special events
Culture Lab LIC's 5th Annual Gala
The Garden of Creativity, An Evening For Growth
Wednesday, September 16, 7pm-10pm
Culture Lab LIC invites you to our 2026 Gala. This year, our space will transform into a blossoming sanctuary that mirrors our own journey over the past six years. During this time, Culture Lab has evolved from a seedling of an idea into the vibrant, perennial space that local creatives have come to love. The Garden of Creativity celebrates that beautiful evolution by honoring the roots that got us here and cultivating our path forward.
Start your evening wandering through our transformed space as you find yourself amongst our exhibition Hidden Stories: The Secret Language of Still Life & Floriography. Indulge in drinks and locally sourced bites while you network and mingle with those keeping our garden GREEN! As usual, the evening will present performances by our 2026 New Work’s Lab Residents and moments to honor those who have truly made a difference in arts, culture and NYC.
All proceeds from The Garden of Creativity directly fund Culture Lab LIC’s upcoming season of free public art exhibitions, community programming, and vital artist residency grants. Help us cultivate the next season of local culture.
master-plan presents
First President of Japan and OK King
Thursday, August 20, 7-11pm
Do you like your rock music up close and in your face?
Are you looking to get your blood pumping and your head spinning?
Then you need a heavy dose of First President of Japan and OK King, two of the most colorful and engaging bands on the local scene. We guarantee this show will rule.
Doors at 7pm
Show at 8pm
master-plan.rocks is a nonprofit for rock n' roll. We provide funding to create and produce intimate live recordings, studio time, and the production of vinyl for the bands we love.
SpeakEasier Language Exchange
SpeakEasier was created in 2024 by Daniela Cantillo to celebrate and foster multilingualism in New York City. In early 2025, SpeakEasier partnered with Culture Lab LIC to bring to life the monthly SpeakEasier Language Exchange, where intermediate-to-advanced target speakers of Arabic, French, Farsi, and Spanish come together to practice their speaking skills through engaging conversation.
Meet ups will be held on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Follow SpeakEasier on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and for language practice tips and insights right to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter here!
August 29, 2026
September 26, 2026
October 24, 2026
November 28, 2026
Pawp-Up in The Lot
"Pawp-Ups" are back at Culture Lab LIC!
Previously known as our "Pup-Ups", we are making sure to include our feline friends!
Join us 1-4pm on the first Sunday of every month from May-Oct as local rescues pawp-up with dogs and cats in need of fosters and forever homes!
Already have a furry bestie? Bring them along and meet other pet owners in the community, browse pet apparel, services, food & treats among local vendors! And since our gallery is dog friendly, you can browse the exhibits - make sure to stop at our front desk for complimentary treats!
Vendor slots are filling up but we're still looking for folks who think the animal community will benefit/appreciate your goods and services!
-Food & Treats
-Services (walker, daycare, groomers)
-Pet Apparel/Gear
-Pet portraits
We're especially grateful to @bondvet for their sponsorship this year, ensuring animals get adopted and local businesses thrive!
Upcoming Dates:
September 6
October 4