All of my exes live in Texas. That’s why I live in Queens! Don’t worry. I still get the great food, though, as the Texas Chili Cook-Off 2025 is at Pig Beach NYC in Astoria on Sunday, May 18, from 1 pm to 6 pm. Maybe I’ll bring my exes. After all, this 56th annual…
Author Archives: Rob MacKay
13
May
May
The haircuts make these furry friends soooooo cute! Queens County Farm Museum presents New York City’s only Sheep-Shearing Festival on Sunday, May 18, from 10 am to 5 pm. Back for a 14th year, this spring celebration mixes shearing demonstrations with lessons on wool processing, yarn shopping, the brand new Animal Adventure walking tour, live…
12
May
May
Five Queens landmarks are among several dozen others around New York State that will welcome visitors during the Sacred Sites Open House this weekend. Spearheaded by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, this 15th annual extravaganza gets individuals to explore architecture, art, and history while learning about the Empire State’s diverse houses of worship. Some venues…
intheloop
#InTheLoop | Lecture + Concert to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Beatles at Shea Stadium
12
May
May
Roll over, Beethoven! Queens is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the world-famous Beatles concert at Shea Stadium this weekend. On Friday, May 16, head over to the Queens Historical Society, where Executive Director Jason D. Antos will offer a slideshow and screening at 7 pm. Antos, who wrote a book on Shea Stadium with Arcadia…
newsflash
#Newsflash | Five Businesses Win 2025 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge: Each One Receives $20,000 Grant
12
May
May
A dance studio, a gift-buying service, a map-based hiring platform, an artisanal chocolate company, and an E- bike share program were announced as winners of the 2025 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge during a special event at Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park on Wednesday, May 7. Each entity will receive…
newsflash
#Newsflash | After a Major Renovation, Live Music Returns to Poppenhusen Institute in Queens
07
May
May
The greatest historic house/community center that you’ve never heard of is back after a renovation and ready to host cultural events. Poppenhusen Institute will present A Jazz and Blues Concert and Luncheon with The Paul Shapiro Trio on Sunday, May 18, at 1 pm. It’s a long time away, but the same College Point establishment…
Weekly Column
#Newsflash | King Manor Museum Hosts an Afternoon of the Popular Filipino Tinikling Dance on May 10
07
May
May
Tinikling, which is also known as the “Bamboo Dance,” is basically the national dance of the Philippines. There are variations, but usually two festively dressed performers hold two parallel poles (clappers) and strike them against the ground to make rhythmic “clack” sounds. Meanwhile, two other performers (often barefoot) hop over the poles. Enjoy, learn, and…
Pick of the Week
#PickoftheWeek | A Rock Musical about Princess Anna of Byzantium Is in Astoria on May 10
06
May
May
It’s 988 AD, and Emperor Basil II is the heroic ruler of Byzantium. However, his sister isn’t happy as she’s just agreed to marry Vladimir the Great, the Grand Prince of Kievan Rus. Princess Anna of Byzantium: The Rock Musical unfolds at Astoria’s Thespis Theater on Saturday, May 10, at 6:30 pm. To add to…
06
May
May
It’s time for an art overdose! The LIC Arts Open Festival 2025 provides five days of entertainment, enrichment, workshops, and open houses from Wednesday, May 14, to Sunday, May 18. In short, gallery shows, live music, and performances will pop up all around Western Queens at different times. There’s also a Kickoff Party at The…
06
May
May
Are you ready for eight concerts with works by 55 composers and 42 performers over four days? Queens New Music Festival 2025 fills The Secret Theatre with contemporary music from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18. Presented by Random Access Music under the artistic direction of Thomas Piercy, this 14th annual auditory feast showcases…