The best three weeks of summer just kicked off in our own backyard. US Open Fan Week runs Sunday, August 23 through Saturday, August 29 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows — and it's packed with free, family-friendly ways to soak up tournament energy before the main event even begins.

We stopped by Billie Jean King Tennis Center ourselves this week, and between the buzz on the grounds, the qualifying matches, and the kid-focused programming, it's an easy, memorable outing for Northeast Queens families.

What's Happening This Year

Fan Week kicked off with Arthur Ashe Kids' Day on Sunday, August 23 — the largest grassroots tennis event in the world and a celebration of 1968 US Open champion Arthur Ashe's legacy. This year's programming ran an extended schedule, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and included:

• On-court tennis clinics, drills, and contests for all ages and skill levels
• Face-painting, temporary tattoos, hair-braiding, and balloon artists
• Storytelling and roving entertainers for the littlest fans
• A stadium show in Arthur Ashe Stadium featuring the Savannah Bananas
• Chances to watch pros warm up on the practice courts, just steps away

For the rest of the week, Fan Week continues with the US Open Qualifying Tournament and Mixed Doubles Championship Qualifying matches, both free to watch on August 24th only (The rest of the qualifying matches will require a separate ticket), plus sponsor booths, giveaways, and the Arthur Ashe Fan Week experience running grounds-wide through Saturday.

• Family Festival Activities continue all week! Face Painting, Airbrush Tattoos and Roving Entertainers all day long!
• Enjoy Heineken Happy Hour in Fountain plaza every day from 5PM-7PM
• A plethora of interactive performances on the mainstage:
  • Tuesday: Double Dutch, Steppaz in Command, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
  • Wednesday: Irish Dance Fusion, Queensboro AAPI Medley, Somos Latin Dance
  • Thursday: Scuff line dancing, Magic with Nicole Cardoza, Drag Queen Family Storytime
  • Friday: Fan Feud and Media Day!
• Featured Player Practices are Free to View
• The Qualifying championship matches and special showcases will be going on - you’ll need a separate ticket for those. Prices range from $50-$800 depending on the event and the demand
• Don’t miss the US Open Block Party Come down to the Fountain Plaza for a dynamic, festival-style celebration and an unforgettable evening of good music and fun on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. DJ D-Nice returns once again with opener Natasha Diggs to spin the tunes and bring the party vibes.

A Note on the Fan Access Pass

Grounds admission during Fan Week requires a free Fan Access Pass, registered through the US Open app. Heads up, though: registration for this year's pass has already closed due to high demand, and there's no waitlist. If you didn't register in advance, entry to remaining Fan Week days is first-come, first-served as capacity allows — so it's worth checking the US Open app for same-day updates before you make the trip. Kids under 18 are covered under an adult's registered pass, no separate pass needed.

Getting There

The tennis center is easiest to reach by subway: take the 7 train to Mets–Willets Point, then follow signs across the Flushing Meadows pedestrian bridge — about a 7-minute walk to the grounds. The LIRR also stops at Mets–Willets Point from Woodside and Penn Station. Driving in? Use Grand Central Parkway Exit 9E for the most direct route to event parking, which is paid ($40) and can fill up fast — budget extra time, or consider transit instead.

Make a Day of It

Since you're already in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, it's easy to turn Fan Week into a bigger outing:

• New York Hall of Science and the Queens Zoo are both a short walk away for a post-tennis stop. Note: NYSC parking will be unavailable for the duration of the tournament.
• Queens Botanical Garden offers a quieter, shadier break if the crowds (or the heat) get to be a lot
• Pack water and sun protection — much of the grounds experience is outdoors with limited shade

Bottom Line

During the tournament proper, admission to Tennis Center grounds is $225, so Fan Week is the most accessible way for Northeast Queens families to experience the energy of the US Open up close — for free. With qualifying matches running through Saturday, there's still time to catch some of the action before Fan Week wraps.

Have you been to Fan Week this year or are you planning on going? Tag us in your photos — we'd love to feature your family's US Open moment!