Astorian Spooktacular Weekend Edition 29.10.09

Image by marthastewart.com

Halloween is here! And that means plenty of fun, silliness and of course, dressing up. In addition to the many Halloween goings-on, check out these cultural and food happs in your neck of the woods.

Still can’t decide what you’re doing for Halloween? We have some fabulous options– ranging from a masquerade ball to the “biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens.” If you’re still looking for more, check out some of my restaurant-focused recos.

Have you checked out the newest fooderies in LIC? Testaccio Ristorante, focused on contemporary Roman cuisine opened last weekend and El*Ay*Si is still in previews, holding tastings this week. I’ve tried both and think they’re worth checking out—especially the delicious stone oven pizza at Testaccio. Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.2900. El*Ay*Si – 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

We just got news that a new bar opened in Astoria in a nabe that’s starting to buzz with activity (upper 30th Avenue). The place is called Radio Bar & Grill and they boast a “killer burger” and plenty of beers on tap. They’ll host a Halloween party on Saturday, which could be a good opportunity to check them out. 49-18 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6892

Want to do something cultural this weekend? Visit P.S.1 MOMA and explore their seven (yes seven!) new art exhibits. One that particularly caught my interest spotlights a tumultuous year, 1969 and is a collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints. P.S.1 MOMA – 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084

One of my favorite vintage furniture shops both in Astoria and LIC is Nook n’ Crannie. If you haven’t been, I highly encourage it. They sell the most wonderful, gently used items such as furniture, accessories, paintings and nostalgic gifts. Proceeds benefit the Betel of America charity. Astoria - 29-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.204.8399. LIC - 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.706.6477

Halloween in Astoria

Halloween is almost upon us! There are a number of events going on in the neighborhood, and here's what we know so far. All events start the evening of Halloween proper, October 31.  If you know of any additional partays, please post in the comments!

Halloween at Sweet Afton

after dark and into the night...
30-09 34th Street
Astoria
Best Costume Grande Prize:  all you can eat & drink evening for two at Sweet Afton.
[website]

Halloween Masquerade at Domaine Bar A Vins

5:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
50-04 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
[Facebook]
You are spookily invited to Domaine Wine Bar Masquerade Bash on Saturday, November 31st....come drink, dance, haunt and bite with us...

Hell Gate Social Halloween Bash

7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
12-21 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria
[Facebook]
The fun starts off w/ DJ Belladonna spinning the scariest grooves this side of the Mississippi. She will then hand off the reigns to the Two Bloody Tampons who will continue the mayhem. And let's not forget the Costume Contest.... and all the fun games we have planned (scary movie clip contest, mummy wrap contest, and Mad Libs).

Why Leave Astoria?! Halloween Party at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

8:00 p.m.
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria
[RSVP]
WLA?! is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!

Halloween Extravaganza at The Creek LIC

8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City
[Facebook]
Come support Promethean Theatre Company as we celebrate Halloween with drink specials, tarot cards, live music, beer pong and lots more! Don't forget to come dressed in your favorite costume (contest!) to compete for cool prizes. $10.00 donation ($15.00 if you don't have a costume).

Halloween Party at Rèst Âü Ránt

9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
30-01 35th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Join us for our 2nd annual Halloween Party! We will have party favors, food, and drink specials, and best costume prizes!

The Zombie Stomp Social at Shillelagh Tavern

9:00 p.m.
47-22 30th Avenue
Astoria
[astorians]
Don’t miss this ferociously ghoulish party at Shillelagh in Astoria. AM&A presents games and a costume contest with a cash prize!! $10 cover.

Halloween Masquerade Ball at Ovelia Psistaria Bar

11:00 p.m. to 4:20 a.m.
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Enjoy Halloween festivities in an intimate venue with good friends, music, drinks and costumes!

Two Upcoming Halloween Events

Halloween is coming up, of course! Notice of a couple of Astoria/LIC-based Halloween parties have crossed my desk, so here are the details for October 31st fun in the hood:

Join wine bar Rèst Âü Ránt for their Night of Mayhem.  Party favors, food and drink specials will be available, as well as prizes for best costumes.  They'll go from 9:00pm to 4:00am.  They are located 30-01 35th Avenue.  RSVP on Facebook, here.

Why Leave Astoria?! is invading Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden!  Festivities start at 8:00 p.m.: "WLA is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!"  The (original!) Beer Garden is located at 29-19 24th Ave.  RSVP, here.

Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates

On Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Socrates Sculpture Park will hold their annual Halloween Harvest Festival.  It's a free event, held rain or shine.  Hopefully it will shine that day!  Following the Festival, stick around for a special outdoor performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, produced by the Red Door Theater Company. More from Socrates:

The 2009 Festival theme is glam rock! See a live concert by New York's own, Audra Rox and become the rock star of your dreams with the help of Socrates Sculpture Park artistsMartin Basher, Pilar Conde, Lars Fisk, McKendree Key, Zak Kitnick, Samara Kupferberg, and Athena Preston (all costume making materials will be provided and will be free of charge); join a Giant Instrument Jam with Freestyle Arts Association; get glamorous with Transformation! Facepainting by Agostino Arts; try harvest foods from Sage General Store; picnic in the Park; or just watch the fun! and become the rock star of your dreams with the help of Socrates Sculpture Park artists

Back by popular demand, Socrates will also host its 6th annual Canine Costume Contest at 1pm (registration at front gate). Visitors can enter their dogs and win fabulous prizes for being the cutest, scariest, best dressed or most rocked-out pooch. Dr. Jules Adams from City Vet will also judge the contest. along with BARC Shelter, who will also offer information about adopting a pet.

At 2pm, The Red Door Theatre Company will present a special outdoor performance of the The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Chrysten Peddie has adapted this classic Halloween tale by Washington Irving for the Company's 3rd year with Socrates' Halloween Harvest Festival. Come see Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, and Brom Van Brunt, as they tell the story of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow. A blanket or lawn chair is recommended. The performance is free of charge.

Astorian "Spooktacular" Weekend Edition 30.10.08

Image by www.scholastic.com

Halloween is here so check out the many fun "tricks" and "treats" that Astoria has in store.

Visit the Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Ave, 917-576-7380) this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. for its Pre-Halloween Bash. Bring your furry friends and make sure they arrive in costume. There will be a raffle, as well as free doggie portraits, smoked organic doggie sausages, and doggie Halloween cookies.

Watch the Whiskey Dregs disappear on Thursday, the night before Halloween. Performances will include music, short stories, poetry, and even magic! Whiskey Dregs, The Great Disappearing Act, pre-party starts at 8 p.m. at Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd).

Halloween Specials:

Many restaurants are hosting costume balls. Cavo's (42-18 31st Ave, 718-721-1001) annual glam party offers some glitzy prizes, like a trip to Vegas, and Indigo's (28-50 31st St, 718-728-0050) more chilled-out party offers $250 in cash for the grand prize winner.

You can also check out my listings of more Halloween restaurant specials, including Meg's mention of Mojave's (22-36 31st St, 718-545-4100) "Day of the Dead" party.

Check out LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, 917-254-8923) at 9 p.m. for a special Halloween live music show featuring Tool Tribute Band Schism.

Mojave Halloween Celebration

Apologies for the crappy cellphone photo, but I wanted to post about Mojave's Halloween celebration, "Day of the Dead". Now, Day of the Dead is traditionally celebrated on November 1-2, but Mojave is not a traditional kind of place. I do enjoy their margaritas, and I'm sure there will be drinks galore along with the food - if you can't read the poster, it says Dinner; Dancing; Open Bar; Reservations Required. Festivities start at 10 p.m. on the 31st.

Mojave
22-36 31st St
Astoria, NY 11105
(718) 545-4100