Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
No matter what else you might say about this city, it's never ever, ever boring -- and it will never ever, ever let you be bored. Among the activities on offer this weekend are a film festival based around food, a Halloween costume contest for canines, and not one, but two beer festivals. Read on to learn more. By Jessica Allen.
At The Food Film Festival, you get to eat what you see. Indeed, this festival bills itself as "a cinematic scratch n' sniff where guests taste the food they see on the screen." As you watch, you can get food delivered right to your seat! The Food Porn Party promises to be particularly interesting in that regard. The 9th annual festival benefits the Billion Oyster Project, a New York Harbor restoration project. Thursday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 25, see schedule for details, prices vary, tickets required.
Offering the largest selection of seasonal ciders, beers, and meads in New York City, the New York City Craft Beer Festival celebrates the "diversity and creativity" of the local craft brewing community. (The event is 21 and over, but you probably guessed that already.) The drinks come from 75 brewers, who come from all over the world. Unlimited tastings, unlimited opportunity to say the word "mead"! Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, see schedule for details, tickets start at $25.
Halloween comes a few days early to Socrates Sculpture Park, as it plays host to a free event for furry or feathered friends and their companions. Costumes are not only welcome, but downright encouraged. Indeed, there's a judged Canine Costume Contest. Don't worry if you leave the house in your normal clothes, because you can create a costume on-site with the park's resident artists. New this year! A pet blessing ritual from Urban Shaman Mama Donna. Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free.
Ever dream of dressing like a zombie and dancing to "Thriller"? Well, here's your chance to cross that one off the bucket list. In 2006, Ines Markeljevic created Thrill the World, a series of flash mobs that celebrate Michael Jackson and raise money for the Pajama Program, which brings new books and jammies to children in need. On Oct. 24, millions of folks on six continents will dance dance dance. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 to 6 p.m., $40, tickets required.
Calling all tipplers! TAPPED features more than 100 cider, beer, and wine tastings spread over two, three-hour sessions. You'll be able to fill your tummy with bites from John Capon's award-winning Bash Burger, and you'll be able to watch the various Sunday football games of one of the many TVs set up around the space. Can't stand the clashing heads and fumbles? Hang out and play large-scale beer pong and Jenga instead. Sunday, Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., $39, tickets required.
