Queens’ Unplugged Dance Party Rocks Astoria

Astoria’s Lavan Midtown pulsed last night with Queens’ Verizon Arcade Unplugged dance party, shaking NYC’s spring. DJ Lena Carter spun for 200 kids and adults, a Global Day of Unplugging bash. It’s borough beats—free entry, screen-free fun, pure Queens vibe. A toddler twirled; a teen moonwalked wild. ‘Queens grooves—this is it,’ Carter says, mixing tracks. The floor lit up.

The party’s a one-off—two slots, 9 a.m. and noon, sold out by dawn. Carter’s a local spinner; last night’s crowd hit max—feet flew. A parent joined late; puzzles swapped screens—NYC rare. Snacks flowed—free juice fueled it. #UnpluggedQueens trended; Brooklyn’s muted.

Some shrugged—’Too early,’ griped a night owl, yawning out. Space squeezed—latecomers bumped; rhythm held. A speaker popped—fixed fast; dance rolled. Manhattan wants in, but Astoria’s got the beat locked. Lavan’s never bounced so free.

Carter’s teasing a summer redux, maybe a park if kids bite. ‘NYC’s wired—this cuts it,’ she says, packing vinyl. The party’s a Queens win—grit meets groove. It’s a screen break; catch the next. Bring shoes—dance rules.