👋🏾 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 newsletter may include paid placement; opinions are always my own.
👀 Sneak Peek
Lunar New Year Comic Con
Pickleball party
Flower shop opening
…and more! Read ahead for details!
💭 When It's Time to Party for Two Weeks
This week marks the beginning of Lunar New Year and you know LIC will have lots to do!
It’s been hard to get out of the house lately (this winter has been brutal), but between Valentine’s Day and LNY, it’s impossible not to feel a little festive. With all the markets, themed events, and plenty of food, I hope everyone finds at least one way to celebrate with the neighborhood this year.
I've curated several LNY options (and a couple non-festive activities) for this week to get you out of bed and into the community. Happy New Year - welcome to the Year of the Horse!
⭐ Spotlight - MoMA PS1
Credit: www.momaps1.org
This week's spotlight is MoMA PS1! A neighborhood staple, this little pocket of culture and art continues to find new and creative ways to bring people together. Their installations make me think about just how broad the term “modern art” really is, and how many different forms of expression it holds. I’m also reminded of my fleeting youth every summer when I pass the Friday-night lines outside the museum, waiting for music-filled events.
Check out their current exhibitions and upcoming events!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
2/17/26 (Tue) | 6-9pm | Trends Cannabis Dispensary | $45
Great for: 420-friendly yogis who love meditation and "baked" goods
2/18/26 (Wed) | 6-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery | Free
Great for: Anyone with a handy craft on the hunt for community close by
2/19/26 (Thu) | 6-8pm | 4557 Davis | $15
Great for: Adults who self identify as "classy" and enjoy piano / wine
2/19/26 (Thu) | 6:30pm | Soothr LIC | Pay for your meal
Great for: Foodies who can't socialize without a plate
2/19/26 (Thu) | 8-9:30pm | Culture Lab | $10
Great for: Comedy fans who love local faces and (hopefully) fresh jokes
2/20/26 (Fri) | 6-10pm | Brooklyn Boulders | $15-20 (free for members/first-time visitors)
Great for: Climbers who also like local makers markets
2/21/26 (Sat) | 12-6pm | Joy Flower Pot BK | Free
Great for: Flower enthusiasts who need a venue to obsess over
2/21/26 (Sat) | 6-9pm | MoMA PS1 | Free
Anyone looking dancing, art, and food in one place for LNY
2/21/26 (Sat) | 8-10pm | City Pickle LIC | $40
Newbies and pickleball pros who like some seltzer with their swing
2/22/26 (Sun) | 11-6pm | Museum of Moving Images | Free
Comic lovers open to indulging in the arts of local, diverse talent
↗️ On The Horizon
LUNAR NY: Sound + Reiki + Aromatherapy → 2/23/26
Lunar New Year Neighborhood Lion Dance → 2/27/26
Lunar Threads: Embroidery Night → 2/27/26
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