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Soak in Views of Manhattanhenge From Queens at 'LICHenge'

 A view of Manhattan henge from Long Island City in 2011.
A view of Manhattan henge from Long Island City in 2011.
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Juan Monroy

LONG ISLAND CITY — Check out one of the city's best sunsets this year from across the river.

Manhattanhenge — the twice-annual event where the setting of the sun lines up with the grid of the city's blocks — returns this week, filling the borough's streets with an Instagram-worthy glow.

But the phenomenon can also be enjoyed from the Long Island City waterfront, locals say.

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy will host "LICHenge" Thursday night at LIC Landing in Hunters Point South Park, inviting residents to celebrate the neighborhood's view of the Manhattan skyline as the sunset aligns perfectly with 42nd Street.

"You can definitely see some pretty sunsets," said Rob Basch, the nonprofit group's president. "You get the better views from Queens."

Though the American Museum of Natural History says the best Manhattanhenge sunsets will take place Friday and Saturday, and again for two days in July, Basch says there's a day-and-one-half window around those dates where viewing will still be optimal.

Thursday's event at waterfront eatery LIC Landing will feature a photo contest for the best sunset shot, which participants can enter by posting their photo to social media with the hashtag #LICHenge. The winner will get a gift certificate to the restaurant.

The party, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m., will also feature food, drinks and live music by the Anthony Cekay Jazz Trio. Members of the Hunters Point Park Conservancy will get a free drink. Non-members who are interested in joining the group can do so for $20, organizers said.

The parks group formed in 2014 — expanding from the Friends of Gantry Park — after Hunters Point South Park opened the same year. The organization now advocates for both waterfront parks and plans events in the neighborhood.

This summer, it will be teaming up with real estate company Nestseekers to host a series of outdoor movie screenings at Hunters Point South Park, including a showing of the original "King Kong" on June 25 and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on July 23.

A full movie schedule will be posted soon on www.cinemalic.com.

"LICHenge" will take place Thursday, May 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. at LIC Landing located at 52-10 Center Blvd.