👋🏾 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
Local theater
Cake decorating
Maker’s markets
…and more! Read ahead for details!
💭 When You Want to Celebrate (ALL) Your Relationships
Whether I’m in a relationship or not, I LOVE Valentine’s Day branding. Anything coated in pink and red hearts has my attention during the entire season. It’s a great way to celebrate the people you love romantically and platonically. I’m really loving all of the non-brunch or dinner happenings around the neighborhood or an easy train ride away.
This week I’ve found activities (mostly Valentine’s Day themed) for LIC residents to get out of the house and hang out with friends and partners. 💗
⭐ Spotlight - Theater East
Credit: www.theatereast.org
This week’s spotlight is Theater East. A (seemingly) hidden gem of the neighborhood, this org runs an Off-Off Broadway venue that brings live theater to LIC. They frequently host play readings, social gatherings, full productions, and film/theater festivals. I’m personally excited to support them more this year and hoping others will so they same!
Support local theater and check out what’s coming up!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
2/11/26 (Wed) | 6:30-9:30pm | Home EC NYC | $95
Great for: Anyone looking for a low-barrier entry to learning how to sew
2/11/26 (Wed) | 7pm | Court Square Theater | Free
Great for: Theater enthusiasts excited by a fresh story and community vibes
2/11/26 (Wed) | 7-9:30pm | Madeline's | $30 (additional discounts available)
Great for: Artists who need a new (spicy) muse or two
2/12/26 (Thu) | 6-8pm | Greater Nexus | $25
Great for: Couples (or friends!) with a sweet tooth but no baking talent
2/13/26 (Fri) | 7-8:30pm | LIC Tonsorial Barbershop & Shaving Parlor | $15
Great for: Anyone looking for local laughs this Valentine's Day weekend
2/13/26 (Fri) | 8pm | Ferox Ninja Park
Great for: Happy Hour fiends looking to curb their curiosity about the Ninja Park
2/14/26 (Sat) | 1-4pm | Bareburger Hell's Kitchen
Great for: Crafty queers who love maker's markets
2/14/26 (Sat) | 3pm | 00:00 Night Club | $20-45
Great for: Anybody curious about how "scent" can become an emotion
2/14/26 (Sat) | 7pm | Fifth Hammer Brewing Company | $70
Great for: Flower-enthusiasts who want to make their own bouquets (or need an excuse to drink beer)
2/15/26 (Sun) | 12-6pm | Yant Art Space
Great for: Chronic market shoppers who love trinkets, baked goods, and handmade goods
↗️ On The Horizon
Nice One! Comedy Show → 2/19/26
Lunar New Year Comic Con → 2/22/26
Interested in including your business? Fill out the form linked below or email [email protected] for details.