Gothamist Fall Guide: 20 Fun Things To Do In October
21 photos
<br/><br/>The traitorous leaves are starting to turn but it's not time to hibernate just yet. Click through for some autumnal activities to make the most of October in NYC.
(Edward Hoover/Flickr)<br/><br/>Leave the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/05/03/the_scream_sells_for_record_1199_mi.php">hyped masterpieces</a> to the billionaires and head to this year's <strong><a href="http://affordableartfair.com/newyork/">Affordable Art Fair</a></strong> where you can snap up a wide variety of thought-provoking art pieces at a fraction of <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/01/28/art_sales_are_unregulated_8_billion.php">auction house ridiculousness</a>. Over <a href="http://affordableartfair.com/newyork/exhibitors/fall-2013-exhibitors/">50 galleries</a> display works from emerging artists to household names, with contemporary art pieces priced between $100 and $10,000. Whether you're a <a href="http://affordableartfair.com/newyork/about-art/">first-time buyer looking to start a collection</a> or a regular on the art scene, there are plenty of styles and price points for everyone.<br/><br/><em>October 3rd - 6th // <a href="http://tunnelevents.com/">The Tunnel</a> // <a href="https://www.microspec.com/tix123/eTic.cfm?code=AAFF2013#.UkW9wmT71jZ">Tickets $15</a></em>
<br/><br/><strong><a href="http://brooklynbythebook.com/">Brooklyn By The Book</a></strong>, the new-ish Brooklyn-based literary series, is in the midst of its second run, and they're serving up a stellar collection of readings this month. On October 3rd, celebrated author Michael Chabon (<em>The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay</em>, <em>The Yiddish Policeman's Union</em>) will launch the paperbook version of his latest delightful best-selling novel <em>Telegraph Avenue</em>. He'll also have a conversation with Brooklyn Public Library Director of Programs and Exhibitions Meredith Walters. <br/><br/>And the literary fun doesn't end with Chabon; on October 8th, NYU professor and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch will present her new book <em>Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to Americaâs Public Schools</em>, in conversation with New Yorker writer David Denby. And on October 29th, author Donna Tartt <em>(The Secret History)</em> will read from her third novel, <em>The Goldfinch</em>. <em>(Rebecca Fishbein)</em><br/><br/><em>Thursday, October 3, 7:30 p.m. // <a href="http://congregationbethelohim.org/brooklynbythebook">Congregation Beth Elohim</a> // <a href="http://michaelchabon.splashthat.com/">RSVP recommended</a>, $10 suggested donation</em>
<br/><br/>Crate diggers rejoice! Brooklyn Flea is offering to hold you over until their next <em>massive</em> biannual record fair with this month's <a href="http://www.brooklynflea.com/markets/brooklyn-flea-mini-record-fair/">Mini Record Fair</a>. You'll get a chance to pick up vinyl from local labels like <a href="http://www.dfarecords.com/">DFA Records</a> and <a href="http://www.mexicansummer.com/">Mexican Summer</a>, as well as peruse the waxy grooves of collections from <a href="http://cake-shop.com/">Cake Shop</a>, <a href="www.othermusic.com">Other Music</a>, and <a href="http://usedrecordsupply.com/">Orivious</a>. A yet-to-be-named guest DJ and special offerings will also be on hand for those who wish to defy the cold air with some warm sound. <em>Scott Heins</em><br/><br/><em>Saturday and Sunday, February 8th and 9th <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/12/01/photos_inside_the_new_indoor_smorga.php#photo-1">Smorgasburg/Brooklyn Flea</a> // Free</em>
<br/><br/>The Brooklyn Botanical Garden calls all heat seekers to their 21st annual <strong><a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/chile_pepper_festival_2013">Chile Pepper Festival</a></strong> where they'll challenge your taste buds with 40 fiery foods that make use of the spicy vegetable. Sample everything from salsas and hot sauces to pickles and pretzels and find a few spicy treats to take home with you. A special <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/chile_pepper_festival_2013#/tabs-3">Chocolate Debauchery</a> setup adds some sweetness to the heatness while performances by Afro-Brazilian and indie salsa groups help you further sweat it out.<br/><br/><em>Saturday, October 5th, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit">Brooklyn Botanical Garden</a> // <a href="http://bbg.ticketmob.com/show.cfm?id=7023&cart">Tickets $20</a></em>
(Harris Graber/Flickr)<br/><br/>Each year the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine gathers all (okay, some) of God's creatures for the <strong><a href="http://www.stjohndivine.org/StFrancis2013.html">Blessing of the Animals</a></strong> to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who the church says "exemplified harmony between humans and nature." Priests bless camels, goats, foxes and <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/10/03/photos_blessing_of_the_animals_at_s.php#photo-1">even a kangaroo</a> at the annual event, then invite parishoners to bring their own well-behaved pets for a special blessing from the Cathedral Clergy. Don't have a pet? Just show up for the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2012/10/08/photos_kangaroos_monkeys_turtles_an.php#photo-1">unbearable cuteness</a> or maybe bring your <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/10/03/photos_blessing_of_the_animals_at_s.php#photo-19">favorite Teddy Bear</a> for some divine love.<br/><br/><em>Sunday, October 6th, 11 a.m. // <a href="http://www.stjohndivine.org/visit.html">The Cathedral Church of Saint John The Divine</a> // Free</em>
(Katie Sokoler/Gothamist)<span class="photo_caption">Insert your liver here</span>
<br/><br/>The New York Philharmonic kicked off its 172nd season last month with a pair of transcendent screenings of Stanley Kubrick's <em>2001: A Space Odyssey</em>, with the orchestra and chorus performing live along with the film, which features Richard Strauss's legendary <em>Also Sprach Zarathrusta</em>, Johann Strauss II's <em>Blue Danube</em>, and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6ZBSdjzKfk">hypnotically melancholy Adagio</a> from Aram Khachaturian's <em>Gayane</em>. If you missed it, we're very sorry (<a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/08/15/ny_philharmonic_doing_live_score_fo.php">don't say we didn't warn you</a>!), but this month the Philharmonic will tear into another legendary compositionâone that featured prominently in another Kubrick classic, <em>A Clockwork Orange.</em> Yes it's time for "the glorious Ninth, by Ludwig van."<br/><br/><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cQCQRLA05AA" width="640"></iframe><br/><br/>Beethoven's thunderous, rapturous <strong>Ninth Symphony</strong> will be <a href="http://nyphil.org/ConcertsTickets/EventDetails?event=%7B49474C23-2428-4EA9-810F-7D6A300633B9%7D">performed by the Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall</a> for the first time in over a decade. (There's an open rehearsal which you can check out on October 3rd for $18; it's the final run-through and they're usually pretty polished by that point.) There are five performances total, culminating on October 9th, and each night begins with a new work by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage inspired by the Ninth.<br/><br/>Tickets range from $31.00 - $153.00, and don't be afraid of the cheap seats—Avery Fisher Hall isn't <em>that</em> big, and the acoustics are exceptional even in the back rows. But don't be late; there will be no late seating for this performance, and these ushers run a tight ship. And if you don't make it for Ludwig van, check out the <a href="http://nyphil.org/calendar">rest of the season</a>; you won't regret it. <em>(John Del Signore)</em><br/><br/><em>Thursday October 3rd through Wednesday October 9th // Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center // <a href="http://nyphil.org/ConcertsTickets/EventDetails?event={49474C23-2428-4EA9-810F-7D6A300633B9}">Tickets</a></em>
<br/><br/>If you think you've got enough inner Ziggy Stardust to take part in the "ultimate glam rock revolution," slap on a sparkly wig, squeeze into your best space suit and head over to Le Poisson Rouge for <a href="http://bowieballnyc.com/"><strong>BowieBall 2013</strong></a>, a spangling celebration of all things early 1970s David Bowie. Expect plenty of costumes, a lot of androgyny and quite a few celebs, including a cameo by <em>Orange Is The New Black</em>'s Taryn Manning—if we're lucky, she might even sport Pennsatucky's famous teeth. <em>(Rebecca Fishbein)</em><br/><br/><em>Saturday, October 12th, 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. // <a href="http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/">(le) poisson rouge</a> // <a href="http://www.lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/bowieball-2013-presented-by-deryck-todd-october-12th-2013/">Tickets $15</a></em>
(lensjockey/Flickr)<br/><br/>An explosion of color is coming to MoMA PS1. The late <strong><a href="âhttp://momaps1.org/exhibitions/view/374â">Mike Kelley's</a></strong> drawings, paintings, and immense stuffed animal sculptures are taking over the entire PS1 for the museum's largest exhibit since its inaugural "Rooms" show in 1976 (which featured 78 artists). Kelley, who has been named "one of the most influential artists of our time" mined American pop culture in an endlessly inventive body of work, over 200 pieces of which will appear in the PS1. Expect everything from floating, room-sized teddy bear installations, to dark, repurposed religious iconography. <em>(Kelly Weill)<br/><br/><em>On view October 13th through February 2nd, 2014 // <a href="http://momaps1.org/">MoMA PS1</a> // $10 suggested admission</em></em>
Mike Kelley via MoMA PS1<br/><br/>Imagine if Tom Waits was spawned from the '90s Seattle grunge scene and you'll get a sense of the whiskey soaked baritone of former Screaming Trees frontman <strong><a href="http://venue.thegramercytheatre.com/event/00004AF6BE8EF35B">Mark Lanegan</a></strong>, who will be performing at the Gramercy Theater on October 15th in support of his latest solo effort <em>Imitations.</em> As evidenced by his work with Queens of the Stone Age, The Gutter Twins (with Greg Dulli) as well as his atmospheric solo work, the brooding Lanegan is one of the few figures from the grunge era to still hold relevance today. <em>(Josh Steele)</em><br/><br/><em>Tuesday, October 15th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://venue.thegramercytheatre.com/venue-information">Gramercy Theatre</a> // <a href="http://venue.thegramercytheatre.com/event/00004AF6BE8EF35B">Tickets $30-35</a></em>
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<br/><br/>Animated ghosts, monsters, witches and more grisly characters haunt Nitehawk this month at the <strong><a href="http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/movie/spoons-toons-and-booze-2/">Spoons, Toons and Booze Halloween Special</a></strong>, where the audience chooses which of their favorite Halloween-themed cartoon episodes they want to watch. <a href="http://secretformulany.tumblr.com/">Secret Formula</a> has amassed a collection of over 80 different cartoon series from 1930 to the '90s with a special emphasis on all the scariest, goriest and spookiest episodes for this month's iteration.<br/><br/> In addition to the toons, snack on the all-you-can-eat cereal bar with specials like Booberry, Count Chocula and more Halloween-themed cereals plus plenty of candy and shots of booze to supplement your sugar intake. As befitting the season, come dressed as your favorite cartoon or cereal character and compete in the Costume Contest (regular Halloween costumes also accepted) and compete in other fun games to determine which cartoons to enjoy on the cinema's big screen.<br/><br/><em>Saturday and Sunday, October 19th and 20th // <a href="http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/">Nitehawk Cinema</a> // <a href="http://www.nitehawkcinema.com/movie/spoons-toons-and-booze-2/">Tickets $15</a></em>
<br/><br/>Native New Yorker and Poet Laureate <strong><a href="http://www.92y.org/tickets/production.aspx?pid=96105&utm_source=92Y_HP&utm_medium=Highlights_BCollins_091113&utm_campaign=Tisch_Poetry&utm_source=92Y_HP_highlights">Billy Collins</a></strong> comes to the 92nd Street Y this month in advance of the release of his new poetry collection, <em>Aimless Love: New and Selected Poems</em>. The <a href="http://www.92y.org/poetry">Unterberg Poetry Center</a>, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, hosts the acclaimed poet for a discussion and reading from his extensive poetry catalogue.<br/><br/><em>Monday, October 21st, 8:45 p.m. // <a href="http://www.92y.org/Uptown/About-Us/Plan-Your-Visit/Directions.aspx">92nd Street Y</a> // <a href="http://www.92y.org/Event/Billy-Collins.aspx">Tickets from $23</a></em>
<br/><br/>BAM's <a href="http://www.bam.org/programs/2013/next-wave-festival">Next Wave Festival</a> hosts innovative works from the mediums of theatre, dance, film, music and more through the end of the year. September saw the American premiere of <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/09/25/anna_nicole_the_opera_reviewed.php">the Anna Nicole opera</a>, and this month Swiss duo Zimmermann & de Perrot present their work <em><strong><a href="http://www.bam.org/theater/2013/hans-was-heiri">Hans was Heiri</a></strong></em>, a whimsical piece that incorporates a "gigantic, rotating four-room box" set piece that requires the acrobatic performers to navigate a constantly changing environment. <br/><br/>Also this month: Polish theatre troupe TR Warszawa's production of <a href="http://www.bam.org/theater/2013/nosferatu"><em>Nosferatu</em></a>, a Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company & SITI Company dance <a href="http://www.bam.org/dance/2013/a-rite">interpretation of <em>The Rite of Spring</em></a> and <a href="http://www.bam.org/music/2013/electronium-the-future-was-then">Electronium: The Future Was Then</a>, an all-star electronic music mashup with Questlove.<br/><br/><em>October 23rd - 26th // <a href="http://www.bam.org/visit/buildings/harvey-lichtenstein-theater">Bam Harvey Theater</a> // <a href="http://commerce.bam.org/tickets/production.aspx?pid=7689">Tickets $25-$75</a></em>
<br/><br/>Piggybacking on the smashing success of the Met's <em>Savage Beauty</em>/Alexander McQueen show, the Brooklyn Museum celebrates the creations of another fashion icon with <strong><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/jean_paul_gaultier/">The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk</a></strong>. The exhibition explores the French designer's influences, from the streets of Paris to 1970s cinema, and includes 140 ensembles from his couture and ready-to-wear collections. The multimedia exhibit also includes accessories, photographs and sketches that flesh out the designer's transformative designs and the statements they made on society at large.<br/><br/><em>Opens Friday, October 25th // <a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/">Brooklyn Museum</a> // $12 suggested donation</em>
<br/><br/>Calling all canines with a keen fashion sense and a sassy strut for the <em>dog</em>walk to the 15th annual <strong><a href="http://www.fortgreenepups.org/site_2009/php/fgp.php?page=news&item=upcoming">Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest</a></strong> in Fort Greene Park. The adorable costume parade crowns the finest in canine costume couture, which in previous years has included <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/10/27/pupkin_time_brooklyns_costumed_dogs.php#photo-2">working plumbing</a>, <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/10/27/pupkin_time_brooklyns_costumed_dogs.php#photo-17">Michael Phelps</a> and a <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/10/27/pupkin_time_brooklyns_costumed_dogs.php#photo-20">portly pumpkin pug</a>. The festivities are put on by <a href="http://www.fortgreenepups.org/site_2009/php/fgp.php?page=about&item=history">Fort Green Park Users and Pets Society (PUPS)</a>, a community organization that helps keep off-leash rules for the park, provides bag dispensers and supports local animal shelters.<br/><br/><em>Saturday, October 26th, 11 a.m. registration, noon start // Fort Greene Park // $5 suggested donation</em>
<br/><br/>East Harlem's vibrant <a href="http://www.nycedc.com/project/la-marqueta">"La Marqueta"</a> operates daily underneath the Metro-North train tracks at 116th Street, offering a wide selection of food items from vendors of many nationalities. On the 27th they're throwing the <strong><a href="http://www.eastharlemharvestfestival.com/">East Harlem Harvest Festival</a></strong>, with fresh farm produce, live music and lots of food and beverage vendors. The <a href="http://www.harlembrewingcompany.com/">Harlem Brewing Company</a> pours their Sugar Hill Golden Ale in the beer garden while Riazul tequila provides some of the harder stuff. The "El Boar-Rio" pig roast also cooks up their final swine of the season at the next door Urban Garden Center.<br/><br/><em>Sunday, October 27th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nycedc.com/project/la-marqueta">La Marqueta</a> // Free admission</em>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dannyl/1408503913/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Danny L.'s flickr</a>
<br/><br/>Composer <a href="http://nicomuhly.com/">Nico Muhly</a>, who's written works for the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops and other esteemed organizations, sits down with Ira Glass for an evening of music and discussion. The two will chat about "music, life, and whatever piques their interest," with Muhly performing some of his works for piano. The Metropolitan Opera, which is premiering Muhly's first large-scale opera <a href="http://www.metoperafamily.org/opera/twoboys-muhly-tickets.aspx">Two Boys</a>, co-present the program.<br/><br/><em>Tuesday, October 29, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nypl.org/locations/tid/36/directions">NYPL, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building</a> // <a href="http://www.showclix.com/event/3772730">Tickets $25</a></em>
L: photo by Matthew Murphy