👋🏾 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.
💭 A Note From the Editor
I’m not sure how everyone else feels but I really enjoy activities that happen midweek. Sometimes I’m too exhausted to go but oftentimes, it’s the perfect reprieve. When I do things after work, it makes me feel like I’m not just living for my job or just living for the weekends.
Enjoy this week’s curation! I always try to include as many midweek activities I can find (some weeks are less busy than others).
📅 What’s Happening Nearby This Week
5/19/26 (Tue) | 6:15-7:30pm | 3AM Theater (Astoria) | $15 (sliding scale)
Great for: Anyone looking to dabble in dance (can drop in to the series)
5/19/26 (Tue) | 6:30pm | Astoria Park Pool Deck (Astoria) | PWYC
Great for: Vinyasa enthusiasts who want to sweat from a good challenge
5/20/26 (Wed) | 7-9pm | Fifth Hammer Brewery (Hunters Point) | $40
Great for: Anyone with the heart to create art and the desire to keep it free flow
5/21/26 (Thu) | 6-7:30pm | Hunters Point Queens Public Library (Waterfront) | Free
Anyone who loves themed Bingo and wants to celebrate AANHPI history
5/21/26 (Thu) | 7-8pm | Queens Plaza Studios (Queensborough) | $30
Great for: Salsa beginners who want to focus on being a good partner
5/21/26 (Thu) | 11pm | 00:00 (Midnight Nightclub) (Court Square) | Free RSVP
Great for: Anyone planning to go "out" and wants to dance to Bieber hits
5/23/26 (Sat) | 10:30-11:30am | Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center (Waterfront) | Free
Great for: Kayak and canoers who need to stretch and stay nimble for the water
5/23/26 (Sat) | 6-8pm | Trends Cannabis Dispensary (Queensborough) | $50
Great for: Candle lovers who want to express themselves with a self-made scent
5/24/26 (Sun) | 1-6pm | Han Dynasty (Court Square) | Free entry | $10 Game Zone Pass for Mahjong, games & community activities
Great for: Anyone looking for Majong and other games with local vendors and food
5/24/26 (Sun) | 1-7pm | Culture Lab (Waterfront) | Free
Great for: Plant parents looking for additions to their home (except my husband, who I know will read this and has enough plants)
↗️ On The Horizon
Springtime Bath Bombs → 5/26/26
The World's Best Variety Show → 5/26/26
Five Borough TCG show → 5/29/26
A little too far from LIC to include in the main list next week but I wanted to add it somewhere since it seems like a good time
Interested in including your business? Fill out the form linked below or email [email protected] for details.