There’s so much to do this weekend — 30 things to be exact. Check out what’s in store!
Some highlights from this upcoming weekend include a showing of “Back to the Future at Athens Square on Friday, the LIC Waterfront 5K on Saturday and learning to compost in Forest Park on Sunday.
For these events and more, check out these 30 things to do in Queens from Sept. 17 to 19.
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, SEPT. 17
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. Sept. 17 to Nov. 7, 2021.
Cardio Sculpt (Torsney Playground): Put on some workout clothes and get ready to do some low-impact cardio. This workout is taught by instructor Zarina at the sports courts and consists of functional exercises designed to make daily activities easier. Lou Lodati Playground in Torsney Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 to 10 a.m., Sept. 17.
Movies Under the Stars – “Back to the Future” (Athens Square): For this week’s edition of Movies Under the Stars, enjoy a showing of the 80’s classic “Back to the Future.” The story follows 17-year-old high school student Marty McFly, who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in scientist Doc Brown’s time-traveling DeLorean. Rated PG. Athens Square. nycparks.gov. Free. 7:15 to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 17.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 18
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., Sept. 18.
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 here. Juniper Valley Tennis Courts in Juniper Valley Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m., Sept. 18.
Dance Fitness (Rockaway Beach): Instructor Alexis will lead the low to medium impact dance fitness class, set to hip-hop, Caribbean and afrobeat music. Register here. Beach 32 and the Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach. nycparks.gov. Free. 9 to 10 a.m., Sept. 18.
LIC Waterfront 5K (Hunter’s Point South Park ): Runners and walkers are welcome to take part in this 5K, which takes participants through the streets and waterfront parks of Long Island City. Following the race is the Shibley Day Camp Center Boulevard Children’s Dashes for kids ages 2 to 9. Hunter’s Point South Park. nycparks.gov. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the kids race. 9 to 11 a.m., Sept. 18.
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. 18.
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., Sept. 18.
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. 18.
Wetland Restoration (Seagirt Ave Wetlands): The Stewardship Team will work to protect the Seagirt Ave Wetlands. Volunteers will learn to identify and safely remove invasive plants and debris. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long pants and clothes that can get dirty. Register here. Seagirt Ave Wetlands. nycparks.gov. Free. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 18.
Hike and Pick – Yellow Trail (Forest 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. 18.
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., Sept. 18.
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. 18 to Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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., Sept. 18.
Birding: Fall Migrants (Bayswater Park): The Urban Park Rangers will guide bird enthusiasts to the best viewing spots for migrating shorebirds and other wildlife. Participants are welcome to bring their own binoculars and beginners are welcome. Bay 32nd Street and Beach Channel Drive in Bayswater Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 10 to 11 a.m., Sept. 18.
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 Yishan. Register here. Noonan Basketball Court in L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Jr. Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Sept. 18.
The 2021 Halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Bayside): The Bayside Saint Patrick’s Day Parade committee is hosting this halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday. Bell Boulevard and 35th Avenue to 43rd Avenue. baysidesaintpatricksdayparade.org. Free. 11 a.m., Sept. 18.
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., Sept. 18.
Family Day (Detective Keith L Williams Park): Hosted by Councilman Daneek Miller and Queens Recreation, this event features family-friendly activities like games, an obstacle course, inflatables, crafts, music and giveaways. Detective Keith L. Williams Field House in Detective Keith L Williams Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 12 to 4 p.m., Sept. 18.
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. 18.
Queensboro Dance Festival (Flushing Meadows Corona Park): This pop-up, in-person performance at Flushing Meadows Corona Park is part of the Queensboro Dance Festival. Featured performers include Manhatitlan, Vivarta Arts, Na Pua Mai Ka Lani Nuioka, Demi Remick and Dancers, The Kingdom Dance Company and Ramzi World Dance. RSVP here. Fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire before attending. The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. queensborodancefestival.com. Free. 6 to 7:15 p.m., Sept. 18.
Making Moves Dance Festival (Jamaica Performing Arts Center): On Saturday and Sunday, JCAL is bringing back its Making Moves Dance Festival. The free event will take place on the outdoor stage of the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. RSVP here. 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. jcal.org. Free. 7 p.m., Sept. 18 and 19.
Movies Under the Stars – “The NeverEnding Story” (Grover Cleveland Playground): This story follows an unhappy young boy who discovers a book about a mystical land, which is about to be destroyed by the evil force of Nothingness. The boy finds himself entering the world and helping to save it. Rated PG. Grover Cleveland Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 7:15 to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 18.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 19
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. 19.
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. 19.
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. 19.
Composting 101 (Forest Park): The Urban Park Rangers will teach participants about the natural process known as decomposition, during which healthy new soil is created. Learn how to speed up the process and reduce household waste through composting. Register here. Forest Park Visitor Center in Forest Park. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 19.
Queens Recreation Mobile Unit Pop-Up (Bowne Playground): This event offers organized activities that are free and open to the public including chalk gams, balls, crafts and more. Bowne Playground. nycparks.gov. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 19.
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. 19.
To submit an event for QNS Weekender, email editorial@qns.com.
