August 24, By Hannah Wulkan
Lincoln Center is bringing a Silent Disco party back to Long Island City for the third year running on Friday.
The free disco, put on at Hunters Point South Park at Center Boulevard and 54th Avenue, will allow guests to break it down on the dance floor, without disturbing the neighbors.
The Lincoln Center Local program, dedicated to bringing cultural events to the outer boroughs, will host two DJs, Freedom Party® NYC and DJ Rimarkable, who will spin tracks on different channels, and dancers can set the wireless headphones provided at the event to whichever channel they choose.
While the event is free and open to the public, headphones are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Last year there were 500 sets of headphones available, but some people waited several hours to get their hands on a pair, as nearly 2,000 people came out to dance.
This year the event is starting an hour earlier than last year to try to cut down on the wait times, with families encouraged to come earlier in the evening. The event will hold a silent family dance from 5:30 to 6 p.m., a dance lesson from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and then the party will officially kick off at 7:30 p.m. and run until 10:00 p.m.
“With the Lincoln Center Local initiative we are bringing world-class entertainment directly to the doorstep of communities within the borough. Not only is this programming fun but it gets our community grooving to the sounds and performances of some of the world’s most premiere artists,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in a statement. “There’s no better way to enjoy your Friday night than by dancing the night away with family and friends while enjoying sweeping views along the East River in Long Island City as the sun sets.”
The event began in Hunters Point two years ago, before Lincoln Center Local expanded the event to all five boroughs last year.
The event is put on by Lincoln Center in partnership with Van Bramer, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski, and New York City Department of Parks Recreation.
Be sure to bring an ID or credit card to borrow headphones, and leave all bags at home, as none are allowed on the dance floor.
