About Astoria
Located in the New York City borough of Queens, Astoria was named after John Jacob Astor, once the wealthiest man in America, and was considered a vacation resort haven for the New York elite. Today, the city is one of the borough’s most culturally diverse, with large Jewish and Greek communities as well as distinctly Italian and German influences in restaurants, bakeries and retail shops. Astoria is also home to the oldest beer garden in New York City and the Paramount Studios Complex.
When looking for a party venue in Astoria, you’ll have a wide range of locations to choose from, including historic buildings, urban parks and greenspaces, upgraded industrial spaces and more. If your party venue doesn’t include in-house services such as catering, beverage service or furniture – or you would rather choose your own – there are many vendors in Astoria that can provide professional services for your event.
Party Options in Astoria
In a city as diverse as Astoria, you’ll have no trouble finding experienced service providers to help you manage your event, from first class food to furniture, glittery decorations, bounce houses, DJs and anything else you need for the perfect party.
- DJ Services and Entertainment
Whether it’s a graduation party, dinner party or your great aunt’s 100th birthday party, keeping guests excited and engaged can make any gathering into a memorable event. You’ll find several event production services in Astoria where you can hire DJs, live musicians, magicians and other children’s entertainers, inflatable activities, photo booths and more.
- Catering
One of the most culturally diverse enclaves in New York City, Astoria is home to authentic, affordable ethnic cuisine of just about any variety you can imagine. Many restaurants offer catering menus or can provide party-sized offerings of their full menu – you’ll find great Greek and Italian bakeries, restaurants and bodegas around nearly every corner. There are also several catering companies that can customize a banquet or buffet to your specifications, including signature beverages and any special dietary needs you may have.
- Equipment Rental
If you have 10 guests or 200 guests, you’ll need a place for everyone to sit, eat and relax. If your Astoria party venue doesn’t provide these things in-house, there are several rental firms that can supply basics such as tables, chairs or sound equipment. Most also have linens and other items needed to serve food and beverages. If you want to take your party to the next level, you can also find dance floors, lighting systems and fun décor props for photos.
Party Companies in Astoria
Special occasions are meant to be enjoyed. Consider hiring a professional party planner to handle all the details, including party venue selection, vendor coordination and even guest list management so you can have a memorable, stress-free event.
- Events Beyond
For more than 15 years, Events Beyond’s Courtney Kern has specialized in planning weddings, special events and all types of social occasions for some of New York’s most exacting clients. Events Beyond offers a full spectrum of wedding services to fit your budget, from an ultimate complete service package to event-day management and everything in between. For corporate or social events, planners will work with you to customize a plan that meets your goals and expectations with beautiful design and attention to detail.
- Blue Balloon Parties and Events
Specializing in children’s birthday parties, from intimate backyard gatherings to all-out exciting bashes, Blue Balloon Parties offers fun décor, entertainment and inflatables for your child’s big day. Along with concessions like cotton candy and popcorn machines, Blue Balloon has a wide selection of costumed character actors featuring clowns, magicians, Disney princesses, superheroes and more. DJs, face painters and other services can be added for a one-of-a-kind celebration.
- Skylar Arden Events and Design
Skylar Arden brings custom touches and tiny details to every wedding they design, creating a carefully curated, memorable and personal ceremony and reception for every unique couple. The firm’s work has been featured in Style Me Pretty, The Knot and Green Wedding Shoes, among other media. Skylar Arden Events offers several wedding packages, from the ultimate full-service planning experience to day-of event management for DIY’ers. Skylar Arden also designs custom nonprofit events and social gatherings and will work with clients to create a slate of services that fit each individual event.
Pros and Cons of Parties in Astoria
Astoria has much to offer clients looking for a party venue, but there are several advantages and disadvantages you should consider before deciding to host your event in the city.
Advantages
- Cultural diversity
Astoria has a large selection of authentic ethnic fare from Italian to Middle Eastern and especially Greek in the aptly-named Greektown community.
- Safety
Astoria has focused on gentrifying the last couple of decades, and a majority of its residents are families and young professionals.
- Affordability
Queens is one of the least expensive boroughs in New York City, and Astoria offers a lot of amenities for the money.
Disadvantages
- Entertainment
If you’re looking for live music, theaters or other weekend entertainment, it’s a painful commute to Brooklyn or the Lower East Side where these things are happening.
- Train access
Astoria can feel isolated from lack of train service, especially late at night or if trains are delayed.
- Mainly residential
Although Astoria does have many restaurants and boutiques, much of the area is residential with few entertainment options.
Famous Locations in Astoria
- Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is dedicated to appreciating the history, art and relevance of film, television and digital media. The museum is home to the country’s largest collection of film and television-related artifacts and hosts several exhibitions each year, focusing on personalities such as Stanley Kubrick and Jim Henson, as well as technological advances in the medium. The museum also screens more than 400 films each year, from new releases to classic silent films.
- Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Built in the early 1900s by a group of Czech and Slovak immigrants seeking to establish a community gathering spot, the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is the oldest such drinking establishment in New York City. The restaurant still serves a full menu of Czech and Slovak dishes and grilled meats and features European-style beer with a variety of flavors and seasonal brews.
- Astoria Park
Astoria Park stretches along the west shore of Queens from the Triborough Bridge to Hell Gate Bridge and features some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in New York City. The area is rich in history, from the Native American tribes who once called the area home to strategic locations during the Civil War and the playground of the wealthy in the early 1900s. The park features playground equipment, areas for lawn sports, dog-friendly runs, tennis courts, an outdoor pool and a skate park.