Astoria, Queens, NY — This winter, New Yorkers and visitors from across the country will once again come together to dance, sing, and celebrate cultures from across the Balkans and beyond during the 40th Annual Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, taking place January 16-17, 2026, at The Marquee Astoria, formerly Astoria World Manor (25-22 Astoria Blvd, Astoria, NY), in Queens.

“As we mark the festival’s 40th anniversary, it’s wonderful to see what Golden Festival has become,” said Michael Ginsburg, the Festival’s Program Director and leader of the sponsoring band, Zlatne Uste. “Whatever’s going on in the world, thousands of people come together in the middle of winter sharing love for music and dance and respect for a remarkable range of cultures. Every year we walk away energized by the joy the festival inspires, and today it feels more important than ever.”

Golden Fest returns to The Marquee Astoria (formerly Astoria World Manor) in the heart of Queens’ historic Greek neighborhood, one of the most diverse places on Earth. The celebration kicks off on Friday with a dance workshop led by expert instructors followed by a full evening of live music. On Saturday, festival-goers can explore four stages of continuous music. In addition to the live music, both nights will feature complimentary Balkan appetizers, Charshiya Artisan Market for handmade crafts, and the signature convivial energy that has made Golden Fest a New York favorite for 40 years. Over the course of those two nights, people connect and community thrives in a celebration that shows New York City at its best.

Inspired by the rhythms and cultures of the Balkans and beyond, Golden Fest remains one of the country’s most wide-ranging and inclusive world music festivals. Each year features a diverse line-up of +50 bands and vocal groups spanning genres and traditions, including Klezmer, Middle Eastern, Ukrainian, Scandinavian, and more. Past lineups have included Slavic Soul Party, Novi Hitovi, Ukrainian Village Voices, Merita Halili & Raif Hyseni, Michael Winograd, Efendi, West Philadelphia Orchestra, Chris Tiktapanidis, and many more. The 2026 lineup is available at www.goldenfest.org.

Over the years, the festival’s unique contribution to New York’s cultural scene has won wide recognition. “At 40, the Zlatne Uste Golden Festival may be entering middle age, but it still has the wide-eyed wonder of a child and the energy of a boisterous teenager. With a lineup of great Balkan and other traditional styles of music and dance, as well as food and drink, this is more than a festival – it’s a communal hang, a multi-cultural circus, and a rollicking good time,” according to John Schaeffer, host of WNYC radio’s Soundcheck and New Sounds.

“It’s about being part of something larger than yourself – even if that is just some basic steps and holding hands in a circle of hundred of others,” said David Byrne in his online magazine Reasons to be Cheerful. A celebrated singer, songwriter, writer, and producer, Byrne is perhaps best known as frontman for the influential New Wave band Talking Heads.

Golden Festival remains committed to keeping the event welcoming and affordable for newcomers and younger audiences. The popular “$30 Under 30” ticket returns for Friday, January 16, encouraging first-time attendees and emerging members of the Balkan and global music communities to join the celebration. Children 12 and under always attend for free.

Where: The Marquee Astoria, 25-22 Astoria Blvd, Queens, NY

When: Friday, January 16, 2026 – 7:00pm – 12:30am
Saturday, January 17, 2026 – 5:30pm – 2:00am

Tickets:
● General Admission: $50 on Friday; $79 on Saturday
● Young Adult (Under 30): $30 on Friday;

Further event details and ticket information can be found at www.goldenfest.org.