All Weekend
Friday, Dec. 4
Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
When: 7 p.m.
Musician and composer Phyllis Chen brings her festival, centered around the toy piano, to Queens for the first time. Check out a concert featuring the tiny instrument at the Museum of the Moving Image starting at 7 p.m. (tickets are $15), which will be followed by an after party at The Uke Hut.
Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: Various locations
When: 3 p.m.
Don your most festive holiday gear for a good cause, as the Sunnyside Santathon returns to the neighborhood for its fourth year. Organized by Sunnyside's Boulevard Bars, this year's pub crawl starts at 3 p.m. will include stops at nine neighborhood bars including Maggie Mae's, Molly Blooms, Sidetracks, Bar 43 and more. A $10 wristband can be purchased at any participating location and gets you $4 and $5 drink specials. Proceeds will go to buying toys for local kids in need.
► Metropolitan Opera Guild: Opera in Your Neighborhood
Where: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
When: 2 to 4 p.m.
Join the Metropolitan Opera Guild to explore the world of opera, including the singing, characters, costumes, music and words. Attendees will then work together to create a mini-opera about their neighborhood. The free program runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and is part of Lincoln Center’s Boro-Linc initiative, is recommended for children of all ages and families. No musical experience is necessary.
Where: Jamaica Market, 90-40 160th St. at Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check out this new winter craft market which is launching in Jamaica this Saturday. The fair, which will focus on showcasing local artists, crafters and artisanal food products, will remain open on three consecutive Saturdays in December.
► The Great Northern Cheese Fest
Where: Flushing Town Hall; 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
The Great Northern Cheese Fest will transform Flushing Town Hall into a cheese lover's paradise this Saturday. Artisanal creameries from all over the Northeast region will offer samples of their finest cheeses, from sheep's milk tommes and cheddars to triple cremes and goat cheeses. Renowned chefs, including Alfonso Zhicay of Casa del Chef Bistro and Hugue Dufour of M. Wells Steakhouse, will also create some cheesy dishes. A $60 general admission ticket gets guests unlimited samplings of all food and beverages. VIP tickets for $150 will also allow exclusive access to special culinary demonstrations and discussions about cheeses. Tickets can be purchased here.
► Wildlife Tracking with the Urban Park Rangers
Where: Cunningham Park, 197th Street and Union Turnpike
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What wild animals walk our borough? Find out how to track them with guidance from the Urban Park Rangers, who will lead a tour through the wilds of Cunningham Park. It's family friendly and you'll gain a useful skill for the next time coyotes are on the loose.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Where: Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria
When: noon to 6 p.m.
Grab a pint and get started on your holiday shopping at this market, which will feature art, jewelry, toys, baked goods and other gifts. Admission is free.
Where: 144-03 Neponsit Ave., Neponsit
When: 3 p.m.
The peninsula's biggest light display kicks off Sunday with "the greatest show on Earth." The big show starts at 3 p.m. outside the home of lawyer Joe Mure, raises money for Juvenile Diabetes — a cause the fabulous Christmas display has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for over the years. Hosts Goumba Johnny and Joe Causi will oversee performers and surprise guests, along with free food, drinks and toys.
► Santa Bike Ride to the Queens Museum
Where: Meet up at Travers Park, 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th streets; bike to the Queens Museum
When: 9 a.m.
The Queens Bike Initiative has a special guest on their kids-friendly ride Sunday morning — Santa! The group, which is pushing for more connectivity for cyclists throughout Queens, has organized a three mile ride through Jackson Heights and Corona starting at 9 a.m. Dress up in your favorite holiday clothing as you ride along with Santa himself, and a police escort to the museum for added safety. Once the ride reaches the Queens Museum there will be a Story Garden with Miss Alexia, who will play music for the kids.
These listings were compiled by Queens neighborhood reporters Jeanmarie Evelly, Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska and Katie Honan.
