What To Do In NYC This Weekend October 2017
Just because it's Friday the 13th doesn't mean you have to stay in
Just because you're superstitious (or just stitious) doesn't mean you should use Friday the 13th as an excuse to stay in this weekend. Some of New York's best food festivals of the year have arrived, and with some careful planning, you'll have enough things to do that you can avoid getting forced into watching the latest horror movie.
All Weekend
New York City Wine & Food Festival
It may be the event devout foodies have been waiting for all year, but there are still plenty of tickets available for this celebration of all things food and drink. Proceeds will benefit the Food Bank for New York City and the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger.
Queens Beer Festival
Still not over the end of Oktoberfest? Queens' second annual Beer Festival (taking place Saturday and Sunday) offers unlimited tastings of carefully curated brews from the best breweries of Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.
New York Coffee Festival
This weekend-long event is geared toward the most discerning caffeine addicts, honoring NYC's growing craft coffee scene. Visitors can perk up with endless coffee tastings, workshops and demonstrations from the city's leading java experts.
Friday, October 13
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste Screening
Yes, you can get away with seeing a movie this weekend that doesn't involve an appearance from Pennywise. A Q&A session with the film's directors (plus Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese) will follow the documentary, showing at Brooklyn's Alamo Drafthouse.
Saturday, October 14
Brainfood
If you're looking to attend a food fest that doesn't just involve eating every burger in sight (not that there's anything wrong with that), consider attending this culinary version of a TED conference, which kicks off with a keynote from Alton Brown.
Sunday, October 15
Lower East Side Pickle Day
If you can't get enough pickles in your life, the world's largest festival dedicated to brined cukes is taking place on Orchard Street. Three full blocks of pickle vendors will be on hand with everything from your classic bread-and-butter to kosher dills.
NYC Artisanal Sweet Treats Bazaar
Satisfying your sweet tooth in the city that says it's OK to eat a dozen cookies' worth of dough in one sitting isn't exactly difficult, but if you do need some help, check out this Upper West Side sweets market. You'll find all the artisanal macarons, truffles and baked goods you could possibly want.
Giada De Laurentiis's Pasta Pop-Up
The Everyday Italian star will be hosting a one-night-only pop-up at Chefs Club Counter, previewing her fast-casual restaurant concept. Proceeds from her four-course menu will be used to support victims and families affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas.
Whole Hog for a Cause
Head to Threes Brewing in Brooklyn and dine on unlimited helpings of juicy, Eastern Carolina-style roast pork, courtesy of The Meat Hook. Your dinner ticket will benefit Esperanza NY, a citywide nonprofit that explores alternatives to detention and incarceration programs for court-involved youth.