As September winds down and the nights get chilly, activities may be harder to come by. Maybe your friends are less excited to go out in the cold Autumn months, but we at spoiled won’t stand for that. Here’s a list of events with enough fun to get you and your friends away from the couch.
Friday September 28th
Pay What You Wish Fridays at the Whitney (99 Gansevoort St, West Village @ 10:30 AM-10 PM)
The Whitney Museum has all the American art that you’re looking for, with special ongoing exhibits from David Wojnarowicz and Mary Corse. This is a great chance to visit a historical museum for whatever price you can afford.
Queens Hip-Hop Festival (Multiple Locations throughout Queens @ 7 PM)
The annual Queens Hip-Hop Festival has more for you to do than to just bump to some new music. An art exhibit near the Queensbridge, breakdancing lessons and a women in hip-hop panel, this event is brimming with culture.
Catacombs by Candlelight (263 Mulberry St, Nolita @ Multiple Time Slots)
Home to the only catacombs in Manhattan, this tour takes you down to the bones of New York City. Only recently opened to the public, the tour beneath this 200-year-old basilica is an experience rare to city dwellers in America.
Munich on the East River (24-20 FDR Drive Service Road East, Peter Cooper Village @ 5 PM)
Oktoberfest is kicking off right alongside the East River. The Zum Schneider restaurant is hosting the event, promising an authentic German drinking experience you cannot miss. The traditional food, beer, furniture, music, and outfits will make you forget you’re still in New York. Don’t forget your lederhosen!
Saturday, September 29th
Queens Night Market (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens @ 6 PM)
The Queens Night Market reopens this weekend and has tons of cool little shops selling items that maybe you didn’t know you needed. There will be performances by DJ Lil Buddy, blues duo Brewster Moonface, American Samba band Os Clavelitos and more. The first night is definitely the best night to be there.
Brooklyn Wine Expo (72 Noble Street, Brooklyn @ 1 PM)
At the Brooklyn Expo Center this weekend is a tour of the world with alcohol as your guide. Hundreds of new wines, live music and even interactive games come included. Lyft is a proud partner of the expo in getting you there and home which makes the event easy to get to.
New York Vegandale Festival (20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island @ 11 AM)
A great place for vegans and those curious about veganism, everything at the festival is 100% vegan. The festival highlights a balance of food and culture for the progressive minded.
Bacon and Beer Classic (Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Queens @ 7 PM)
On the opposite end from vegan food, the Bacon and Beer Classic is a festival that includes unlimited beer and unlimited bacon. If that doesn’t already have you on board, you get a tasting cup, a home brewing demo, games, music and an Oktoberfest surprise.
COEXIST Gaming Event (591 Central Ave, Brooklyn @ 6 PM)
Rise and grind gamers, let’s get this bread. If you’re up for some high-caliber gaming action this weekend, COEXIST is the place to be. The theme of the event is Fortnite vs. PUBG in a battle royal of battle royales! COEXIST and its sponsors will also be providing beer, beer pong, Smash Bros and Mario Kart setups, and cannabis-infused pizza. It’s a gamer party you won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Sunday, September 30th
New York Hot Jazz Festival (530 W 27th St, Manhattan @ 2 PM)
The New York Hot Jazz Festival is a day of nonstop tunes featuring the likes of Grammy-winning Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, Mwenso and the Shakes, the Hot Sardines and countless other numbers. Dancing, swaying, and jazz all day, your Sunday will be enough fun to stop the dread of the coming work week.
Medieval Festival (Fort Tyron Park @ 11:30 AM)
The Middles Ages come to New York by way of art, food, drinks, and fantastic events. Taking place near the famous medieval museum, the Cloisters, this festival is totally free to attend. The organizers do their best to keep everything authentic, so don’t be surprised to see some full costumed jesters!
Ellis Island Abandoned Hospital Tour (Ellis Island @ 2 PM)
Looking for an activity on the creepy side? If you are, check out this hard-hat tour through the abandoned hospital on Ellis Island and see the autopsy room and the contagious diseases ward. This tour is definitely something you can’t do every day and makes for a great story.
Parks and Recreation Trivia (308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn @ 8 PM)
If you know every band name Andy Dwyer has come up with and you’re a regular waffle eater, Parks and Recreation Trivia night is your chance to win big.
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t go out and do things. Fall has so many great activities to offer even before Halloween kicks off. Say goodbye to September the right way. If you're in a pizza mood, make your own at Keste Pizza!