As New Yorkers enjoy the sunshine and summer months, there are plenty of activities taking place throughout Queens for residents of all ages to enjoy. Here's a peek at just some of the many things going on this summer in the borough.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
www.nycgovparks.org
Professional dance instructors will teach different dances to people of all ages during “Dancing Under the Stars.” They will be at Little Bay Park Zone Two, located at 212th Street off of Cross Island Parkway in Bayside, on Wednesday, July 11, July 18, and July 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Central Astoria's Summer Fun Children's Series will present African Rhythm Tap with Irene Koloseus. It will take place at Athens Square Park, located at 30th Avenue and 30th Street in Astoria, on Tuesday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m., and at the Dutch Kills Playground at 36th Avenue and Crescent Street in Astoria on Wednesday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. They will present Dances Around the World with Ramzi El-Edilibi at the Athens Square Park on Tuesday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. and at the Dutch Kills Playground on Wednesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. Native American Storytellers with Donna Couteau Cross and Joe Cross will take place at Athens Square Park on Tuesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. and Dutch Kills Playground on Wednesday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Highland Park, located at Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street, will also have a “Dancing Under the Stars” series. It will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, Wednesday, July 18, and Wednesday, July 25.
Central Astoria's Waterfront Concert Series will feature The Elsbeary Hobbs Drifters on Thursday, July 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Cab Calloway Orchestra will perform on Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. and the Cornell Gunter's Coasters will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 26. All shows will take place in Astoria Park, located at Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bridge and the pool.
Maspeth Federal Savings will present an Irish Festival on Thursday, July 12 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Bandshell at Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard. It will star Andy Cooney, who will be accompanied by Step Dancers.
The New York Philharmonic will perform at Cunningham Park at the 193rd Street field on Thursday, July 12 at 8 p.m. There will be fireworks following the concert.
There will be an evening of karaoke with Billy C. and Kitty on Friday, July 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Bandshell, located at Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard.
Friends of Fort Totten Family Fun Day will take place on Friday, July 20 from noon to 4 p.m. The day will include games, arts and crafts, health screenings, giveaways and other activities. The Fort Totten Park is located at 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway in Bayside.
Moosehall Theater will present “Spartacus” at the Fort Totten Parade Ground on Sunday, July 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is free, although people should bring a chair or blanket.
Queens Symphony
70-31 84th Street, Building 38 Glendale
718-326-4455 * www.queenssymphony.org
As part of its free summer park series, the Queens Symphony orchestra will hold several concerts throughout August. They will be at the Forest Park Bandshell in Woodhaven on Sunday, July 29 at 5 p.m. and the St. John's University Great Lawn in Jamaica on Thursday, August 2, at 7 p.m. with “A Night at the Movies.” On Sunday, August 5, they will perform “Summer in Italy” at Forest Park Bandshell at 5 p.m. The final concert will be on Sunday, August 12, also in Forest Park, at 5 p.m. and will be “Red, White & Blue.”
The Queens Zoo
53-51 111th St,
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
718-271-1500 *
www.nyzoosandaquarium.com
On Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, the Queens Zoo will be hosting activities to let children experience how life would be like as an animal. Kids will be able to learn more about life's amazing creatures by participating in games, doing crafts, and listening to stories. Call for admission information.
The New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th St, Flushing
718-699-0005 * www.nyscience.org
Every Sunday from July 8 to November 25, the NY Hall of Science Farmers' Market will now be selling locally grown fruits and vegetables and will also use them in science demonstrations.
Ever wondered how objects travel through space? Starting on the weekend of July 14 until August 26, at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., the Science Theatre will be giving a live and interactive presentation about movement and motion at the Hall of Science.
No gardening experience is required in order to participate in Perfectly Plants at the Hall of Science. People of all ages are welcomed to plant a seed and watch it grow through a microscope, all while learning more about the life of a plant. Perfectly Plants takes place during August, everyday at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The cost is $3 per participant or $2 for members.
Join the Hall of Science's Sarah the Squirrel in her daily adventures. Each day in August at 12:45 p.m., 2:25 p.m. and 4 p.m., the Squirrel Craft project will be taking place. Also, at 5:15 p.m., be sure to catch Sarah's End of Day Puppet Show.
Look at the stars, even if it is still bright outside. At 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Hall of Science will be hosting its daily Evening Sky Planetarium Show.
The Hall of Science invites you to become a molecule detective. To find out more about how molecules shape our bodies, their role in medicine, and in the world, attend Molecule and Health. Funded in part by a Science Education Partnership award from the National Institutes of Health, this program will run until September 2.
Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building,
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
718-592-9700 * www.queensmuseum.org
This summer the museum will be promoting youth empowerment and intercultural dialogue through free art studios and writing workshops. This program is for high school students living or studying in Queens, and will run on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. If interested, call the museum, their extension is 137.
County Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park
718-347-3276 * www.queensfarm.org
July 27 to July 29 will mark the Thunderbird American Indian's 29th annual Mid-Summer Powwow. As the city's oldest and largest powwow, more than 40 Indian nations will be represented at this spectacular event. The event will be held in the apple orchard on the farm grounds and authentic Native American art, crafts, jewelry, and foods will be available. Admission is $9 for adults and $4 for children (12 and under).
PS 1
22-25 Jackson Ave, LIC
718-784-2084 * www.ps1.org
PS 1 kicked off their summer music concert series on Saturday, June 30 and will continue to have a live performance each Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. until September 30. Music featured includes everything from hip-hop and punk, to classical and “non-western” genres. For guests scheduled to perform check out the website under Warm Up 2007.
Queens Botanical Garden
43-50 Main St, Flushing
718-886-3800 *
www.queensbotanical.org
On Sunday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the garden will be hosting Fruit Salad for the Soil. Not only will fresh fruits be used to make a healthy and sweet treat, but the left over peelings will be used to make compost for the soil. Children and decomposers alike will get their fill, all while learning the vital role that compost plays in our environment and soil. Registration is preferred.
On Wednesday, July 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Botanical Garden will teach how leaves, kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, and weeds can all be turned into compost to enrich the city's soil. This workshop shows how simple it is to complete the composting process, how simple it is to use it, and which equipment and tools can help. Registration is preferred.
