👋🏾 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 Don’t Realize What Day It Is
I’m not sure how many of you read this section of the newsletter but I was inspired to send out another issue this week! Long Island City has a rich history of being one of the original “escape from the city” destinations. Over time, this line has pushed back increasingly further from Manhattan. These days, when folks leave the city and move to Queens, they’re often skipping straight over LIC (and the rest of Queens County) to take up root on Long Island.
April Fools! This issue actually gives a mini collection of activities happening on Long Island, not Long Island City. Perfect recommendations for the random questions on r/longislandcity from people who are clearly lost.
P.S. The events are real, in case any of you crazy enough to actually go.
⭐ Spotlight - The Argyle Theater
Credit: www.argyletheatre.com
This week I’m highlighting the Argyle Theater in Babylon. Although this is an April Fool’s post, I am NOT joking about this theater. While looking for activities to include, I stumbled across this gem, and I’m genuinely interested in visiting. The sets on this stage are big, the chairs look comfy, and it’s very close to a LIRR train station. There’s also a cute little park with a lake nearby, making this a great spring/summer trip.
For any deep theater fans, I would compare this to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. It seems comparable in size and distance from LIC.
I’m whole heartedly recommending this theater and I look forward to visiting myself!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
4/1/26 (Wed) | 8-9pm | Katies of Smithtown | Free
Great for: Comedians looking for a willing audience
4/1/26 (Wed) | 8pm | Elsie Lane - New Hyde Park | Free
Great for: Folks full of facts that would otherwise never be needed
4/2/26 (Thu) | 7:15-8:15pm | Fly Hit Fit | $35
Great for: Anyone looking to go outside of the box in their exercise journey
4/3/26 (Fri) | 6pm | Hammer & Spring Long Island - Ronkonkoma | $58
Great for: Anyone looking for cute creative side projects for home decor
4/4/26 (Sat) | 9:45-10:45am | Jazzercise Levittown Fitness Center | $25
Great for: Pilates people looking for the regular routine, but in a different font
↗️ On The Horizon
The Long Island TCG Show Marketplace → 4/11/26
The Prince of Egypt: the Musical → 4/16/26
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