✨ This week in Astoria: July is 20th - 26th


ASTORIA LIVE | JULY 20th, 2026

Hello Astoria!

Well... this week was smoky.

Canadian wildfire smoke sent Astoria's air quality soaring above 200 and turned the sun an apocalyptic shade of red. It truly felt like we were all living inside the "This Is Fine" meme... Thankfully, there's plenty happening around the neighborhood to distract us from doomscrolling the weather app. Here's everything you need to know this week in Astoria.

Local Gossip:

  • Allegedly, Ferox Ninja Park is expanding. Rumor has it that a second Astoria location is opening a few doors down from Stuart Cinema.
  • Michelin rumors are swirling. AbuQir Egyptian Seafood has been added to the Michelin Guide's latest watchlist, fueling hopes Astoria could earn its first Michelin star.
  • Is To Laiko closed? The restaurant's windows have been papered over, and neighbors are speculating it may have quietly shuttered.
  • Tikkun BBQ has a new date. The free BBQ, wrestling, and movie night at 31st Ave Open Street has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 25.
  • Missing: One sneaker. Someone is searching for a lone navy size 37 sneaker lost between Ditmars and Steinway.
  • Rabid raccoons found near Astoria Park. NYC Health confirmed three rabid raccoons have been found nearby over the past month—keep pets away from wildlife and report animals acting strangely.
  • A hawk is stealing the spotlight. A massive hawk has been spotted hanging around the Astoria Park track. New running coach?
  • Need to save on groceries? An Astorian built a free website comparing weekly grocery circulars from more than 15 neighborhood supermarkets.
  • Unlimited Body NY is hiring. The Astoria studio is looking for a part-time Pilates Reformer instructor. Interested? Email them at unlimitedbodyny@gmail.com
  • Have you seen this van? A white Chevy Express work van disappeared from 37th Street near Broadway and may have been stolen.
  • Silvercup is getting webbed up. Giant spiderwebs have appeared on the studio's iconic sign to promote the new Spider-Man movie.
  • Ted the teddy bear is waiting. A stuffed bear found at Astoria Heights Playground is hoping to be reunited with its owner.
  • Cyclist strikes pedestrian on 20th Ave. A neighbor says a cyclist hit a jogger before riding away, prompting renewed conversations about street safety.

Cheers,
Angelina & Stacey

This week in Astoria

July 20th - July 27th

Want to include an event in the next newsletter? Submit it here!

Monday, July 20, 2026

Make Your Mark! Abstract Paint n' Sip with Alice Lipping Art Studio
7pm, Fifth Hammer Brewing Co., @alipp_paintnsipp
A showcase of experimental improv concepts featuring The Secondhand Movie, Looper, and The Zany Bats.

The Great Improv Experiment
7pm, Grove34, @grove34nyc
A showcase of experimental improv concepts featuring The Secondhand Movie, Looper, and The Zany Bats.

Drawing from a Distance
7:30pm, Virtually via The Noguchi Museum, @noguchimuseum
Join this free online guided drawing session inspired by Isamu Noguchi's work—no experience necessary.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

WellBeing Retreat w/ Cassie & Lyssa at Side-B, Astoria
Side-B Astoria, @shop.side.b
A pay-what-you-can retreat featuring yoga, breathwork, tarot, journaling, and more.

Astoria Board Game Club Meetup
6:30pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @qedastoria
Bring your favorite board game or jump into one at this casual community game night.

Live at the Gantries: Insun Park & Generals
7pm, Gantry State Park, @kupferbergcenter
Enjoy a free waterfront concert blending Korean traditional music with contemporary rock.

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.

Drink + Draw with a Live Model
7:30pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @qedastoria
Want to brush up your artistic skills and hang with a community of fellow artists? Q.E.D. has got you covered! This social drawing event focuses on figure drawing from a live model.

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, July 22, 2026

Magic Hour
6:30pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Develop your intuition through meditation, energy work, and guided practice.

Sunset Yoga in the Park
6:30pm, Astoria Park Pool Deck, @giselluna
We’re so excited to continue this series in July! Join us each Wednesday evening for a power yoga session at the Astoria Park Pool Deck. Just bring your mat, water, and a sweat towel. RSVP to save your spot! Free, or pay what you can.

Music Lovers Speed Dating
6:30pm, Oliver's Astoria, @oliversastoria
Meet fellow music lovers over drinks before heading into karaoke.

ONE NIGHT ONLY Advance Screening
7pm, UA Kaufman Astoria, @provenagencyco and @universalpictures
See Universal Pictures' new rom-com before it hits theaters—for free.

The Jest Kidding! Comedy Show
7:30pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @qedastoria
The Jest Kidding! Comedy Show is back at Q.E.D. Astoria for another night of nonstop laughs featuring some of the funniest comics working in New York City today.

Friday the 13th Part II | 45th Anniversary
7:30pm, SingleCut Beersmiths QNS, @zerovisioncinema
Celebrate the horror classic's 45th anniversary with a special screening.

Reiki Hour
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
An open Reiki practice for practitioners of all experience levels.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Adult Book Club
6pm, Queens Public Library at Steinway, Steinway Library Book Club
Join fellow readers for Steinway Library's monthly book discussion.

Changing Lanes Screening & Safer Streets Discussion
6pm, The Museum of Moving Image, @movingimagenyc
Watch a documentary on safer streets followed by a panel discussion with community leaders.

Make Your Mark! Abstract Paint n' Sip with Alice Lipping Art Studio
7pm, Single Cut Beersmiths, @alipp_paintnsipp
Create an abstract painting while enjoying a drink in a relaxed brewery setting.

Waterfront Concert Series: Forever Ray
7:30pm, Astoria Park
Enjoy a free waterfront tribute concert celebrating the music of Ray Charles.

Friday, July 24, 2026

Ignite Joy: Summer Yin + Vinyasa Workshop
6pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
A Yin and Vinyasa yoga workshop inspired by the energy of summer.

Old News: LIVE!
7:30pm, Grove 34, @laurenjarnett
A comedy variety show exploring the headlines of yesterday.

StandUpTown StandUpTown
7:30pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @standup_town
Enjoy an evening of stand-up from top NYC comedians.

Sound Bath
7:45pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Relax and recharge during this immersive sound healing experience.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Mindfulness in the Galleries
10am, The Noguchi Museum, @noguchimuseumStart your weekend with guided meditation before the museum opens.

Summer Spin Series
12pm, Museum of the Moving Image, @movingimagenyc
Spend the afternoon enjoying DJs, music, and community in the museum courtyard.

Garden Party for Disability Pride Month
1pm, Access Oasis Garden, @accessoasis_garden
Celebrate Disability Pride Month with music, crafts, tours, and community resources.

SpeakEasier Language Exchange
3pm, Culture Lab LIC, @culturelablic
Practice a new language while meeting fellow language learners.

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.

*RAIN DATE*: Tikkun BBQ Block Party at 31st Ave Open Streets
3pm, 31st Ave Open Streets, @tikkunbbq
Join us at 31st Ave Open Streets for our free community event series! Featuring live-fire, Queens-style BBQ (free while supplies last!), live bands, DJs, and an outdoor screening of CLUE the movie!

Sunset Power Yoga at 31st Ave Open Streets
6:30pm, 31st Ave Open Streets, @giselluna
Normally held on the Astoria Park Pool deck, we're bringing Power Yoga to 31st Ave Open Streets! Just bring your mat, water, and a sweat towel.

Sunday, July 26, 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.

Make Your Mark! Abstract Paint n' Sip with Alice Lipping Art Studio
3pm, Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, @alipp_paintnsipp
Surrounded by great food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, you'll be guided through an expressive abstract painting experience that's perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike

Relationsh*t!
5pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @qedastoria
Hosted by Lynn Bixenspan and Morgan Pielli, Relationshit features a mix of stories about all kinds of relationships and good old-fashioned new-fangled advice from REAL-LIFE THERAPISTS ONSTAGE.

Maddie McClouskey and Brandon James Gwinn are Unsupervised Yet Again at Singlecut Tap Room, Queens!
6pm, Singlecut Tap Room Queens, @singlecutqns
Award-winning piano bar performers from the world-famous Marie’s Crisis ditch their night jobs for a night of ‘90s and Y2K throwbacks played on a baby grand. No tickets, no cover, no minimum. Just bring a friend, grab a drink or a bite, and reminisce with the unsupervised millennials at the brewery

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!

See you around the neighborhood!

If you liked this newsletter, tell your friends to subscribe :)

Some links may be affiliate links, which help support Astoria Live at no extra cost to you.

Astoria Live, Astoria, NY 11103
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Astoria Live

Astoria Live is your weekly guide to what’s happening in Astoria, Queens — from live music and comedy shows to pop-ups, classes, and community events. Sign up for the newsletter to discover local gems and connect with your neighbors every week.

Read more from Astoria Live

ASTORIA LIVE | JULY 13th, 2026 Hello Astoria! No need to scroll a dozen Instagram accounts — we did it for you. This week's roundup includes fresh bread, waterfront concerts, punk shows, and even a little hawk drama... only in Astoria. Here's everything happening around the neighborhood this week. Local Gossip: Did you know that there is a NYC Dog Mayoral race, spearheaded by an Astoria resident? The first matchup of the pawmaries kicks off on Wednesday, July 22nd. Follow the canine-dates...

ASTORIA LIVE | JULY 6th, 2026 Good morning Astoria! Hope you had a chance to soak up the holiday weekend — whether you caught the fireworks, spotted the Tall Ships, or simply enjoyed some time outside. Now it's time to look ahead, and this week's lineup is full of free events, live music, fitness classes, and local happenings all across Astoria. Local Gossip: Staples is closing. The 31st street location is in its final days, with many items now 50% off. Athena Market has closed on 31st St &...

ASTORIA LIVE | JUNE 29th, 2026 Hello Astoria! We hope everyone had an amazing Pride weekend! As we head into July and Fourth of July weekend, the neighborhood calendar is staying busy with free fitness classes, community events, comedy, and plenty of reasons to get outside. Here's what's happening this week: Local Gossip: There is a virtual Diaper Drive for Astoria Pantry! Now through July 1, use the wishlist to buy diapers to support Astoria Food Pantry. Help them reach their goal of 10,000...