Good afternoon, Astoria!
It’s starting to officially feel like crafternoon season! Outside of this weekend, the temps seem to be dropping and this week has plenty of ways to get crafty, creative and cozy, plus soccer watch parties, trivia, theater, meditation, the farmers market and more. So grab your scissors, your spooky writing ideas or simply your tote bag and get out there.
Local Gossip:
- Lefkos Pyrgos enters a new era. After 58 years under Giouly Pantazi’s ownership, the beloved Greek pastry shop officially changed hands. The new owners are expected to keep the Lefkos Pirgos name.
- Chip City has closed up shop. The cookie chain reportedly shut down all 45 locations nationwide on Friday. So… pour one out for the cookies.
- Parea is bringing people together. The NYC Greek Social recently held its third monthly meetup at Barkada Social Club, bringing together Greeks for music, food, drinks and actual human connection. The whole idea? Come solo, leave with parea.
- Astoria might be getting another big development. A 20-story mixed-use building has been proposed for 31-29 Vernon Blvd., replacing three industrial buildings with residential, commercial and parking space.
- And yes, the boulder is gone. The boulder on Steinway Street has officially been removed. It's bould presence will be missed!
- A little Astoria-made podcast is getting some big recognition. The People’s Republic of Astoria, a six-part independent podcast documenting the local political movement and the people behind it, is a finalist for two Signal Awards.
Cheers,
Angelina & Stacey
This week in Astoria
Monday, October 5, 2026
Adult Junk Journaling
6pm, Astoria Love Family Enrichment Center, @astoria_fec
Come spend the evening cutting, layering, decorating and creating alongside other local creatives. We'll explore scrapbooking techniques using scissors, magazines, glue and whatever else sparks your imagination. Bring your journals, get creative , and let your inner child thrive.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Learn, Play & Grow: The Family Literacy Program (infant-4yrs)
11am, Astoria Love Family Enrichment Center, @astoria_fec
Join us every Tuesdays and Thursdays for a nurturing space where infants and toddlers explore through sensory play and storytime, while parents connect and gain insights into their child's early development.
Free Meal Distribution
1pm, Astoria Love Family Enrichment Center, @astoria_fec
Join us for a FREE meal every Tuesdays! Simply arrive and take what you need. Meals are distributed on a first come first served basis, so be sure to come early!
Tarot Talk
6:30pm, QNS Collaboratory, @esocleric @qnscollaborative
Have you ever wanted to learn more about tarot? Or maybe you're a seasoned practitioner and looking for more folks who share your vibe? Tarot Talk is an opportunity for tarot readers of all levels to meet up, exchange readings, learn from others, and find community. Sliding scale tickets $5-$25
Upcycling: Machine Applique Techniques
6:30pm, Home Ec NYC Studio, @home.ec.nyc
Add a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe with this introduction to Machine Applique workshop! During this 3 hour workshop, you will learn how to recreate an image in fabric and sew it to a garment. This class is beginner friendly but equires recent sewing machine experience — this is not a learn-to-sew class.
U.S. Soccer Watch Party: USMNT vs. Canada
8pm, Rivercrest, @ao_qns
Join the American Outlaws Queens chapter for U.S. soccer watch parties at Rivercrest, the home bar in Queens for U.S. soccer. Bring your passion and energy to cheer alongside the best fans and be a part of a vibrant community of supporters, while enjoying BIG SCREEN action WITH SOUND and HAPPY HOUR pricing!
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Meditation
7pm, Astoria Love Family Enrichment Center, @astoria_fec
Join us for a peaceful Meditation for Adults session, designed to help you de-stress and find a moment of calm in your busy week. It is a perfect opportunity to practice mindfulness, clear your mind, and recharge in a supportive community space.
Survivor Viewing Party
8pm, Kween, @kweenastoria
Held every week! It's time to grab a torch, approach the flame.. dip it in, and get fire. No cover! Happy Hour specials 4-7pm, followed by the screening and closing out with karaoke, hosted by Hassan.
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Free Low Impact Bodyweight Circuit Training
6pm, Astoria Park Pool Deck, @nycparks
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. Class normally meets at the Astoria Park Pool Deck, and in the event of light rain class will be moved to Playground A under the Triboro Bridge.
Studio Ghibli Trivia Night
7pm, Pig Beach Queens, @nexus.trivia
The game will cover 4 films: Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Howl's Moving Castle. You can play on a team with your friends or on your own. If you’d like, we can even team you up with other players. It’s a great way to meet new people. We'll have big prizes for the top three places as well as Studio Ghibli-themed cocktails.
Astoria New Play Festival: Short Play Reading Series
8pm, Our House Queens, @astorianewplayfest
The Astoria New Play Festival play reading series returns with its first ever short play reading series, featuring playwrights with a residential connection to Astoria, this October 8th and 10th at Our House Queens. Tickets for the short play readings will be $12.
Friday, October 9, 2026
Cannavita Art Gallery Nights
6pm, Cannavita Dispensary, @cannavita_dispensary
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.
Monthly 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. The cost for this workshop is $15.
Reiki for Adults
6:30pm, Astoria Love Family Enrichment Center, @astoria_fec
Our Reiki sessions offer a welcoming space for adults to come together, relax, and enjoy the restorative benefits of this gentle practice. Whether you are new to Reiki or a regular, come experience a moment of tranquility and self-care with your neighbors.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Gratitude Growth & Good Times
10am, Astoria Park
Gratitude Growth & Good Times nudges you to reflect on the experiences that bring you meaning and purpose. It’s for anyone who wants to deepen their appreciation of life’s highlights, especially cynics who often focus on the lowlights. This 60-minute guided journaling session creates space for you to reflect on your recent experiences by expressing gratitude, acknowledging growth and savoring good times.
Sewing 101 - Reversible Tote
11:30am, Home Ec NYC Studio, @home.ec.nyc
Sewing 101 – Reversible Tote is a 3-hour beginner sewing class. By the end, you’ll complete your own reversible tote bag to flip, reverse, and take home with pride! No sewing experience required! Perfect for first-timers, absolute beginners, or anyone in need of a hands-on refresher.
31st Ave Open Street
12:30pm, 31st Ave Open Street, @31staveopenstreet
This week features Dynasty Breaking NYC, Craft Circle with Astoria Fiber Collective, the Astoria Club Fair, Astoria United Community Dinner, STARS Rehabilitation Astoria, and FREE assessments with SOMA Physical and Occupational Therapy.
U.S. Soccer Watch Party: USWNT vs. Spain
2:30pm, Rivercrest, @ao_qns
Our gals are back! Join the American Outlaws Queens chapter for U.S. soccer watch parties at Rivercrest, the home bar in Queens for U.S. soccer. Bring your passion and energy to cheer alongside the best fans and be a part of a vibrant community of supporters, while enjoying BIG SCREEN action WITH SOUND and HAPPY HOUR pricing!
Alterations - T-Shirt Crop
3:30pm, Home Ec NYC Studio, @home.ec.nyc
You doubled down on the Knicks, waited in a 45 min line at the summer festival, and left every cool event with another T-shirt you had to have. The problem? Most merch comes in “unisex” sizing which is just menswear in disguise. Boxy through the chest, extra long, and not exactly designed with hips in mind. In this class, we’ll chop and crop those beloved tees to change their proportions and create a silhouette that actually works on your body. Bring the T-shirts you love and let’s elevate them.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Sewing 101 - Stripe Patchwork Pillow
11:30am, Home Ec NYC Studio, @home.ec.nyc
Making a case for pillow talk 😉. By the end of this 3-hour beginner sewing class, you’ll complete your own stripe patchwork pillow cover to jazz up your space with something homemade, removable and washable!
Astoria Farmers Market
12:30pm, 31st Ave Open Street, @AstoriaFarmersMarket
***3 markets left in the season!! Oct 11, Oct 25, and Nov 8*** Astoria Farmers Market connects local growers and producers from across the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Queens with one of New York City's most food-famous neighborhoods.
Horror Writing for Beginners
2pm, The Collaboratory, @qnscollaboratory
Do you like scary stories? In this two-hour class, award-winning author and lifelong horror fan Nino Cipri (Dead Girls Don't Dream) will guide students through the process of writing horror fiction. Along the way, we'll explore what the horror genre is, why we love it, and what it offers in a time when real-life horrors are competing for our attention.
Make sure to confirm all event details with the organizers!
Around the Boroughs
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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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