustard
NORBERTOS EMPANADAS
Beef Empanada | 6.00
Cheese Empanada | 6.00
Chicken Empanada | 6.00
Chorizo Empanada | 6.00
Dessert Empanada | 6.00
PRETZEL FACTORY CART
Pretzel | 5.00
Pretzel Bites | 7.00
LA NEWYORKINA CART
Creamy Paleta | 5.50
Fruity Paleta | 4.50
BULLDOG BURGERS
Cheeseburger | 12.00
Fresh Ground Beef Burger | 11.00
Cheese Fries | 11.00
Sliced Watermelon | 6.00
BULLDOG BURGER CART
Milk Shake | 10.00
Foot Long Hot Dog | 8.00
PANCHO’S TACOS
Chicken Quesadilla | 13.00
Carnitas Tacos | 14.00
Chicken Burrito | 14.00
Fish Tacos | 15.00
Mexican Street Corn | 7.00
DOG PARK
Hot Dog | 6.00
Chopped Cheese Hot Dog | 12.00
Ground Chuck, Onions, American Cheese, Lettuce And Tomato on a Hero Roll
Slaw Dog | 10.50
Mighty Quinn’s Coleslaw, Celery Salt, BBQ Sauce
Swedish Hot Dogs | 11.00
with a Spicy Chutney, Small Axe Centennial Hot Sauce
Vegan Hot Dog | 6.00
TOP SPIN CHICKEN
Chicken Tenders and Fries | 12.00
Spicy Chicken Sandwich | 13.00
Fries | 5.00
THE MUSIC
The stadium grounds are filled with little areas to enjoy a beverage before the show, but don't sleep on the speakeasy suites — these have a bar and lounge inside (which is located under the bleachers) and a "front porch" where you'll have a great view of the show.
Here’s the lineup for 2024 (with more shows to be announced):
GETTING THERE
Forest Hills Stadium is easy to reach with mass transit. Just take the E/M/F/R trains to Forest Hills-71 Av, which is less than a 10-minute walk to the stadium. Or take the LIRR to Forest Hills, which will deliver you right to the stadium's entrance at 1 Tennis Place. As always, check mta.info or the TrainTime app for any service changes before heading out.
Subway
Ronkonkoma
Babylon
Long Beach
Hempstead
Take the subway or the LIRR to Forest Hills and be within walking distance of the stadium
This guide was updated in May 2024.
