It’s official... summertime is almost (basically) here, which mean a slew of festivals, beach bods, bbqs, vacations, adventures and memories are just around the corner.
Are you prepared to make the most out of it this summer?
We hope you are because 16 amazing things are going down this summer in Queens!
From music, films, sports, art, and food you won’t know what to do with yourself. Now doesn’t that sound exciting? We bet it does.
So for those yearning to have a terrific and epic summer, now is the time to mark your calendars, or add these events to your bucket-list!
1. Free outdoor movies
Sure Netflix and chill sounds fantastic...umm for the winter! Why are you stuck indoors on a gorgeous day when you could head out to a park in Queens and watch a movie for free?
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Get some sun, meet someone and enjoy some all-time classics and favorites like the “Goonies,” “Zootopia,” “Ghost,” “Grease,” or the “Minions.”
2. Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Concert Series
Have you heard? Forest Hills tennis stadium just announced their 2016 summer concert lineup series?
Grab your best bud, or a complete stranger and dance the night away with performances by Disclosure, Flume, Mumford & Sons, and many many more!
3. Warm Up Summer Music Series
Warm up this summer with the hottest summer music series! Where? At the MoMa PS1 of course!
The annual dance party kicks off on June 11th, you can check out Warm Up 2016 featuring local and international musicians at the courtyard.
Performances by Hot Chip, D.R.A.M., and local Queens musician Eartheater are a few of the popular acts on the bill.
4. Queens Pride Parade
Show your LGBT pride, or love for the LGBT community at the Queens Pride Parade!
Plus, rumor has it that Crystal Waters will be headlining the Queens Pride Parade on June 5th in Jackson Heights.
5. "Only in Queens" Summer Festival and SummerStage Concert
The “Only in Queens” Summer Festival will feature a SummerStage NYC outdoor concert in partnership with the City Parks Foundation as well as a wide range of activities for all ages.
Performances by hip hop group KID N’ PLAY, r&b singer Ginuwine, singer/actor TRISTAN "MACK" WILDS of the HBO drama “The Wire” and the CW series “90210,” and music by Queens native DJ Camilo of Hot 97 can be expected.
You can register for free here.
6. “Landmark”
Marking Socrates Sculpture Park’s 30th anniversary, the park presents “Landmark,” a series consisting of artist projects and commissions that alter the park’s view both physically and symbolically.
“Landmark” addresses the idea of place, and the evolution over time. The series will feature eight different artist projects including a newly commissioned major earthwork by Meg Webster.
7. Cool off in a pool for free
Sometimes the beach is just too far. Luckily, Queens has a few outdoor pools where you can cool off this summer for FREE.
There’s also indoor pools which offer a small fee for adults, and are free for children under 18. Head over to the outdoor Astoria pool, or the indoor Flushing Meadows Corona Park pool.
8. Watch a baseball game or an upcoming concert in Citi Field
Citi Field is home to the New York Mets. The venue offers an unprecedented of amenities and comfort for Mets fans, sports fans and visitors.
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Go to an upcoming game, or attend an upcoming concert. Speaking of concerts? Have you heard that Beyonce will be having her Formation World Tour June 7th and 8th at Citi Field? Don’t feel left out, get your tickets now.
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Jam out at the Waterfront Concert Series this summer from July 14th to August 18th between the Hell Gate Bridge and Astoria pool.
10. The Total Long Island City Immersion
The next stop of the Immersion series with Brooklyn Brewery is no other than Long Island City. That’s right! Prepare to bar hop starting June 4th at the L.I.C Bar where hosts will be handing out free swag to those who check in before 1 p.m.
You won’t have to travel far for your next pint as you head to Gantry Bar & Kitchen, Woodbines and to Corner Bistro for all of your free beers (you get four Brooklyn beers in total).
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Inside the envelope of “walking around money” you get to spend in Long Island City during the Immersion you’ll get to win free knick-knacks and discounts for baked treats, jewelry, and vintage finds in places like Pink Canary, Sweet Leaf, and the outdoor LIC Flea & Food.
The price for four Brooklyn beers, lunch, and the deals below is just $25. Snag your tickets here!
11. Plan a picnic or a BBQ day at the park
There’s nothing like having a picnic, or BBQ in the summer. If you don’t have a backyard no worries.
Queens has a ton of parks perfect for a picnic, or BBQ including: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Cunningham Park, Forest Park, Highland Park, and Queensbridge Park.
12. Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks on East River
Want to get a good view of the fourth of July fireworks this summer in Queens? No problem, then head to East River for a great view of the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.
13. Boroughs of The Dead Tour: Haunting Histories and Legends of Astoria
Halloween is not the only time to take a haunted tour! On June 11th, take a tour of Astoria’s haunted past. The tour costs $20, for more information of Boroughs of the Dead tour, click here.
14. Go kayaking, or paddling on the East River
The LIC Community Boathouse offers an amazing view of Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Each of the paddle trips are free three times each week this summer!
15. Cool down with some Lemon Ice King of Corona
Summer is isn’t summer in Queens if you haven’t stopped by the Lemon Ice King of Corona.
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With over 20 different flavors to choose from, nothing beats the heat of the summer!
16. Brew with a view
Want to have amazing views while drinking? Queens offers a ton of excellent rooftop bars with beautiful views.
Head over to Leaf Bar in Lounge, Oo Bar & Lounge, A+ Roof Bar, Penthouse 808, Vista Ballroom, and Z Hotel.
Check out 5 Things You Absolutely Must Do in Staten Island This Summer.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]