👋🏾 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.
💭 If You're Planning A Party...
I've got a big celebration happening later this summer so I'm in party planning mode. With the growing population in LIC, we're starting to get more venues for hosting events and people. I even saw another arcade under development near the Court Square Food Cellar! If you're anything like me, you're looking for ways to bring your friends here instead of meeting them somewhere in Midtown.
This week, alongside the regular list of events this week, I included a couple of good places and ideas for hosting parties or a low-stakes night out with friends.
Happy March!
⭐ Spotlight - Fifth Hammer Brewery
Credit: www.fifthhammerbrewing.com
Although they are mainly a brewery, Fifth Hammer has been quietly killing it as a venue for local events. From paint-n-sip's to DnD nights, Fifth Hammer continuously brings together all kinds of communities on a weekly basis. With plenty of local beers and lots of non-alcoholic options (I'm a basic Shirley Temple gal myself), Fifth Hammer is a staple of the neighborhood and I look forward to how they continue to expand.
Check out their calendar!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
3/10/26 (Tue) | 6-8pm | The Collaboratory (Queensbridge) | $15 PWYC donation
Great for: Rainbow writers needing inspiration, motivation, or just socialization
3/11/26 (Wed) | 11:30am | Fifth Hammer Brewing Co. (Hunter's Point) | $40
Great for: Anyone needing an outlet to paint without limitation (but with beer)
3/11/26 (Wed) | 1-4pm | Sky Farm LIC (LIC/Astoria border) | Free
Great for: Folks who like to get dirty for the greater good of the environment
3/12/26 (Thu) | 12-8pm | Everyone Comics & Collectibles (Queensborough) | Free
Great for: Comic book fans who like to shop a sale and play a little trivia
3/12/26 (Thu) | 6:30-8:30pm | Home EC NYC (Court Square) | from $15
Great for: Anyone interested in using their senses to create unique art
3/14/26 (Sat) | 4-6pm | 4008 22nd St (Team Handy Dan) (Queensbridge) | $100
Great for: Anyone who recently paid too much for a repair they could've done themselves
Shari’s Tea (flexible location)
Great for: Anyone looking for a tea party led by a loose-leaf expert
Gaming City (Astoria)
Great for: A group who wants to run around and feel like kids
Afterlife KTV (Queensborough)
Great for: Friends looking for a classic K-Town karaoke bar close to home
Five Iron Golf (Court Square)
Great for: A group of city folk looking for a piece of the outside world
↗️ On The Horizon
Women's History Night - Rock Climbing → 3/20/26
Shibari Figure Drawing → 3/24/26
Dance Queens Fitness x StretchLab LIC → 3/27/26
Interested in including your business? Fill out the form linked below or email [email protected] for details.