It's officially Fall! "Wait, didn't Fall already start earlier in the month?" you might be asking.
NO! YOU'RE WRONG!
Despite Starbucks' marketing, the autumn equinox arrived at 10:21 a.m. yesterday morning, September 22nd. So if you're a 9-to-5-er, you got to the office during the Summer and left in the Fall! Neat, huh?
Start the season off with a bang whether you're looking to get a little twisted, catch some culture, or stroll around NYC and take in the crisp autumn air.
We've got you covered– go grab yourself your first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season (IF YOU HAD ONE BEFORE TODAY, IT DIDN'T COUNT) and check out what's going down this weekend.
Friday, September 23rd
Get ready to get down for four hours of (organized) mayhem. Get educated with Wine 101, slap on some temporary tats, and hit up the Bubbly Bar where you can taste six different sparkling wines in every style, from all over the world.
So what are you waiting for? Stop dropping crap tons of cash on over-the-top "Chew your wine, Darlene―CHEW IT!" wine tastings when you can drink your heart out and actually have a good time at Wine Riot.
[anad]
Head down to the 69th Regiment Armory for Opening Night, on September 23rd from 7-11 p.m., or September 24th from 1-5 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. Get your tickets RIGHT HERE.
The challenge is simple: Could you go a whole weekend without texting anyone? The folks behind No Text Weekend aren't trying to get people off their phones; they're just trying to connect New Yorkers to one another– by ACTUALLY TALKING.
Wild, right?
Their incentives for going #unplugged include stand-up with top NYC comedians, including Aparna Nancherla, storytelling with pros from the Moth, an afternoon of self-care and meditation, art exhibits, an intimate concert with Sofar Sounds, and more!
Take the pledge. Check out their full schedule of events and purchase tickets here.
Is there anything better than wandering around a flea market on the weekends? How about the Record Fair, where you can indulge your inner hipster while rifling through over 60 record shops, collectors, and online sellers.
There will also be a beer garden overlooking the East River and DJs from various indie labels, check out the list here.
The market will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. rain or shine at 90 Kent Avenue at N. 7th Street.
Saturday, September 24th
Brooklyn Pour Craft Beer Festival
This is 6th year that The Village Voice is hosting the largest annual one-day beer tasting festival in NYC.
You'll get to sample a selection of over 125 craft brews, ciders, meads, and specialty liquors– don't forget to check out what's been trending in modern craft culture. Spiked seltzer? Dangerous but tasty.
The fest
games & competitions, surprise prizes, festive food court picnic areas, tasty edible treat samples, an exclusive VIP private tasting lounge & glamourous gift bag for VIP guests, complimentary souvenir tasting glasses for all and a bangin’ DJ booth, ensuring a super fun, sudsy Saturday for the ages.
Snag your tix here!
Great. Big. Bacon. Picnic. We don't have much else to say.
Get ready for two-and-a-half hours of ALL THE BACON and bacon flavors you could ever dream of. Obviously, there’s a Bacon Bar, as well as actual beverages to imbibe with said bacon.
Are you drooling? So are we. Even better, ten percent of the net proceeds are going to charities like City Harvest, and the Brooklyn-based High & Mighty Brass Band will provide music.
This event will be so good, you’ll be bacon for more. (GET IT?) Prepare to feast after you’ve snagged your tickets here.
Are you looking for some inspiration? Then you should seriously check out what is widely regarded as the best NYC startup event.
At this yummy farm-to-table brunch (with mimosas!), you'll get to network with other professionals just like you that are looking for their next opportunity. An inspirational fireside chat will be hosted by Jake Horowitz (Mic cofounder) and Shawn Cheng (Vayner Capital VC).
Grab your ticket here.
“Awkward Spaces” focuses on the use of explosive movement and color to tell the stories of the photographs' subjects, four professional dancers.
The photographer, Chuck Marcus, used various locations, including a laundromat, grocery store, and Grant's tomb. Marcus highlights the dancers' precision, skill, and versatility while finding peculiar beauty in grungy environments.
This exhibition will run for one day only on Saturday, September 24th at La Maison D'Art on 132nd Street. RSVP for the opening reception here, and view more of Marcus' work here.
Sunday, September 25th
You definitely have to stop by the oldest and largest street festival in NYC. The Atlantic Antic runs from Hicks Street to Fourth avenue, spanning through four Brooklyn neighborhoods: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Downtown Brooklyn.
This epic celebration of the many heritages that coexist in Brooklyn will live music that showcase different cultural genres, feature food from local restaurants, and attracts boutiques and vendors from all over the country.
Expect over 100,000 people but this one is definitely worth the crowds.
Peace Lantern Festival and Public Paddle
Celebrate the International Day of Peace this year at a floating lantern ceremony inspired by the Buddhist tradition. It's bound to light up your 'gram so head over to Gantry Plaza State Park in LIC from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
The scheduled activities include not only lantern decorating and the lantern procession, but kayaking, face-painting & temporary tattoos, yoga, music, and interfaith remarks and prayers, also from secular figures.
Feel the love!
[Feature Image Courtesy PhillyMag]