Weekly happenings: September 30 - October 6

Art film is having a moment

Film as a serious art form, rather than as entertainment, is having a moment. I’m increasingly finding that top galleries and museums are showing film-based exhibits and…I’m into it. I like that it takes my full focus for a specific amount of time. I like that it usually includes an audio component, making it more immersive. It doesn’t allow me to aimlessly wander through an exhibit without really paying attention. Focusing on anything is hard in this city.

Monday September 30

⭐ Evening with Mati Diop and Manon Lutanie
MoMA | 7pm at 11 W 53rd St, Manhattan

Award-winning director Mati Diop and independent filmmaker and publisher Manon Lutanie join the MoMA to present the world theatrical premiere of their newest collaboration, the short film Naked Blue. The film follows a 13-year-old’s choreographed movements through a studio set painted an underwater blue as she dances in front of mirrors and salutes an imaginary audience. The screening will be followed by a conversation between the artists. Tickets are $14.

Talk: Huma Bhabha
Public Art Fund | 6:30-7:30pm at 7 E 7th St, Manhattan

Artist Huma Bhabha will discuss her Public Art Fund exhibition Before The End which is on view at Brooklyn Bridge Park through Spring 2025. She’ll provide insights into her work and discuss her influences and process in creating the sculptures which blend elements of science fiction, horror, and mythology.

StoryTell: Messing Up
NYC Drawing Room | 6:30-9pm at 247 W 30th St, Manhattan

StoryTell is an event series that gathers people together to share real life stories around each event’s theme. This edition’s theme is messing up. You’ll be able to share stories up to 5-7 minutes in a campfire type setting or you can come just to listen. Tickets are $10-$20 sliding scale.

Tuesday October 1

Uni Shucking Classes
Osakana | October & November at 42 1/2 St Marks Pl, Manhattan

Uni (or sea urchin) is coming back in season from Portland, Maine. At these uni shucking classes being put on throughout October & November, you’ll get a mountain of live uni in the shells and learn how to shuck and clean your own uni. You’ll also get to eat it along with other sushi rolls. Prepaid reservations are $195.

World Sake Day
Bin Bin Sake | 5-8pm at 29 Norman Ave, Brooklyn

Bin Bin Sake is hosting a sake tasting & vendor market to celebrate World Sake Day (we truly have a day for everything…). Try 30+ sakes while you shop local art and listen to tunes by DJ Kevin Yoo. Tickets are $28.

Wednesday October 2

Manhattan International Music Competition Winners’ Gala Concert
Carnegie Hall | 8pm at Weill Recital Hall, Manhattan

Manhattan International Music Competition showcases young classical musicians from around the world. At this Gala concert, you’ll hear from at least 10 international winners which can include pianists, singers, strings, wind players, and chamber music ensambles. Tickets start at $45.

Oysters and Cocktails Bash
The Fulton by Jean Georges | 6:30-8pm at 89 South St, Manhattan

I love oysters but I try to stay away from them in the summer because I’m paranoid about getting sick. The arrival of fall means it is finally time to enjoy them. At this cocktail hour, you’ll get unlimited oysters, a range of passed bites like crab cups and gruyere sliders, and an open bar while enjoying live music and waterfront views. Tickets are $158.

Secret Knitting Society
Thea Grant Design | 6-8pm at 126-A Front St, Brooklyn

In their Armoire room behind the store, Thea Grant is hosting an evening of knitting. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome to join. There will be experts on site that can help you learn, read patterns, or resolve issues. Free to attend.

Thursday October 3

Book Talk: Uprooted
Yu & Me Books | 7-8pm at 44 Mulberry St, Manhattan

Ruth Chan’s new memoir Uprooted tells the story about her life being uprooted when she moved from Toronto to Hong Kong, a place where her family fits in but she does not. The memoir covers how she gradually puts down roots in a new place. Ruth will be in conversation with Chanel Miller, another writer and artist. Yu & Me Books is hosting the event and it is free to attend.

⭐ B Scene: Unexpected Artistry
BRIC House | 6pm at 647 Fulton St, Brooklyn

Experience the unexpected artistry of community filmmakers at this evening event where 3 films will be on view. Resilience by Julia O’Farrow examines stories behind t-shirt wearers and creators, Running For My Life by Chanté Graham follows the journey of a first time runner pushing past physical and mental barriers, and For The Love of Diggs by Tonia Grady is a documentary around a Brooklyn man who kept kids in his hood safe. You’ll also learn about how local filmmakers support each other in crafting transformative stories. Register for free.

Art Studio Instructor Showcase
Creatively Wild | 6-8pm at 98 Water St, Brooklyn

Creatively Wild gallery is showcasing the work of its teaching artists. You’ll get to see everything from comics to paintings, prints, and illustrations in their studio. The event also falls on Art in Dumbo’s First Thursdays where you can join a free guided gallery walk. No RSVP required.

Friday October 4

Sara Cwynar: Baby Blue Benzo
David Zwirner | 6-8pm at 52 Walker St, Manhattan

The opening reception for Canadian-born, New York-based artist Sara Cwynar’s new exhibition Baby Blue Benzo is being hosted at David Zwirner. The presentation focuses on a new film shot on both digital video and 16mm and projected at a monumental scale. A series of related photographs will also be installed throughout the gallery space. No RSVP required.

Jamun Pop Up
Jazba x Jamun | October 4-6th at 207 2nd Ave, Manhattan

Jamun, the renowned eatery from Goa, India, is hosting a weekend long pop up at Jazba where they will showcase their regional Goan specialties. The 3 course menu gives you a choice of dishes and is complemented with breads & dips as well as specialty cocktails showcasing Indian botanicals, spices, and liqueurs. Book on Resy.

A Study on Why We Move
Poster House | 7-8pm at 119 W 23rd St, Manhattan

New York-based dancer and choreographer Shira Kagan-Shafman and composer and violinist Leandria Lott come together again to share a new work exploring the question “why do we move?”. The event is part of Poster House’s First Fridays series. RSVP for free.

Saturday October 5

Brooklyn Museum Birthday Bash
Brooklyn Museum | 11am-10pm at 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum is turning 200 and celebrating with a ton of fun programming. There will be curator pop up 10-minute talks where you’ll learn about selected artworks in the galleries. There will also be a charm bar, a printmaking studio pop up, a piñata making station, figure drawing sessions, live dancing & music, a pop up market where you can shop local goods, and even karaoke. See the full schedule of events and register for free.

Ramen Contest
Japan Fes | 10am-6pm on 4th Ave between 9th and 10th St, Manhattan

Japan Fes is a food festival that celebrates Japanese culture. They have a ton of pop ups throughout the year, but for this special edition, ramen chefs from all over Japan are creating their special ramen that you’ll be able to sample and compare. No RSVP required.

Old Stone House Artisans Bazaar
Brooklyn Pop Up | 10am-5pm at Washington Park, Brooklyn

Shop 40+ local maker-artisans, including handmade pottery, upcycled fashion, jewelry, home goods, small batch apothecary, pet treats, and more. There will also be hands on projects with textileartscenter and a DJ. No RSVP required.

👅 2 Year Anniversary
Bean Monger Coffee | 9am-4pm at 620 Union St, Brooklyn

One of my favorite coffee shops turns 2! To celebrate they’re hosting a pup adoption and a local market you can shop while listening to live jazz. Their drip is one of the best in the city.

👅 Red Hook Open Studios
Red Hook Biz | Saturday & Sunday 1-6pm at Various Red Hook Galleries, Brooklyn

This weekend, over 100 artist and maker studios in Red Hook are opening their doors to the public. You can learn about their artistic processes and shop directly from creators, including painters, jewelers, fashion designers, wood and metal workers, sculptors, glassworkers, and more. Maps of participating locations will be available all weekend throughout the neighborhood or you can checkout the full list of vendors.

Acid Party
Farm.One x Acid | 1-11pm at 625 Bergen St, Brooklyn

Acid as in the distilled spirits maker. For their 2 year anniversary party, Acid is teaming up with Farm.One for a vendor fair from 1-5pm followed by an after party featuring groovy tunes with DJ Don Seun. Vendors will mostly focus on food & drink, including bone broth, coffee, granola, and drinks but there will also be activities like NYC Drawing Club and the Succulent Society participating. No RSVP required, free to attend.

Sunday October 6

BQ Flea Opening
Smorgasburg | 10am-5pm at Meeker Avenue between Union and Lorimer, Brooklyn

Smorgasburg announced a new market location opening under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway for 4 October Sundays only. You’ll be able to shop from local artists, makers, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and vintage sellers. No RSVP required.

👅 14th Anniversary Party
Natural Wine Company | 3pm at 211 N 11th St, Brooklyn

The Natural Wine Company is a loft-like shop and artist space carrying a large selection of sustainable and organic wines. This weekend they turn 14 and are celebrating by offering visitors wines on the house, including a few special bottles to mark the occasion. It will also serve as a closing reception for the group art exhibition Minimal Intervention which is currently on display. Come shop and sip. RSVP for free.

Recs of the week

Places or shows I discovered 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. Most of these are overflow from the previous week since I’ve been out of town.

1. Ferdi - The vibe could definitely use a refresh but the food was really good. It’s also one of the quieter and roomier Italian spots in the City. A good place to go bring your parents.

2. Gregory’s Corner Taverna - My greek friend took us here after playing tennis in Astoria. It felt super authentic and neighborhood oriented. They even brought out traditional greek desserts on the house.

3. Le Dive - I had been here a hundred times before for the happy hour vibes, but didn’t realize what I was missing by not ordering food. All the small plates were delicious. I particularly loved the fennel & fava bean salad.

4. Bar Belly - Sit on the sidewalk and people watch with a glass of wine and their free popcorn.

5. RIDER - Expertly curated small batch gift store in Park Slope. They also host events that I’ll feature. Tickets are already running low for Bead Making on October 7th.

As always, message me with any events you try out or any recommendations for next week!

Legend for new readers:

👅 = events I’m attending. Come hang out with me!!!

⭐ = events I am only missing because of travel or personal conflicts

everything else = things I am still really excited about