For weeks, many Muslim New Yorkers have been fasting from dawn to sunset while focusing on prayer, reflection and charity. The month of Ramadan culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a celebration marked by gatherings, gifts, food and acts of generosity, on March 19 and 20.
For non-Muslims, it can also be an opportunity to learn, show support and celebrate alongside neighbors. As we’ve previously reported in our guide to Ramadan etiquette, small gestures — like being mindful about eating in front of fasting coworkers and wishing someone “Eid Mubarak” — can go a long way.
Another way to show support is by patronizing Muslim-owned businesses. As Documented has reported, shops in Jackson Heights and Jamaica that rely on Ramadan for a seasonal boost have seen far less foot traffic this year. Owners cite icy weather and fears of stepped-up ICE enforcement.
Here are some ways to celebrate Eid in New York while supporting Muslim-owned businesses and neighbors as Ramadan comes to a close.
QUEENS
Enjoy a community Eid festival and market in Astoria
NYC Eid Festival and Market
When: Saturday, March 21, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Steinway Street, Astoria
Cost: $15 for entry and one raffle ticket; extra raffle tickets are $8 each
Ticket sales have been extended for an Eid festival hosted by Malikah, a Queens-based anti-violence organization. Originally planned as a Ramadan night market, the event will feature:
- Halal food vendors
- Cultural performances and music
- Modest fashion and handmade goods
- Gifts and small-business vendors
The founder of Malikah and of the annual Eid market, Rana Abdelhamid, told Epicenter NYC last year that the festival was especially meaningful at a time when many community members feared Islamophobia, xenophobia, racism and immigration policy — concerns that remain present this Ramadan season.
“It feels like this is their street because it is like it’s the one place that we can fully claim in the midst of all this insecurity,” Abdelhamid said.
Learn more and order tickets here.
The festival is designed as both a celebration and a community fundraiser. Malikah is raising money to build what organizers say would be western Queens’ first shelter specifically for Muslim women.
How to further support:
You can donate to the project at bit.ly/malikahshelter.
Malikah is also organizing its fifth annual Ramadan grocery distribution to provide food bags for low-income Muslim women in Queens.
Donations can be sent via Venmo (@WEAREMALIKAH) or Zelle (movement@malikah.org) with “Ramadan bags” in the memo.
Attend an Eid party with local musicians
Several overnight Eid parties across Queens will feature Bollywood DJs and even artists from the Epicenter network:
- The neon Eid party
Who: Headlined by DJ Dharak and musician Anik Khan (ONEK)
When: March 20, 10 p.m.
Where: The Palace at 63-01 Roosevelt Ave.
Cost: $20 for a limited number of discount tickets; $39.19 for general admission.
More: Headliner Khan was recently honored alongside other artists at an Iftar event co-hosted by Epicenter NYC. His recent performance in a short film, “fuk For Unseen Kids,” speaks directly to the insecurity Abdelhamid alludes to — and the need to be yourself with your community.
Who: Headlined by Muza, Two Sisterz and Farroque Bhai Project
When: March 20, 10 p.m.
Where: South Beach of NY, Olympia Bar & Lounge at 23-44 Steinway St.
Cost: $23.18 for early-bird tickets; $33.85 for general admission. $215.26 for a table for 4, $321.96 for a table for 6; $428.67 for a table for 8.
BROOKLYN
Support Ramadan mutual aid
One of the core values of Ramadan is charity, known as zakat and sadaqah. Beyond Malikah, many local organizations focus on financial support and food distribution for vulnerable communities throughout the month.
Based in Brooklyn but serving the whole city, Asiyah Women’s Center, NYC’s first emergency shelter for Muslim, BIPOC and refugee women and children, is one of them. This Ramadan, the center has been assembling grocery boxes for domestic violence survivors, single mothers, undocumented New Yorkers facing deportation, among others.
How to help:
You can donate items from the shelter’s wish list or sign up to volunteer this Ramadan. Volunteers and donations are accepted year-round.
MANHATTAN
Bring your kids to celebrate at a children’s museum
Eid al-Fitr celebration at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
When: March 18-20
Families can learn about Eid traditions through crafts and performances. Activities include:
- Watercolor well wishes
What: Children age 5 and older create their own watercolor postcards wishing friends and family a happy Eid al-Fitr.
When: Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Eid moon binoculars craft workshops
What: Children ages 4 and under can take a closer look at the moon and track its phases this Eid al-Fitr by decorating cardboard binoculars with festive colors.
When: Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Celebration and storytime
What: Join a special storytime with children’s author and The Culture Tree founder, Anu Sehgal, who will weave together storytelling, music, dance and art. Then author Zainab Khan will read from her picture book “Noura’s Crescent Moon,” sharing the story of a young girl experiencing the excitement and significance of seeing the moon that begins the holiday, followed by collaborative moon art-making.
When: Friday, March 20 at 2 to 4:30 p.m.
- Moon artmaking
What: Children ages 5 and older create their own collaborative stamped moon art in its different phases and learn about the importance of the moon during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
When: Wednesday, March 18 through Thursday, March 19, 2 to 4:15 p.m.
- Kathak dance performance and workshop
What: All ages can enjoy a special Kathak dance performance by Meha Sedan. Children can then learn simple movements from this classical Indian dance form and understand how storytelling and rhythm come together through dance.
When: Friday, March 20, 3:30 – 4 p.m.
- Henna tattoo making
What: Families and children age 4 and older can enjoy hands-on cultural activities centered on henna tattoo design, led by Sehgal. Learn about this traditional art form and its role in celebrations across South Asia and the Muslim world. Then you’ll have the opportunity to draw your own celebratory design. Sign up required.
When: Friday, March 20, 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., 3:25 to 3:55 p.m. and 4:05 to 4:35 p.m.
LONG ISLAND
Shop for Eid gifts at a bazaar
What: Grand Eid Bazaar hosted by Muslim Foodies
Where: Marquee on Broadway (183 S. Broadway) in Hicksville
When: March 14-15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
This community bazaar brings together more than 30 vendors selling Eid gifts and festive items, including:
- Jewelry and accessories
- Eid decorations
- Gift boxes, packaged food and sweets
- Modest fashion
The first 100 people to arrive each day get a 10% discount to Shaheen, a Pakistani halal neighborhood restaurant, for Iftar that day.
The bazaar is a good option if you want to shop for Eid presents (or gifts for Mother’s Day and other holidays or birthdays around the corner) while supporting Muslim-owned small businesses.
