Things to Do in Long Island City

Stepping into New World Stages is like stepping into a cultural retreat. Outside, Times Square bustles with international energy, but inside, away from the travelers and giant screens, an oasis of blue and yellow waits. From a lobby that speaks strongly of industrial architecture, five stages branch off to host Tony- and Pulitzer-winning performances as well as spectacles outside any expectation. Before or after each show, the Time Out New York lounge quenches thirst and conversational cravings with a full bar.

It's hard to tell what's going on behind the metal grillwork covering the windows of the building that still bears the name Union Square Savings Bank carved into its stone. That's because of the blackout drapes—the vintage 1840 Greek Revival monolith with 40-foot ceilings has been a theater since 1996, when Daryl Roth took it over and got rid of all the dusty old money inside. The theater producer, who has staged seven Pulitzer-winning plays, has since opened up the unobstructed space to an array of other spectacles.

PishPoshPaints enlivens the walls of homes, restaurants, and hotels with hand-painted works executed by highly skilled, professional artists. Clients send in a picture of themselves, a family member, or a favorite landscape to a talented paintslinger who interprets the image through oil and canvas, leaving behind a one-of-a-kind piece suitable for hanging above a roaring fireplace or stuffing into a novelty-sized wallet. In addition to creating original masterpieces, PishPoshPaints' dedicated artists recreate public-domain works such as van Gogh and Monet landscapes, traditional Jewish artwork, and modern designs.

Founded by Queens native and the Late Late Show vet Steve Hofstetter, Laughing Devil Comedy Club lobbed its inaugural laughs in late 2011. Its debut on the city's comedy scene came after weeks of anticipation and attention in the New York Post, the Queens Courier, and Queens Tribune. Within its intimate, 70-seat venue, bartenders draw from a top-shelf drink menu to forge potions such as The Andy Kaufman's blend of St. Germain, Patrón tequila, and pineapple or pour drafts of Chimay Triple, brewed in the traditional manner by Belgian prop comics.

Restless fingers find a place to settle down at Annie & Company Needlepoint and Knitting's homey brownstone on the Upper East Side, where resources for making functional, soft art fill the entire 3,000-square-foot studio. Yarns harvested from soft mammals and fibrous plants spill out from baskets on the first floor, overwhelming knitting needles as large as 40 inches and colorful notions from Susan Bates and Clover. Upstairs, a sunny window illuminates a wooden table suitable for stitching or sipping tea, surrounded by hand-painted needlepoint and cross-stitch canvases hung salon style.

The staff of expert craftsmen shares knowledge with groups and individuals through project-based classes, and has invited yarn designer Debbie Bliss to contribute her elaborately spun falsehoods and professional insight to the discussion.

Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos delights audiences with an evening of music requests, onstage games, and raucous sing-alongs. Two bantering pianists man the stage with percussive backing from a drummer, drawing on a sprawling mental catalog of classic and contemporary rock standards. The trio's extensive musical knowledge allows them to play any song that pops into guests' heads or is brought forth during deep hypnosis. The performers also call guests onstage for games consisting of solo dances and dares. The venue's full bar includes liquor, wine, beer, and soda, and shot giveaways keep mouths from drying out during lengthy discourses on why one should never stop believin'.