✨ This week in Astoria: August 3rd - August 9th


ASTORIA LIVE | AUGUST 3rd, 2026

Good afternoon, Astoria!

If you've ever wanted to watch knights battle with real steel weapons, make a ceramic snack plate, or catch a free outdoor dance performance - all in the same week - you live in the right neighborhood. Here's what's happening around Astoria.

Local Gossip:

  • Goodbye Matrix Fitness, hello PureGym. Gym goers were greeted with a PureGym sign last week. Don't forget, you heard the news from us first!
  • A free Repair Café is coming to Astoria this September. The Queens Collaborative is launching a monthly Repair Café, where skilled volunteers will help fix broken household items while you wait. More details (and free sign-ups) are coming soon.
  • Gift Box on Broadway is reopening. Owner Anya is relaunching the shop with a focus on local artists, handmade goods, and eventually community workshops, classes, and even cat adoption events.
  • Apartments are officially coming to the former Walgreens site at 47th Street and Broadway. Construction signage confirms a mixed-use development with a projected completion date of Fall 2027.
  • Elevenses appears to have closed. Paper now covers the windows of the beloved bakery, known for its creative pastries.
  • Acento has also officially closed. The restaurant announced its closure on Instagram last week.
  • The N train ranks among NYC's least reliable subway lines. New MTA data confirms what many Astorians already suspected.
  • Off 30th Coffee has opened. The new café has moved into the former Infinitea space.
  • The Burger King near the highway is closed. While many assumed the closure was related to the property's pending sale, Department of Health signage suggests there may be another reason.
  • TrashTalkNYC is adding more flowers around Astoria. The neighborhood beautification group has been planting flowers throughout the community.

Cheers,
Angelina & Stacey

Featured Small Business

Astoria-Made & Oven-Ready!

Local Astoria brand Oh So Easy makes baking better with chef-created, globally inspired mixes that put a unique spin on classic desserts. Skip the basic brownie mix and try something a little more exciting — like their Miso Caramel Brownie Mix with the perfect sweet-and-salty balance.

Save 25% off all products through August 5 and support a local Queens business while treating yourself.

This week in Astoria

August 3rd - August 9th

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Monday, August 3, 2026

the Monday Pita Project
3pm, Ovelia, @oveliapsistaria
The Monday Pita Project is Ovelia's weekly celebration of handmade Greek pita—featuring exclusive Monday-only sandwiches, shareable plates, and a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. It's the perfect excuse to look forward to Mondays.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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.

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 5, 2026

Community Cocktail Hour
6pm, Chateau Le Woof, @chateaulewoof
Please join Vernon Blvd Neighbors & Socrates Sculpture Park Ambassadors Natassa Contini and Shivani Dhir, along with Socrates Deputy Director Jonathan Gardenhire, for a cocktail hour and informal conversation about the campaign to bring Outdoor Cinema back to Socrates. Learn more about the campaign, connect with neighbors and friends of the Park, and discover how community support can help make free outdoor films possible again.

Summer Skincare: Mask Making Workshop
6:30pm, More Today Skincare & Wellness Studio, @moretodayskincare
Join us for a mask making workshop led by licensed estheticians at More Today Skincare! Learn about the ingredients found in your daily skincare routine. $50 per person - all materials & light snacks included

Ariana Grande Karaoke Night!
7:30pm, Pig Beach BBQ, @nexus.trivia
Join us for a night of Ariana Grande karaoke! Celebrate her new album with fresh and classic hits! Free to attend, RSVP using the link

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training
6pm, Astoria Park Pool Deck
A FREE workout class at Astoria Park! Mobilize and restore your body’s movement capacity with this evenly-paced class designed for beginners and those who prefer a low level of intensity.

Shape Up NYC: Zumba
6pm, Queens Public Library at Broadway
Led by Shape Up instructor Alejandra, this Zumba class incorporates a fusion of Latin, international and popular music dance styles, creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system!

Friday, August 7, 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.

August Crafting Social
6pm, Sacred Space Astoria, sacredspace_astoria
Join Kim and Tenneille for an evening of bright ideas, colorful supplies, and creative connection as our cozy studio turns into a playful crafting oasis. Whether you are a seasoned maker or just testing the creative waters, this night is designed to help you get comfortable with creating. $15 to cover supplies.

Snack Plate
7pm, Mostly Good Studios, @mostlygoodstudios
Make a Snack Plate at Mostly Good Studios! Experiment with clay slabs to craft a plate perfectly curated to your snacking desires!


Saturday, August 8, 2026

Let Me Eat Cake - Queens Queer hang
1pm, Wen in NY
Queer hang out to meet new friends or more. The event is free but please support local business by buying drinks/food from Wen in NY

Bohemian Battles V | Medieval Steel Combat in Astoria NYC
3pm, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, @bohemianbeergarden
Watch armored fighters face off in full-contact medieval combat using real steel weapons in one of Astoria’s most unique live events. Hosted by Sentinels NYC, Bohemian Battles delivers an afternoon of intense action, historical martial arts, and unforgettable entertainment.

Chase Shanahan and Friends
5pm, QED, @shahanagans
Stand up comedy show featuring Dan Yang, Jenna Sherriton, and hosted by Chase Shanahan. $10

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.

Queensboro Dance Festival Dance Classes and Performances
5pm, Socrates Sculpture Park, @socratespark (rain date on August 9)
Queensboro Dance Festival (QDF) is back at Socrates this summer as part of their annual tour across the borough! The festival features performances by a diverse line-up of Queens dance companies, plus family-friendly dance workshops before and after the show to learn dances from various Queens cultures. More details at www.queensborodancefestival.org.

Sunset Yoga at 31OS
6:30pm, 31 Ave Open Streets, @giselluna
We started this series in Astoria Park, and I'm excited to bring Sunset Power Yoga to 31st Ave Open Streets this summer! Please RSVP so we can plan headcount.

Sunday, August 9, 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.

Astoria Farmers Market
12:30pm, 31st Ave Open Street, @AstoriaFarmersMarket
What's new for Astoria Farmers Market on August 9 - Fantzye Bagels Popup, Astoria Cutlery knife sharpening, 2 more chances to catch Kurrabee Art, Indigenous produce from FarmerJawn Philly, Deep Mountain Maple syrup, Spare Arts Supply thrift, and our usual roster of incredible vendors!

Meet the Bees Hive Tour
1pm, Sky Farm LIC by Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, @AstorApiaries
Join us and learn about honey bees in one of the most unique ways, through the hands­-on experience of an active, buzzing beehive! We will dive into a hive during the tour and show you what we look for when caring for our hives, as well as some of the more interesting sights, like honeycomb, baby bees, and the queen bee.

Gluten Free Baked Goods Popup
1pm, Incasa Decor ( 31-88 37th St, Astoria, NY), @sweettonesnyc
A nostalgic menu of cinnamon rolls, poptarts, cosmic brownies, soft mall-style pretzels and chocolate chip cookies—all gluten free! Popup is between 1-3pm. Pre order is available via hotplate link.

Miss Jay’s Little Artist's: Over the Moon
3pm, The Ditty, @missjailenn
Join Miss Jay with your little artist and their favorite grown-up for Little Artists Over the Moon! This is a small workshop to be enjoyed with your little one. Enjoy a drink and some food with friends while crafting with our little artists.

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.

Movies Under the Stars: Clash of the Titans (1981)
8:30pm, Athens Square Park
Grab a blanket and come enjoy a free movie!

Make sure to confirm all event details with the organizers!

Around the Boroughs

Jackson Heights Insider: Local Events & Community Updates

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.

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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