The 'Low Down 30 ✨
Candles! Catharsis! Caviar!
Hey friends,
October and November bring a mix of cozy, eerie, and delightfully strange. One week you’re molding mooncakes or carving candles, the next you’re solving a burlesque murder or cheering on taxidermy’s finest. Between a tinned fish takeover, a feminist photography icon, and a rage-fueled rock session for the overworked, the month ahead proves that hibernation is overrated 😉
PS: Can anyone spot the three bird-related events in here?!
🌰 Acorn Collecting- Central Park (North Woods)
October 11 | Central Park North (301 Frederick Douglass Cir.)
“Join the MULCH team as we gather some ‘corns and other native plant seeds in NYC’s largest urban park. We’ll gather seeds to cold stratify, germinate, and grow into trees come spring. take some home to try your hands as an urban arborist as well! Coffee and camaraderie provided.”
🥮 Mooncake Workshop
October 11 | Dirtbag Arthaus (229 Cook St.) | $85
“Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with us at Dirtbag ArtHaus! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own ceramic mooncake jar—perfect for storing treats or as a keepsake. While you sculpt and decorate, enjoy fresh mooncakes and learn a bit about the festival’s sweet traditions. No experience needed; all materials, firing, and mooncakes included. Come hungry for creativity (and dessert)!”
🕯️ Candle Sculpting Workshop
October 14 | Recess Grove (327 Grand St.) | $49
“Create a set of 100% beeswax candles — learn to hand dip and sculpt wax to your desired form, and leave with a pair of custom candles to set the vibe at home or gift to a loved one. Taught by local artist Zoe Nochlin.”
🎭 Unstuck
October 15 - November 12 | Soho Playhouse (15 Vandam St.) | $30
“UNSTUCK, written and performed by Olivia Levine and directed by Molly Rose Heller, is a comedic solo show about the intersection of Olivia’s OCD and her sexuality, specifically her queerness. After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, Levine brings her acclaimed show to SoHo Playhouse for a limited 15-performance run you won’t want to miss!”
🐟 The Fishwife Snack Bar & Shop
October 17-19 | Wildair (142 Orchard Street)
“Come snack, sip & shop your way through the most delightful tinned fish snack bar the big apple has ever seen! The shop will be open the weekends of 10/17 through 10/19 at 142 Orchard Street! Fishwife is teaming up with the James Beard award-winning team at Wildair to create The Fishwife Snack Bar & Shop, in partnership with Capital One. Each day, the restaurant will come alive with something new, like: collab-driven pintxos (small, Spanish-style snacks), Gilda martinis galore from our pals at Hendrick’s Gin, plus decadent caviar desserts, influencer-curated bites, and a first look at all of the 2025 fishwife holiday products. It’s tins, snacks, and cocktails all wrapped up in a San Sebastián daydream!”
🍪 The Great Community Bake Sale
October 18 | WSA (180 Maiden Ln.) | $10+
“Join us for The Great Community Bake Sale, a joyful, community-centered event uniting over 100 of the city’s most celebrated bakers and pastry chefs. Led by acclaimed chef Natasha Pickowicz, in partnership with Care of Chan and Lindsey Peckham, this will be Natasha’s largest bake sale to date as part of Care of Chan’s Project Gather initiative. Expect a lively celebration of food, creativity, and community with baked goods from a star-studded lineup including Sophia Roe, Carla Lalli Music, Camari Mick, Pierce Abernathy, Milk Bar, Jessie Sheehan, Kelly Mencin of Radio Bakery, Caroline Schiff, Hailee Catalano, and many more. This is an event not to be missed! Please note that you do not need a ticket or voucher to join us – admission is free! The vouchers sold are for individual pastries, and purchasing them is not required for entry. Each $10 bake sale voucher can be redeemed for your choice of (1) baked good on the day of the sale. Vouchers are limited to 10 per person. We recommend purchasing at least 4 to 6 to sample all the delicious treats that will be available!”
🗽 Open House New York
October 18-20 | All over NYC | Cost varies
“For one weekend every October, hundreds of doors open across the five boroughs—some grand, some hidden, all fascinating. Open House New York gives curious New Yorkers access to spaces usually off-limits: architectural landmarks, private residences, artist studios, firehouses, green roofs, and underground tunnels. Whether you’re climbing into a 19th-century clock tower or wandering through a minimalist penthouse, it’s a rare invitation to see the city’s layers up close. The schedule is massive, but even a few picks can turn your weekend into a choose-your-own adventure in urban discovery.”
🥕 Ceres Film Festival
October 19 | Symphony Space (250 West 95th St.) | $40
“Now in its ninth season, the Ceres Food Film Festival returns to New York City for a day of curated screenings and conversations. Experience documentaries that examine food through multiple lenses - from personal chef journeys to global supply chains, cultural traditions to environmental challenges. Each program features work by filmmakers exploring the diverse stories that connect us to what we eat. The day includes multiple screening blocks followed by discussions with directors and food industry professionals. The program concludes with the Ceres Awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional work in food-focused filmmaking.”
💮 All You Can Linocut: Eraser Stamps
October 19 | 117 Grattan St | $25
“Did Somebody Say Linocut Eraser Stamps Buffet 👀 Add your own personal flair to your journal or gifts with your very own eraser stamps! Go home with as many eraser stamps as you can make in this workshop. I will provide card stock for you to print your designs onto. At the very end, we’ll stamp our collections into a collective class print! 💥 Here’s what’s going down: 📝 Learn the Process - I will walk you through the process of linocut with the option to use tracing paper so that you can do this at home if you choose to! 💮 Decorate – Stamp your wonderful new designs onto card stock provided - feel free to turn them into bookmarks, greeting cards, etc... ✨ Good Vibes – Chill tunes, great convo, and all the encouragement you need to let loose and experiment.🍹 Snacks & Drinks – Because art is always better with a little treat in hand. 💌 Come solo or with a crew—everyone leaves with a one-of-a-kind piece and a whole lot of creative energy.”
😡 Rage Against the Routine™
October 22 | Apartment 5 (157 Ludlow St.) | $35
“Rage Against the Routine™ is a cathartic outlet for burned out professionals and a vehicle for workplace culture change. No matter your work situation, there’s a lot to be angry about: Laid off. Stuck in a job you hate. Overworked and underpaid. Graduated into an abysmal job market. Unemployed. Burned out. The list goes on. All while the world is on fire. Solo outlets for frustration are important too, but they miss the power of solidarity. The root of the problem unites us all, and this is a constructive outlet to transmute anger into community, and have fun doing it. 🤘 rocking out to 90s/00s rock jams to honor your inner teenager 📝 anonymous resignation letter writing and other cathartic interactive stations❤️🔥 blowing off steam and still getting home early enough for a good night’s sleep. Each ticket includes: 🍸 1 drink from the bar menu (NA options available) 🏆 Raffle entries for professional support services, including 1:1 sessions from a roster of career coaches that challenge the status quo. 🙋🏻♀️ Unemployed? Free tickets are available for you by request, while supplies last.”
🦉 Wunderkammer: A Taxidermy Showcase and Competition
October 23 | The Bell House (149 7th St.) | $30
“In the 1800s, taxidermy was displayed at world expos to engage the public in wonder. Wunderkammer carries this tradition forward, but with a focus on modern values of sustainability, inclusivity & imagination. Join us as the nation’s most innovative taxidermy artists fill you with awe as they present their most creative creatures in a showcase of the beautifully bizarre.”
✨ Clay Club: Curio Dishes + Wall Hangings
October 23 | 20 Grand Ave | $65
“If you’re sick of staring at a screen and looking to get your hands messy, introducing a practice of play + tactile making into your life— clay club is made for you. This month, you’ll have the chance to sculpt a precious, one of a kind trinket dish or wall hanging piece from premium air dry clay before adorning it with trinkets, beads, mosaic pieces and other curated treasures. Perfect for beginners or clay fiends alike, we’ll get you acclimated to the material and tools, and provide you with an inspo + ideation session to get your creativity whirring. We’ll then bump the tunes and let you sculpt your hearts out amongst new friends. It will be a perfect, tactile evening. All materials + a bevvie included, feel free to bring your own treasures, charms or trinkets to incorporate”
📰 The New Yorker Festival
October 24 - 26 | $39+
“Every fall, The New Yorker turns the city into its own stage—bringing together writers, filmmakers, musicians, and cultural icons for a weekend of deep dives, live tapings, and unexpected pairings. One moment you’re hearing Margaret Atwood dissect dystopia, the next you’re watching a conversation between your favorite comedian and climate scientist. This year’s lineup spans highbrow, hilarious, and everything in between, offering a rare chance to see the magazine’s pages come to life across venues around the city. Tickets go fast, but even a single event can feel like stepping into the brain of New York itself.”
🗡️ The Last Dance: A Burlesque Murder Mystery
October 28 | STUDIO1514 (1193 Atlantic Ave.) | $40+
“Step into STUDIO1514, where the drinks are cold, the lights are low, and every dancer has something to hide. It’s a classic whodunit—served with a side of burlesque, bubbles, and scandal. Join us for an intimate evening of mystery, seduction, and performance as the story of Ruby Noir’s final dance unfolds. Guests become detectives, collecting clues between sultry performances, cocktails, and whispered confessions. Someone in the room is guilty—but everyone’s having a dangerously good time finding out who.”
💪 Power of the Pivot: Robin Arzón and Robin Roberts
October 29 | 92Y (1395 Lexington Ave.) | $40
“This conversation, the keynote session of the Women inPower Summit, brings together trailblazing leaders Robin Arzón and Robin Roberts, recognized together as “R Squared” on ABC’s Good Morning America, for a candid — and personal — conversation about resilience and reinvention. Robin Arzón, Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, bestselling author, and founder of Swagger Society, has built her career on powering through challenges and transforming adversity into strength, embodying what it means to turn obstacles into superpowers. From her transition from corporate lawyer to global wellness superstar, to navigating trauma recovery and health challenges, Arzón embodies what it means to turn obstacles into superpowers. She recently broke new ground by collaborating with Mattel on a Barbie doll with Type 1 Diabetes — another step in making visibility, courage, and agency part of the cultural conversation. Arzón is joined by Robin Roberts, Co-Anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and President of Rock’n Robin Productions, whose own journey through reinvention and resilience has inspired millions.”
🪿 Silly Goose Club Presents: Goose On The Loose Spooky Sip & Paint
October 29 | Fabrik (12-16 Vestry St.) | $30
“Come let your inner silly goose loose at our Paint & Sip. Each ticket comes with 2 drink tickets, a printed picture of you and your artwork, a keychain, and 4 tokens for the sticker machine. Light bites and your choice of wine, beer, cocktails, or mocktails will be available to enjoy while you paint. The sticker machine will have colorable stickers, extra drink tickets, and a few scary good surprises. Can’t wait to see you all there for a spooky good time!”
🤖 Propaganda in the Age of AI
October 30 | Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave.)
“Propaganda has always advanced with the dominant technologies of its time. In the mid twentieth century, the tools of cinema were used to produce some of the most famous—and infamous—images of political and nationalistic persuasion, whether the ideologically motivated evil of Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will or the patriotic propaganda of Frank Capra’s Why We Fight series. To varying ends, each used spectacle and editing to get their messages across loud and clear. Today, AI is replacing traditional film production as a tool for propaganda. Political leaders already use generative systems to fabricate images and films with a speed and polish once reserved for studio moviemaking. These new works create a new, unstable reality, testing the boundaries of belief and saturating the collective imagination. During this event, panelists will present examples of propaganda and counter-narratives from contemporary artists who use the same tools to expose manipulation, reclaim cultural memory, and imagine alternative futures. Guests will have access to generative AI tools to create their own works.”
🐦 HALLOWEEN EDITION: Queens bird walk with that quirky bird girl
November 1 | Astoria Park | Free
“This walk isn’t just about spotting birds (though trust me, we’ll find plenty). It’s about creating space for connection — with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. Expect a mix of fun bird facts, goofy impressions, and stellar learning opportunities. What to expect: A walk through some of Astoria Park’s birding spots; Chances to see local favorites (and maybe a few surprise migratory visitors!); Community-focused conversations where curiosity is the only requirement; A safe, joyful space to learn, share, and celebrate the season 🌟 Special twist for this tour: Come dressed as your favorite bird, your special interest, or something that celebrates your passion! It doesn’t have to be elaborate — think of it as a playful way to express yourself and add even more color to our flock. (Feathers, funky hats, or even a shirt that screams “you” totally count!) 🕒 Timeline: 3:00 PM — Meet-up & intros; 3:10 PM — Walk begins (please plan ahead & be on time — once we start, my phone goes away because the birds deserve our full attention 💛). If you’re late, you may need to track us down in the park! All you need is yourself, a little curiosity, and maybe a friend who’s ready for a quirky adventure.”
♀️ An Evening with Anne Leibovitz: on Her New Book, Women
November 4 | Brooklyn Paramount (385 Flatbush Ave.) | $30+
“In this exclusive New York City event, celebrated photographer and Library of Congress “Living Legend” Annie Leibovitz shares the stories behind the images in her iconic Women series. Annie Leibovitz is one of the most influential photographers of our time. For over five decades, her distinctive portraits have appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. In celebration of her new book, Women, Leibovitz will reflect on her portraits of women: dancers, actors, astronauts, artists, politicians, farmers, writers, CEOs, philanthropists, soldiers, musicians, athletes, socialites, scientists. Featuring subjects such as Louise Bourgeois, Hillary Clinton, Joan Didion, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Patti Smith, Elizabeth Taylor, and Serena and Venus Williams, the book celebrates the power of women. Tickets for this event will include access to an exclusive, original talk by Leibovitz accompanied by her photographs, with a book signing to follow.”
🦇 SciCafe: Bats and the Biodiversity Crisis
November 5 | American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park West)
“Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. What’s driving the global decline in biodiversity—and what can bats teach us about how to mitigate it? In this talk, Angelo Soto-Centeno, assistant curator in the Department of Mammalogy, will explore the drivers of species loss such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and human impact through the lens of his research on bat populations. Using genomic, fossil, and distribution model data, Soto-Centeno will show how bats serve as powerful indicators of changes in species communities and provide insights into the mechanisms that shape species resilience.”
🎺 Don’t Stop, I’m About to Jazz
November 6 | The Bell House (149 7th St.) | $32
“NY’s Best Stand-Up Comedians Perform Their Sets w/ Live Jazz Accompaniment. Hosted by Two Tree Hill & Rose Kelso. With: Cat Cohen (Netflix), Todd Glass (Jimmy Kimmel Live), Aaron Chen (Late Night w/ Seth Meyers) Gianmarco Soresi (The Tonight Show).”
Who’s down?!
xx Anna