Where to Celebrate Pride Month in Astoria
Astoria is one of the most diverse, culturally rich, fun-loving, and inclusive neighborhoods in NYC. So, it makes sense that there are a number of wonderful events all throughout June meant to celebrate Pride, as well as recognize and honor the LGBTQ+ community. While some of these events aim to entertain, and others to inform, they share a common goal of bringing people together. Here is a handpicked list of events that any Astorian looking to celebrate Pride Month should mark on their calendar.
*Please note that event times and details are subject to change. We recommend confirming with the event venue for the most up-to-date information.
Astoria Pride Picnic in the Park
Featuring live music, drag performances, games, and more, the second annual Astoria Picnic in the Park is scheduled to take place on June 29th from 12pm to 5pm on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park. The event is organized by Astoria Has Pride and features support and contributions from a variety of local businesses and organizations. Last year’s inaugural event was a big hit among many Astoria residents, and it would be wise to expect the same level of success and popularity for this year’s picnic. It is important to note that this is a kid and pet friendly event as well. Truly all are welcome.
Astoria Park I June 29th, 12pm – 5pm I @astoriahaspride
Queer Comedy Shows at QED and Fifth Hammer Brewing
QED and Fifth Hammer Brewing are offering great events this month for comedy fans looking to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community while also having a fun night filled with laughs. “LGBTQED Presents – A Queer Comedy Show” is a show taking place at QED on June 1st and June 15th. It will be hosted by Keenan Steiner and have rotating lineups featuring queer professional comedians. General admission tickets are $15 and the shows take place from 7pm to 9:30pm. Fifth Hammer Brewing is putting on a Queens Pride comedy show on June 2nd, following the Queens Pride Parade, at 7pm. The show is presented by Lavender Laughs NYC, will be hosted by Nomie K. Baker, and feature several talented queer comedians. These are bound to be tremendously funny and lively events.
27-16 23rd Avenue I June 1st & June 15th, 7pm – 9:30pm I @qedastoria I qedastoria.com
10-28 46th Avenue I June 2nd, 7pm I @fifthhammerbeer I fifthhammerbrewing.com
A Series of Month-Long Events Hosted by Albatross, Icon, and Kween
Three of Astoria’s most popular LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses are coming together to provide members of the neighborhood with Pride events all throughout June. The Nymphia Wind Pride Party at Icon on June 5th, Kween’s 2nd anniversary party on June 13th, and a Sunkissed Cabaret at Albatross on June 15th are just some of the events that these businesses will be hosting, organizing, and/or supporting this month. Each of them will have a large presence at the 4th annual Astoria March on June 9th as well. Whether you attend any of these specific events, or just stop by these establishments on any other day in June, you are destined to have a great time.
@iconastoria I @kweenastoria I @albatrossastoria
Thursday Night Drag Bingo at Fresco’s Grand Cantina
Fresco’s Grand Cantina is a self-described “all-inclusive safe space” and one of the most treasured LGBTQ+ owned establishments in Astoria. Each and every Thursday night, they host Drag Bingo featuring cash prizes, drink deals, and surprise special guests. The event takes place on Thursdays at 7:30pm and is always a great time for patrons. It is a great opportunity to participate in some friendly competition and potentially win some money while celebrating Pride this month.
28-50 31st Street I @frescosgrandcantina
Astoria Bookshop and the Women’s Center and LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone Hub at LaGuardia Community College present “Jamie and Shaaba Spill the Tea with THE T IN LGBT”
One of the most beloved small businesses in the neighborhood, Astoria Bookshop, is teaming up with the Women’s Center and LGBTQIA+ Safe Zone Hub at LaGuardia Community College to put on a conversation between YouTube star Jamie Raines, his wife Shaaba, and special guest Jackson Bird. The conversation will largely be centered on Raine’s book “The T in LGBT+,” which has been described as a “practical and highly accessible guide for those navigating society as a trans person or trying to gain understanding of the trans experience.” The conversation will take place at LaGuardia college in Long Island City on June 6th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Tickets cost $35 and include a seat for the event as well as a signed copy of the book. This conversation is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who is either exploring their own identity, or wanting to learn more about the trans experience in order to support and become a better ally.
29-10 Thompson Avenue I June 6th, 7:00pm – 8:30pm I @astoriabookshop I astoriabookshop.com
Queer Speed Dating
On June 27th, PlentyofParties.com is hosting an evening of speed dating for gay men in Astoria at Fresco’s Grand Cantina. This is a great event for gay men looking to meet new people in a fun and engaging environment. Although the idea of speed dating may sound intimidating to some, rest assured there will be professional and friendly hosts present to guide guests through the night, in hopes of making the process as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Tickets for this event cost $28.52. It is suggested that participants arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the hosts. Each “date” lasts three minutes and the event as a whole should last about two hours. It is a great opportunity for anyone looking to put themselves out there and potentially meet someone new this June.
28-50 31st Street I June 27th, 7:30pm – 9:30pm I @frescosgrandcantina
