These listings were compiled by DNAinfo's Queens reporters Katie Honan, Jeanmarie Evelly and Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska.
All Weekend
Where: LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
Queens writers, poets and booksellers will participate in this two-day event that celebrates the borough’s literary scene. The festival — which takes place Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — will feature readings from a number of local writers groups as well as the current and former Queens poet laureates. It's free, and runs all weekend from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Friday, July 31
► “The Merchant of Venice” at Sunnyside Gardens Park
Where: Sunnyside Gardens Park, 48-21 39th Ave., Sunnyside
The Hip to Hip Theatre Company will stage a free performance of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” in the park. Bring a blanket or a chair to catch the show, which is free and starts at at 7:30 p.m.
► Meditation Workshop at Queens Library
Where: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica
Study meditation during this free workshop at Queens Library. Meditation can be a powerful tool to quiet your mind and discover your true potential. This class, which will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will teach techniques to help you transcend your limitations. Registration is not required, and it's free.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Where: 46th Street between Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside
The Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District will host this free event under the Sunnyside arch as part of its Sunnyside Summer Strolls series. The fair will run from 2 to 6 p.m. and is aimed at kids ages four and older, featuring crafts, music, face-painting and games. It's free and runs from 2 to 6 p.m.
► The Catskills Comes to Queens
Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
More than 20 chefs from the city’s top restaurants will serve up dishes made with ingredients sourced from various farms in the Catskills, including grass-fed beef and heritage pork. Catskill brewers, wine and cider makers will also present their products. Tickets for the event, which starts at 6 p.m., cost $95 and can be purchased here.
Where: Beach 81st Street and the beach, Rockaway Beach
The free contemporary dance show series will use Rockaway Beach as its stage. The four weekends of shows kicks off on Aug. 1 with The D.R.E.A.M Ring, a group of dancers from Brooklyn that showcase flexn' and other street dance styles.
Every show is free and family-friendly, with 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. performances. The group will also host a beach cleanup at 7 p.m following the later show.
► Re-envision Leverich Cemetery Potluck
Where: Leverich Cemetery, 35th Avenue and 71st Street (entrance behind animal hospital), Jackson Heights
The ancient burial ground of the Leverich Cemetery dates back to the 1600s, but the long-abandoned space is overdue to be turned into open space for Jackson Heights. Hibridos Collective is organizing community potlucks every Saturday in August to help neighbors brainstorm ideas for the space on 35th Avenue. Bring a snack and some non-alcoholic drinks, along with your ideas, to the event. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 2
► Historic New York: Fort Totten
Where: Fort Totten Park, 422 Weaver Ave., Bay Terrace
Learn all about Fort Totten, a preserved Civil War fortress in Bay Terrace, and check out great views of the Throgs Neck Bridge during a tour led by Urban Park Rangers, who specialize in interpretation of significant turning points in New York City's history. The free tour runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
► Cido the Clown at Fantasy Forest
Where: Fantasy Forest at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, next to the Queens Zoo
Take your kids to the Fantasy Forest Amusement Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where Cido the Clown will perform.
Cido is an internationally-known clown, and kids can enjoy his performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Families can also ride the Corona Cobra Coaster and the park's carousel. And it's all free.
