Community Organizations You Need to Know About in Astoria
One of the primary reasons so many people love calling Astoria home is because of the strong sense of community that exists here. While some New York City neighborhoods can feel isolated or anonymous, Astoria has a way of bringing residents together. It feels like a small town dropped in a big city, where neighbors become familiar faces, get together, and look out for one another. That sense of connection doesn’t happen by accident. It is built by locally run groups and organizations that set out to help, uplift, and bring people together. And there is no better way to unite people than through hobbies or shared interests. Whether you’re into reading, volunteering, watching films, exercising, or music, there is a club here in Astoria that’s just waiting for you to join. We’ve curated a list of 15 of the best that you should be aware of if you’re looking to meet new people or become a more active member of your community.
Girls Who Walk Queens
Image via Instagram (@girlswhowalkqueens)
Walking clubs are an extremely low-pressure way to both spend more time outdoors and meet new people. Girls Who Walk Queens, an Astoria-based walking group for women, perfectly exemplifies this. They regularly organize walks that are designed to build community and connection while exploring Queens. In fact, they strongly emphasize community, with many of their walks including stops to grab a bite, pop into a bar, or visit a local shop. The vibe is inclusive and the atmosphere is always incredibly friendly, so if this sounds like something you’re interested in, you should register for one of their upcoming walks as soon as possible.
@girlswhowalkqueens
Astoria Music Collective
Image via Facebook (@astoriamusiccollective)
By regularly partnering with local bars and restaurants to organize live shows, Astoria Music Collective has helped to create the kind of local music scene so many neighborhoods wish they had. The grassroots organization, founded by Miguel Hernandez, has been booking live performances and bringing music to Astoria’s streets for over a decade now. Over the years, they’ve provided opportunities for so many talented locals to get in front of audiences while meeting and collaborating with other musicians. Their community-minded approach has especially been an invaluable resource for creatives looking to build relationships within Astoria’s always-thriving arts scene. If you’re a musician looking for more chances to meet others and play live, or you’re just a music lover who enjoys discovering local talent, you need to familiarize yourself with the collective’s upcoming events calendar.
@astoriamusiccollectivenyc
Astoria Horror Club
Image via Instagram (@astoriahorrorclub)
In 2021, a post was shared on the r/Astoria subreddit for the purposes of finding other horror fans in the neighborhood. From there, Astoria Horror Club was born. It’s a group that brings together fans of scary movies, cult classics, and spooky literature through movie screenings, book clubs, block parties, and all sorts of community-focused, fun events. The club is welcoming to horror fans of all kinds, with a mission of bringing people together through a shared passion for the genre. They partner with Zero Vision Cinema to regularly host screenings and events at beloved local establishments like Singlecut, Heart of Gold, The Ditty, and Oliver’s. From classic films that you know and love to more obscure cult favorites, they show anything and everything, while creating an inclusive and friendly environment for regulars and newcomers alike. If you’re a horror fan in the neighborhood and you haven’t attended one of these events yet, you should amend that immediately.
@astoriahorrorclub I zerovisioncinema.com
Astoria Food Pantry
Image via Astoria Food Pantry (astoriafoodpantry.com)
No organization embodies Astoria’s spirit of looking for your neighborhood more than Astoria Food Pantry. Founded in response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteer-run organization has been providing food, clothes, medical assistance, and other essentials to Astorians for over 6 years now. With a physical location on Steinway Street, they also operate as a broader community resource by hosting events, supporting local organizing efforts, and offering space for other community groups to gather. Without a doubt, the most remarkable aspect of Astoria Food Pantry is its volunteer-driven model. The organization is fully run and supported by Astorians who contribute time, donations, and labor to deliver consistent help to the entire neighborhood. For anyone looking to do good and give back to their community, the organization offers tons of different ways to volunteer, and they are always looking for help. Visit their website to learn how you can become a part of this commendable group.
@astoriafoodpantry I astoriafoodpantry.com I 25-82 Steinway St
31st Ave Open Street
Image via Instagram (@31staveopenstreet)
On Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm-8 pm, 31st Ave Open Street transforms a picturesque stretch of 31st Avenue into a public space for community gathering. A nonprofit run completely by volunteers, the organization brings local markets, performances, classes, family activities, and all sorts of programming to the street. It brings together residents of all ages and backgrounds to share culture, learn, and have fun while spending some time outside in our community. If you’ve lived in Astoria for any prolonged stretch of time, chances are you’ve stumbled upon one of their events while walking near 31st Ave on a weekend. If you happened to enjoy that experience, you should look into volunteering for this organization that truly captures and showcases the collaborative energy that makes Astoria feel like a neighborhood rather than just a place to live.
@31staveopenstreet I 31staveopenstreet.org
Walking Queens Astoria
Image via Instagram (@walkingqueensastoria)
If your ideal Sunday involves good conversation, a cup of coffee, and taking a stroll through your neighborhood with new and old friends, then Walking Queens Astoria is the group for you. The club’s meetups invite residents to slow down and really take in the streets they call home. By getting involved, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for Astoria’s history and character. The group is open to everyone, and the walks are not necessarily built around fitness goals or finish lines. Instead, it just offers residents an opportunity to unplug alongside other members of their community. Sign-ups aren’t required to walk, so all you need to do is check their schedule and bring yourself to the next meetup location.
@walkingqueensastoria
QED Astoria
Image via Instagram (@qedastoria)
For more than a decade, QED has been one of Astoria’s defining cultural institutions. The beloved, independently-owned space hosts upwards of 50 events each month. Though many of these shows are stand-up comedy, QED is also home to storytelling shows, live music, writing workshops, book talks, trivia nights, classes, and more. There is always something happening. And the space’s intimate setting brings performer and audience close together, allowing local creatives and established artists a chance to connect with the Astoria community while they perform. It is an integral part of Astoria’s arts scene and a home for so many talented people in the neighborhood. Whether you’re looking to participate in a show or just attend, QED is a must-visit for anyone who lives here.
@qedastoria I qedastoria.com I 27-16 23rd Ave
Astoria Sports
Image via Astoria Sports (astoria-sports.com)
Astoria Sports offers residents the perfect way to stay active while expanding their social circle. The organization runs rec leagues for just about every sport, including softball, kickball, pickleball, cornhole, and even darts. Players of all experience levels are welcome. While a competitive spirit is maintained and encouraged, the leagues’ emphasis is on having fun, meeting new people, and building community through sports. Many games end with outings to local bars, making it just as much of a social organization as it is an athletic organization. If you’re new to Astoria or just looking for a reason to get out one night a week, Astoria Sports is a great way to get involved. You can join as a team or an individual, quickly becoming part of one of the neighborhood’s most energetic communities.
@astoria_sports I astoria-sports.com
Astoria Runners
Image via Instagram (@astoria_runners)
Since launching in 2016, Astoria Runners has grown into one of the city’s largest running communities, welcoming everyone from beginners to marathon veterans. The group organizes weekly 5Ks starting in Astoria Park, as well as brewery runs, special events, and longer treks. The calendar is always packed and the vibe is always inclusive and helpful, as no runner ever gets left behind. Experienced members will cheer on newcomers, because the group knows that anyone who is willing to take the first step deserves the respect of everyone else. It’s easy to show up, so if you’re looking for a regular group to exercise with, Astoria Runners is waiting for you.
@astoria_runners I astoriarunners.com
Astoria Chess Club
Image via Instagram (@astoriachess)
There’s nothing like a community game night, and Astoria Chess Club offers one of the friendliest and most fun ones in the neighborhood. It’s a volunteer-run organization that is open to seasoned players and newcomers to the game. Until recently, they called The Bier & Cheese Collective home, but had to find a new venue earlier this year due to the continued growth of the club. Now, they host events and tournaments throughout the neighborhood and locations like Heart of Gold, Bohemian Beer Garden, and Lily’s, and outside during 31st Ave Open Streets. For lovers of chess, this is a great way to compete, have fun, and meet new people.
@astoriachess
Food Joy Club
Image via Instagram (@foodjoyclub)
For those of us whose idea of community usually involves sharing great meals, Food Joy Club is one of the best ways to explore the neighborhood and connect with new friends. The club organizes dinners, parties, wine & liquor tastings, brewery socials, and more. At each event, the goal is to bring strangers together over a shared appreciation of food and drink. Whether it is a rooftop wine party or a Latin American food crawl, the events are always filled with people looking to simply enjoy themselves and build friendships. Joining also gives you a great opportunity to support some incredibly worthy local restaurants and small businesses. Seeing that Astoria is known for its unbelievable culinary scene, this is one club whose presence in the neighborhood just makes perfect sense.
@foodjoyclub
Astoria Book Club
Image via Instagram (@astoriabookshop)
For book lovers in the neighborhood, Astoria Book Club is one of the absolute best organizations around. Supported by Astoria Bookshop, the club organizes monthly meetups at different locations for members to come together and discuss that month’s book. If you take a look at what they’ve read in the past, you’ll see that all genres and interests, from contemporary literature to the classics, have been included. This means there is something for everyone, but especially for those looking to have thoughtful discussions about what they read with other bookworms who are just as creative and passionate as they are. In order to join, you can DM the club on Instagram to get added to a WhatsApp group with information about the meetings and how to RSVP.
@astoria_book_club
Astoria Reading Party
Image via Instagram (@astoriareadingparty)
If you’re less interested in a traditional book club but still enjoy the thought of getting out of the house to read, then Astoria Reading Party may be more your speed. Instead of assigning a single title one week or month at a time that everyone reads collectively, the group simply invites members to bring whatever book they’re currently invested in and spend an hour quietly reading before chatting about each of their choices. It is a tremendous communal activity that is both a social experience and a personal escape. The group also hosts mixers and puts on raffles and sales that benefit the Queens Public Library. It’s the definition of a no-pressure activity, but still a great way to meet people.
@astoriareadingparty
Astoria Farmers Market
Image via Instagram (@astoriafarmersmarket)
After debuting with a successful first season in 2025, the Astoria Farmers Market returned to 31st Ave earlier this year with great anticipation from excited locals. Operating every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, the market brings together local growers and producers from across the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Queens. So many different vendors show up and share their incredible products with members of our community. Though the market has become quite popular, what Astorians might not know is that it is made possible due to the help of some wonderful volunteers. They help with event set-up and breakdown, as well as selling merch and helping guests. The organization is always looking for new volunteers, so if it sounds like something you’d be interested in, be sure to visit their website to learn how you can become a part of one of the best new additions Astoria has seen in years.
@astoriafarmersmarket I astoriafarmersmarket.com
American Outlaws Queens
Image via Instagram (@ao_qns)
The World Cup might be over, but there is still a group for soccer fans in Queens to get together and enjoy the beautiful game. American Outlaws Queens is much more than a supporters’ group—it’s a community built around the world’s most popular sport. As the Queens chapter of the national American Outlaws organization, the club gathers at Rivercrest to cheer on the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams while hosting watch parties, special events, fundraisers, and social outings throughout the year. Match days are an absolute blast, and something that truly needs to be experienced in order to be understood. If you’re a lifelong fan or you fell in love with soccer this summer, this is the group for you.
@ao_qns I americanoutlaws.com
