Good morning, Astoria!
Astoria has a few things worth talking about this week: a new play space is coming to 31st Ave, Kaufman Astoria Studios has a new manager, and the neighborhood is getting some very unexpected attention from The Washington Post. Plus, free kayaking, summer concerts, book swaps, trivia, and more Shakespeare in the park! Scroll to check out all that's happening this week.
Local Gossip:
- Kids Are Fantastic is expanding! A new play space is coming to the long-vacant spot on 31st Ave & 30th St.
- Seaplanes over Astoria? Residents near Broadway & Steinway spotted some unusual aircraft overhead this week.
- Acento is up for auction. 😢
- Kaufman Astoria Studios has a new manager: Shadowbox takes on management of the historic studios
- Wolf’s Lair appears to be no more. The windows are papered up, but the awning now reads “Catch and Cut.”
- LIC tacos are getting some love: El Gallo Negro 3 made Eater’s list of NYC’s best tacos.
- St. John’s Prep is getting screen time: Two productions, “Gordie” and “Myron Bolitar,” are currently filming around the school.
- Count Astoria’s trees! Volunteer with NYC Parks for Trees Count this Thursday at Ralph DeMarco Park and get trained to help census the neighborhood’s greenery. Sign up here
- The “People’s Republic” is getting national attention: The Washington Post takes a look at Astoria’s rise as a democratic socialist stronghold — and King of Falafel is apparently calling itself “DSA headquarters.”
Featured Astorian
Alexandra Spieth is an Astoria-based actor, writer, director, and filmmaker. She has directed two feature films, “Stag” and “I Know Exactly How You Die,” streaming on Amazon Prime, and is currently in pre-production on her third, “O Country.” She also created, wrote, and starred in the independent series “86’d” and “Blank My Life.” Alexandra trained at Carnegie Mellon University and has taught on-camera acting at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. She also offers acting coaching and is grateful to call Astoria home. Find more at www.alexandraspieth.com.
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Cheers,
Angelina & Stacey
This week in Astoria
August 10th - August 16th |
Monday, August 10, 2026
Weekly Classes at 3AM Studio
6pm, 3AM Studio, @_3amstudio_
Join us daily at 3AM Studio in the Cigar Lofts for a variety of beginner and open level circus, dance, and movement classes.
Take 10% off your first class booking with the discount code "FIRST"
Chakra Clearing to Move Forward Workshop
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Release held energy, call your energy back to the present, and clear the chakras through movement and energy work. Part of Sacred Space Astoria’s Summer Retreat Week; $45 to drop in.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Astoria Gay Book Club August Discussion - Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon
6:15pm, Heart of Gold, @astoriagaybookclub
Astoria Gay Book Club has a new home at Heart of Gold! Join us on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 6:15–7:15 PM as we discuss Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon. Our book club is a welcoming space centered on queer and LGBTQ+ men, but all book lovers are welcome. Our monthly gatherings are casual, inclusive, and focused on building community through great conversations.
Sunset Meditation with Mindful Astoria
7pm, Socrates Sculpture Park, @socratespark
Unwind with a free guided sunset meditation featuring mindful breathing, gentle movement, and loving-kindness practices. All experience levels are welcome.
Magic Hour
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Explore and strengthen your intuitive skills through meditation, discussion, and guided intuitive practices.
Part of Sacred Space Astoria’s Summer Retreat Week; $45 to drop in.
Trivia Tuesday
8pm, The Bonnie, @zoehoststrivia @thebonniebar @nyctrivialeague
Trivia is every Tuesday at 8pm at The Bonnie! Free to play and tons of fun. Great food and drinks!
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
80s Throwback Karaoke Night!
7:30pm, Pig Beach BBQ, @nexus.trivia
Join us 80s music lovers for a night of throwback karaoke! Whether you’re ready to grab the mic or just want to sit back and enjoy the nostalgia, it’s all about celebrating the songs that defined a generation.
New Moon Circle
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Welcome Leo Season with grounding practices, journaling, intention-setting, and group reiki. Part of Sacred Space Astoria’s Summer Retreat Week; $45 to drop in.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Opening Reception - Hidden Stories: The Secret Language of Still Life & Floriography
6pm, Culture Lab LIC, @culturelablic
Join us at Culture Lab LIC for the opening of Hidden Stories: The Secret Language of Still Life & Floriography, with a night of food, drink, and live music!
The Office Trivia Night!
7pm, Pig Beach BBQ, @nexus.trivia
Think you know everything about Scranton’s favorite paper company? Put your Office expertise to the test with a night of hilarious questions, friendly competition, and Office-themed cocktails!
Laughter Yoga Workshop
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
What if you could laugh your way to feeling better? Join Tenneille for Laughter Yoga, a playful practice that combines intentional laughter, deep breathing, and gentle movement to help reduce stress, boost your mood, and foster connection. This workshop is part of the Sacred Space Astoria Summer Retreat Week. You can register for the full week of workshops for $175 ($50 savings) or drop into each one for $45 each.
Friday, August 14, 2026
Cannavita Art Gallery Nights
6pm, Cannavita Dispensary, @cannavitadispensary
Every Friday, Cannavita transforms into Astoria’s only weekly art gallery inside a dispensary, featuring a rotating lineup of New York City artists. From paintings and drawings to graffiti-style work, sculpture, and mixed media, each week highlights original pieces from creators across the city.
Summerween Concert
7pm, Medusa Art Studios, @Dragoneventsnyc
A completely free concert of spooky tunes by local artists to promote our new monthly Live Action Role Play horror event launching August 31st!
Sound Bath
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Relax and reset with soothing sounds and vibrations designed to promote deep calm and relaxation. Part of Sacred Space Astoria’s Summer Retreat Week; $45 to drop in.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
FREE kayaking at Hallets Cove
12pm, Hallets Cove Beach, 3110 Vernon Blvd, Astoria, NY, @liccboathouse
Paddlers of all ages are welcome! Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No registration required to kayak.
Queens Cook Club: Issue No. 13
3pm, Heart of Gold, @queenscookclub / @butterboybakingco
This month we’re reading Extra Sauce by @zahra.rae, a memoir filled with recipes, memories, and reflections on how food shaped her life. We’re adding a little twist so we can also learn about what memories you have around food. Bring a dish from the book or one that tells your own story and join us for an afternoon of sharing, eating, and conversation. $3 to rsvp
Queens Cook Club
3pm, Heart of Gold, @queenscookclub
Join us for Queens Cook Club! We will be cooking recipes from Extra Sauce by Zahra Tangorra.
Romance Book Swap Happy Hour for Bookstore Romance Day
4:30pm, The Astoria Bookshop, @astoriabookshop
Celebrate the 8th Annual Bookstore Romance Day with your romance-obsessed friends at The Astoria Bookshop. You'll bring 1-3 romance novel(s) that you've read and are ready to trade; we'll provide bubbly drinks, a sweet treat, & trope stickers for your swap books. Outside on the patio (weather permitting). FREE.
Live in the Lot!
5pm, Culture Lab, @culturelablic
Live in the Lot is Culture Lab's free summer concert series, featuring live music every weekend! Enjoy live music, curated pop-up vendor markets, and a variety of drinks and snacks from the concession stand.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Yoga at Socrates with Astoria Yoga
10am, Socrates Sculpture Park, @socratespark
Socrates is delighted to offer FREE yoga classes of Vinyasa yoga – a series of flowing poses linked to the awareness of breath with instructors from Astoria Yoga (on Sundays). Classes are designed for all experience levels. Please bring a mat or a towel. No RSVP or pre-registration required.
Little Learners: Music & Literacy Class
10:30am, Greats of Craft, @literacysings
This is a family class, designed for children ages 1 - 5. We'll be dancing, singing, and playing our way through an alphabet sound! $30 per child 12 months & older--discount for siblings.
Crafts & Drafts: Little Chefs (kids crafts)
11am, The Greats Of Craft LIC Warehouse, @missjailenn
Join Miss Jay at The Greats of Craft - LIC Warehouse for an afternoon of cooking themed art & sensory play! Join us for a relaxed, open-house style kids craft event - designed for ages 2 and up.
Hip to Hip Theatre Company presents: As You Like It
4:30pm, Socrates Sculpture Park, @socratespark
Free Shakespeare in the park, rain or shine, with a kids’ theatre workshop at 4:30pm followed by the performance at 5pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy this family-friendly production of Shakespeare’s comedy about love, disguise, and identity. Free with RSVP.
Make sue to confirm all event details with the organizers!
Around the Boroughs
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Jackson Heights Insider: Local Events & Community Updates
A weekly roundup of the best events, markets, and happenings in and around Jackson Heights. Perfect for neighbors who want to stay in the loop and support local life. |
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About Astoria Live
My goal is to help Astoria residents connect in real life, support local creators and businesses, and celebrate everything that makes this neighborhood special. Thanks for being here!
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