As fall sets in, the communities of Queens warmly invite everyone to join them for a weekend of outings. There is plenty to choose from, including dance performances, a laughter-filled comedy open mic night, a creative fall art workshop, the Chinese Winter Festival and a live music show.
Grab your family or friends and head out to these events in Queens this weekend.
Friday, Nov. 17
Take Root Presents: Grazia Capri & Fadi J Khoury – FJK Dance Company
Come and experience a captivating contemporary dance performance by the renowned choreographer Fadi J Khoury and his New York Dance Company, FJK Dance. The performance will feature a resonating story that blends two pieces to showcase the beauty and richness of Arabic culture. The dance will also be shown on Nov. 18. (Green Space, 37-24 24th St., Suite 211, Long Island City. 8 to 10 p.m. Admission: $20)
The Winter Lantern Festival is returning for its fourth year and will be held every weekend, as well as the entire week of Christmas. Visitors will be treated to the sight of over 1,000 handmade lanterns illuminating the night sky and will also learn about traditional Chinese lantern festivals from artisans who have over 20 years of experience. Admission prices are discounted starting at 8 p.m. (Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: $20.29 to $28.29)
Saturday, Nov. 18
How Was It? Storytelling Show & Mic
This weekly storytelling show and open mic event is a must-see for anyone who loves a good story. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some of the best storytellers in town as they share their humorous memories. After the show, guests can register for the open mic session and take the stage to share their own stories and memories. (Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria. 5 to 7 p.m. Admission: $5)
Watercolor Workshop: Autumn Leaves
Get ready for this watercolor workshop series and learn the fundamental techniques of watercolor painting with artist Chemin Hsiao. Each session of this workshop series will focus on a different location within the Queens Botanical Garden, with this session featuring autumn leaves and colors of the changing seasons. All necessary materials will be provided. (Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing. 2 to 4 p.m. Admission: $37.74)
Sunday, Nov. 19
Jem Sharples and Paul Martin, the musical duo from the United Kingdom are celebrating 20 years together. They are back with a captivating selection of songs that include favorite melodies from popular music, opera, musicals, theater and even crooner classics. Don’t miss out on this performance of popular and classical music. (Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside. 3 to 5 p.m. Admission: $38 to $53)
Fertile Ground, a monthly new works series for upcoming choreographers and experimenting professionals, is bringing a non-curated program that will include six dance makers and wine with a post-performance discussion that will offer a space for constructive input from the audience. The performance will be moderated by Green Space Artistic Director Valerie Green and will feature November artists Anna Hershinow, Chris Ferris & Dancers, Emily, Tarrier, Harper Foote, James Barrett and Solange Rodrigues & Madison Lynch. (Green Space, 37-24 24th St., Suite 211, Long Island City. 7 to 9 p.m. Admission: $18)
