Summer is a terrific season in Astoria. Everyone is happy to lighten up, ditch the jackets, and enjoy the warmer weather in all its glory. Of course, it can get too hot sometimes. But there are ways to beat the heat that are particular to Astoria.
There are many ways to stay cool in the summer in Astoria (Astoria Park's gigantic pool comes to mind right away), and it often feels a little cooler outside of Manhattan anyway. On hot days, you'll often spy Astorians sitting outside the cafes on 30th Avenue sipping a cool, caffeinated frappe, which is a cold, frothy coffee beverage made with Nescafe coffee. Frappes are very popular with the Greek community in Astoria, but it's not only Greeks that drink them. They are popular with most every coffee-loving Astorian.
Astoria is, of course, situated right next to the East River, so the breezes off the water help keep things a little cooler here (without a breeze, it's as hot as anywhere else in the five boroughs). Hanging out at the waterfront parks is a great part of living in Astoria, whether it's at Astoria Park, Socrates Sculpture Park, or Rainey Park. You'll catch great views of the water and Manhattan, and get some fresh air while you're at it. Kayaking with the Long Island City Community Boathouse - free and open to the public - is a great way to enjoy the water as well.
Socrates Sculpture Park offers a number of amenities to Astorians. Their fitness programs - free yoga, pilates, capoeira, and tai chi classes - last all summer and into September. Socrates also produces the Outdoor Cinema Series - free independent films on select Wednesday nights in the summer. Their Summer Solstice celebration is also a wonderful event, full of food, music, and community. And new in 2011 - Socrates hosts a new Saturday greenmarket!
Astoria gets its own fireworks show, too. Toward the end of June, Astorians descend upon Astoria Park for a fabulous fireworks show in front of them over the East River. As people settle in with friends for a picnic, live music plays. In addition to the fireworks event, Astoria Park is the location for both a waterfront concert series (Thursdays) and movie nights (Mondays), produced by Central Astoria Local Development Coalition.
Astoria is the home to numerous street fairs during the summer. Some of the most popular are the Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Church, the St. Antonio Abate Festival, and the Festival at St. Irene Chrysovalantou Church. Get your fill of fried food, sausage and peppers, and carnival games at these events.
The Astoria Park Shore Fest happens on three successive Sundays in August. Astoria Park Alliance, Green Shores, the Parks Department and the DOT work together to bring all sorts of fun activity to Shore Boulevard, which is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and any other non-motorized transportation. This is a celebration of what Astoria has to offer to the community, from music and food to education about our waterfront, and more. It's a much beloved celebration of what it is to live in Astoria.
And if there wasn't enough going on in Astoria Park, Astoria Music Now!, Astoria's annual music and arts festival, happens in late August. Multiple musical acts take place on five stages for the entire day. This event is produced by Astoria Music & Arts.
Apart from all the events around town, Astorians are fortunate to have two excellent and large beer gardens - the Bohemian Beer Garden and Studio Square - which are at their best in the summer. Who can resist inexpensive beer, grilled food, and open community spaces? Additionally, head over to Hell Gate Social for all you can eat barbecue (and the occasional pig roast), plus movies on Sundays.
Summer is the most popular (and some say the best) growing season, too. Walk through the streets of Astoria and you'll see yards full of beautiful flowers, flowering bushes, and plenty of tree-lined streets. Stop by Two Coves Community Garden and you'll see the place bursting with growth. CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) season also starts in the summer, making hundreds of Astorians jump for joy at the reality of local, organic vegetables and fruits overtaking their refrigerators. 30th Avenue's green grocers also display the bounty that comes with the hot weather.
Astoria: one of the best neighborhoods in New York City in the summer!