👋🏾 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.
This week's newsletter is brought to you by…
⭐ Studio34
This weekend, Studio34 is bringing local artists to the forefront. Join them all weekend for open gallery exploration. Stay Saturday evening for the opening reception of their group exhibition “Collective Pulse” (on view until June 7)!
credit: IG @studio34lic
💭 A Note From the Editor
Spring really kicks my brain into gear and I find myself ready to take on the world. It seems like our local businesses are feeling the same thing - I’m starting to see a shift in frequency and variety of things to do around here. With many of the construction projects wrapping up (although new ones start all the time 🙄) I’m excited to see the hustle and bustle of LIC start to grow ❤️
Enjoy this week’s selection!
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
5/13/26 (Wed) | 6-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (Hunters Point) | Free
Great for: Fiber (and non-fiber!) crafters who want to gather and gab over their projects
5/13/26 (Wed) | 6:30-8pm | New York Irish Center (Hunters Point) | $40
Great for: Foodies interested in learning Polish culinary history (with food samples!)
5/13/26 (Wed) | 8-11pm | LIC Bar (Hunters Point) | Free entry
Great for: Folks who want live music vibes with their drink
5/14/26 (Thu) | 6:30-7:45pm | The Greats of Craft - LIC Warehouse (Queensbridge) | $80
Great for: Dumpling/wonton fans who've always speculated on if they could make it better themselves
5/16/26 (Sat) | 12:30-4:30pm | Meet at 4-09 47 Rd (Waterfront) | Free
Great for: Photographers wanting to learn a little more about the history/transformation of LIC
5/16/26 (Sat) | 1-9pm | Culture Lab (Waterfront) | $39
Great for: Anyone looking for food, music, and community vibes with a Latin American/Middle Eastern theme
5/16/26 (Sat) | 2-5pm | 46th Street Under Sunnyside Arch (Sunnyside) | Free
Great for: Anyone looking to dance to Korean music and enjoy some decent weather
5/16/26 (Sat) | 5-7pm | Aloft by Marriott Long Island City (Queensborough) | Free
Great for: Anyone looking for a weekend happy hour who also wants to try salsa dancing
5/16/26 (Sat) | 6:30-9:30pm | Studio 34 (LIC/Astoria border) | Free
Great for: Art enthusiasts who enjoy mingling amongst creative energy and exploring new installations
5/17/26 (Sun) | 11-3pm | Starts at Kitty Sullivan (Astoria) | $25
Great for: Anyone looking to spend some time in Astoria solving riddles, answering trivia, and other activities with a team
**Not related to the Local Side Quests newsletter
↗️ On The Horizon
"Summer House" Reunion Watch Party → 5/26/26
Funky Formal Gala → 5/28/26
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