Watch some movies by the waterfront, paint with mud, experience Latin culture and do more at these events around Queens.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Hunter Point Parks is inviting all families to enjoy free outdoor movies. Each feature and short film screened at the event will coincide with a planned “New York” theme, including standout independent films from this year’s Queens World Film Festival. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Free. Begins at sunset. 52 Center Blvd., Long Island City. For more information, visit https://queensworldfilmfestival.com/events/.
SculptureCenter invites you to see two brand-new exhibits featuring the work of artists Anthea Hamilton and Gabriel Sierra. Hamilton’s “Lichen! Libido! Chastity!” explores American pop culture from the 1970s onward through music and fashion. Sierra’s “Numbers in a Room” showcases the artist’s unique architecture and geometry. Free. 6 to 8 p.m. 44-19 Purves St., Long Island City. For more information, call 718-361-1750.
The Rego Center presents a new, kid-friendly educational live show, “Big Top Science.” Presented like a circus, the show helps teach children basic science skills in a fun and interactive way. Free. 1 to 1:45 p.m. 61-35 Junction Blvd. in Rego Park. For more information, visit https://regocenter.com or call 718-275-2696.
Families with young children are invited to attend a special storytime session of Barnes & Noble’s latest Picture Book of the Month selection: “Bug in a Vacuum” by Melanie Watt. Listen to the tale of an adventurous bug that flies into a house one day and encounters far more trouble than it bargained for. Free. 11 to 11:30 a.m. 23-80 Bell Blvd. at Barnes & Noble in The Bay Terrace shopping center. For more information, call 718-224-1083.
Sunday, Sept. 20
Children of all ages are invited to participate in a day of fun and interactive activities at the Playground for All Children. “In Search of Something Special” is a family event celebrating children of all abilities. Includes sculpture making, mud painting and other hands-on, sensory exercises. Free. 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Near 111th Street and Corona Avenue in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. For more information, visit https://queensmuseum.org/events/.
Maspeth Federal Savings invites families to enjoy a day of games, rides, face painting, petting zoos and live entertainment at “Smile on Maspeth Day.” Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Main office parking lot at 69th Street and Grand Avenue. For more information, visit https://maspethfederal.com/ or call 718-335-1300.
Join the critically acclaimed Con Brio Ensemble for this year’s Twilight Concert, a celebration of classical music. Hear the works of Schumann, Reinecke, Fuchs and Toc as played on the violin, cello and piano. $12, $10 students/seniors. The Church in the Gardens at 50 Ascan Avenue in Forest Hills. For more information, email dianamittler@aol.com or call 718-459-1277.
Experience Latin arts, crafts, food and music at Carnavale De La Cultura Latina (or the Carnival of Latin Culture). Children of all ages are welcome to enjoy a wide range of entertainment including a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, games and giveaways. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. Junction Boulevard between Roosevelt and 37th avenues. For more information, visit https://carnavalculturalatina.com/ or call 718-457-5395.
Flushing Meadow Park offers family-friendly entertainment at the Fantasy Forest Amusement Park. Come see The Amazing Captain Faust and watch as he performs live illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks. Free. 2 to 2:45 p.m. Located next to the Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadow Park. For more information, email info@nycarousel.com or call 718-788-2676.
“Readings with Film: Alissa Quart and Brandon Downing” is the first in an ongoing series that looks at the secret history of the marriage of cinema and poetry. This reading, screening and discussion will shed a bright light on the present and the past of these unusual bedfellows. Alissa Quart’s new book “Monetized” is a volume of verse about movies and television. Brandon Downing’s “Dark Brandon” is a volume of film-driven poetry. His collaged video works, featuring poetic and absurdist subtitles, will also be screened. 2 p.m. Tickets are $12, $9 for senior citizens and students, free for members at the Film Lover level and above and can be ordered online at https://www.movingimage.us/.
Monday, Sept. 21
Learn how to play chess and dominoes with the Chess and Dominoes Club at the Glen Oaks library. The club welcomes players of all skill levels, including absolute beginners. Noon to 3 p.m. 256-04 Union Tpke., Glen Oaks. Call 718-831-8636 for more information.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
NYC Parks needs your help restoring Little Bay Park. Volunteers are welcome to assist in removing harmful vines and vegetation to prevent damage and maintain the forest’s well-being. Be sure to dress in long pants, boots and clothes that can get dirty. Registration is required. Free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Totten Avenue, south of Duane Road in Little Bay Park. For more information, visit https://nycgovparks.org/registration/nav/1860/ or call 212-360-2761.
Learn how to prepare yourself and respond accordingly to any disaster at the Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program. All participants will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit. Free. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. P.S. 195 William Haberle School at 253-50 149th Ave. in Rosedale. To register and for more information, visit https://prepare.ny.gov/training-events/.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Adults are welcome to attend “Shape Up NYC: Yoga for Adults.” Instructor Wahnita King will be leading the session as she focuses on core strengthening and total-body flexibility. Please bring your own mats as seating will be first-come, first-served. Free. 5 to 6 p.m. Queens Library in Ridgewood at 20-12 Madison St. For more information, call 718-821-4770.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Spend a night at the opera and enjoy the new play “This Takes Place Close By” from playwriting team “thingsNY.” In the aftermath of a storm, six characters share their perspectives through word and song as they attempt to cope with this natural disaster. Based on real life events as a result of Hurricane Sandy. $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door, $10 students/seniors. Knockdown Center at 52-19 Flushing Ave. in Maspeth. For more information, visit https://queenscouncilarts.org/calendar/ or call 347-505-3010.
Learn how to protect your business and yourself from credit card scam at “How Credit Cards Will Affect You,” a business seminar for businesses with credit card machines. Hosted by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. Free. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Queens Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Blvd., second floor. For more information, call 718-286-2859.
