NYC Happenings & Events: February 2 - February 8
I tried resting and accidentally bought a wedding dress
I don’t usually need a “do nothing” weekend. I’m someone who unwinds by having places to go and things to run to, even if it’s a lot. There’s obviously a balance, but I skew heavily toward the doing side. That said, after a truly packed work week, Friday night humbled me. I ordered in with my husband, played with our dog, and attempted to watch a movie we both fell asleep five minutes into. It turns out sometimes your body just decides for you.
By Saturday morning, the fog had lifted and I swung hard in the opposite direction. I was out from early morning on, brunching, bouncing between friends, and eventually spending most of the afternoon at Manhattan Vintage. If you’ve been reading this letter for a while, you know I’ve been evangelizing this show for years. I first went back in 2022 and it still holds the crown for best vintage shopping in the city. I also stand by the fact that it’s better done with a friend. It’s overwhelming and even as someone who’s usually decisive about style, I can spiral into do I love this or am I panicking.
I went in loosely looking for bridal things. Even though my husband and I are already married, we have a celebration with friends coming up this summer and I’m very behind on all things wardrobe. I fully expected to maybe find an accessory or two. Instead, I somehow left with a wedding dress, an after-party dress, necklaces, and even potential shoes. It also feels like a small miracle that I woke up the next morning and actually still loved everything.
I capped Saturday off with dinner at Palma, which remains one of my forever spots. I used to live on Cornelia and hadn’t been back in years. It was easy to remember why I loved it so much. It’s cozy, romantic, a little whimsical, and especially good in winter. It’s also the only place that can convince me to order gluten-free pasta. Whatever they’re doing to that cacio e pepe, it works.
Monday February 2
Classic Pasta Making Class
Cork & Slice Brooklyn | 7pm at 509 Ave P, Midwood
Roll up your sleeves and make your own pasta from scratch at this hands-on class at Cork & Slice. You’ll learn foundational pasta-making techniques, shape fresh dough to take home, and enjoy a buffet of Cork & Slice favorites once your creations are done. The dinner & beverage pairing might actually be the most exciting part. The setting is cozy and there’ll be music and snacks throughout. Tickets are $95.
⭐ Andy Warhol Exposed: Newly Processed Films from the 1960s
MoMA | 6:30pm at 11 W 53rd St, Midtown
A screening of never-before-seen Andy Warhol film footage, newly processed more than 60 years after it was originally shot. This program premieres raw black-and-white and color material pulled from over 80 rolls of unprocessed film left behind by Warhol and his collaborators in the early days of the Factory. The footage includes outtakes and fragments tied to works like Sleep, Kiss, Batman Dracula, and Couch, plus unseen Screen Tests and scenes from inside the Factory itself. The program is silent which would be hard for me, but otherwise it seems interesting. Definitely a deep cut for Warhol obsessives. RSVP for free with museum admission. Tickets are almost gone.
Tuesday February 3
⭐ Animation First 2026
L’Alliance New York | Feb 3rd-9th at multiple locations, Manhattan
One of the best weeks of the year for film and animation lovers. Animation First is L’Alliance’s annual animation festival, bringing together feature films, shorts programs, talks, workshops, and immersive experiences that spotlight contemporary and classic animation from around the world, with a particular focus on French and European work. Expect a mix of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, family-friendly screenings, and more experimental programs that dig into animation as both craft and art form. You can drop into for a single screening or build a whole week around it if you’re so inclined. Tickets vary by event, with some free programs mixed in. Check out the full lineup.
Singles Night + Author Reading
Bar Louise | 7:30pm at 221 7th Ave, Park Slope
People often ask me how I source events and it’s really a huge mix, but my favorite way is when I'm in a space and learn about something upcoming totally by mistake. That’s what happened here. Bar Louise is hosting singles night designed for people who like books, or at least like the idea of meeting someone who does. The evening features a reading by local author Zakiya N. Jamal from her book Sparks Fly, followed by structured icebreakers and low-pressure ways to actually talk to each other. There’s even an open-mic element if you feel brave enough to do a short reading of your own. The kitchen stays open with food specials all night, so it’s more linger-and-chat than speed dating. Tickets are $15. I’ve already sent this to all my single friends.
Wednesday February 4
Connection Academy 101: The Practice of Belonging
week nights | 6:30-9pm at 20 Jay St, Dumbo
A hands-on workshop focused on what it actually takes to build intentional, sustainable, in-person community. It feels like everyone and every brand is trying to host IRL events these days, but some of them just suck. Connection Academy 101 is designed for people who feel called to host, gather, or bring people together, whether you’re just getting started or already running events and want to be more thoughtful about how your community grows. The session explores what community is (and isn’t), how to create real belonging, and how to design gatherings that keep people coming back. It’ll be focused on conversation-heavy exercises rather than a lecture. Tickets are $25. Is it rude if I DM this to some people?
Embroidery Mini-Tote Bag Workshop
Bond Craft Studio | 6:30-8:30pm at 372 Bond St, Gowanus
A beginner-friendly embroidery workshop where you’ll learn basic stitching techniques while customizing a Trader Joe’s mini canvas tote. Cute. The class covers how to embroider bows and names, with step-by-step guidance throughout so no prior experience is needed. All supplies are included, including the tote bag, and you’ll leave with a finished piece that’s actually useful. Tickets are $35 and almost sold out.
⭐ BHS 25th Annual Winter Art Show
Bayside Historical Society | Feb 4th-March 1st at 212-00 23rd Ave, Bayside
The Bayside Historical Society’s annual Winter Art Show returns for its 25th year, spotlighting contemporary artists from across Queens working in a wide range of styles and media. This long-running exhibition reflects BHS’s commitment to supporting local artists and connecting them with the surrounding community. Artwork is presented both online and in a live storefront exhibition at the Bay Terrace Center, making it easy to stop by and browse or explore digitally. The show runs daily from through the whole month and is completely free.
Thursday February 5
⭐ Guided Oyster & Wine Tasting
Carta Wine Bar | 8-10pm at 35 Bedford St, West Village
On Cloud Wine, Market Price, and Carta Wine Bar are teaming up for a hands-on oyster and wine tasting. Willow from Market Price will be shucking and walking guests through the oysters, while Mira from On Cloud Wine pairs them with a thoughtful selection from Carta’s wine list. Basically my dream event. I’ve also gotten really weird about oysters after getting sick last year and now will exclusively eat them in the winter. I don’t know how or when they became associated as a summer food. Anyway, your $90 ticket covers six oysters and three glasses of wine, with optional add-ons like caviar if you want to ball.
Bonnie’s Mahjong Table
Superfly Dispensary | 6-8pm at 57 West 86th Street, Upper West Side
The dispensaries are at it again hosting events. Superfly is putting on a relaxed evening of mahjong and community co-hosted with Eaton Botanicals and Head & Heal. Whether you’re sharpening your strategy or just there for the chats and tiles, the setup is casual and beginner-friendly. Eaton Botanicals will be on hand with plant-based functional wellness edibles for sampling and more information, and there will be light bites and drinks. I don’t even think I like the game that much but there’s something so therapeutic about the tiles. RSVP for free.
Friday February 6
⭐ Part Two: Luxury Marketplace
Part Two | Friday-Sunday from 1-5pm at 477 Broadway, Soho
The number of targeted ads I got for this event would normally make me skeptical, but realistically I’ll go to any vintage show. This is a multi-day vintage marketplace bringing together 50+ top vintage vendors from around the world. They’re having a dedicated fur salon, rare vintage bags, and designer pieces across categories. Tickets are $20 and you have slotted entry times.
The Hidden Economic Beliefs That Cost You Money
Wolilo Lectures x Fabrik | 6:45-8:45pm at 12-16 Vestry Street, Soho
Wolilo is making my resolution to attend more lectures way easier. This one is a myth-busting lecture for anyone who’s ever felt stressed by headlines about debt, inflation, or government spending. Economist and NYU professor Howard Yaruss, who specializes in making economics understandable and relevant to everyday life, will be the host. The talk breaks down common economic beliefs that shape how we think about money, policy, and personal financial decisions, often to our disadvantage. Expect a clear, practical lecture followed by time to connect and talk things through with other curious people. I was pleasantly surprised at the post-lecture banner last time. Tickets are $25.
Lower East Stories
P&T Knitwear Books | 6:30-8pm at 180 Orchard St, Lower East Side
An early-evening storytelling salon hosted by Matt Storrs that brings together NYC creatives and surprise guests for personal, funny, and sometimes unexpected stories. Each month centers on a single theme, and February’s is “Adore”. The lineup typically includes writers and performers whose work has appeared on places like The Moth, Comedy Central, and PBS. The shows feel pretty intimate from what I can gather. Tickets are $10. An easy Friday night plan.
Saturday February 7
⭐ Governors Island Ice Sculpture Show
Governors Island Arts | 12-3pm at Governors Island
The fifth annual Ice Sculpture Show brings live ice carving back to Governors Island. They missed the snow window by a couple of weeks, but the cold is still doing the work, so the ice should hold. Ten artists will be paired with professional ice carvers from Okamoto Studio, and visitors can watch the sculptures take shape in real time as they slowly evolve. There will also be ice carving workshops, a DJ set, and food trucks serving winter-friendly treats. Free and open to the public. A good excuse to bundle up and take the ferry.
AKC Meet the Breeds
American Kennel Club | Saturday & Sunday at the Javits Center, Hudson Yards
The closest you can get to speed dating for dogs. Meet the Breeds brings hundreds of impeccably behaved, professionally groomed dogs to NYC, each one calmly standing around while humans ask thoughtful questions about temperament, lineage, and lifestyle compatibility. It’s deeply educational and also completely humbling if, like me, your own dog would absolutely never be invited to something like this. You can meet over 100 breeds, talk to owners and handlers, and learn which dogs are actually good apartment fits versus which ones just look like they are. Tickets start at $12.
Lovers, Samples n’ Friends
Samples n’ Friends | 6pm at 204 Varick St, Soho
The fourth annual R&B sample trivia and sing-along night where the crowd is very much part of the show. Lovers, Samples n’ Friends is an interactive music experience built around trivia rounds, activations, and group sing-alongs celebrating classic R&B hits, deep cuts, and the samples that tie them all together. Music trivia is usually my favorite activity ever, but I need the pop edition of this to realistically compete. If R&B is your thing, then go ready to show off and yell out answers. Tickets are $34.
Sunday February 8
Go to that Super Bowl party. You don’t have to like football to enjoy a Super Bowl party. It’s an excuse to be around people and eat badly on purpose. I also always honor my annual Domino’s tradition. I highly recommend making it yours as well.
What I did last week.
Places or shows I went to over the last week. These are personal recommendations. If I had a cool week, they’ll be cool. If I didn’t, they won’t.
Warren Street Hotel - One of my readers recommended this as a reading spot and I very quickly fell in love with the whole hotel. Not only are they giving the Crosby a run for their money on the quirky design side, but they actually let me post up and work from their restaurant for the day. And the food was good. I don’t know how this Tribeca spot was never on my radar, but THANK YOU for showing me a new gem.
Blue Ribbon Sushi - I never really associated sushi as comfort winter food, but Blue Ribbon’s Soho location does a really good job of feeling like a cute Japanese ski chalet / sauna. If you can grab one of their booths, it makes for a fun easy winter dinner. Food is always solid too.
Bar Louise - I can’t tell if I only like it because it’s the only place on 7th Ave in Park Slope that actually stays open past 10pm, but this has become a neighborhood go to after dinner. The bar staff is also really chatty in a fun, not annoying way.
Manhattan Vintage - Ok the winter show might be over but they have their jewelry edition coming up in 2 weeks and I’m pretty positive it will sell out before I have a chance to put it in the letter. I cannot stress enough how this is just the best quality and curation of vintage in the city. If you can’t take a quick trip to Milan or Tokyo, then this is the absolute best place to shop.
Schmone Wine - Cute little wine bar I ducked into mostly because I needed to charge my phone. Ended up snacking on their bread & tapenade which was delicious.
Palma - Forever the most romantic restaurant in the city. And I’m pretty sure it’s not just because I’m nostalgic for my Cornelia Street days.
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Legend for new readers
⭐ = events I am particularly excited about
everything else = things I am still really excited about
Congrats on the wedding dress! And YES to anything on Cornelia street, especially Palma 🍝
I was in Breckenridge last week and had such a TIME following the town's local snow sculpting competition. I'm so happy I've got something similar to do this weekend.