Forest Hills Stadium made headlines on July 23, 2025, as Phish delivered an unforgettable finale to their two-night run at the iconic venue in Queens, NY. Concluding their residency with a marathon performance, the band thrilled fans with five extended jams—each exceeding 15 minutes—transforming this landmark arena into a haven for improvisational rock and communal celebration.
Unprecedented Energy at Forest Hills Stadium
The anticipation was palpable as Phish took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium for their second sold-out show. With an early start time of 6:30PM and a buzzing crowd filling the bowl-shaped amphitheater, longtime fans and new listeners shared in the unique energy that only this venue can provide.
Phish set the tone immediately, launching into “Free” and “Back on the Train” before flowing seamlessly through setlist favorites. The real magic, however, emerged as five select songs—“Cities,” “Ether Edge,” “Ghost,” “A Wave Of Hope,” and “Ruby Waves”—each became deep, exploratory jams, drawing wild applause as their lengths crossed the 15-minute mark.
Spotlights: The Five Extended Jams
- Cities: Performed with a lyrical nod to the “bright in the daytime,” honoring the show’s early kickoff. This Talking Heads cover kicked off the night’s marathon jamming and set the improvisational tone.
- Ether Edge: The newly beloved track stretched out, showcasing sensitive interplay among the four musicians and cementing its place in their modern repertoire.
- Ghost: This version included teasing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” delighting fans and merging show with New York baseball spirit.
- A Wave Of Hope: Marked by waves of soaring guitar and dynamic shifts, it kept the crowd mesmerized.
- Ruby Waves: Unfurled into an epic ride, blending melody, ambiance, and intensity to a roaring climax.
Setlist Breakdown and Memorable Moments
| Set 1 | Set 2 | Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Punch You in the Eye | Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley |
| Back on the Train | Ghost | Wilson |
| Theme From the Bottom | A Wave of Hope | Rocky Top |
| Cities | What’s the Use? | |
| The Divided Sky | Ruby Waves | |
| Timber (Jerry the Mule) | Backwards Down the Number Line | |
| Ether Edge | Character Zero | |
| The Squirming Coil |
Fans were treated to a few surprises, including Trey Anastasio’s playful on-stage banter, and a cameo from Page McConnell, fresh off pitching at Citi Field earlier in the day. The sound system’s clarity and the stadium’s sightlines ensured both music and atmosphere resonated from front row to furthest seat.
Forest Hills Stadium: The Perfect Setting for Modern Phish
Forest Hills Stadium has always provided a blend of intimacy and grandeur, and this year was no exception. With the venue’s recent updates and renewed community agreements, 13,000 concertgoers were able to bask in both musical brilliance and comfortable amenities all night long.
Quick Venue Facts
- Capacity: 13,000
- Location: 1 Tennis Place, Forest Hills, NY
- Known for: Premier acoustics, historical concerts, convenient access to restaurants and shops
Community Response and Looking Ahead
The outpouring of buzz on social media—whether on YouTube, X or Reddit—captures how this finale further solidified Forest Hills Stadium’s reputation as a bucket-list stop for music fans. For Phish devotees, the combination of deep jams and summer air already has many looking forward to potential returns in the seasons ahead.
Did you attend the Forest Hills Stadium shows or catch the livestream? Share your highlights or thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going!