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Gothamist End Of Summer Guide: 20 Things To Do In September

21 photos

<a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/07/31/gothamist_summer_guide_20_things_to.php#photo-1">August</a> was a busy month over at Gothamist HQ: we <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/21/photos_inside_frito-lays_connecticu.php#photo-1">toured the Frito Lay factory in Connecticut</a>, got a sneak peak at some seriously <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/09/cat_fashion_show_1.php#photo-1">furrtastic cat fashion</a>, and even chowed down on some <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/02/eating_free_but_not_free_range_rat.php#photo-1">roasted rat</a>! We delved into the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/21/were_not_so_sure_about_this_mamma_c.php">newfangled chia craze</a>, rocked out with <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/14/gothamist_house_presents_amanda_pal_1.php">Amanda Palmer</a>, and relived the bad old days of the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/16/your_1970s_straphangers.php#photo-1">1970's subway</a>. So what's going on in September? Step right this way for 20 great ways to spend the last warm days of the season.

Original photo via Miss April's Flickr

Pork lovers rejoice! Governor's Island once again becomes <a href="http://www.pigisland.com/">Pig Island</a> when the piggy party returns Labor Day weekend. City chefs will have their way with 80 locally sourced hogs, putting on butchering and cooking demonstrations and creating piggy plates for you to gobble up. This year, foodie notables like Dale Talde, Joe Dobias, Jimmy Carbone and Michael Ferraro will put their swiney spin on the festival and a Veggie Pavillion by Cathry Erway will be available for the meatless set. Included in your ticket price is unlimited Sixpoint beer, as well as wine and cider from points north. Saturday, September 1st, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. // <a href="http://pigisland2012.eventbrite.com/">Tickets $85</a>

Yes, it will look exactly like this

Watch some bad-ass ladies battle it out in the rink at the <a href="http://longislandrollerrebels.com/ess/">Empire Skate Showdown Return of the Jammer</a>, a day-long roller derby competition on Long Island. Ten teams from across the state will compete in flat track, bracket bouts throughout the day, culminating in a championship game between the two best teams. DJs will be spinning, Long Ireland Brewery beers will be flowing and beat-downs of epic proportions will unfold in front of your eyes. Will the Hellions of Troy prevail or will the Long Island Roller Rebels claim victory? You'll have to be there to find out! Saturday, September 1st, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. // <a href="http://www.skatesafeamerica.pointstreaksites.com/view/skatesafeamerica">Skate Safe America</a> // <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/253956">Tickets $10 advance and door</a>

Photo via dogseat's Flickr

SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 21 Finding loving homes for kitties is the name of the game for <a href="http://brooklynanimalaction.org/">Brooklyn Animal Action</a>, a volunteer organization who've rescued over 800 cats to date. Guarantee their future success at the <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7076380645">Fundraiser for Stray Animals</a>, an evening of dining, drinking and silent auction in support of the group's efforts. The special guest for the evening is Virginia Yancey, Founder and Executive Director of <a href="http://loveandhopeforanimals.org/">Love and Hope Animal Sanctuary</a> and former Justice of the New York Supreme Court. The Stone Park Cafe co-sponsors the event and supplies the tasty eats, including Kobe Beef Pigs in a Blanket, Crispy Arancini with Parmesan and Bruschetta with Red Pepper and Tomato. Tuesday, September 17, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.stoneparkcafe.com/">Stone Park Cafe</a> // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7076380645">Tickets $50 - $250</a> <ul><li>Shakespeare in the Park has come to an end, but the Delacorte won't be empty for long. The Public Theater hosts <a href="http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/#!fall-for-dance/c17je">Fall For Dance</a>, a two night series of free dance performances from the New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and STREB Extreme Action Company. Like its theatrical counterpart, tickets are distributed on the day of the event; arrive early to secure your spot and grab an early meal at <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/06/13/public_fare_brings_picnic_treats_to.php">Public Fare</a>. September 16th and 17th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.shakespeareinthepark.org/">Delacorte Theater</a> // Free</li></ul><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="806779" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="090213marco.jpg" class="image-right" height="171" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/nyc_nellcasey/090213marco.jpg" width="250"/> </form><li>If music influenced by Pink Floyd's The Wall, Dan Deacon and Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense sounds intriguing, don't miss <a href="http://brookfieldplaceny.com/MarcoBenevento">Marco Benevento's multimedia concert event</a> at the Brookfield Place Winter Garden. The accomplished keyboard player collaborates with bassist Dave Dreiwitz and drummer Andy Borger to perform original songs accompanied by video components by Jay Cooper, costumes, dancers and "other shenanigans." Thursday, September 19th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://brookfieldplaceny.com/eng_content/winter_garden_and_plaza-28484.html">Brookfield Place, Winter Garden</a> // Free</li><li><a href="http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/">Anthology Film Archives</a> takes a look at the Middle Ages represented on film, specifically King Arthur and his <a href="http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/film_screenings/series/41533">Knights of the Round Table</a>. From literal interpretations of the story like Eric Rohmer's Percival, satirical works like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Kurosawa's masterpiece Seven Samurai, the series explores all different angles of the age. September 19th through 29th // <a href="http://anthologyfilmarchives.org/contact/directions">Anthology Film Archives</a> // Tickets $10</li><li>Brace for an oenology overload with the return of <a href="http://secondglass.com/wineriot/">Wine Riot</a>, a grape-centric festival with over 250 varieties of wine on offer. Every attendee receives a tasting glass for four hours of unlimited pours of wines from Europe, South America and everywhere in between. Luckily the riot rages over a weekend this year, so no worries about a work-day hangover. Friday, September 20th and Saturay, September 21st // 69th Regiment Armory // <a href="https://secondglass.com/wineriot/new-york-2013/tickets/">Tickets $60</a></li>

(lisacat/Flickr)

Time to break out your completely rational 6-inch <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDWFCpwGbGk/TmCx3UvrgJI/AAAAAAAAFts/XvK5UmsSJ1c/s640/hot-buy-jeffrey-campbell-lita-platform-boot.jpg">Jeffery Campbell's</a>, because New York Fashion Week is approaching! The annual, week-long fashion industry eventâmarked by a flood of fashionistas, designers, photographers, and other people who have deemed themselves fabulousâwill be kicked off with the 4th annual <a href="http://fashionsnightout.com/">Fashion's Night Out</a>. The Vogue-sponsored event is a global initiative meant to restore consumer confidence in the retail fashion industry. The night will feature extended store hours, celebrity appearances, and musical performances at various retail locations across the city. Narrow your search on the <a href="http://fashionsnightout.com/fno/nyc">website</a> by neighborhood, category (men's, women's, beauty, etc.), and specialty (celebrities, designer appearances, food) to find the perfect destination. Proceeds from items purchased from the FNO <a href="http://fashionsnightout.com/collection">collection</a> will go to the New York City AIDS Fund in the NY Community Trust. (Carrie Dennis) Thursday, September 6th, 6 p.m. // Free

Photo via Scoboco's Flickr

I can haz munnys? Starving lolcat artists will gather in the DUMBO Loft for a one-night-only exhibition and party titled <a href="http://cashcats.eventbrite.com/">Cashcats.biz: How the One Purrrcent Really Live</a>. The exhibit will feature mixed media works and previously unseen photos by the members of <a href="http://cashcats.biz/">the highly amusing Cashcats.biz</a>. This is a crowdsourced show, so if you think you're unusually good at committing pictures of cats with swag to film, <a href="http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1243094-sGF8BwaFOQ"> feel free to check out the "Call 4 Entries" here.</a> (Rachel Pincus) Thursday, September 6th, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. // <a href="http://www.thedumboloft.com/event_space_nyc_locations.html">DUMBO Loft</a> // Free

Photo via Cashcats

It's been a long three year wait, but <a href="http://www.forbiddenbroadway.com/">Forbidden Broadway</a> is back with more theatre lampooning fun! Make fun of all the Broadway darlingsâplus Spidermanâwith send ups of Anything Goes, Once and Book of Mormon, among others. This is the production's 21st edition and also the 30th anniversary of the first show. Here's hoping it won't be another three years 'til the next one! Opening Night: September 6th // <a href="http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/47thstreettheater/forbidden-broadway.php">47th Street Theater</a> // <a href="http://www.forbiddenbroadway.com/ticket.html">Tickets $29, $79, $110</a>

Photo via Forbidden Broadway by Carol Rosegg

No time for sun bathing or tasty tacos at the <a href="http://www.rockawaybeachchallenge.com/">Rockaway Beach Challenge</a>âwell, at least not until the finish line. This 5-mile endurance/teamwork challenge puts teams of pairs through "mystery events" designed to challenge their mental and physical strength. Think adrenaline-boosting obstacles like military-style climbing walls combined with word scramble tests and other brainy tasks. After the race, competitors can unwind with food, drinks and live music on the boardwalk. Saturday, September 8th, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. // Rockaway Beach, Queens // $100 per team; <a href="https://rockawaybeachchallenge.webconnex.com/reg">register here.</a>

No beer and tacos for you! Keep running! Photo via Scoboco's Flickr

Cinephiles are likely already counting down the days until the <a href="http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2012/pages/tickets">New York Film Festival</a>, the city's preeminent film event. The eagerly-awaited Ang Lee adaptation of Yann Martel's <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/13/ang_lees_3d_life_of_pi_will_open_50.php">Life of Pi will open the festival</a> and also marks the first time a 3D film screens first. Other notable films include Brian De Palma's "erotic thriller" Passion, <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/15/david_chases_post-sopranos_nj_film.php">David Chase's Not Fade Away</a>âthe Sopranos creator's first foray into film directionâand the closing screening of Robert Zemeckis' Flight. The festival also sees some <a href="http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2012/series/nyff50-masterworks">old Masterworks re-screened in all their glory</a> with Lawrence of Arabia and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starting things off. Check out a <a href="http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2012/series">full programing list here</a>. September 28th through October 14th // <a href="http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2012/pages/venues">Venue list here</a> // <a href="http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2012/pages/tickets">Tickets:</a> Individual passes $20-$24; packages available

Royal Tenenbaums reunion from last year's festival. Photo via jpchan's Flickr

Everybody loves dumplings but how many could you in eat two minutes? Find out at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/393572670698002/">9th Annual Chef One Dumpling Eating Contest</a> going down at <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/">Smorgasburg</a>. Last year, one woman ate 37 dumplings while one man ate 69! Think you can beat that record? Register now [<a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/8ee15d84e7.pdf">pdf</a>] to take the challenge or just show up on the day to watch competitors stuff their faces. If you're still hungry after all that gorging, avail yourself of the <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/?page_id=8">fantastic food options</a> at Smorgasburg proper. Saturday, September 15th, 1 p.m. // <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/?page_id=136">Smorgasburg</a> // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/393572670698002/">Registration fee: $20 (ends September 5th)</a>

How many can you eat? Photo via Harris Graber's Flickr

The <a href="http://streetvendor.org/vendys/about/">Vendys</a> are back and bigger than ever in their 8th year, once again celebrating the creme de la creme of mobile food vendors. Nominations flooded in through July by devoted street food fans across the city and the time has come to crown this year's winner. <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/08/27/vendy_awards_nominees_announced_ear.php">The 2012 nominees</a> include Xin Jiang Prosperity Kebabs, Cinnamon Snail, Tortas Nezas and a few more culinary contenders. A panel of judges will decide who takes this year's top prize, the coveted Vendy Cup and title of Vendy Award winner, but attendees can vote for their favorites for People's Taste Award, Dessert Category winner, Rookie Vendor of the Year and the brand-new Market Vendor Award for stalls that serve up their dishes at Smorgasburg, et al. Your entry ticket buys you samples of all the savory meats and treats and also lots of beer and wine to wash it all down. Proceeds, as always, benefit the Street Vendor Project, which gives support to all sidewalk vendors from hot dogs to shoe shines to umbrellas. Saturday, September 15th, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. // Governor's Island // <a href="http://nycvendys2012.eventbrite.com/">General Admission $95</a>

Photo via themikebot's Flickr

Craving croissant? Aching for andouillette? Indulge your inner francophile at <a href="http://www.frenchrestaurantweek.com/">French Restaurant Week</a> where you can eat escargot to your heart's content. <a href="http://www.frenchrestaurantweek.com/category/participating-restaurants/">Thirty restaurants in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx</a> will present prix fixe menus around the "terroir and traditions" theme, all priced between $20 and $30. On September 22nd, celebrate the FÃªte de la Gastronomie, honoring French cuisine's inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Bon appetit! September 17th through 30th // <a href="http://www.frenchrestaurantweek.com/category/participating-restaurants/">Participating Restaurants</a>

Photo via Ennuipoet's Flickr

Get ready to drink ALL THE WINE at <a href="http://secondglass.com/wineriot/about/">Wine Riot</a>, the grape-centric beverage fest coming to Kips Bay. What can you expect? Just "grab a glass and hit the floor" for unlimited samples of over 250 wines from all over the world, delivered directly to your eager <strike>liver</strike> mouth. Attend a free, mini-seminar on things on like German Riesling or immortalize your rioting at the photobooth. More wine = more forgetfulness, so to that end, organizers have created an app that lets you keep track of your favorite vinos to enjoy post-riot. September 21st and 22nd // <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=68+Lexington+Avenue,+Manhattan,+NY+10010">69th Armory Regiment</a> // <a href="http://secondglass.com/wineriot/new-york-city-2012/tickets/">Tickets $50 - $60</a>

Photos via marc.cappelletti's Flickr

Photo via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepersea/451441817/">DeeperSea</a>'s Flickr As the weather cools, there's a reason to extend your Coney Island-going season. For just $6 a show, the <a href="http://www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com/index.htm">12th annual Coney Island Film Festival</a> is a veritable cornucopia of new, independent, feature-length films, as well as shorts. Plenty of local talent is on show here (a screening of The Warriors is already sold out!). CIFF in previous years has been named one of the 25 Festivals worth the entry fee and 25 Coolest Film Festivals by Moviemaker Magazine. The fest was also included in Filmmaker Magazine's Blog "My 10 Favorite Film Festivals of 2010," so there's no better time to make one last trip out to Surf Avenue for the season. (Rachel Pincus) September 21st through 23rd // Tickets call 718-372-5159

Gothamist

Brooklyn's Borough Hall gets a literary transformation at the annual <a href="http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Home">Brooklyn Book Festival</a>, which unites authors, vendors and bibliophiles for a day-long celebration of literature. This year's author lineup gives us luminaries such as Joyce Carol Oates, <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/10/18/colson_whitehead_on_manhattan_being.php">Colson Whitehead</a>, Mary Higgins Clark and <a href="http://www.visitbrooklyn.org/BBF/Authors">many, many others</a>. Expect lots of readings, talkbacks and signings by the authors and <a href="http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Vendors">loads of vendors</a> to help you stock up on reading material for the winter. In the week leading up to the BBF, venues around the city will host <a href="http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/BookendEvents">Bookends</a>, literary-themed events to set the stage for the big event on the 23rd. Sunday, September 23rd, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. // Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza // Free

Photo via Mellidor's Flickr

Celebrate a bounty of bivalves at the <a href="http://www.oysterbarny.com/event/oyster-frenzy-2012/">10th Annual Oyster Frenzy</a> at the iconic Grand Central Oyster Bar, where the saline suckers get their day in the spotlight. Watch professional shuckers reveal the slippery flesh trapped inside their stony shell, then down the little guys yourself at the "Slurp Off." Cooking demos, tastings and a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F16i1n818I">"beer shucking" contest</a> are also promised, plus music and other festive fishy activities. Saturday, September 29th, noon to 6 p.m. // Grand Central Oyster Bar // Free

Photo via j_bary's Flickr

Atlantic Avenue, one of Brooklyn's main arteries, once again hosts the largest street festival in the city on the last Sunday of the month. <a href="http://www.atlanticave.org/">Atlantic Antic</a> spans a mile of the thoroughfare and runs through four different Brooklyn neighborhoods, standing as a "living tribute to the myriad of heritages that coexist" in the borough. Boutique vendors will peddle their wares and food stalls selling everything from roasted corn to paella will fill your belly. You can also take a peek at transportation options from years past at the <a href="http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/">Transit Museum's</a> bus festival display. Sunday, September 30th, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. // Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue // Free

Photo via ultraclay!'s Flickr

The old military barracks on Governors Island take on new tenants when the <a href="http://www.4heads.org/">Fifth Annual 4heads Governors Island Art Fair</a> moves in on weekends this month. Over 100 artists and their work are represented this year, taking over 150 rooms and attic spaces throughout the building. The exhibit covers every medium of art work from paintings and sculpture to performance art and beyond. Look for <a href="http://www.aldocaredda.com/">Aldo Carreda's</a> altered fingerprints, <a href="http://thedumpsterproject.com/">Mac Premo's Dumpster Project</a> and a diorama by <a href="http://www.tinekindermann.com/">Tine Kinermann</a>. Entrance to the fair is free and a catalogue of the show is available for $20. Saturdays and Sundays, September 1st through 30th, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.govisland.com/html/home/home.shtml">Governor's Island // Free</a>

Susan Camp / Photo by Jada Fabrizio

Love it or hate it, it looks like the <a href="http://www.sangennaro.org/">Feast of San Gennaro</a> won't be <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/03/01/mayor_keeps_san_gennaro_long_shorte.php">going away anytime soon</a>. Embrace the deep-fried goodness of it all and trek down to Little Italy for cannoli, pizza and pasta eating competitions, live music and those watered-down "daiquiris" the kiddies are so fond of. There are more official events taking place over the ten days, like the Grand Procession on September 15th, which promises "floats, marching bands and musical entertainers" and the parading of the statue of the festival's namesake, San Gennaro, on September 19th. Of course, if you just want to eat a fried Oreo, you can do that too. September 13th through 23rd // Little Italy // Free

Photo via JayTye2010's Flickr

Brooklyn literary darling <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/05/09/emma_straub_is_having_a.php">Emma Straub</a> released her new book, <a href="http://www.emmastraub.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/LLLiP_3D_LOW1.jpg">Laura Lamont's Life In Pictures</a>, this month and to celebrate she's gathered a few friends to put on <a href="http://wordbrooklyn.com/event/emma-straub-hollywood-variety-hour-public-assembly">The Emma Straub Hollywood Variety Hour</a> at <a href="http://www.publicassemblynyc.com/">Public Assembly</a> in Williamsburg. Joining Ms. Straub are actor/author Andrew McCarthy (yes, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w5s6V8rQH4">that Andrew McCarthy</a>), The Magnetic Fields' frontman Stephin Merritt and blogger <a href="http://slaughterhouse90210.tumblr.com/">Maris Kreizman</a>, plus other specials surprise guests. There will be readings, music, discussion and general merriment and attendees will all receive a copy of Straub's new novel. Saturday, September 22nd, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.publicassemblynyc.com/">Public Assembly // </a><a href="http://wordbrooklyn.com/event/emma-straub-hollywood-variety-hour-public-assembly">Tickets $26.95</a>

The author and her new book. Photo by Allison Michael Orenstein

Music legend David Byrne has been collaborating with singer-songwriter St. Vincent for the release of their album, "Love This Giant," on September 11th. The pair worked remotely composing the music, sending each other snippets to morph and form into the album. Don't miss your opportunity to see them perform their unique work live at the <a href="http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/133689/">Beacon Theatre</a> or the <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2012/09/29/david-byrne-st-vincent">Lacoste L!ve show at Williamsburg Park</a>. Expect to hear some classics as wellâfingers crossed for "This Must Be The Place." Tuesday, September 25th, 8 p.m. // Beacon Theater // <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D0048D3A14F6892?brand=bowery">Tickets $49.50 to $125</a>

Byrne walking with St. Vincent in Greenpoint. Photo via WarmSleepy's Flickr