Fireworks on the street, picnics in the park, the A.C. water dripping on a hot day…summer is officially here!
While many flock to resorts and vacation homes during the hotter months, real New Yorkers know that summer in the city is a magical time (if you know where to go). Here’s what your resident Queens Leos 🦁 are looking forward to this July and August and a special contribution by a guest writer from our friend and Corona native, Abril Peña.
Summer Events
Cristine’s Pick: Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series
July - August | Multiple Locations
Inspired by the iconic Queens Jazz Trail Map, the Kupferberg Center For the Arts returns with a series of FREE seven concerts in many of Queens’ beautiful parks. Many jazz legends lived in Queens during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie. Grab a blanket and a friend (or two!) and come celebrate jazz, honoring the Queens’ legendary artists. Check out more info here and live updates of the event on @kupferbergcenter’s Instagram.
THU, JUL 10, 7 PM | Baisley Pond Park (Jamaica): Bryan Carrott Quintet
THU, JUL 17, 7 PM | Rockaway Beach Park (Far Rockaway): Rubén Coca Quintet
SUN, JUL 20, 2 PM | Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Flushing): Alí Bello & The Charanga Syndicate
THU, AUG 7, 7 PM | Travers Park (Jackson Heights): Kim Clarke & Friends
THU, AUG 14, 7 PM | Forest Park Bandshell (Woodhaven): High & Mighty Brass Band
THU, AUG 28, 7 PM | Archie Spigner Park (Jamaica): Mingus Big Band
Maya’s Pick: Ballet Folklorico at Socrates Sculpture Park
Sunday July 27, 12-6pm | Astoria/LIC
Catch me anywhere alongside of body of water this summer, including the stunning Socrates Sculpture Park, at the intersection of Long Island City and Astoria, snuggling the East River. For the past few years, Socrates has hosted Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York’s Guelaguetza for a colorful all-day festival with traditional Oaxacan costumes and dance. Make a full day of it and arrive via a refreshing NYC Ferry trip, pick up some wine and sandwiches from nearby café Chateau Le Woof or the best falafel in NYC from the King of Falafel , and enjoy a very Queens day at the ballet!
Local Biz Spotlight
Maya’s Pick: The Warehouse Market
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays | Rockaway Beach
This summer, I can’t wait to go back to The Warehouse Market on Rockaway. It’s the perfect pitstop before a trip to the beach (just remember to bring a cooler). The market stocks the best of New York (and beyond) in a tiny space - She Wolf Bakery sourdough baguettes, locally grown heirloom tomatoes and perfectly ripe peaches, fresh mozzarella straight from Arthur Avenue, and some specialty items like maple mustard and chili chutney. I love reading the weekly list from the market to see what’s in stock that week. There’s always something different and the selection moves with the seasons.
P.S. Make sure you go to the new location on 99th street! Google maps hasn’t yet updated the address.
Actions
Cristine’s Pick: Community Climb Night w/ Climbers for Palestine
Thursday July 24, 6:30-8:30pm | LIC
Latino Outdoors is hosting a fundraiser for Humanitarian Aid Organizations, Palestine Red Crescent, Middle East Children’s Allaince (MECA) for Peace and Wadi Climbing Palestine and a direct fundraiser for a family of 7 in Gaza. Free tickets on their Eventbrite are sold out but you can still join by paying at the door.
Welcome Our Guest Writer, Abril Peña!
A bit about Abril: As a writer, Abril enjoys exploring themes around culture, family, and relationships, inspired by her experiences as a daughter of immigrants, a Queens kid, and Afro-Latina. Her essays have been featured in three anthologies published by Dominican Writers Association. In the nonprofit space, Abril has been a steady advocate for youth, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots leaders who are paving the way for a brighter future.
If you’re tired of running up your ConEd bill, doom scrolling news content, or just in need of reconnecting with your community, make your way to the 34th Ave Open Streets in Jackson Heights, which spans from 69th street to Junction Blvd. On either end, you can find two fun summer activities: reading and dancing
The World’s Borough Bookshop
Open 7 Days a Week | Jackson Heights
The World’s Borough Bookshop, which sits on the corner of 73rd St and 34th Ave, was opened in the summer of 2023 and is the only Ecuadorian-owned bookshop in all of NYC. Adrian Cepeda, the shop owner, grew up right across the street from where the bookshop now sits. The shop focuses on providing books by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women authors – reflective of the community he loves and serves. Even if you’re not an avid reader (guilty!), you can attend one of the many events hosted at the shop – from junk journaling, to poetry readings, to drag story hour – or peruse the vendors market which features local artists and small businesses!
Clases de Cumbia
Saturdays, 12pm | Jackson Heights
Take a stroll – or a bumpy bike ride – to 93rd St. and 34th Ave every Saturday morning and you’ll find our favorite Cumbia King, Mark Saldena (aka @coolmarx) hosting a free, weekly outdoor cumbia class. The class is open to all levels of dancers, and brings together everyone from young people who want to show off their new skills at the next family function, to older couples who have graced dance floors together for decades. The cumbia class recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary, and brought together the community for food, dance, and joy. Follow @34_ave on Instagram for more information.
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