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This free LIC festival turns an entire city block into an outdoor gym
The free August 1 event brings obstacle races, fitness classes, recovery sessions and wellness experiences to a Long Island City block
New York has no shortage of street fairs, but here’s one where the main attraction isn’t shopping or snacking—it’s seeing whether you can make it through an obstacle course
On Saturday, August 1, the second annual LIC Wellness Fest will turn a block of Long Island City into a free outdoor fitness festival packed with workouts, recovery sessions, wellness experiences and the Hurricane Fit Race, an urban obstacle course designed for participants of all fitness levels. The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm at 27-25 44th Drive, just off Jackson Avenue, with nearby access to the E, M, G and 7 trains
Organizers say the festival drew hundreds of attendees at its inaugural event last year, despite rainy weather. Rather than the usual browse-and-stroll format of many neighborhood festivals, the day is built around participation: visitors can take instructor-led classes, test themselves on the obstacle course, try recovery experiences, explore wellness activations and meet local fitness and wellness businesses throughout the day
The centerpiece is the Hurricane Fit Race, which turns an entire city block into a series of strength, endurance and agility challenges. Registration is required to compete, but spectators are welcome too. Beyond the race, a $10 VIP Wellness Class Pass grants access to the day’s full lineup of classes, including a morning sound bath, yoga, Afrobeat aerobics, a Queensboro dance workshop and a closing reflection session. General admission to the festival itself is free
“The goal was never to create another fitness event,” said Rodney “Hurricane” Carter Jr., founder of Hurricane Fitness and LIC Wellness Fest, in a statement. “It was to create a place where people could discover healthier habits, meet the incredible businesses in their own neighborhood and leave feeling inspired.”
The festival will also feature live music, product demonstrations, giveaways and local vendors, with support from Long Island City businesses including TRENDS Dispensary. Organizers say the event is intended to make wellness programming more accessible by removing the cost barrier for general admission while introducing attendees to neighborhood fitness studios and practitioners
If your ideal summer Saturday involves more burpees than beer gardens (or you simply want to try something a little different from the usual street festival), this may be one of the city’s most active ways to spend the day. Just remember to wear sneakers
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