The Fair Theater in Astoria may be no more

This is why the lockdowns should have ended in April.

All independent businesses in the hospitality and entertainment industries are on life support.

I am DEEPLY concerned with the fate of movie theaters in Astoria.

It's hardly a "movie theater", R2.

R2 Bitch, it's everywhere. 17% of small businesses nationwide have already gone under this year.

It will stay dark. It will reopen in time.

[quote] It's hardly a "movie theater", [R2].

Forgive me.

I am just not up enough on the specialties of theater venues in Queens.

R6 You type smug and cruel.

R1, the fortunate thing is that not everyone approaches the world with your simplemindedness. Shutdown or not, only the fools of New York would expose themselves to an airborne disease in the middle of a pandemic that has killed well over 300,000 Americans in its first nine months. You can fantasize all you want, but the economy and pandemic likely would be worse if business had continued as usual. If you disagree, please provide evidence.

[quote] [R6] You type smug and cruel.

Oh good. Then I've succeeded.

I went there several times two decades ago. I really don't remember any memorable hook-ups. I do remember once hearing Moon River and realizing that Breakfast at Tiffany's was playing in the main theater. So I just went in and watched it on the big screen and had a great time. The other time I heard Judy singing and went in and watched A Star is Born. I think it's funny that the two memories I have of it is watching two wonderful vintage movies there and not....you know...the other stuff.

Theaters in NY are reopening now. Is this on the list?

Appears to be back open now.

Gone but not Fairgotten.

Any updates on this?

Dis da suckjob theater, ain't-a?

My friend( F0RMER) used to push me to go there with him. It sounded a bit too sleazy for my frau-ish taste so we never went.

As of May 22, 2022, it appears to be ...still open! At least according to many recent reviews and ones even last year on Google reviews.

No hours or phone number listed on Google, though.

Not sure how long the pandemic forced it to close.

My only visit was February 15, 2020 or so, and yes, I knew about Covid but had no idea what was to happen very soon, first in Queens and all of NY/NJ then everywhere. So sad.

And foolishly, I was packed in with guys, many of us having sex in a small dark bathroom there and other corners. Roamed the hallways and balcony, chatted in the tv lounge where a PBS concert from years ago was entertaining fellow eldergays, cruisers, etc. A zany place, indeed, but I'm glad I experienced it. I even made a thread about my visit two years ago, driving 200 miles each way for the fun and the adventure, and curiosity of it all. I left about 2 a.m. after a few hours and drove to Chelsea to the Blue Room adult video store and had a couple more quickies in the small booths. That was it for sex until late October 2021, and nothing since then.

Yes, I can't believe I avoided Covid infection that trip. Maybe visiting just a week later would have proved awful. I've cruised a bit since my October 2021 hookup but haven't hooked up. Will try soon and in summer. I am 62. Yes, at 62, masturbation can replace wasted hours of cruising for some or many of us. ..

Can any local New Yorkers or others confirm it's open now? I think it opened until 3 am on weekends but not sure if those hours have been reduced. It think it was 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. closing on other nights Across from Baracuda, a 24-hour diner which could be a cool next stop after Fair if meeting someone at Fair. I think it's an ok part of Queens at night, not the worst area?

[quote] Yes, at 62, masturbation can replace wasted hours of cruising for some or many of us. ..

But masturbation can waste some hours of jerking without orgasm for some of us.

I can't imagine this place still exists. I was there right after covid and it was dire.

Isn't this theater in an out of the way location in East Elmhurst? It's not even close to Astoria. Either way I'm surprised it still existed. What movies did it show?

It's East Elmhurst. The confusion stems from the location (in East Elmhurst) being on Astoria Blvd.

Have no idea if it's open, but the date on the website is 2023.

It's in the middle of nowhere, Queens. It was closed, but reopened after covid. I have not been for many years.

I stopped by early last summer just to see the place - I wasn't about to go near anyone with Covid/Mpox and whatnot. It is like a Fellini movie.

So festive...

I went there once because someone I know said it had a hot hustler-y vibe. It did not, but what a benchmark for gay diversity! The place was packed with a subset of gays the likes of which I had never crossed paths with in my 54 years of being a gay. And they were everywhere! That's not meant to sound judgmental, it was more like a fact. And if anyone there was the odd gay out, it was me.

R25 give examples…

I was there on a Saturday a few months ago, I paid my admission and went through the gate then had to fight my way past a gigantic line of guys waiting in line for free pizza. It was bizarre.

It is still there. And packed. Some wearing masks.

It looks like they play Asian films then.

The were playing Les Miserables the time I was there!

Is this dump still open?

I went not too long ago after not having been in probably over 20 years, and yes, it's an absolutely bizarre experience with a mix of all types, but...I had a great time.

Is there a nacreous layer of permacum?

Is there one seat in that place that isn't busted?

[quote]Is there one seat in that place that isn't busted?

Well...

Do they still offer free refreshments? I remember a line of gentlemen waiting for a hot dog or a slice of pizza.

R31=Bette Davis

This place was kind of fun in its heyday - all types of people (don't go looking for mr. right) and lots of areas for playing. The balcony steps were very steep.

On more that one occasion I saw someone get taken away in an ambulance. Very few patrons under 50.