What to Do in Astoria This Week: Holiday Charity Drive, Shabbat Dinner, Craft Fair, and More

Each week we bring you highlights and ideas for what to do in Astoria for the week through our What to Do This Week Series.  Got suggestions of your own? Share in the comments!

Want your event included? Submit it here: weheartastoria.com/share-a-scoop

NOVEMBER 15 to 21—no official holidays this week, but note that
Saturday, November 21 is National Adoption Day.
Happy day to all those who have a loved one who is adopted or has adopted someone!

Holiday Toy, Food, and Coat Drive

Help children and families in need during this holiday season by donating holiday toys, non-perishable food, and winter coats. Donations can be made now through December 11th. Winter coats, also being collected by the offices of State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, will be donated to New York Cares. Toys will be donated to Urban Upbound and Toys for Tots. Non-perishable food will be donated to a local food pantry.

Until December 11
Office of Costa Constantinides | 31-09 Newtown Ave

Email mcorbett@council.nyc.gov for more information.

A Friend of Dorothy (Zbornak)

Comedian Matt Smith’s solo stand-up show about coming out, fitting in, and the life lessons he’s learned from “The Golden Girls.”

Tuesday, November 17, 7:30pm
Q.E.D. | 27-16 23rd Ave
$10

Learn more, here.

Burgundy Besties: a guide to holiday gifts and pairings

In this class we will take an in depth look at Burgundy to help de-mystify all that is Burgundian wine. Our host for the evening is a Burgundy native. It doesn’t get much better than that…actually it does. November 19th is BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU DAY! We’ll be able to have some fun starting the tasting off with this celebratory wine. Beaujolais is technically in Burgundy but the styles are vastly different.

Thursday, November 19, 7:30-9pm
SquareWines | 24-20 Jackson Avenue
$22.76 ($2.24 Eventbrite fee)

Learn more, here.

Shabbat Dinner Comedy Variety Show

Shabbat Dinner is a monthly comedy variety and storytelling show where comedians tell jokes and stories about their religious upbringings. The show is hosted by Eitan Levine (PITtv), and Tovah Silbermann (Empire Biscuit Comedy Festival), who talk about their Orthodox Jewish upbringings in a way that is equally informative as it is funny. Between each act, there is a “Jew and A” where audience members can ask questions about the insular world of Orthodoxy that they’ve always wanted to know (Last month Tovah and Eitan dispelled the hole in the sheet rumor thanks to an audience inquiry). The show is textured with powerpoint presentations, stories and stand up from both the hosts as well as the guests-many of whom grew up religiously as well.

The line-up for Shabbat Dinner on November 19 is: David Bluvband (The Chris Gethard Show); Liza Treyger (Comedy Central Presents); Andrew Tavin (PITtv); David Finkelstein.

Thursday, November 19, 7:30-9pm
Q.E.D. | 27-16 23rd Ave
$5

Learn more, here.

World of Cider: a historic and delicious beverage

America’s oldest alcoholic beverage has a deep rooted history not only in the states but around the world. Join us in welcoming cider aficionado and advocate Anthony Belliveau-Flores. We’re not talking about mass produced ciders made from concentrate, we’re talking five natural, classic European and American made ciders that will change your attitude about America’s oldest beverage.

Friday, November 20, 7:30-9pm
SquareWines | 24-20 Jackson Avenue
$22.76 ($2.24 Eventbrite fee)

Learn more, here.

Leaf Fest

The leaves are falling! Autumn is a gorgeous time in Astoria Park with the leaves changing – grab a rake and join us as we prepare the park for winter. For 3 Saturdays in November, we will rake and collect leaves to be made into compost. Astoria Park Alliance will provide gloves, tools, and training. Please come in closed-toe shoes, ready to work outdoors!

Saturday, November 14, 10am-noon
Astoria Park Field House near Astoria Park Track
Free

Learn more, here.

Craft Fair at Trinity

Lots of handmade things, books,jewelry, cakes, home made jams, chutneys and more. We also have an auction, plus we serve lunch of home made soups, chili, etc. If you come around lunchtime you will be able to enjoy music presented by a band led by Steven Baker.

Saturday, November 21, 10am-4pm
Trinity Lutheran Church | 31-18 37th St.
Free

Learn more, here.

DanceWorks New York City Dance Recital

DanceWorks New York City the city’s largest performance-based dance organization for college grads, returns to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts November 21 with a jam-packed season eight performance. The two hour production features 24 original works that blend high-energy hip-hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary into a show that is anything but a typical dance recital.

Saturday, November 21, 5:15pm & 8:30pm
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts | 35-12 35th Ave
$28 General, $18 Children under 12

Learn more, here.

Long Island City Art Stroll: A Guided Walking Tour

Join the Long Island City Cultural Alliance (LICCA) for its first Art Stroll – a very special guided walking tour of three of Long Island City’s renowned art institutions: Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs, SculptureCenter, and MoMA PS1.

Itinerary
2:00 pm: Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Program, 11-03 45th AvenueLong Island City, NY 11101
2:45 pm SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
3:45 pm MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Avenue at 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
4:45 wine reception

This walking tour is rain or shine. Good walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Saturday, November 21, 2-5pm
Meeting Point: Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs | 11-03 45th Avenue
$25.00, advance tickets required

Learn more, here.