👋🏾 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.
💭 On My Mind…
One of my favorite things about NYC is the abundance of vendor markets happening at all times. It’s such a treat to walk through a neighborhood and see a street blocked off with people meandering between stalls.
LIC has a few markets this season, and I’m excited! A quick tip: check out vendors beforehand to help target your attention when you arrive. These markets are a goldmine of gifts for friends and family, and there are sometimes great food options too!
Check out the markets and other fun stuff happening in LIC this week!
⭐ Spotlight - Moon Bunny Aerial
Credit: @moonbunnyaerial IG
This week’s spotlight is actually right across the Pulaski Bridge. Moon Bunny Aerial is a new studio with a wide variety of dance and aerial classes. With great vibes and great instructors, this recommendation comes from personal experience! They’ve got everything from K-Pop dancing to ballet to juggling to handstands to dance trapeze (which is particularly hard to find around here!).
Great place to try something new. Check out their schedule!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
4/14/26 (Tue) | 7am | Meet at 50th Ave/Center Blvd (Hunters Point) | Free
Great for: Queer fowl fans who want to bond over local birds
4/15/26 (Wed) | 7-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery (Hunters Point) | $40
Great for: Paint n Sip enthusiasts who want the fun of paint without the stress of perfection
4/16/26 (Thu) | 6:30pm | Oh! Calcutta (Hunters Point) | Pay for your meal
Great for: Foodies who want to connect and try local Indian cuisine
4/17/26 (Fri) | 6-10pm | Brooklyn Boulders (Queensbridge) | $15+ (free for members & 1st timers)
Great for: Climbers who want to nibble on bites in between runs
4/17/26 (Fri) | 7pm | NXT Legaci Gaming (Times Square) | $45
Great for: MTG players excited to see the new cards (is your commander deck is ever done?)
4/18/26 (Sat) | 10-6pm | MoMA PS1 (Court Square) | Free
Great for: Folks excited about good bites, modern art, and little shimmying to the music
Sat/Sun | 11-6pm | 4508 23rd St (Court Square) | Free
Great for: Weekend wanderers who frequent Trader Joes and enjoy an open air market
4/18/26 (Sat) | 2-4pm | Moon Bunny Aerial (Greenpoint) | $30
Great for: Cosplayers curious about expanding themselves into aerial arts
4/18/26 (Sat) | 6-9pm | Gotham Pickleball (Hunters Point) | $40
Great for: Pickballers who kind of want to party but really want to play
4/19/26 (Sun) | 1-7pm | Culture Lab LIC (Hunters Point) | Free
Great for: Plant enthusiasts, old and new, looking to expand their collection and accessories
↗️ On The Horizon
Ashtray Making → 4/20/26
Bordeaux Wine Tasting & Class → 4/23/26
Opening Night of New Play → 4/29/26
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