👋🏾 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.
💭 When You're Getting Back Into Things
I'm gonna be so honest guys - last week was ROUGH. I finally caught whatever has been going around and I could barely get out of bed for 2 days. However, it’s a new week and despite the dreary weather, I look forward to starting up my spring time hobbies again.
This issue is dedicated to all the people who struggled their way through last week, cancelled plans at the last minute, and vowed to actually do something fun this week. You've got this.
⭐ Spotlight - Brooklyn Boulders
Credit: www.qb.brooklynboulders.com
This week's spotlight is a neighborhood staple as far as fitness goes. Brooklyn Boulders has really stood out to me as a place that values community and presents plenty of opportunities to bring people together. They're constantly hosting and partnering with groups to celebrate diversity and support local creators.
Check out their weekly classes! They’ve got more than just open rock climbing :)
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
3/17/26 (Tue) | 7-9pm | Everyone Comics & Collectibles (Queensborough) | $20
Great for: Folks in the intersection of cosplay fans and figure drawing enthusiasts
3/18/26 (Wed) | 6-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery (Hunter's Point) | Free
Great for: Crafters of all kinds who need to get out of the house after work
3/18/26 (Wed) | 6:30pm | Oliver's Astoria (Astoria) | $30
Great for: Single people looking for efficient conversation in their speed dating
3/19/26 (Thu) | 6:30-8pm | Focal Point Brewery (Hunter's Point) | $85
Great for: Anyone with a couple Thursdays to spare and an interest in abstract glass art
3/19/26 (Thu) | 7pm | Pig Beach BBQ (LIC/Astoria border) | Free
Great for: ...You know exactly who you are
3/20/26 (Fri) | 6-10pm | Brooklyn Boulders (Queensbridge) | $15 (free for members)
Great for: Climbers who like a little pop up market shopping after bouldering
3/20/26 (Fri) | 6-9pm | Artful Souls and Wellness (Greenpoint) | Free
Great for: Art lovers who enjoy talking about local art with local artists
3/20/26 (Fri) | 8-9:30pm | Culture Lab (Hunter's Point) | Free
Great for: Music fans craving some fresh air and a classic string quartet
3/21/26 (Sat) | 1-3pm | The Collaboratory (Queensbridge) | $35
Great for: Anyone else who has been getting tiktoks of people spinning their own yarn
3/22/26 (Sun) | 8-9:30am | Gotham Pickle (Hunter's Point) | $30
Great for: Anyone who is interested in pickleball and somehow still hasn't tried it
↗️ On The Horizon
Wicked Bingo: A Sensory Experience → 3/23/26
Contemporary/Modern Dance Pop-Up Class → 3/24/26
Interested in including your business? For details, submit the form below, email [email protected], or dm @localsidequests.lic on Instagram!