👋🏾 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. Disclosure: This issue includes paid placement, but opinions are my own.
👀 Sneak Peek
Paint ‘n Sip
Rock climbing
Super Bowl watch parties
…and more! Read ahead for details!
💭 When You Need a Creative Outlet
Something I think we often lose as adults is our sense of creativity. While the days of finger painting and coloring outside of the lines are (likely) long gone, there are so many ways to engage in creativity and imagination.
One of my favorite growing microcosms of the neighborhood is the craft shops, performance venues, and hobbyist groups. So many opportunities to try new crafts and engage in old favorites.
I’ve curated a few opportunities to be creative throughout and nearby the neighborhood, plus plenty of totally unrelated fun events and activities (for all you non-artsy folk).
⭐ Spotlight - Alice Lipping Art Studio
Credit: Alice Lipping Art Studio
This week's spotlight is Alice Lipping Art Studio, an LIC-based business bringing abstract art to the entire neighborhood. Alongside populating the walls of various local restaurants and galleries, Alice hosts Paint 'n Sip events throughout the LIC/Astoria area. I'm finding that LIC restaurants, breweries, and local artists are coming together more and more often to curate community and I love it!
Fun fact: Alice Lipping Art Studio also started and curates The Brick Wall Gallery at Bar Dalia in Astoria, which features other local artists!
Check out the studio website below to learn more about Alice's art installations and upcoming events.
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
2/4/26 (Wed) | 6-10pm | Brooklyn Boulders | $20
Great for: Active she/they’s ready to feel special and participate in some rock climbing
2/4/26 (Wed) | 7-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewing Co. | $45
Great for: Anyone ready to sit, drink, and do some unrestricted art
2/5/26 (Thu) | 6-9pm | Culture Lab | Free
Great for: Local history buffs ready to fill their knowledge gaps on the impact of women in our community
2/6/26 (Fri) | 7pm | Sunnyside arts | $20
Great for: Writers who just need a social scene and booze to have fun
2/7/26 (Sat) | 11am-12:30pm | Brooklyn Art House | Free
Great for: Writers who need quiet accountability and dedicated writing space
2/7/26 (Sat) | 7pm | LaGuardia Performing Arts Center | $15
Great for: Anyone in love with jazz music and dance
The Big Game → Focal Point / Fifth Hammer
2/8/26 (Sun) | 6:30pm | Focal Point / Fifth Hammer
Great for: NFL and Bad Bunny fans who want to dance and shout at the TV in public
↗️ On The Horizon
Queer Craft Skill Exchange → 2/10/26 | 6-8pm | The Collaboratory
Neighborhood Play Reading → 2/11/26 | 7pm | Court Square Theater
LIC Craft Circle → 2/16/26 | 6-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery
Interested in including your business? Fill out the form linked below or email [email protected] for details.