Over sixty parents, children, members of the Summer Youth Employment Program, and infants from Hanac’s Astoria Cornerstone showed up to see a marionette performance organized by the City Parks Foundation and Friends of Whitey Ford Field. The hour-long show, performed by puppeteers Charlie, Kate, Elsie, Cinna, and Brody, entitled “Pinocchio and Geppetto,” was the largest-ever non-sporting event that we know of held at the field after World War II! We hope to organize regular performances with the City Parks Foundation in the future. Visit Friends of Whitey Ford Field for the latest news and updates: https://friendsofwhiteyfordfield.org/

The post Pinocchio at the Ball Field appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Children under 12 can ride the NY Waterway ferry for free with a paying adult through Labor Day, September 7. Each adult can bring up to two children at no additional cost on regular ferry routes between New Jersey and Manhattan. It’s a great way to skip tunnel traffic, enjoy scenic Hudson River views, and save on your next family trip into the city. Read more on the recent TimeOut article here.

The post Kids Ride the NY Waterway Ferry to Jersey for Free This Summer appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

For years, Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park brought neighbors together for free summer evenings filled with film, live performances, and food along the Astoria waterfront. If you’ve ever attended one of these screenings, you know just how unforgettable the experience is, with one of the best waterfront views in the city. As the Park celebrates its 40th anniversary, Socrates Sculpture Park is working to bring back outdoor cinema with a new fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $50,000 to help restore Outdoor Cinema and continue supporting the Park’s free public programming. The campaign is being led by the Community Council, inviting residents, artists, and supporters to invest in the future of one of Astoria’s most valued public spaces. Monthly contributions help sustain exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and community events while making the return of Outdoor Cinema possible. Learn more and support the Community Council by visiting Socrates Sculpture Park’s website or clicking here.

The post Support the Return of Outdoor Cinema at Socrates Sculpture Park appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Choreographers and dance artists are invited to apply for Fertile Ground 2026–2027, a non-curated showcase presented by Green Space and Dance Entropy featuring work from emerging and established artists. Each performance includes six choreographers sharing works up to 15 minutes, followed by a moderated discussion with artists, dancers, and audience members. Participants receive critical feedback, a 30-minute technical rehearsal, and performance video documentation. Artists must be located within the NYC Tri-State Area. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until performance dates are filled. Upcoming dates include September 27, October 18, and November 15, 2026, along with additional performances through June 2027. Apply now to share your work with the dance community. Apply for the Fertile Ground 2026-2027 Season https://www.greenspacestudio.org/for-artists

The post Fertile Ground 2026–2027 Applications Open appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

The Noguchi has a full calendar of exhibitions, family activities, tours, and more July. OANA is happy to share their full calendar, below, including their famous Free First Friday. To view the calendar visit here or see the July events below. Community Day Saturday, July 11 Admission is free during the Museum’s second Community Day of the summer. Visitors can enjoy drop-in art-making activities and multilingual public tours focused on Noguchi’s New York, which explores Isamu Noguchi’s enduring relationship with New York City. Free First Friday Friday, July 3 The Museum offers free admission all day during its monthly Free First Friday, with extended hours into the evening. Visitors can explore the galleries at their own pace and participate in Gallery Kit, a drop-in art-making activity designed for all ages. Gallery Kit: Free First Friday Friday, July 3 Visitors of all ages are invited to create art inspired by Isamu Noguchi’s sculptures and current exhibitions. Each session begins with a guiding question and encourages creative exploration through hands-on materials. Draw Together Friday, July 17 Designed for tweens and teens ages 11–15 and their adults, this family program combines gallery conversations, drawing activities, and collaborative reflection inspired by Noguchi’s artwork. Drawing from a Distance Monday, July 20 Join this free virtual drawing program to learn about Isamu Noguchi’s work while connecting with others through guided drawing exercises from home. Walking Tour: Noguchi’s New York Thursday, July 23 Explore two of Isamu Noguchi’s iconic public sculptures in Manhattan’s Financial District during this educator-led walking tour. Participants will visit Sunken Garden for Chase Manhattan Bank Plaza and Red Cube while learning about Noguchi’s contributions to New York City’s public spaces. Free with registration. Mindfulness in the Galleries Saturday, July 25 Before the Museum opens, visitors are invited to experience guided meditation and reflection...

Continue Reading

The post July at The Noguchi: Free Admission, Family Programs & Special Events appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Socrates Sculpture Park has a lot of going on this July that you can check out with your friends and family including live music, art workshops, kayaking, public art, and more. Hope you can make it out to this beautiful park this summer and remember to stay hydrated. If you need to cool off stop by Château le Woof for a iced beverage across the street! Public Sounds with Geller Saturday, July 11th Experience a free outdoor synthesizer performance by Los Angeles-based electronic artist and composer Geller. Known for immersive soundscapes and communal listening experiences, Public Sounds has grown from intimate park gatherings into a celebrated series attracting audiences across the country. Free. No RSVP required. Field Guide x Noguchi: Collections – Mixed-Media with Harumi Ori Saturday, July 18th Create mixed-media sculptures using clay and found natural materials with an educator from The Noguchi Museum. Inspired by the work of Isamu Noguchi, participants will explore sculpture through hands-on creativity and receive a complimentary pass to The Noguchi Museum. Free with RSVP. Hallet’s Cove Community Kayaking Saturday, July 18th Enjoy free kayaking from the beach at Hallet’s Cove with LIC Community Boathouse. No boating experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. First come, first served. Weather permitting. Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York Presents: La Guelaguetza Sunday, July 26th Celebrate the traditions of Oaxaca during Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York’s annual Guelaguetza Festival. Inspired by the Zapotec tradition of reciprocal giving, the festival features colorful traditional dance, live music, cultural performances, and the beloved Dance of the Pineapple. Free with RSVP. Homecoming: John Morse – Flying Flag Flying On view July 4th through November 2026 As part of Socrates Sculpture Park’s 40th Anniversary Homecoming series, the Park presents a reconstruction of John Morse’s Flying Flag Flying (1995). The original...

Continue Reading

The post July at Socrates Sculpture Park appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Experience an evening of live electronic music at Public Sounds with Geller, a free outdoor synthesizer performance at Socrates Sculpture Park. Los Angeles-based artist, producer, and composer Geller creates immersive electronic soundscapes that invite audiences to gather, listen, and connect in an open-air setting. What began as intimate performances in Los Angeles parks has grown into a celebrated series attracting thousands of attendees across multiple cities. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of euphoric synthesizer music in one of Queens’ most unique waterfront parks. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended. Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-sounds-with-geller-tickets-1993030666374

The post Public Sounds with Geller at Socrates Sculpture Park (July 11th) appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Join Friends of Whitey Ford Filed and CityParks for a presentation of Pinocchio and Geppetto’s Big Apple Adventure, a mobile marionette puppet show. The show will take place at Whitey Ford Filed on July 8th between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. Free to attend! All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more about the event and read the press release here.

The post First-Ever Puppet Show at Whitey Ford Field (July 8th) appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

Astoria Pool, one of NYC’s original public pools, is marking its 90th anniversary this summer! Opened in 1936, it remains the city’s largest public pool and a defining landmark of free outdoor recreation in Queens. To celebrate, NYC Parks will host a special birthday event at Astoria Pool on July 2, part of a citywide series honoring the 11 historic pools built during the Great Depression. The event will include limited giveaways of commemorative towels (one per family) and collectible buttons for early arrivals. Astoria Pool remains a centerpiece of that legacy and our community! Hope you can make it to the celebration. Learn more here.

The post Astoria Pool Celebrates 90 Years of Public Swimming (July 2nd) appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in the community, Sky Farm LIC is looking for volunteers. The Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens has opened registration for upcoming volunteer days at Sky Farm LIC where volunteers can help maintain the farm and support this incredible community space. You don’t need gardening experience to get involved: you will learn on the spot. It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors, spend some time outdoors, and help keep the farm growing. Registration is now open. Scroll through the Variety Boys & Girls Club’s announcement for videos, photos, volunteer dates, and sign-up information. For more information and to register, please click here.

The post Volunteer at Register Sky Farm LIC appeared first on OANA - Old Astoria Neighborhood Association.