#1: Movies in the park

Cost: Free!

When: All throughout summer

Showing at parks all across New York, NYC Parks and Rec hosts movies at sunset for free. You can watch these free movies all along the East River in Astoria Park, Randall’s Island Park, Hunter’s Point Park, and more! Our favorite view is in Astoria Park—come enjoy the sunset set by the Manhattan skyline. Bring your own drinks and blanket. It’s free to attend and family friendly, just show up early to secure a good spot! Click here to see this summer’s line up including blockbuster films like Crazy Rich Asians, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse. 

#2: 30th Avenue Astoria Festival 2022

Cost: Free to attend

When: July 31st, 2022

Sponsored by the Friends of Community Board, this street fair is an annual tradition that you don’t want to miss! Sectioning off 8 blocks on 30th avenue from 31st Street to Steinway Street, the street fair will host various vendors and attractions to enjoy! From 10am – 6pm, this celebration is a great thing to do with friends, enjoying fair foods and the beautiful summer weather. Last year’s festival showcased over 390 booths featuring a variety of arts and crafts items, merchandise vendors, antiques, collectibles, and much more. 

#3: Astoria Spring Festival

Cost: Free!

When: May 15th, 2022

You don’t want to miss this one! Coming up soon, the street festival will be located in between Ditmars Blvd. and 21st Ave on 31st St. Be sure to stop by from 11am – 6pm and enjoy family fun with food, shopping, and kiddie rides! 

#4: The Beer Garden At Bohemian Hall

Cost: $-$$

When: Any warm, sunny day!

Running events all summer long, the Beer Garden is a perfect summer hang with great food and a large selection of beer! Located close to the Astoria Blvd stop on the yellow line, the Beer Garden is full of local history dating back to the 1800’s. Run by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, “The purposes of the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, Inc. are to encourage, support, and maintain Schools, Dramatics, Lectures, and Libraries for Czech and Slovak children. . .” Check out more about this historic building and find out what events they are hosting this summer here.

#5: Browse local happy hours

Cost: $-$$

When: When it’s five o’clock somewhere!

One of our favorite Instagram pages that showcase local happenings, We Heart Astoria, also features a neat guide that is linked below that showcases local happy hours in Astoria! If you are looking for a lovely afternoon cocktail during the week, we can’t stress these deals enough. From $11 for a double cheeseburger and a beer to $1 oysters, here’s a guide you don’t want to miss or misplace! Happy drinking! 

#6: Rooftop Destinations

Cost: $-$$

Home to several views of the Manhattan skyline set in beautiful sunsets, Astoria and Long Island City share views of midtown and even downtown Manhattan. While there may not be countless rooftop views, here are two restaurants we think have great views for sunset. Luna Japanese Fusion is a modern sushi restaurant located conveniently on Steinway St. near Broadway. With stunning views and great tasting, fresh fish, this is an ideal sushi lover’s location. Click here for hours and contact information to make a reservation (recommended). Coming soon, Savanna Rooftop in LIC will be another rooftop destination worth visiting. Closed for winter for renovations, Savanna is set to re-open soon and will feature grand views close to the East River of the city.

#7: Socrates Sculpture Park

Cost: Free-$

There’s no shame in saving the best for last. Socrates Sculpture Park is a destination worth seeking out nearly any weekend. Exhibits are constantly on view, showcasing various, diverse artists including a new exhibit “Subterranean Tropicália” beginning May 14th, 2022. Quoted from their website, “. . .this immersive environment is the first realization of a never-before-executed idea by the late Brazilian artist. . . It is a space for collective creativity and leisure, dubbed “creleisure” by the artist.” Free events happen nearly every week, you won’t want to miss out on the amazing, community-engaging park that Socrates is.

There you have it! With so much going on in Astoria this summer, there nearly isn’t time for anything else! Leave a comment below if you think we missed an event happening in the neighborhood!