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Sunnyside Block Will Close for Costume Jazz Fest and Kids Craft Fair

 Sunnyside Summer Strolls will close down a block of 46th for two events this summer, including a jazz concert on Aug. 2.
Sunnyside Summer Strolls will close down a block of 46th for two events this summer, including a jazz concert on Aug. 2.
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Sunnyside Shines BID

SUNNYSIDE — The local Business Improvement District will hold a free outdoor arts and crafts fair for kids this weekend on 46th Street, closing a block off to cars to make way for live music and free art activities like face painting.

The event is one of two planned this summer for the fifth annual "Sunnyside Summer Strolls," organized by the Sunnyside Shines BID as part of the Department of Transportation's Weekend Walks program, which turns city streets into temporary pedestrian spaces.

A free jazz concert will also be held there on Aug. 2 in honor of 1920s jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke, who once lived in Sunnyside.

Both events will take place on 46th Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Queens Boulevard, under the Sunnyside Arch. The children's arts and crafts fair will happen Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. and is being hosted by Re-Create QNS, a new coalition of local creative organizations.

BID director Rachel Thieme said this year's craft fair differs from previous ones because activities will be staffed by local businesses and art groups, giving families an opportunity to meet area artists and learn about enrichment programs in the neighborhood.

The Turkish Cultural Center, for example, will offer lessons on water marbling — the art of creating designs on paper using dye and water. Local yogurt shop 4 Squared Flavors will let kids design their own yogurt spoons, the Sunnyside Ballet Studio will host paper doll-making and Kmia Salon will be doing nail art.

"I think it's a much more collaborative event this year," Thieme said.

Other activities include face-painting, temporary tattoos and live musical performances like ballet and Irish dance.

There will also be a pop-up library in the space beneath the 7 train station at 46th Street, the future site of "Bliss Plaza," a new pedestrian area being planned for the site under the DOT's NYC Plaza Program.

The public plazas will be built under the elevated subway tracks at the 46th Street and 40th Street stations, and will include tables and chairs for people to sit. An official opening date has not been announced yet.

In addition to the arts and crafts fair, a second "Summer Stroll," is scheduled for Aug. 2, when the annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Concert will take place from 2 to 7 p.m.

The 1920s-themed music fest — costumes are encouraged — is held each year in honor of Beiderbecke, a well-known jazz musician who spent his final days in Sunnyside.

The concert will feature performances by the Sunnyside Drum Corps, The Pendulum Swings and Lindy Hop lessons from The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers.

For more information on both events, click here.