Okay. We've just gotta say it. F*ck Columbus Day.
Seriously though, like we're not even talking about the terrible politics (by politics, we mean how completely tone deaf it is in 2016 to celebrate a man who incited a genocide but, we mean, what?) surrounding the "holiday."
Columbus Day is simply the worst because once you're our of high school/some lucky colleges, Columbus Day ceases to be a three-day weekend, which is one of the biggest American tragedies of our time. The biggest.
Anyway, despite this weekend not being anything like Memorial or Labor Day weekend, we have faith you can still turn it up.
We've provided you with all the resources below for free food, musical performances, and fests so you can have a dope weekend (despite the horrors this country was founded on, we're sorry, we'll go away now).
Friday, October 7th
Only thing better than food from food trucks is free food from food trucks. Food Moves is an app that provides ways for New Yorkers to reach hard-to-find food.
[anad]
From 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. a new food truck will be giving out free food that only Food Moves members can grab. How're you supposed to find them? A mystery truck icon will appear on the app's map for you to hunt down. Download the app and RSVP for the event here.
New York Comic Con (October 6th-9th)
Okay, so if you don't have your pass already, you've kind of missed the train on this one. Don't get too down though, we've rounded up a bunch of NYCC after parties so you can mingle with the nerdy masses.
Saturday, October 8th
Norah Jones Discussion/ Performance
Are you a Norah Jones fan? Aren't we all, at heart? Her new album, Day Breaks, is available on Friday and wristbands for this event are going to be given out with the purchase of her CD starting at 9 a.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Union Square.
On Saturday at 3 p.m. she will be performing selections from her new album and will take part in a discussion and while she won't be signing during the event, wristbanded attendees will be presented with pre-signed CD inserts.
Oktoberfest DUMBO (October 6th - October 9th)
ICYMI, Oktoberfest, which runs from late September to the first weekend in October, attracts more than 6 million beer-lovers from around the world. If you haven’t made plans to celebrate Oktoberfest yet, what are you even doing?
But it’s not too late! The Archway under the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO is gonna be transformed into a traditional German beer hall for the neighborhood’s first-ever Oktoberfest celebration. Come prepared with an empty stomach to fill with pretzels, brats, sauerkraut, and of course, draft brews.
Sunday, October 9th
Um, are you actually going to miss out on New York's largest chocolate salon?
There will be talks and of course, tastings, exhibitions and chocolate workshops with some of the world's premier chocolatiers (which is a dope job, why wasn't that major offered to any of us?), artisans, chefs, and pastry chefs.
You can purchase tickets here.
City Winery's bringing their urban winery vibes to Queens with the City Winery VIP Wine Garden at Forest Hills Stadium. Savor unlimited wine and light snacks before and during performances. A limited number of tickets to the Wine Garden will be available for each show.
City Winery VIP Wine Garden tickets are also available for the Van Morrison concert. Snag your VIP admission + wine garden access here.
Halloween Harvest Dog Parade & Costume Contest
Is there anything cuter than a puppy parade? Besides a costumed puppy parade, of course. Head to Luna Park at Coney Island from 12 p.m. (if you're spectating, the puppies start strutting their stuff on the Monster Mash stage starting at 2 p.m.) until 5 p.m. for your fill of the cuteness.
[anad2]
If you think your dog has the star power, register them here. You might win a subscription to BarkBox!
Grand Re-opening of NYPL's Rose Main Reading Room
The beautiful room has been bustling with book and architecture lovers since it's official re-opening on October 5th, but this is your last chance to check out the free exhibition on the extensive, $12 million restoration.
Head to the Stephen A. Schwartzman building between 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
[Feature Image Courtesy UntappedCities]