Happy last day of summer, Astoria!
Get ready to break out your flannel, grab a seasonal drink and enjoy autumn in Astoria. This week, we are all apparently getting very into public spaces.
Last week, neighbors gathered in Astoria Park for a cleanup organized by Pop the Astoria Bubble, Astoria Trash Club and Queens DSA’s Community Solidarity Committee. This Tuesday, September 22, the conversation continues at the Community Board 1 meeting, where the proposed privatization of the tennis courts at Astoria Park is on the agenda.
Meanwhile, a new public bathroom is coming to Astoria Boulevard and 31st Street, Q.E.D. turned sidewalk chalk into community building, and the Bier & Cheese Collective now has a permanent used-book section. Plus: outdoor movies are back at Socrates this weekend, a bald eagle has apparently discovered Astoria Park, and there is no shortage of art happening around the neighborhood.
Local Gossip:
- We’re getting a public bathroom! A new free, accessible public restroom is coming to Astoria Boulevard South and 31st Street as part of the city’s new 17-bathroom pilot. The units will be open daily from 7am–10pm.
- Q.E.D.’s first Chalkathon was a success. After someone vandalized the sidewalk chalk art, the community decided to fight chalk with… more chalk. The result: a whole lot of sidewalk art, with money raised going to the Queens Community Defense Fund.
- Sunshine Cafe is at 72% of the way to its fundraising goal. If you’ve been meaning to help keep this local spot open, here’s your chance.
- The Bier & Cheese Collective has made room for the bookworms. The shop now has a permanent section dedicated to used books, plus a BIG BOOK SALE coming October 3–4 from 12–7pm
- Bald eagle spotted in Astoria Park. Yes, an actual bald eagle. Keep your eyes on the skies, Astoria.
- Outdoor movies are back at Socrates Sculpture Park. The next screening is September 26. Check out @socratespark for the details.
Cheers,
Angelina & Stacey
This week in Astoria
September 21st - September 27th |
Monday, September 21, 2026
Astoria Art Walk Continues!
9/14-9/30, Ditmars, @astoriaartcenter; @ditmarsblvd
If you haven't taken a look yet, make your way down Ditmars Blvd for the 2nd Ditmars Art Walk! For the rest of the month, 13 local businesses will be featuring the work of 14 local artists throughout the Ditmars community. And the best part? It’s completely free! Click the link to see full lineup of artists, participating businesses & Gallery Party dates! Tonight's gallery party is for AJ the Awful at the Queen's Room from 6-9pm.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Pop the Astoria Bubble Community Board Meeting
6pm, Astoria World Manor / The Marquee Astoria, @poptheastoriabubble
Community members are being asked to attend Community Board 1’s meeting and speak out about the city’s proposal for an indoor tennis and sports facility at the Astoria Park tennis courts. Pop the Astoria Bubble is organizing neighbors who oppose the proposed facility and are asking the community to show up and make their voices heard.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Raising Astoria Presents: Daytime Coffee & Park Playdate
3pm, Cafe 9 -> Rainey Park, @raisingastorianyc
Meet us at Cafe 9 for a coffee and then we'll head over to Rainey Park!
Fall Equinox Reiki + Restorative Workshop
7pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
In this restorative Reiki healing workshop, Kim will help you honor and harvest the fall season you'd like to create while taking time to reflect on the summer season that you've just experienced. We'll gather and be led through a guided meditation (seated in a chair), all while being supported by Reiki, life force energy. This workshop is $45.
Sip ‘N Sonnet
7pm, Medusa Arts Studios, @jmcicalese
We explore famous Shakespearean sonnets, figure your individual passion, and create your very own sonnet! All over a cozy drink at Medusa Art Studios.
Make Your Mark! Abstract Painting with Alice Lipping Art Studio
7pm, Oliver's Astoria, @aliceabstract
Looking for a fun midweek night out in Astoria? Grab a friend, date, coworker—or come solo—and Paint Outside the Box at Oliver’s!
Spend the evening playing with color, texture and mark-making while creating an abstract painting that’s completely your own. No experience needed, no rules, and no copying a sample painting.
Survivor Premiere
8pm, Kween, @kweenastoria
It’s time to grab a torch, approach the flame.. dip it in, and get fire. Survivor Premiere at Kween! Happy Hour specials 4-7pm, followed by the premiere 8-10pm and closing out with karaoke, hosted by Hassan.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Free Book Swap
4pm, Our House Queens, @ourhousequeens
Community, conversations & well-loved pages! Bring used books, take home books - no limit on quantity.
Write Night
6pm, Millie's Coffee Co, @misswordpower; @milliescoffeenyc
A creative, low-pressure writing night with warm-ups, visual prompts, free writing, and an optional share-out. All levels welcome!
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.
Welcome to Midday: History Repeating
7:30pm, Q.E.D. Astoria, @qedastoria
Welcome to Midday: History Repeating is a storytelling show about how after growing up in Mississippi, Sharon Spell landed a job as a Victorian house museum docent in Pittsburgh. No matter where we go, history will repeat until we learn from our past.
Free Comedy Show
7:30pm, Cannavita Dispensary, @ovonoagency
Cannavita Comedy Night in Astoria! Prepare for a night full of laughter with a stellar lineup of comedians - free RSVP. Don't miss it!
Astoria Swing
7:30pm, The Last Word, @astoriaswing
Come get your dance on! Free intro lesson at 7:30, followed by dance at 8pm.
Friday, September 25, 2026
3-Day Warehouse Tag Sale
10am, Showplace, @nyshowplace
A new season, and a whole weekend of amazing finds! Join us at Showplace in Astoria for 3 days of shopping, incredible deals, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore an exciting mix of vintage & designer clothing, accessories & handbags, furniture & home décor, framed art, mirrors & lighting, collectibles & unique vintage finds
Reiki Level I Training
6pm, Sacred Space Astoria, @sacredspace_astoria
Working with Reiki Master + Studio Owner Kim Alexandrescu, participants will receive their Level 1 Reiki Attunement. Level I Training involves 4 separate attunements, each of which clears and prepares the body to easily share this life force energy. This training is $250, and takes place over the course of two days (9/25 from 6:00pm-9:00pm & 9/26 from 12:00-4:00pm).
StandUpTown @ QED Astoria
7:30pm, QED Astoria, @stand_uptown
Its Fall... come join us as we celebrate the cooler weather and all things pumpkin. Every month StandUpTown brings you some of NYCs and the country's hottest comics to QED!
Raising Astoria Presents: Dadtober Fest
8pm, Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, @raisingastorianyc
It's Octoberfest! Come meet some dads.
Make a Mug
7pm, Mostly Good Studios, @mostlygoodstudios
Make a MUG at Mostly Good Studios! Experiment with coils and pinch pots to craft your perfect mug!
Saturday, September 26, 2026
F1 Azerbaijan GP Watch Party
7am, Kitty Sullivan's, @queens.f1racing
It's the last race of the European leg of the F1 season! Join us over at Kitty Sullivan's SATURDAY for street racing in Baku! Lights out bright and early at 7am - Claim your space with your free bagel in hand. SEE YOU THERE!
Morning Meditation on the Waterfront
9am, Hunter's Point Park, @meditation_in_queens
Join us for Morning Meditation on the Waterfront Saturdays in September! No previous experience is necessary. Please bring a blanket or mat for sitting meditation.
3-Day Warehouse Tag Sale
10am, Showplace, @nyshowplace
A new season, and a whole weekend of amazing finds! Join us at Showplace in Astoria for 3 days of shopping, incredible deals, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore an exciting mix of vintage & designer clothing, accessories & handbags, furniture & home décor, framed art, mirrors & lighting, collectibles & unique vintage finds
Seen: A Two-Day Embodied Workshop for Gay Men
10am, Grove34, @healingwithjuan
Seen is a two-day experience for gay men on Sept 26 + 27 happening right here in Astoria, blending nervous-system work and narrative practice to help you break out of old patterns and actually feel different, not just understand why you're stuck. Led by Juan Galán (@healingwithjuan on Instagram) and Vincent Preti (TED + StoryCorps), spots are capped at 20. $399.
Asian Veg Pop-Up Markets
10am, Bench Flour Bakers (43-18 25th Avenue), @choydivision
Magical moment when summer and fall converge and we want to share the abundance! We’re hosting three Asian vegetable pop-up markets this fall at our old stomping grounds in Astoria at Bench Flour Bakers!
Park & Shoreline Cleanup
10am, Astoria Park, @astoriaparkalliance
Volunteer to help clean and keep our park beautiful! Meet at the track house near tennis courts at Astoria Park.
Gather on Vernon
12pm, 30th Drive and Vernon Blvd, Gather on Vernon
Gather on Vernon is a free community street fair on 30th Drive at the Astoria waterfront, running 12–5 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The day brings together local makers, food vendors, and community organizations, plus live music and a collaborative community art piece anyone can add to.
31st Ave Open Street
12:30pm, 31st Ave Open Street, @31staveopenstreet
This week features a FREE assessment with SOMA Physical and Occupational Therapy, No More 24, Craft Circle with Astoria Fiber Collective, Board Game Afternoon with Queens Familiar, and more!
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Yoga at Socrates with Astoria Yoga
10am, Socrates Sculpture Park, @socratespark
The last class of the season! Socrates offers FREE yoga classes of Vinyasa yoga – a series of flowing poses linked to the awareness of breath with instructors from Astoria Yoga (this is the last Sunday). Classes are designed for all experience levels. Please bring a mat or a towel. No RSVP or pre-registration required.
3-Day Warehouse Tag Sale
10am, Showplace, @nyshowplace
A new season, and a whole weekend of amazing finds! Join us at Showplace in Astoria for 3 days of shopping, incredible deals, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore an exciting mix of vintage & designer clothing, accessories & handbags, furniture & home décor, framed art, mirrors & lighting, collectibles & unique vintage finds
Little Artists: Construction Site
12pm, The Ditty, @missjailenn
Join Miss Jay with your little artist and their favorite grown-up for Little Artists Construction Site! We've moved to the back patio and have room to turn this small workshop into a larger, spread out experience for you and your little one! Enjoy a drink and some food with friends while crafting with our little artists.
Brunch and Chess at Mayahuel
12pm, Mayahuel, Astoria Queens, @lunar.newyork
$30 chess and brunch social, all levels welcome!
Make Your Mark! Abstract Painting with Alice Lipping Art Studio
3pm, Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, @aliceabstract
Looking for a fun Sunday afternoon activity for the whole family? Bring the kids, grab a friend or date—or come solo—and Paint Outside the Box at Bohemian Hall Beer Garden! Spend the afternoon getting creative with abstract painting, color, texture and mark-making. Kids and adults can create side-by-side, and everyone gets to make something completely their own. No experience needed—just come ready to have fun and get a little creative.Sunday!
Make sure 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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