Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Early | Events In Queens This Weekend

Queens, NY -- Don't let a nasty storm forecast get in the way of your weekend fun. Whether it's a tour of Flushing's finest Chinese food or a full-blown pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration, Queens has plenty of excuses to get out of the house.

Here's a roundup of events throughout the borough that you could be having fun at this weekend:

Annual Queens County St. Patrick's Day Parade

Neighborhood: The Rockaways

What: Kick off the month of March with this annual pre-St. Patrick's Day parade, whose grand marshals include a congressman and local celebrities, according to Time Out. Catch a mass for peace and justice beforehand at St. Francis de Sales Church

Where: Rockaway Beach

When: Saturday at 1 p.m. (mass starts at 10:30 a.m.)

Mindfulness Of Breathing Retreat

Neighborhood: The Rockaways

What: A one-day Sutta Study meditation retreat focusing on the mindfulness of breathing led by Bhante Suddhaso, a Buddhist monk living in New York City.

Where: Rockaway Summer House, 504 Beach 68th St.

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Flushing Chinese Food Stall Tour

Neighborhood: Flushing

What: Take your stomach on a trip to China and eat your way through the food stalls of Flushing. Each of the tour's seven stalls represents a cuisine from across China and Taiwan.

Where: Starts on the corner of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Concert and Talk By Grammy-Nominated Pianist David Holzman

Neighborhood: Kew Gardens

What: Grammy nominated pianist and Queens native David Holzman will perform his classical music and talk about his career as a hearing-impaired musician on World Hearing Day.

Where: The Center at Maple Grove Cemetary, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road

When: Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Cake Tasting

Neighborhood: Queens Village

What: Sample all the cake and filling flavors your stomach can handle for $5 (kids taste free) at Mia Treats NYC, whose cake tastings usually cost around $30. Be sure to RSVP on the event's Facebook page.

Where: Mia Treats NYC, 224-22 93rd Ave.

When: Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

2018 St. Pat's for All Parade

Neighborhoods: Sunnyside and Woodside

What: Celebrate the diversity of the Irish communities in New York with this 19th annual pre-St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Where: Starts at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue and ends at 58th Street and Woodside Avenue

When: Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Q.E.D Oscar Watch Party

Neighborhood: Astoria

What: Hit the red carpet at Q.E.D. in your party attire and stay for a night of all-you-can-eat popcorn, catered snacks, drinks and prizes while you watch the 90th Academy Awards among friends. But shh, no talking during the show - only select commercial breaks. Admission costs $12

Where: Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Ave.

When: Sunday from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Lead photo via Kathy Willens/Associated Press