The Backlot Festival is BACK at Kaufman Astoria This Weekend (including the first Queens Mutt Show!)

The Backlot Festival is BACK! This second annual free festival celebrating community though performances, musical acts, readings and exhibitions takes place this Saturday, Sept 21 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Kaufman Astoria Studios (35th Ave at 36th St).

To get more of an idea of what this new arts festival is about, here are some noteworthy elements:

• The FIRST “Queens Mutt Show” (at 4 p.m.) — a dog show that will crown the best mutt in the neighborhood, with Château le Woof and Animal Cares Centers of NYC (NYACC). Up to 35 mutts will be competing for the trophy, and will be judged to see who “best embodies the unique diversity of the World’s Borough” (through looks, smell, demeanor and behavior). Register your dog here (all of the $15 fee will go to NYACC).

 

• An opening performance by Astoria’s own all-female Brazilian drumline, Fogo Azul

 

• Tableaux Vivants fashion show (the models are stationary and silent) — with costumes from the TDF Costume Collection

 

• Live character renderings — with Elmo! — by Sesame Street head of Character Design Louis Henry Mitchell

 

• “Backlot Market” with Queens crafts and small biz items (by Made in Queens)

 

• “Snaq-Lot Backlot” — a food market curated by “Food King of Queens” Joe DiStefano

 

• Tons of satellite venues throughout the Kaufman Arts District (like dance performances at the Rioult Dance Center, a Zukor Theater local film fest pop-up, Uke Hut Ukulele workshop, jazz and comedy at Beans & Lager, and more).

Basically, SO much entertainment! And for all ages too.

The entire festival is free to attend, and while tickets are not required, pre-registration is recommended.

Did you go last year? What feature are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!