September is in full swing and there are tons of fun outdoor and socially distanced activities for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the highlights coming up this weekend: On Friday, Queens County Farm is hosting its 38th Annual Queens County Fair, which lasts until Sunday. On Saturday, tune into the virtual 9/11 memorial hosted by Friends of Maple Grove. On Sunday, head to Athens Square Park for the latest installment of the Queensboro Dance Festival.
For these events and more, check out these 23 things to do in Queens from Sept. 10 to 12.
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, SEPT. 10
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. Sept. 10 to Nov. 7, 2021.
38th Annual Queens County Fair (Queens County Farm): This Friday, head down to Queens County Farm for its annual Queens County Fair. The fun-filled weekend will include pie eating and corn husking contest, hayrides, carnival rides and midway games. Attendees can also enjoy live music, theatrical performances, craft and food vendors and the Blue Ribbon competitions in produce, arts and crafts and more. Each day has a special schedule, so whether you come for one day or all three, you’re sure to have an amazing time. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. queensfarm.org. Tickets for each day vary/three-day passes are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Sept. 10 to 12.
Movies Under the Stars – “Soul” (Nicholas Demutiis Park): Grab a blanket or chair for this week’s edition of Movies Under the Stars. This week, enjoy a showing of Disney Pixar’s “Soul.” After landing the gig of a lifetime, a New York jazz pianist suddenly finds himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the afterlife. Rated PG. Police Officer Nicholas Demutiis Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 10.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 11
Fitness Mobile at the Beach (Rockaway Beach): Get your sweat on at the fitness Mobile Unit in Rockaway Beach. Free fitness classes, including spin and group exercise classes, will be held near the stage at Beach 17th Street. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated! Beach 17th Street and Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 11.
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., Sept. 11.
It’s My Park (Forest Park): Volunteer with Kew Kids Forest Schools to beautify Forest Park for this It’s My Park season. Register here. Metropolitan Avenue and Forest Park Drive in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 9:30 to 11 a.m., Sept. 11.
Hike and Pick – Yellow Trail (Juniper Valley Park): Head to Forest Park and experience its beauty, all while keeping it clean. Volunteers will hike through the park’s yellow trail while picking up litter. Register here. Yellow Trail Head in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Sept. 11.
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 honey. 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. Saturdays, Sept. 11 to Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tree Identification Hike (Hermon A. MacNeil Park): The Urban Park Rangers will host this hike in Herman A. MacNeil Park and help participants to identify trees by their leaves and bark. Poppenhusen Avenue and 119th Street in Hermon A. MacNeil Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 11.
Field Guide: Seeds and Paper Making Workshop (Socrates Sculpture Park): For this all-ages workshop, Kim Calichio of The Connected Chef will teach you about seeds and how to gather them, make a seed bank for Socrates and even one for yourself! Then educator Jeannette Rodriguez-Pineda will teach you to use natural materials from the park, like grass, leaves and seeds to make handmade paper and postcards. RSVP here. Socrates Sculpture Park. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 11.
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 of trash. Register here. George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 3 p.m., Sept. 11.
9/11 20th Anniversary Virtual Memorial (Friends of Maple Grove): To mark the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Friends of Maple Grove will have a virtual memorial dedicated to the 23 victims buried at the cemetery. Virtual on Facebook. friendsofmaplegrove.org. Free. 4 p.m., Sept. 11.
Queensboro Dance Festival (Queensbridge Park): This pop-up, in-person performance at Queensbridge Park is part of the Queensboro Dance Festival. Featured performers include the Sheep Meadow Dance Theater, Amy Marshall Dance Company, Chieh Hsiung, Demi Remick & Dancers, Flamenco Latino, Gotham Dance Theater and Marlaina Garcia Riegelsberger. RSVP here. Fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire before attending. Queensbridge Park, Vernon Boulevard. queensborodancefestival.com. Free. 6 to 7:15 p.m., Sept. 11.
Movies Under the Stars – “Man on Wire” (O’Donohue Park): For this Movies Under the Stars, grab a blanket or chair and enjoy “Man on Wire.” This Oscar-winning documentary tells the story of French tightrope walker Philippe Petit, who walked on a thin wire across the Twin Towers on Aug. 7, 1974. Rated PG-13. O’Donohue Park in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. nycparks.gov. Free. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 11.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 12
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., Sept. 12.
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., Sept. 12.
Manor Flow Yoga (King Manor): These free weekly yoga sessions 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., Sept. 12.
Nature Exploration (Captain Tilly Park): This is a moderately-paced hike through Captain Tilly Park. Wear comfortable shoes or boots. Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue in Captain Tilly Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Sept. 12.
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 of trash. Register here. George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 3 p.m., Sept. 12.
Kin to the Cove (Hallet’s Cove Beach): This community-powered environmental art project at Hallet’s Cove Beach involves environmental stewardship, story sharing, movement, deep listening and explorations into our relationship with water. Hallet’s Cove Beach. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. 1 to 4 p.m., Sept. 12.
Southeast Queens Jam Fest (Jamaica Performing Arts Center): This Sunday, JPAC is hosting this annual community event full of live music and entertainment, featuring some of the best local talent. RSVP here. 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. jcal.org. Free. 3 to 5 p.m., Sept. 12.
Queensboro Dance Festival (Athens Square Park): This pop-up, in-person performance at Athen Square Park is part of the Queensboro Dance Festival. Featured performers include Flamenco Latino, NK&D/a movement company, chrisbelldances, Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka, Robert Mark Dance and Antara Saha. RSVP here. Fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire before attending. 30th Street and 30th Avenue in Athens Square Park. queensborodancefestival.com. Free. 6 to 7:15 p.m., Sept. 12.
CinemaLIC (Hunter’s Point South Park): This free screening of “Jaws” is hosted by the Hunter’s Point South Park Conservancy. The Oval in Hunter’s Point South Park. socratessculpturepark.org. Free. 8:15 to 10 p.m., Sept. 12.
To submit an event for QNS Weekender, email editorial@qns.com.
