Long Island City Festival Looks To Boost Local Economy

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — Long Island City business leaders are aiming to give local shop and restaurant owners a much-needed boost with a weekend festival designed to showcase everything they have to offer.

The Long Island City Partnership, a local development organization, kicks off its "LIC Springs Back!" festival Friday with a series of virtual and small, in-person events hosted by an assortment of the 530 businesses currently open in the neighborhood.

Highlights of the weekend lineup include a walking tour of Long Island City, with stops at businesses giving out tastings and samples; live music for outdoor diners; virtual classes hosted by local fitness studios; arts and crafts lessons; and an Instagram Live performance and dance class by Queens-based dance companies.

“In LIC, we believe it’s all in the mix – the exciting collection of residents, businesses, culture, and industry that makes this a great place to live and work,” Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the Long Island City Partnership and executive director of the LIC Business Improvement District, said in a statement. “At a time when many store owners, restaurants and shop fronts are struggling, our community must come together and celebrate the unique organizations that help make our neighborhood one of the most vibrant places in all of New York day in and day out."

The festival is meant to capture the spirit of the Long Island City Partnership's annual "LIC Springs!" block party, which was canceled this past May due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Information on programming will be available on LIC Local.

"LIC Springs is more than just a weekend," Lusskin said. "It is a commitment to the small businesses that serve us year-round and need our help now more than ever."