Fall is a month away, so enjoy the summer weather and activities while they last!
Here are some of the highlights coming up this weekend: On Friday, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is hosting Jamaica Mic Drop featuring Queens-based poet and emcee J La Sol. On Saturday, the Urban Park Rangers will lead a tree-identification hike in Juniper Valley Park. On Sunday, enjoy a modern and bilingual retelling of the “Three Little Pigs” hosted by Queens Theatre.
For these events and more, check out these 21 things to do in Queens from Aug. 27 to 29.
GET TESTED AND VACCINATED
Before doing anything in person, make sure to get tested for COVID-19 and register for any of the three available vaccines.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, the New York City Department of Health suggests getting tested often. Here are several places where you can get tested this weekend:
- Enter your address and find a testing site near you at www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page.
- NYC Health + Hospitals offers several testing sites in Queens.
Visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
As per the city’s executive order, many indoor venues, including night clubs, movie halls and concert theaters will be requiring that attendees are fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Read more about the mandate.
FRIDAY, AUG. 27
Fitness Fridays (St. Albans Park): Get some fresh air while also getting in shape at St. Albans Park this weekend. The fitness Mobile Unit will be in the park to offer fitness classes like spin, dance fitness and other shape and tone classes. Participants should dress in exercise clothes and bring a water bottle. Outdoors at the Field House in St. Albans Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m to 3 p.m., Aug. 27.
Seasonal Farmstand (Queens County Farm): The season everyone has been waiting for has arrived — farmstand season. From now until the beginning of November, get fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs that grow at Queens County Farm. In August, the stand is selling a whole host of produce including artichoke, cucumber, garlic, melon, okra, tomatoes and zaatar. Members get 10 percent off and EBT and FMNP benefits are accepted. Bring a reusable bag for a zero-waste experience. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. queensfarm.org. Free. Open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 27 to Nov. 7, 2021.
Jamaica Mic Drop (Parson Public Space): Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is hosting Jamaica Mic Drop this weekend featuring Queens-based poet and emcee J La Sol, who uses his talents to inspire and share his story with people across New York. RSVP here. Jamaica Avenue & Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica. jcal.org. Free. 5 p.m., Aug. 27.
Movies Under the Stars – “Bill & Ted Face the Music” (Joseph P. Addabbo Park): Grab a blanket or chair for this week’s edition of Movies Under the Stars. This week, enjoy a showing of “Bill & Ted Face the Music,” which follows Bill S. Preston and Ted Logan, who are now middle-aged dads. The former aspiring high school musicians are tasked with writing a song that will save humanity and travel into the future to retrieve the song from their future selves. Rated PG-13. Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Park in Tudor Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 8:15 to 11 p.m., Aug. 27.
SATURDAY, AUG. 28
Saturday Yoga Sessions 1 and 2 (Socrates Sculpture Park): Instructor Jennifer Batson will be teaching free Vinyasa Yoga classes at Socrates Sculpture Park. Vinyasa is a series of flowing poses linked to awareness of the breath. Those who participate should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel. All experience levels are welcome. 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. The first session is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the second session is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Aug. 28.
Yoga on the Beach with Sonia (Rockaway Beach): Head to the beach for a relaxing yoga session. Led by yoga instructor Sonia, the session combines elements of meditation and movement. Participants are asked to bring sunscreen, a yoga mat, water, towel, yoga blocks and yoga strap. Beach 32 and the Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Aug. 28.
Tree Identification Hike (Juniper Valley Park): The Urban Park Rangers will host this hike in Juniper Valley Park and teach hikers how to identify common trees by their leaves and bark. 80th Street Entrance in Juniper Valley Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Aug. 28.
It’s My Park (Ralph Demarco Park): Volunteer with Go Green Astoria, who will work to beautify Ralph Demarco Park, situated on the riverside and features benches, walkways, bike paths and views of Manhattan. Ralph Demarco Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10:30 to 1 p.m., Aug. 28.
Hellgate Farmstand (Socrates Sculpture Park): Get some delicious, seasonal produce at the Hellgate Farmstand, operated by Hellgate Farm, a network of residential and rooftop gardens in Queens. In addition to produce, the stand also offers small batch goods, like their signature hot sauce. On select Saturdays, Wilk Apiaries offers a pop up to sell a variety of local and raw honeys. 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. Saturdays, Aug. 28 to Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Litter Ambassadors Saturday (Forest Park): As part of the Litter Ambassadors program, volunteers will help keep the picnic and barbecue areas of Forest Park clean in June. Litter Ambassadors will also distribute garbage bags and guide their neighbors in the proper ways of disposing trash. Register here. George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 3 p.m., Aug. 28.
Natural An/Dems Outdoor Poetry & Bookmaking Workshop (Lewis H. Latimer House Museum): This event marks the closing for the “My Soul Will Be a Star” exhibition, part of artist Sherese Francis’ “Herbarium Verbarium” series. Participants will look at examples of national, cultural and poetry anthems and learn to bind together personal anthem books to write anthems inspired by Lewis Latimer. Visitors will also get the opportunity to tour the museum. In case of bad weather, the workshop will be held inside the museum. Register on Eventbrite. Lewis H. Latimer House Museum at 34-41 137th St., Flushing. nycparks.gov. Free. 3 to 4 p.m., Aug. 28.
Movies Under the Stars – “Babe: Pig in the City” (O’Donohue Park): For this Movies Under the Stars, grab a blanket or chair and enjoy “Babe: Pig in the City.” The story follows the titular pig who travels overseas the big city to help his owner save the farm after her husband is injured. Rated G. O’Donohue Park in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. nycparks.gov. Free. 8:15 to 11 p.m., Aug. 28.
SUNDAY, AUG. 29
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course – Free Public Sundays (Alley Pond Park): Spend some time outdoors at this Queens adventure course that fosters trust, communication and team building. The two-hour adventure has both high and low elements and is open to individuals or small groups of friends or family. The course is open to people 8 and up and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Valid photo ID and sneakers are required. Register here. Alley Pond Park Adventure Center in Alley Pond Park. nycparks.gov. Free. The course is open from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m., Aug. 29.
Sunday Yoga (Socrates Sculpture Park): Instructor Yojaida Estrella will be teaching free Vinyasa Yoga classes at Socrates Sculpture Park. Vinyasa is a series of flowing poses linked to awareness of the breath. Those who participate should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or towel. All experience levels are welcome. 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Aug. 29.
Manor Flow Yoga (King Manor): These free weekly yoga session with I Am Yogi Studios happen every Sunday morning. Participants are asked to wear a mask and bring their own mat. Register here. 150-03 Jamaica Ave. – King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Aug. 29.
Seining (Francis Lewis Park): Join the Urban Park Rangers, who will lead this seining (net fishing) experience in the East River. 3rd Avenue and 147th Street in Francis Lewis Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Aug. 29.
It’s My Park (Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk): For this volunteer event, Another Shot Podcast will help to beautify Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, starting at Beach 90. Volunteers should meet on the boardwalk at Beach 90. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Aug. 29.
Queensboro Dance Festival’s Summer Sundays: Learn Hula Dance with Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuiok (Socrates Sculpture Park): The annual Queensboro Dance Festival is back with Summer Sundays at Socrates. For this week’s class, join teacher Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuiok, who will teach the grace and joy of traditional Hawaiian hula dance. The class is free and no RSVP or registration is required. 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Aug. 29.
Litter Ambassadors Sunday (Forest Park): As part of the Litter Ambassadors program, volunteers will help keep the picnic and barbecue areas of Forest Park clean in June. Litter Ambassadors will also distribute garbage bags and guide their neighbors in the proper ways of disposing trash. Register here. George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 3 p.m., Aug. 29.
It’s My Park (Baisley Pond Park): This weekend, become one of 20 volunteers with SEQ Cleanup to pick up litter and paint benches at Baisley Pond Park. There will also be kid-friendly chalk art activities on the day. 157th Street Playground in Baisley Pond Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 4 p.m., Aug. 29.
TurnOut Queens – “Three Little Pigs” (Queens Theatre): This week’s TurnOut Queens features a bilingual adaptation of the childhood favorite with a vegetarian wolf, Mama Pig as the narrator and her three adorable little pigs. The tale is full of action, adventure and Salsa and other Latin music to keep audiences entertained. No tickets are required. Summer outdoor stage at Corona Plaza. queenstheatre.org. Free. 4 p.m., Aug. 29.
To submit an event for QNS Weekender, email editorial@qns.com.
