👋🏾 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, but opinions are my own.
👀 Sneak Peek
Art gallery reception
Dance & sewing classes
Hobby meet ups
…and more! Read ahead for details!
💭 When You Know You Might Not Make It This Time
The winter is determined to end with a bang and I don’t have the energy to fight it. If you’re anything like me, you WANT to be out doing fun stuff but you don’t have the social momentum. The kinds of events I’m favoring right now are the ones that will happen again after this snow (hopefully) melts.
This week I’ve curated a list of recurring events so you don’t make it this time, there’s going to be a next time! I’ve also got some one-off specials for anyone with the stamina to get out this week. Enjoy!
⭐ Spotlight - LIC Craft Circle
Credit: IG - @liccraftcircle
This issue’s spotlight is a personal favorite - LIC Craft Circle. Recently started, this group aims to gather LIC crafters once or twice a month for some community crafting time! I can attest to the relaxed environment full of exciting projects. In such a short amount of time, they’ve been able to foster a great group and fulfilling way to spend time away from home.
A great introduction to the craft community for anyone wanting to dip in their toe and a great alternative to folks who don’t want to take the “trek” to Cleo’s for social crafting!
Check out their Instagram to keep up with their schedule!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
LIC Craft Circle (twice a month)
3/2/26 (Mon) | 6-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery (Hunter's Point) | Free
Great for: Crafters who keep telling themselves they'll take their hobby out into the real world
3/2/26 (Mon) | 7pm | Hide & Seek (Greenpoint) | Free
Great for: Comic book fans who love discussing stories with others
Beginner Salsa Class (weekly)
3/3/26 (Tue) | 8-9pm | Long Island City School of Ballet (Court Square) | $23
Great for: Movers and shakers (literally) interested in trying out salsa
Brick Wall Gallery - Spring Show Opening Reception (every 2 months)
3/4/26 (Wed) | 6-9pm | Bar Dahlia (Astoria) | Free
Great for: Art lovers who love to mingle (and spontaneously buy art)
Liberty Scraps (Play) (multiple performances)
3/5/26 (Thu) | 7-9pm | Culture Lab LIC (Hunter's Point) | $35
Great for: Anyone interested in stories about immigrants and starving artists
3/6/26 (Fri) | 10-12pm | Academy at Coffee Project NY (Hunter's Point) | Free w/ registration
Great for: Coffee fanatics who like to learn about and taste exotic beans
Go - Game Meetup (weekly)
3/7/26 (Sat) | 1pm | JACX & Co (Queensborough) | Free
Great for: Anyone interested in testing their iMessage game skills on a real board
3/7/26 (Sat) | 5:30-9pm | Brooklyn Boulders (Queensbridge) | $15 (free for members)
Great for: Folks looking climb, break bread, and maybe even buy a little something
3/8/26 (Sun) | 1-4pm | The Collaboratory (Queensbridge) | $30
Great for: Inspiring writers who need to start with some structure
“Life’s rough, but at least your hem is even.” Workshop (regularly recurring)
3/8/26 (Sun) | 10-1pm | The Sewing Clubhouse (Court Square-ish) | $95
Great for: Sewing machine noobs who are tired of paying for the tailor
↗️ On The Horizon
Mosaic a Vase Workshop → 3/19/26
Queens Taste 2026 → 5/12/26
Interested in including your business? Fill out the form linked below or email [email protected] for details.