Ah, the glories of autumn. Have you caught any of the changing leaves? Do you miss your shorts and sundresses? Fall is definitely here. Here's what's in store for October in Astoria and Long Island City.
7th Annual Shoreline Cleanup
Saturday, October 1, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Astoria Park, Shore Blvd, Astoria
Help keep your waterfront clean by participating in the annual Shoreline Cleanup. The cleanup is in conjunction with the American Littoral Society's International Cleanup Day. All are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear old shoes and clothes. Meet on Shore Blvd by the War Memorial. For more information and to register: greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com.
Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 1-Sunday, October 9
Bohemian Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria
The world's most famous beer event, Oktoberfest, is celebrated throughout the week at the Bohemian Beer Garden, the oldest beer garden in the city. Beer specials, tastings, and music will all be featured.
Place of Peace
Monday, October 3, 7-8:30 p.m.
Greater Astoria Historical Society , 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City
Astoria native Ron Vega, Director of Design and Construction of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, gives a behind the scenes talk on the progress of the Memorial and the Museum. Free for GAHS members, FDNY, NYPD, other members of the uniformed services, as well as first responders. $5 (suggested donation) for non-members.
Buscarsi Croons for Lil Kitcheners
Wednesday, October 5, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
LIL Kitchen That Could, 24-01 29th St, Astoria
"Free with your delicious custom cooked Lil Kitchen meal - Buscarsi performs a custom song set. Song requests if submitted a few days in advance (I reserve the right to decline and ask you to try again but I'll honor most requests). Come early stay late." Free.
Urban Chickening at Broadway Library
Saturday, October 8, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Queens Library Broadway, 40-20 Broadway, Astoria
"During this fun and educational program for the whole family, local Astoria residents Robert McMinn and Jules Corkery discuss how to raise and keep chickens in New York City. Participants will get up close and personal with three hens that are a special miniature breed known as Serama and learn how to hold them and discuss how they help enhance the success of small gardens." Free.
Music in the Garden/Galleries with Elizabeth Brown
Sunday, October 9, 3:00 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd), Long Island City
"Composer/performer Elizabeth Brown will perform traditional shakuhachi solos as well as her own music. A Juilliard graduate and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, Brown is celebrated both in the U.S. and Japan for her luminous and dreamlike compositions combining eastern and western sensibilities." Free with museum admission.
Season Finale Screening - "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Sunday, October 9, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The Backyard Cinema, 46th St just north of Newtown Rd, Astoria
"The Newtown Rd Backyard Film Festival winds up it's Drive-In Series and it's 2011 with the truly scrumptious screening of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Come for the movie, stay for the crowd. Bring something to drink and snack on. Free.
October Fall's Ball
Saturday, October 15, 8:00 p.m. - October 16 at 2:00 a.m.
The Shillelagh Tavern, 47-22 30th Ave, Astoria
A fabulous night of female lead bands including Silverqueen, faith & mark, Last Shot Fired, and Out of Order. 18+, $5.
Monkiri-Gata Greeting Card Making Class
Thursday, October 27, 6-8 p.m.
Creator's Co-Op, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria
"Monkiri-gata (Crest-Cutting) is a hobby enjoyed by Japanese in the 1800s. It originally was a technique used by graphic designers for creating logos and family crests. We'll introduce you to some of simple yet beautiful Japanese designs and we'll cut them out, and collage them to make cards. This is a perfect class to get ready for the holidays!" RSVP soon, as space is limited. $12.
Halloween Walking Tour
Saturday, Oct 29, 11 a.m.
Hell Gate Bridge and Shore Blvd, Astoria Park, Astoria
Join Greater Astoria Historical Society staff as they lead their annual Halloween walking tour. The walk will take place along the East River, site of numerous deaths, including the HMS Hussar and the General Slocum. Hear about the "eerie goings-on"from Old Astoria Village past. Bring your cameras, water, and comfortable, sturdy shoes. $15 suggested donation, but GAHS members and those in costume get in for $10.
Halloween Fun At Creators' Co-Op
Sunday, October 30th, 1-4 p.m.
Creator's Co-Op, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria
Stop by the Co-op for some pre-Halloween fun! There will be a kids' costume contest, free face painting, and a craft table for kids. A princess wand/mask making workshop is also scheduled ($10, please RSVP). Complimentary (non-alcoholic) drinks (aka the Dead Elvis) will be available.