👋🏾 Local Side Quests is a guide to enjoying your time outside of work in and near LIC. Each issue is a curated list of classes, activities and gatherings nearby that invite community, curiosity, and/or creativity.
👀 Sneak Peek
Crafty clubs and movie nights
Film screenings
Rock climbing
Book clubs
…and more! Read ahead for details!
💭 When You Have to Push Yourself Into New Things
Is it too late to say Happy New Year? The early months are always tough. I’m full of creative ideas but running on low energy. A 4:30pm sunset doesn’t help.
This time of year, hobbies and interests can feel harder to connect with but are possibly more important than ever. When energy is waning, I try to lean into the momentum of the new year by seeking out creativity, social exploration, or mindful movement for a dopamine boost.
I’ve curated a list of activities that employ some element of novelty and encourage new interests or communities. Enjoy!
⭐ Spotlight - Queens Public Library: Hunter’s Point
Credit: queenslibrary.org
In this first edition of Local Side Quests: LIC, I'd like to highlight the QPL Hunter’s Point location. These librarians work very hard to continuously provide (free!) programming for adults.
Check out their upcoming events by clicking the link below. There’s always something interesting happening - I’ve discussed books, learned how to make sustainable cleaning supplies, and explored the history of transgendered characters in anime!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby
LIC Craft Circle - TODAY!
1/12/26 (Mon) | 6-9pm | Focal Point Brewery | Buy a drink
Great for: Crafters with a WIP seeking a new community (to stall with)
1/14/26 (Wed) | 7-8:30pm | Little Chefs Cafe | $25
Great for: Casual readers wanting book club community without the homework
1/15/26 (Thu) | 7pm | Film Noir Cinema | $10 (cash only)
Great for: True cinephiles ready to show up and try something new solely based on vibes
1/15/16 (Thu) | 7-11pm | Focal Point Beer Co | Buy a drink
Great for: Tabletop gamers ready to expand their social network
1/16/26 (Fri) | 2-8pm | Museum of Moving Images | $50 (per couple)
Great for: Film/TV nerds and couples who love A24
1/16/26 (Fri) | 6:30-9pm | Movement Gym LIC | $15 (for non members)
Great for: Bodies looking to start the new year mid-air
1/22/26 (Thu) | 6-7pm | QPL Hunter’s Point | Free
Great for: Romance readers needing a new book and fun discussion (not a critical takedown)
1/23/26 (Fri) | 7-9:30pm | The Sewing Clubhouse | $35
Great for: Anyone ready to learn crochet with a hook, a screen, and zero pressure
1/23/26 (Fri) & 1/24/26 (Sat) | 8pm | Green Space Studios | $22
Great for: Dance enthusiasts looking for fresh interpretative art and indie performance
Interested in spotlighting your business? Email the editor’s desk at [email protected] for more details.