Queen for a Day: What's Happening in NYC's Outer Borough

While many tourists head to New York City with their eyes set on the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, one can jump on the subway (approximately 15 minutes from Times Square depending on your final destination) and become "Queen" for a day. Queens' 2.2 million residents appreciate the varied ethnic and cultural influences, from the bounty of Greek establishments in Astoria to the country's largest collection of film, TV and digital artifacts at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Here's the best of what's happening this month:

A Taste of This Month’s Cultural Calendar

Through Jan. 26
Long Island City Winter Show, Diego Salazar Art Gallery, 31-25 44th Avenue, Long Island City
An exhibit of those who are making art in Long Island City studios or have in the recent past. Free

Jan. 10-26
"Urinetown" at the Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 Street, Long Island City
Set in a Gotham-like city, this Tony-award winning musical is a comic tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. Times vary by day. $18.

Jan. 14 - Mar. 25
"Double Life" at the Sculpture Center, 44-19 Purves Street, Long Island City
This group exhibit examines the role of the contemporary artists as self-performers and our identification with, and attachment to, everyday objects. $5.

Jan. 18
Disco Inferno, Resorts World Casino, 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica
Live Performances by: The Trammps, France Joli, Carol Douglas and Disco Unlimited. DJ Nicky D will play the best in classic dance music. $20

Jan. 25 - Mar. 17
afroTANGO at Thalia Spanish Theatre, 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside
Discover African roots of Tango in this world premiere musical with music arranged and directed by Latin Grammy winner Raul Jaurena. $35; $32 students/seniors.

Jan. 27
Rob Schneider Live, Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56 Avenue, Bayside
The Emmy-nominated actor and comedian most recently seen in the production of Grown Ups brings his zany comedy to the borough. $40

Jan. 31
Ultimate Singer Songwriter Contest, Waltz Astoria, 23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria
Local talent show off their songwriting skills in this competition presented in partnership with One Sound Label. $10

Choose Your Own Adventure

Want to go exploring on your own? Here's a rundown of the various neighborhoods where you can find your own secret jewels:

Astoria: Delectable Greek cuisine, vintage-chic shops, late-night sushi, classic films and an outdoor beer garden-Astoria has it all, and much more.

??Corona: Outdoor fun, jazz history and authentic Italian ices await in this Queens neighborhood.

Flushing: The bustling Queens neighborhood offers up a diverse mix of historical, cultural and dining adventures.

?Long Island City: Find great art, dining and skyline views just one subway stop from Manhattan.

??Sunnyside: Packed with pubs, specialty shops and a range of food purveyors, Sunnyside features Mexican, Irish and Romanian cuisine. ?