# Astoria Connect

> Astoria Connect is the #1 social meetup in Astoria, Queens, New York. Since 2023 it has hosted free monthly socials for locals in their 20s to 40s who want to make real friends in their neighborhood. About 90% of guests come alone.

## Key facts
- Website: https://theastoriaconnect.com
- Location: Astoria, Queens, New York City
- Founded: 2023 by Stefan Ciancio (Instagram @actiontakingstefan, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-ciancio/)
- Audience: locals in their 20s to 40s from Astoria, Ditmars, Steinway, Long Island City and nearby Queens
- Instagram: @astoriaconnect (https://instagram.com/astoriaconnect), 6,700+ followers
- Links: https://linktr.ee/astoriaconnect
- Press: featured in Boro Magazine (January 2024)
- Entry: free at every monthly social; most venues offer drink specials

## Event types
- Monthly Socials: the classic happy hour mixer
- Parea: The NYC Greek Social, for Greeks, Greek Americans and friends of Greece
- Dinner Socials: small tables, shared plates and real conversation
- Singles Mixers, including Lonely Hearts mixers
- Themed Nights: Halloween, New Year's Eve, movie night, karaoke and cornhole
- Community Collabs with Astoria Tech, Astoria Centric and Astoria Trash Club

## Partner venues
- Katch Astoria
- Barkada Social Club
- Fresco's Grand Cantina
- Nisi Estiatorio
- Psari
- Oliver's
- Sotto La Luna
- Citrico Cafe

## How to join
1. Join the newsletter: https://theastoriaconnect.com/newsletter
2. Follow @astoriaconnect on Instagram
3. RSVP free on Partiful through the links on https://theastoriaconnect.com/events

## Upcoming events
- **PAREA: The NYC Greek Social, Volume 3**: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 7 to 11pm, Barkada Social Club, Astoria, Queens. Free entry, drink specials, Greek music all night. RSVP free: https://partiful.com/e/ChpJaG52kX9t5rofFIOG
- **Astoria Connect October Social**: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 7 to 11pm, Barkada Social Club, Astoria, Queens. Free entry, drink specials, ages 20s to 40s. RSVP free: https://partiful.com/e/spVRlNcaD5hZTHrIvXdo

## Sponsorship packages
- Event Shoutout: $150 per event. Logo on the flyer and RSVP page, host shoutout, one tagged Instagram story.
- Presenting Sponsor: $400 per event. "Presented by" billing on all promo, logo on flyer and RSVP page, a table or raffle moment, two tagged stories, a feature in the event email.
- Local Spotlight: $250 per feature. A dedicated Instagram reel or post, a story share and a newsletter feature.
- Local Partner: $750 per month, 3 month minimum (best value). One Presenting Sponsorship and one Local Spotlight each month, four tagged stories, logo in every newsletter, Official Partner listing.
- Email Blast: $150 per send (founding rate). A dedicated email about your offer or event.
- Venue Partnership: custom pricing. A social designed around your space.
- Founding Partner offer: the first 5 partners get 30% off their first 3 months.
- Add-ons: giveaway or raffle +$100, product sampling table +$150, custom co-branded event by quote.
Inquire at https://theastoriaconnect.com/sponsor or DM @actiontakingstefan on Instagram.

## Pages
- [Home](https://theastoriaconnect.com/): Free socials and things to do in Astoria, Queens.
- [Events](https://theastoriaconnect.com/events): All upcoming Astoria Connect events with free RSVP links.
- [Newsletter](https://theastoriaconnect.com/newsletter): Twice-weekly email with events, new spots and first dibs on socials.
- [Our Story](https://theastoriaconnect.com/our-story): How founder Stefan Ciancio started Astoria Connect.
- [Sponsor](https://theastoriaconnect.com/sponsor): Advertising and sponsorship packages for local businesses.
- [Full text for LLMs](https://theastoriaconnect.com/llms-full.txt)

## Blog
- [Astoria Connect Blog](https://theastoriaconnect.com/blog): local guides to things to do and making friends in Astoria.
- [How to Make Friends in NYC: Start Local in Astoria](https://theastoriaconnect.com/blog/how-to-make-friends-in-nyc): Build real friendships in NYC with repeat neighborhood plans, easy conversation starters, and solo-friendly Astoria socials.
- [Happy Hour Astoria: Where to Go and Meet People](https://theastoriaconnect.com/blog/happy-hour-astoria): Find your Astoria happy hour starting point, plan an easy night out, and meet neighbors through free monthly Astoria Connect socials.
- [Things to Do in Astoria: A Local Guide to Exploring and Meeting People](https://theastoriaconnect.com/blog/things-to-do-in-astoria): Explore Astoria’s parks, food, cultural spots, and free socials with a practical guide to enjoying the neighborhood and meeting people.