As August is upon us, we slide (or sweat) into the last stretch of summer. Enjoy the rest of the summer and all that Astoria and Long Island City have to offer.
Noguchi Museum First Fridays
Friday, August 5, 5:30-8 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd), Long Island City
Pay-as-you-wish admission and a cash bar are features on the first Fridays during the summer months at the Noguchi Museum. This is a great, affordable way to see one of the best museums in Queens.
Rural Route Film Festival
Friday, August 5-Sunday, August 7
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria
The Rural Route Film Festival "explores many interpretations of 'rural,' highlighting films that deal with people and places outside of the bustle of the city." Films will also be screened at nearby Brooklyn Grange, a rooftop farm in Long Island City. More info at http://ruralroutefilms.com/.
Summah Days With AM&A: Part 3 of 3
Saturday, August 6, 4-11:30 p.m.
Athens Square Park / Astoria Brewhouse, 30th Street and 30th Ave / 28-50 31st St, Astoria
Multiple local bands playing at Athens Square Park with after party at Astoria Brewhouse. These shows are fundraisers for the 4th Annual Astoria Music Now!, in August. $5 suggested donation funds Astoria Music Now! 2011.
Astoria Park Shore Fest
Sunday, August 7, 14, and 21st, 1-7 p.m.
Shore Blvd along Astoria Park, Astoria
Shore Blvd, the western delimiter of Astoria Park, will be shut down to motorized traffice on three successive Sundays in August. Stop on by and enjoy the shoreline without cars, and participate in educational activities, live music, fitness programs and food-tastings with neighborhood restaurants. Free.
Steinway BID Steinway St Festival
Sunday August 7, noon - 6 p.m.
Steinway St between 28th and 34th Aves, Astoria
Lemonade, meat on a stick, and tube socks awaits you at this annual street fair.
Favorite Movies on the Waterfront
Monday evenings at 8:30 p.m.
Astoria Park Lawn - Shore Blvd. between Hell Gate Bridge and Pool, Astoria
Family-friendly movies presented by Central Astoria Local Development Coalition. Films include Toy Story (August 8), Shrek (August 15), and Saturday Night Fever (August 22).
Long Island City Waterfront Tour with Forgotten NY
Saturday, August 13, 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the pedestrian plaza, center of Vernon Blvd. between 50-51st Aves, Long Island City
Explore various parts of Long Island City, from Hunters Point to Gantry State Park, from the 1890s Terra Cotta Works building to Queens' one and only landmarked brownstone block. To RSVP, please call 718-278-0700 and leave your name, phone number, and number of people attending, or email astorialic@gmail.com.
Music in the Garden, Featuring Ashley Bathgate
Sunday, August 14, 3 p.m.
Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd (off of Vernon Blvd.), Long Island City
"Cellist Ashley Bathgate presents a blistering program of works by Bang on a Can co-founders Michael Gordon, David Lang, and others." Free with museum admission.
Astoria Music Now!
Sunday, August 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Locations throughout Astoria Park
Now in its fourth year, Astoria Music Now! celebrates the work of local musicians and artisans at this free outdoor music festival in Astoria Park. Multiple stages will feature local talent - five music stages and one comedy stage.
Concert Reading of dreamseminar
Wednesday, August 31, 8-10 p.m.
The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St, Long Island City
Hear the inaugural concert reading of dreamseminar, a new music theater piece using the literary works of contemporary Swedish poet Tomas Tranströmer and the music of composer Ellen Lindquist. $25 in advance, (purchase here) $30 at door.
The Newtown Rd Backyard Film Festival
Saturday evenings in August (the 6th, 13th, 27th), 7:30 p.m.
46th St, just north of Newtown Rd, Astoria
Local Astorian Frank Zagottis shows films in his backyard on Newtown Ave. Three films are scheduled for August: Elaine Stritch at Liberty (August 6); Jaws (August 13); and Saturday Night Fever (August 27). Screenings are free; bring something to drink and eat (even to share).
Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park
Wednesday evenings in August (3, 10, 17, 24), Pre-screening performances at 7 p.m.; films begin at sunset
32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria/LIC
Now in its 20th year, the Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park brings Astoria a beautiful variety of movies to its large central lawn. In August, the scheduled films are August 3 - The Straight Story (U.S.A.); August 10 - At The Edge Of Russia (Russia); and August 17 - Biutiful (Spain). On August 24, the Silent Film Fest is scheduled. Please bring a homemade pie. Free.
Warm Up at PS1
Saturdays in August, 2-9 p.m.
MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave, Long Island City
Now in its 14th year, Warm Up is an outdoor series showcasing the best in experimental live music, sound, performance, and DJs. $15 admission. LIC residents get in free with proof of applicable residence.
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 hosts fitness classes on the weekends - yoga (9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon) and capoiera (noon-1:30 p.m.) on Saturdays, pilates (Sundays 10-11 a.m.), and tai chi (11 a.m.-noon) on Sundays. All classes are free.