Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers in Long Island City
Top Things to Do in New York City for Jazz Lovers in Long Island City
1. Culture Lab LIC at Plaxall
A community arts hub that transforms a former plastics warehouse into a lively performance space, Culture Lab LIC programs outdoor and indoor shows where local ensembles and touring improvisers stretch out. In summer, its free waterfront concerts make jazz feel as expansive as the skyline across the East River.
✓ Why Go:
For a grassroots, artist-forward scene where you can hear fresh Queens talent without the Midtown price tag.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer evenings for outdoor sets; check weekends year-round for indoor performances.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a camp chair for the outdoor yard and cash for the musicians’ tip jar—sets often run two 45-minute halves.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the welcoming, neighborhood vibe and the thrill of discovering rising jazz artists steps from the waterfront.
2. LIC Bar
A century-old brick tavern with a leafy back garden and a dedicated music room, LIC Bar curates eclectic live nights that regularly include jazz trios and big-city standards. The intimate scale means you’re never far from the bandstand.
✓ Why Go:
For close-up listening and classic New York atmosphere with serious musicianship.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings, especially Thursday through Sunday when live sets are most common.
✓ Insider Tip:
Slip into the back room early to snag a seat with sightlines to the drums; the garden is perfect for the break between sets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the authentic neighborhood feel, friendly bartenders, and quality sound in a no-fuss setting.
3. Fifth Hammer Brewing Co.
This independent brewery doubles as a community music hang, hosting frequent live sessions where horn-led combos and guitar-organ trios pour out grooves as easy-drinking as the tap list. The industrial-chic room keeps things laid-back and local.
✓ Why Go:
For casual, beer-in-hand jazz with neighborhood energy and rotating food pop-ups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekends; look for early sets that are family-friendly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Nab a table near the garage door for fresh air in warm months and surprisingly balanced acoustics.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the welcoming staff, creative brews, and the fun of stumbling into a lively set.
4. Rockaway Brewing Company LIC
The LIC taproom of Rockaway Brewing regularly spotlights neighborhood musicians, with jazz nights that pair small-batch pints and tight-knit ensembles. Expect standards, soul-jazz, and plenty of improvisation in an easygoing space.
✓ Why Go:
For a low-key, musician-friendly room where sets feel spontaneous and community-driven.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday evenings; occasional weekday sessions pop up seasonally.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the chalkboard for set times and grab a stool along the wall for the best mix-to-conversation balance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars rave about the neighborhood crowd, approachable staff, and the intimate feel of live jazz among the tanks.
5. The Beast Next Door
Part café, part salon, this European-style spot hosts candlelit jazz nights ranging from lyrical duos to spirited quartets. With vintage décor and attentive listening, it’s a romantic corner of LIC’s music map.
✓ Why Go:
For cozy, close-mic performances and craft cocktails that suit a mellow jazz set.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight evenings for intimate shows; weekends can be livelier and sell out seats quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve or arrive early for a small table up front; the room fills fast when a beloved local vocalist is on the bill.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the warm service, thoughtful programming, and conversation-friendly volume.
6. LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
On the LaGuardia Community College campus, LPAC presents adventurous music series that often feature contemporary jazz, global improvisation, and cross-genre collaborations in a professional theater setting.
✓ Why Go:
For seated concerts with strong acoustics and programming that pushes jazz forward.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Fall and spring seasons align with the academic calendar; weekend evenings are most active.
✓ Insider Tip:
Plan a pre-show bite on Jackson Avenue and arrive 20 minutes early—LPAC productions tend to start on time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiences commend the high production values and the chance to see boundary-pushing artists close to home.
7. Gantry Plaza State Park
LIC’s signature piers and gantries double as an open-air stage for seasonal concerts where jazz ensembles play against a cinematic Manhattan backdrop. Bring a blanket and let the bass lines carry across the river.
✓ Why Go:
For skyline sunsets with live jazz—quintessential New York without leaving Queens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall at golden hour; weekday evenings are calmer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Set up near the northern lawns for the best sound from pop-up stages and unobstructed views of Midtown lights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the free community shows and the unforgettable atmosphere as the city lights blink on.
8. Hunters Point South Park
A sweeping waterfront park with a great lawn that hosts neighborhood concert series where jazz, soul, and Latin ensembles take over summer evenings. It’s picnic-perfect and kid-friendly.
✓ Why Go:
For relaxed, bring-your-own-blanket jazz nights steps from the East River ferry.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer weekends and select weeknights around sunset.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive before dusk to claim lawn space and bring a light jacket—the river breeze cools off quickly after dark.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and locals applaud the welcoming vibe, clean facilities, and stellar sound for an outdoor venue.
9. The Noguchi Museum
Isamu Noguchi’s serene sculpture museum offers occasional music programs in its garden, and the contemplative spaces pair beautifully with jazz’s improvisatory spirit. Even on non-performance days, it’s a restorative stop for jazz lovers who appreciate form, rhythm, and flow.
✓ Why Go:
For art-meets-music inspiration and a tranquil pause between evening sets elsewhere in LIC.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall for garden programs; weekdays are quieter for reflective visits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time your visit to end near closing, then walk the waterfront to catch a nearby sunset concert.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe the museum as meditative and beautifully curated—a perfect counterpoint to a night of live jazz.
10. Socrates Sculpture Park
This outdoor art park hosts seasonal festivals and community events that often include jazz and global fusion acts. With large-scale works and the East River in view, it’s an inspired place to hear a horn section soar.
✓ Why Go:
For free, creative programming where art, community, and improvised music mix under open skies.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer Sundays and special event evenings; arrive before sunset for golden-hour light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a blanket and explore the current exhibition between sets; food vendors pop up during bigger programs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the inclusive, family-friendly feel and the discovery of quality jazz in a non-traditional venue.
