With neither snow nor rain in the weekend’s forecast and mild temperatures expected, it’s the perfect time to shake that cabin fever and get out. Fortunately, Queens does not disappoint with a plethora of events from which to choose. Make your own stuffed toy, observe the constellations, learn the ancient art of calligraphy, and much more this weekend… and beyond!
SATURDAY (FEB. 20)
When: Saturday, Feb. 20; two sessions from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona
Create crafty critters with your kids! The New York Hall of Science is showing children how to design and hand-sew custom stuffed animals. Each of the two Saturday sessions will teach tots everything they need to know. This is the final Saturday this event will be held, so be sure to attend!
2. Tea, fortune cookies, crafts, and more
When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 20-21 starting at 11 p.m.
Where: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona
Celebrate the Year of the Monkey… with some monkeys, along with a full day of snacks and fun events. The Queens Zoo is honoring to the Chinese Lunar New Year with two-days, featuring tea and fortune cookies, craft-making, a scavenger hunt, story time, a calligraphy workshop and a puppet show. A great event for the whole family.
Session #1—Where & When: Saturday, Feb. 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Queens Library, 98-27 Metropolitan Ave., North Forest Park
Session #2—Where & When: Saturday, Feb. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Queens Library, 118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill
What better way to relieve the stress of the work week than with a little hip-shaking and swing? The Queens Library is proud to present a couple of dance workshops for adults who wish to learn how to line dance. Kick off your weekend with the guidance of instructor Shannon Antalan as she teaches a variety of numbers, from the “cupid shuffle” to the “wobble.”
When: Saturday, Feb. 20; at 1 p.m.
Where: Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Long Island City
Follow the exploits of a modern family trying to replicate the life of someone living during the turn of the century. “A Modern Family Lives in the 1900 House,” is a film that does just that. Filmed in 1999 with an English family, who volunteered to wear period clothing and live in a restored Victorian house with only the limited conveniences and products available in 1900. What, no WiFi?!!
When: Saturday, Feb. 20; two sessions: either from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
Flushing Town Hall follows up last year’s successful celebration with their 2nd Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Bazaar, featuring traditional food and performances. Due to the event’s popularity, attendees must choose to attend one of only two sessions. Tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for children.
6. “Explore the Night Sky” with interactive astronomy
When: Saturday, Feb. 20; from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston
During the hustle and bustle of daily events in the Big City, New Yorkers often forget that there’s a whole ginormous universe that surrounds them. Grab a telescope and take a look! This interactive astronomy program allows adults and children ages 9 and up (if accompanied by an adult) to learn about basic astronomy by viewing constellations and planets, from Orion’s nebula to Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. $15 per person.
SUNDAY (FEB. 21)
1. “Muppet Treasure Island” screening
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
Who doesn’t love The Muppets? Those felt fuzzy creations from the mind of Jim Henson are a beloved part of all our lives from childhood on “Sesame Street” through adulthood with “The Muppet Show” and various feature films, including this hilarious interpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s timeless classic, celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Take the kids and enjoy a day with Kermit and the gang.
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Pull the children away from their video screens and bring them to this fun workshop to learn about the art of bookbinding as well as other hands-on art activities. Children from ages 5 to 12 are welcome. Admission to this workshop is free and no registration is required.
3. “Moon Mouse: a Space Odyssey”
When: Two showings: Sunday, Feb. 21, the first starting at 1 p.m. and the second at 2 p.m.
Where: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Ideal for children ages 5 to 10, Lightwire Theatre’s “Moon Mouse: a Space Odyssey” tells the story of a mouse, who feels out of place, and how he learns about himself through an outer space adventure where he meets creatures of all shapes and sizes. Kids will especially enjoy the luminescent character costumes made from recyclable materials, such as pipes, tape, backpacks and fishing rods.
4. Learn the art of calligraphy
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
In honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year, this event will teach the delicate and beautiful art of fan calligraphy. Participants begin practicing with New Year’s wishes on paper before transferring their message to a Chinese fan, immortalizing their wishes and inspiring good fortune!
5. A unique canine theater experience
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
Where: MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave. (intersection of 46th Avenue), in Long Island City
What do you get when you mash-up the 1996 film, “Twister,” with the Dickens’s classic, “Oliver Twist,” and a cast of canines, carrying speakers, out of which human monologues are projected to the audience? The “dog play” from the mind of Hayley Aviva! This singular theatrical experience is not to be missed. Tickets are $15 for non-members and $13 for members.
When: Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m.
Where: Kupferburg Center for the Arts, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing
Featuring four members from the cast of the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” “The Midtown Men” is sure to dazzle, as they sing the hottest songs from the 60’s, including music from the Beatles, Motown and the Rascals. Tickets range from $35 to $59.
MONDAY (FEB. 22)
When: Monday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Queens Library in Windsor Park, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside
In the mood for a romantic comedy? “Man Up” (Rated R) tells the story of a recently divorced man preparing for a blind date. Comedy ensues when he mistakes a random woman for his date and the woman decides to play along.
TUESDAY (FEB. 23)
1. Free Queens Symphony Orchestra show
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
Where: Saints Episcopal Church, 85-95 96th St., Woodhaven
Enjoy a mid-week respite from the rigors of the daily grind with an evening of orchestral music. With the sponsorship of Councilman Eric Ulrich, the Queens Symphony Orchestra presents a 2-hour show. Free of charge as long as you RSVP.
WEDNESDAY (FEB. 24)
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Queens Library of Far Rockaway, 2601 Mott Ave., Far Rockaway
Celebrate making through another “hump” day with a high-energy and fun Zumba session Led by instructor Maxine Davis, this exciting class includes exercises from squats to hip-hop and salsa dancing. Plus, it will be held outside of the library!
2. Free “Goosebumps” film showing
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Queens Library of Maspeth, 69-70 Grand Ave., Maspeth
Put a chill in your bones without going outside with a movie matinee of “Goosebumps” (rated PG). Based on the best-selling books by R.L. Stine, the movie tells the tale of a young boy who teams up with the daughter of the author R.L. Stine (played by Jack Black) in order to save his town from the wrath of storybook monsters come to life.
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