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A family Halloween parade and block party on Ditmars, a Saturday night arts gathering, and a look at Astoria's sunny weekend forecast.
Not every weekend needs a big trip. This one has a family Halloween gathering on Ditmars, a Saturday night arts event, and a sunny forecast that should make it easy to get outside. The afternoons will be pleasant, but the air gets chilly after sunset.
The Destination Ditmars Merchants Association is hosting its Halloween Parade and Block Party on Saturday, October 24. The organizer describes a family parade along Ditmars Boulevard, followed by a neighborhood block party with activities, entertainment, music, costumes, and treats. The associated artist market is listed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you're heading over with kids, check the organizer's event listing for the latest schedule and route details. It is also a good chance to spend some time with the small businesses along Ditmars.
There is something for the creative crowd later in the day, too. The Astoria Filmmakers Club's Astoria After Dark is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. at 3636 Studios, 36-01 36th Avenue. It is billed as a Halloween costume party and a chance for local filmmakers, actors, photographers, and artists to meet. The Queens Gazette event write-up has more details and the RSVP link. Beer service is for guests 21 and older.
The National Weather Service forecast for Astoria calls for sunshine Friday through Sunday. Friday's high should be near 59°F, Saturday around 60°F, and Sunday around 64°F. Overnight lows drop into the low to mid 40s, so bring a jacket if you will be out after dark.
As of Thursday afternoon, the MTA's planned service page does not list a weekend change affecting the W or the Astoria end of the N. The listed N restriction is at Coney Island in Brooklyn. These notices can change, so it is still smart to check the MTA before heading out.
Hope you get a chance to enjoy the neighborhood this weekend. If you know of something local we should include next week, send it our way.