June brings us the glorious season of summer! Astoria and Long Island City are the places to be - solstice celebrations, fireworks, and the massive Astoria Pool opening are just a few highlights of the month. Enjoy all that Western Queens offers while it's warm.
Noguchi Museum First Fridays
Friday, June 3, 5:30-8 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd, Long Island City
Pay-as-you-wish admission and a cash bar are features of the Noguchi Museum's First Fridays program during the summer months. This is a great, affordable way to see one of the best museums in Queens.
Newtown Creek Documentary
Monday, June 6, 7 p.m.
Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City
Join Mitch Waxman for an armchair journey along Newtown Creek, one of the most polluted yet fascinating waterways in NYC. The industrial history of NYC will also be discussed.
Taste of Long Island City
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m.
Gantry State Park, 49th Ave at the East River, Long Island City
This annual fundraiser for LIC's own Chocolate Factory will be at beautiful Gantry Plaza State Park. You'll get a chance to catch some spectacular views while tasting some of the best food LIC has to offer, not to mention you'll be supporting live theater in Queens.
4th Annual LIC Bike Parade and Celebration
Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Queensbridge Park, 41st Rd and 40th Ave between the East River, Vernon Blvd, and 21st St, Long Island City
Lots of bike-related activities are scheduled for kids and adults, including a bike swap, instruction on riding tips, the parade itself, and tasty snacks and drinks at the event's finish line. Free.
Astoria Market
Sunday, June 12, noon-5 p.m.
Main hall of Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria
Stop by the Astoria Market to purchase a selection of artisan wares, including handmade greeting cards, natural bath and body care, handmade jewelry, and more.
Queens Art Express Kick Off Party
Wednesday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kaufman Astoria Studios, 34-12 36th St, Astoria
Help the Queens Council on the Arts celebrate the arts in Queens at the start of Queens Art Express (June 16-19). This fundraiser-mixer is a great chance to mingle with your arts-appreciating neighbors.
Waterfront Vision Plan Reception
Thursday, June 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd), Long Island City
In 2010, hundreds of people from Western Queens participated in a number of listening/brainstorming sessions about what they wanted to see on the Western Queens waterfront. At last, the Waterfront Vision Plan is ready to be revealed! Join your neighbors for a wine and cheese reception at the Noguchi Museum for the unveiling of this exciting plan. RSVP requested (christina.kelly@tpl.org). Free.
Waltz-Astoria's 6th Anniversary Show
Friday, June 17, 8 p.m.
Waltz-Astoria, 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
Come help Waltz celebrate six years of music, food, and community in Astoria, with an Anniversary show! August Glory plays at 8 p.m. and Jon Christophor at 10. $10 drink minimum, no cover.
True Grit
Saturday, June 18 and Sunday June 19, 1 p.m.
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria
The most recent adaptation of this classic film stars Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, and is directed by Joel and Ethan Cohen. "Farm girl Mattie Ross, brilliantly played by Hailee Steinfeld, sets out to capture her father's killer, with the aid of the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn." Rated PG-13. Free with Museum admission.
2011 Summer Solstice Celebration
Tuesday, June 21, 5 p.m. until sunset
Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Blvd, Astoria/LIC
This year marks the 10th solstice celebration at Socrates! There will be activities for adults and kids, a solstice ritual, and great food from around the neighborhood. This solstice celebration is one of the most popular events in Astoria/LIC. Entrance to the park is free; food is extra.
Makers Market
Thursday, June 23, 5-8 p.m. (Preview Benefit Event)
Friday, June 24 - Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, June 26, at 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Blvd, Astoria/LIC
Socrates Sculpture Park hosts the Makers Market in its third year. The Market, housed in a series of tents, showcases artisan goods - jewelry, glassware, furniture, and more. The preview on the 23rd is $50, which allows you to be the first to shop at the Market; all other days are free admission.
Astoria Park Pool Opening Day
Wednesday, June 29th
Astoria Park, along the East River
Public outdoor pools in NYC open on the June 29, including the Astoria Park Pool. Enjoy a free, cool dip in the pool during the day, and adult lap swimming at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. Free.
Independence Celebration
Thursday, June 30, 7:30 p.m.
Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Blvd. between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool
Astoria celebrates Independence Day a bit early with live music by the Astoria Symphony Orchestra and a terrific fireworks display by Grucci. It also marks the beginning of the 29th Waterfront Concert Series in Astoria Park. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and your friends and family for this fun evening in the Park. Free.
Ongoing: Fitness Programs at Socrates Sculpture Park
Saturdays and Sundays, mid-morning to early afternoon
Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Blvd, Astoria/LIC
Throughout the summer, Socrates Sculpture Park holds a series of fitness classes on the weekends - yoga (9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon) and capoiera (noon-1:30pm) on Saturdays, pilates (Sundays 10-11 a.m.), and tai chi (11 a.m.-noon) on Sundays. All classes are free.