Memorial Day Weekend 2018 in Astoria, LIC, and Sunnyside

It’s Memorial Day on Monday, a solemn time to recognize those who have served and perished as a result. Did you know that Queens is home to the largest Memorial Day parade in the country? Head to the Little Neck/Douglaston area on Monday, May 28 for a 2pm start time for the parade.

Apart from that, there’s a lot going on during this holiday weekend, which serves as the unofficial start to summer. And there is a ton of interesting things going on, from the aforementioned parade, to barbecues, sales, live music, street fairs, and more. Here’s our collection of stuff to fill your weekend. Happy summer!

Food Stuff

39th Annual Czechoslovak Festival
Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, 2018; both day start at noon
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria

“Live entertainment all day. Authentic Czech and Slovak cuisine. Raffle prizes. First place prize is a round trip to Prague!” More information.

Memorial Day BBQ
Monday, May 28, 2018
Astoria Tavern, 33-16 23rd Avenue, Astoria

On Monday, the Astoria Tavern is hosting a Memorial Day BBQ.

Memorial Birthday Bash
Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, May 27, 2018; 8pm-2am
Salt & Bone Smokehouse, 32-07 30th Ave, Astoria

Join us this Saturday (5/26) for an ALL NIGHT SALTY-BONER BASH. Dunk tank, burlesque dancers, juicy smoked meats (til’ 2am), local craft beers, live DJ. The smokers with be cranking until 2AM, we’re wheeling in extra kegs of local craft beers, and turning up the music until the neighbors complain. More information.

Memorial Day Weekend Happy Hour
Sunday, May 27, 2018; 11am-2am
DiWine Restaurant & Wine Bar, 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria

Head to DiWine for Happy Hour all day long with $5 beers and $8 cocktails and wines (the restaurant will be closed on Monday). Plus they recently added a new burger to its menu, the Wagyu Prime Cheeseburger ($19). It features IPA cheese sauce, bourbon onions, pickles and a side of skillet-roasted potatoes, and it comes with a free draft beer during the month of May.

Memorial Day Weekend Party
Sunday, May 27, 2018; 10pm-4am
Fusion Lounge, 34-19 Steinway Street, Astoria

Music by: DJs All Out + Lil Jay + Hollywood KO & Hosted by Pretty Lou. Specials: Ladies drink & smoke hookah for free till 12am. Ladies free til 1am with Eventbrite Ticket. Dress Code: Casual but Neat – No Shorts – No Sweats – No White T-Shirts. 21+with proper ID. More Info & RSVP call or text 718-470-2086

Waterfront Eating and Drinking
Anable Basin, 4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City

Eater puts Anable Basin on their “16 Breezy Waterfront Restaurants for Outdoor NYC Bliss” map, meaning it will be a great place to be on Memorial Day for beer and cevapi (among other things).

Memorial Day Shopping

Memorial Day Sale
Friday, May 25 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
The Brass Owl, 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

“Get ready for summer this Memorial Day weekend! We are running 10% off entire stock and 50% off already reduced clearance (cannot be combined with other discounts). Then Join us Monday, March 28 for our Memorial Day Party! 15% off entire stock, free Aloria Cakes cupcakes, free sangria.” More information.

Street Fairs
We’ve got two street fairs going on this weekend: one in Woodside and one in Astoria. Enjoy food, arts & crafts, live music, and more. Check out our annual street fair festival post for even more street fair goodness later this summer.

Woodside Festival
Saturday, May 26, 2018; 10am-6pm
Woodside Avenue from 63rd Street. to Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside
Organizer: Woodside On The Move

Broadway “Astoria” Memorial Day Fair
Monday, May 28, 2018; 10am-6pm
Broadway from Crescent Street to 42nd Street, Astoria
Organizer: Broadway Merchants and Professionals Association

Activities

Profundo Day Club’s Summer 2018 Season Starts
Friday, May 25, 2018
Profundo Day Club, 8-08 Queens Plaza S, Long Island City

Remember Profundo, the rooftop pool at the Ravel Hotel? It’s baaaack! Get your tickets, here.

Free Stargazing in the Oval!
Friday, May 25, 2018; 7-9pm
Hunters Point South Park, Borden Avenue, Long Island City

“The Amateur Astronomers Association of New York sets up their telescopes just west of the oval, at the far west end of Borden Avenue, starting around sunset (note: stargazing is dependent on weather/cloudcover).” More information.

Summer Movie Screening – Moana
Friday, May 25, 2018, 8:30-10:17pm
Outdoor Movie Night,  Randall’s Island Park Field 42,

Free summer movies are here! Moana is tonight, check out the rest of the area’s summer’s movie offerings, here.

Public Beaches Open
Saturday, May 26, 2018, 10am

The city’s beaches, including the Rockaways (Beach 9th Street to Beach 149th Street), are open for the season this Memorial Day weekend. More information.

Birding: Hawk Watch
Saturday, May 26, 2018, 10am
Astoria Park Parking Lot, 19th Street and Hoyt Avenue

“New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair.” More information.

Sunnyside Gardens Park – Memorial Day Fair
Saturday, May 26, 2018; noon-5pm (Rain date – May 27)
Sunnyside Gardens Park, 48-21 39th Ave, Sunnyside
Note: this is usually a private park, but they are opening it up to the public on this day

“Kick off summer Sunnyside-style at the Memorial Day Fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park. From our flag-raising ceremony at noon – led by local Marine/Girl Scout troop leader James Knapp – to our full schedule of locally sourced entertainment, action-packed rides and games, and variety of refreshments, there will be something for everyone at this festive event.

Our emcee will be on the main stage directing a day of events fit for all ages, including: – Performances by local dance troupes and musical acts – Rides & bouncy houses – Memorial Day-themed arts & crafts – Professional face-painting – Raffles throughout the day, sponsored by local vendors.

Come out for a day of fun and a slice of Americana! Hop on a thrilling ride with your little one or let them jump to their heart’s content in a bouncy house. Enter to win awesome prizes in the Raffle or win big money with the 50/50. Raffle winners will be announced at the end of the day’s event. Food and drinks will be available for purchase including traditional American barbecue, popcorn, freshly spun cotton candy, homemade picnic sides and desserts, soft drinks, wine, beer and more.” More information.

Live Music in LIC
Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28, 2018; 4-8pm each day
LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City

“Hey Staycationers! We have lots of great bands playing on the OUTDOOR stage this Sunday AND Monday”

Sunday, May 27th
4pm The Owlflies
5pm BLSSM
6-8pm A tribute to Pink Floyd by MR FLOYD

Monday, May 28th
4pm Kathy Zimmer
5pm Silbin Sandovar
8pm MAMA JUKE

No Cover. More information.

LIC Henge
Monday, May 28, 2018; 7-8:30pm
Hunters Point Park, Long Island City

From LIC Partnership: “Join LICP Member Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy this Monday 5/28 to witness LIC Henge 2018 as the sun aligns perfectly on the east-west street grid of Manhattan. The phenomena only happens twice a year and will be in perfect view from the LIC waterfront. This event is free to enter but refreshments will be on sale at LIC Landing.” More information.