The chilly and brisk air that you feel means that fall is here! The season brings a whole host of fall-themed activities to the borough.
Some highlights include the season finale of the Queensborough Dance Festival on Friday, an Oktoberfest celebration at the Lutheran School on Saturday and a Literary Sunday Reading Series with the Friends of Maple Grove.
For these events and more, here are 29 things to do in Queens from Oct. 1 to 3.
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 nightclubs, movie halls and concert theaters will be requiring that attendees are fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination. Read more about the mandate.
FRIDAY, OCT. 1
Pumpkin Patch (Queens County Farm): Pick your perfect fall pumpkin all month long at Queens Farm. Don’t forget to bring your own bag (BYOB.) Pumpkins are priced by size. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. queensfarm.org. Free. Open daily in October, Monday to Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1 to 30.
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 September, the stand is selling a whole host of produce including basil, dandelion greens, kale, pumpkin and summer squash. 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. Oct. 1 to Nov. 7, 2021.
Movies Under the Stars – “Halloweentown” (Francis Lewis Park): For this week’s edition of Movies Under the Stars, enjoy a showing of the Disney, made-for-TV movie “Halloweentown.” The film follows a benevolent witch, who must save her hometown from an invading dark force. Rated TV-PG. Francis Lewis Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 6:45 to 9 p.m., Oct. 1.
Queensborough Dance Festival Season Finale (Queens Theatre): The season finale of the Queensborough Dance Festival features 23 dance companies who have all toured with the festival this season. 14 United Nations Ave. South in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. queenstheatre.org. $20 a night or $40 for a three-day pass. Times vary, Oct. 1 to 3.
SATURDAY, OCT. 2
Zumba (Little Bay Park): Take this Zumba class to get a good sweat in the morning. The class features aerobic, fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps. The class is taught by instructor Yishan. Register here. Little Bay Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 8:30 to 9 a.m., Oct. 2.
Dance Fitness (Rockaway Beach): Instructor Alexis will lead this class that features a fusion of hip-hop, Caribbean and afrobeat music. Register here. Beach 32 and the Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 to 10 a.m., Oct. 2.
Senior Fitness Sessions 1 and 2 (Juniper Valley Park): For this senior-focused class taught by instructor Doris, participants will do exercises that enhance strength, flexibility and cardio. This workout will target the core, upper and lower body. Register for session 1 and session 2. Juniper Valley Tennis Courts in Juniper Valley Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 2.
POUND™ (Little Bay Park): Instructor Yishan will teach this cardio jam session inspired by the energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums. Participants will use lightly weighed drumsticks called Ripstix® which are made specifically for exercising. Hockey Rink in Little Bay Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 9:15 to 9:45 a.m., Oct. 2.
Zumba (Gorman Playground): Take this Zumba class to get a good sweat in the morning. The class features aerobic, fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps. The class is taught by instructor Alejandra. Register here. Park House in Gorman Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 2.
Walking Group (Brookville Park): Get your heart rate up with this walking class, which starts with a brisk walk for a warm-up followed by a cardio routine and a slow-paced stroll. Class ends with a gentle stretch. Register here. Brookville Boulevard and 141st Street in Brookville Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 2.
Low Impact Dance Cardio (Alley Pond Park): Instructor Lucette will teach this high-energy class with a mix of dance cardio, body sculpting and stretching. Register here. Alley Pond Park Winchester Boulevard Parking Lot in Alley Pond Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 2.
intenSati (Forest Park): This 45-minute class is taught by instructor Julia, who will lead this sweat-dripping, heart-pumping, mood-lifting cardio class (think dance meets kickboxing meets yoga.) Register here. Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 2.
Forest Management Morning (Forest Park): The Natural Areas Conservancy and Forest Park Trust are collaborating to restore the Forest Park Woodlands this fall. Participants will build up nature skills while caring for the woods. Register here. Blue Trail Head in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 2.
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, Oct. 2 to Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Zumba (L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Jr. Playground): Take this Zumba class to get a good sweat in the morning. The class features aerobic, fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body with easy-to-follow dance steps. The class is taught by instructor Arlette. Register here. Noonan Basketball Court in L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Jr. Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Oct. 2.
Urban Wildlife: Raccoons (Elmhurst Park): The Urban Park Rangers will celebrate Raccoon Appreciation Day this weekend. Come and discuss all things raccoon and make a raccoon-themed craft. Elmhurst Park Comfort Station in Elmhurst Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Oct. 2.
Cardio Punch (Rockaway Beach): Instructor Gloria will teach this Cardio Punch workout, a total body, non-contact workout fit for all levels. Punch, hook and kick to motivating, high-energy music that progresses into heart-pumping combinations. Register here. Beach 59th Street Playground in Rockaway Beach. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Oct. 2.
Low Impact Cardio (Roy Wilkins Park): This workout is taught by instructor Carol and uses bodyweight exercises to leave you feeling strong while creating flexibility. Class ends with a fun dance cardio celebration. Register here. Roy Wilkins Recreation Center in Roy Wilkins Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 12 to 1 p.m., Oct. 2.
Oktoberfest (Lutheran School): The Oktoberfest event — which is the world’s largest Volksfest, or beer festival and traveling funfair — will include events like $5 raffles for baskets and live music performed by the Pilsner Brass Band. 36-06 Bell Blvd. lsfb.org. $5 basket raffles. 12 to 4 p.m., Oct. 2.
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., Oct. 2.
Hands on History: Paper Luminaries (Rufus King Park): This free family program will center on lanterns, which have been used to light the way for many people during the 19th century. Participants will learn about the decorative art side of lanterns — including spooky myths — and will get the chance to make a luminary to take home. King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave. nycparks.gov. Free. 1 to 4 p.m., Oct. 2.
Maze by Moonlight (Queens County Farm): Bring a flashlight and navigate the Farm’s Maize Maze by moonlight. The adventure begins with a stalk talk to prepare you for the three-acre challenge of finding clues, solving puzzles and making your way out of the maze. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. queensfarm.org. Free for ages 3 and under, advance tickets are $15, $10 for children 4 to 11. Open Saturday, Oct. 2 and 23 and Thursday, Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Movies Under the Stars – “The Addams Family” (Queensbridge Park): Just in time for the start of Halloween season, catch a showing of “The Addams Family” movie. The film tells the story of the Addams Family and their macabre traditions and how they adjust to live in suburban New Jersey. Rated PG. Queensbridge Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 6:45 to 9 p.m., Oct. 2.
SUNDAY, OCT. 3
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., Oct. 3.
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., Oct. 3.
Birding: Fall Migration (Forest Park): Discover migratory birds in Forest Park with the help of the Urban Park Rangers. Participants of all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. Bring your own binoculars. Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 3.
Queens Recreation Mobile Unit Pop-Up (Glendale Playground): This event offers organized activities that are free and open to the public including chalk gams, balls, crafts and more. 70 Street and Central Avenue in Glendale Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 3.
Literary Sunday Reading Series (Friends of Maple Grove): This in-person event is open to those who are fully vaccinated and will feature Queens writers Pichchenda Bao, Sangamithra Iyer, Mary Lannon and Joseph O. Legaspi. RSVP to MFLannon@gmail.com, 518-928-3361 or on Facebook. 127-15 Kew Gardens Rd. friendsofmaplegrove.org. Free. 12:30 p.m., Oct. 3.
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., Oct. 3.
To submit an event for QNS Weekender, email jbagcal@schnepsmedia.com.
