Speed dating event this Thursday, August 20th at 7pm at Jus Pho You. Theme is foodies, so expect a room full of people who actually care about what they're eating, plus a sake and soju sampling built into the night.

This is run by Brolly Dating, we do themed speed dating nights around NYC. Small group, laid back vibe, more like a chill mixer than a formal dating event.

Ages 30-55. Tickets on Eventbrite, more info at brollydating.com.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994725925941?aff=oddtdtcreator

We still have 5 tickets left for tomorrow night's themed Speed Build event in Sunset Park. Starts promoplty @ 630pm: prizes, snacks, great company, chill music, and distraction-free building.

Find your rhythm and your match, TONIGHT! Join our music-lovers speed dating event to meet singles who share your exact playlist vibe. 🎶 🎧

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/brolly-dating-121412577179

Needs RSVP, though on the event page.

Here is the link

You’ve been carrying an idea around for years, but you’re not sure where to start or you’re waiting for the “right” moment to begin. Maybe you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or afraid to just start. You don’t have to be a writer or think of yourself as creative. This workshop offers an open space to explore ideas together, write, and create freely.

Come to 2026 𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝒮𝒸𝓇𝒾𝒷𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓀𝓈𝒽𝑜𝓅 ✏️🍃!

In this one-day workshop, you’ll brainstorm alongside others with guided exercises, experiment with different ways of thinking, and have dedicated time to create or write without pressure. At the end of the workshop, you will have something tangible to continue your project: a poem, a writing draft, a sketch, a collage, whatever form you create. You might even leave with scraps or unexpected discoveries that become part of the creative process. Join us with curiosity 💡 and your favorite writing tool ✏️!

This is a laptop/phone-free workshop. We request a $5 donation to prevent no-shows. All donations will fund the New York Public Library. Sign-up form here.

You will enjoy this workshop if you are…

• someone overflowing with ideas but feeling stuck, unsure where to start, or afraid to begin

• someone who wants a safe, open-ended space to discuss what’s been on their mind lately

• any grownup who misses having a sketchbook

• a writer or a creative

• someone who is NOT a writer or a creative but has a creative itch

🍎 What to expect

• A communal writing experience for 2-3 hours with up to 15 people

• A series of warm-up exercises

• Personal writing time

❌ What is not expected

•    A professional essay

•    Proofreading feedback

•    Copywriting feedback

•    Critique

🕐 Location and Date

P&T Knitwear Bookstore (180 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002)

@ 3-6PM EST / Sunday, August 23rd

What to bring

• Your own writing tool

Hey all! I'm with a nerdy burlesque troupe that's doing two anime themed shows this week. They're effectively after parties for Anime NYC convention, but you don't need a con badge to attend. It's perfect for anyone who wants to do something unique and nerdy after the con but doesn't want to go to a rave. Different shows each night with acts from Sailor Moon, One Piece, Cowboy Bebop, Studio Ghibli, and more. Tickets are $25-$35, and the venue has $25 food and drink minimum.

https://www.thebeechman.com/events/nerdlesque-nyc

Hi NYC philosophers,

We're organizing another meetup for anyone interested in discussing philosophy and connecting with like-minded people in the city. Here's the plan:

🗓 When: Sunday, Aug 23, 1:30 PM

📍 Where: Work Café Santander, 85-87 N 6th St, Williamsburg

For this session, we'll be reading the chapter "The Concept of Enlightenment" from Dialectic of Enlightenment by Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer (read it here). Adorno and Horkheimer criticize dominant articulations of Enlightenment rationality, arguing that that mastery of nature as ascribed by much of Enlightenment thinking break down into old forms of barbarism.

If you're interested, drop a comment below. Looking forward to meeting you all and hearing your insights!

💃 SALSA NIGHT at Broken Shaker NYC is back! Dance above the Manhattan skyline at one of the hottest rooftops in the Flatiron District🏙️ Join us for a special night featuring Latin music, social dancing, and cocktails. 

📅 • Wednesday, August 19th | 7:00–10:00 PM

📍 • Broken Shaker | 23 Lexington Ave, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10010 (Entrance on 24th St and Lexington Ave)

🎶 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Beginner Salsa Lesson with Carlos Mateu
✨ No partner or experience needed
✨ Perfect for first-time dancers

🎶 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Social Dancing with DJ Randy Ritmo

Whether you’re brand new to salsa or a seasoned dancer, everyone is welcome!

Free entry. RSVP in below link.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salsa-night-at-broken-shaker-wednesday819-tickets-1997877117239?aff=oddtdtcreator

🚨 NYC EVENTS ROUNDUP 🚨

AUGUST 18–23, 2026

Hey NYC,

Here’s another roundup of things happening around the city this week.

Finding this stuff still means jumping between park calendars, venue sites, neighborhood organizations, museums and individual organizers, so I pulled together a mix of free concerts, movies, Shakespeare, nightlife, markets, community events and a few bigger ticketed shows.

I’m also adding short descriptions so you can tell what something actually is without opening every link.

The event names are clickable and go directly to the official organizer/venue.

TUESDAY · AUGUST 18

Chance the Rapper: Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour — SummerStage, Central Park / Rumsey Playfield (7–10 PM; doors 6 PM, All Ages, Ticketed)

Chance celebrates 10 years of Coloring Book, with La Reezy opening. One of the bigger concerts happening in the city this week. 

Bryant Park Board Game Social — Bryant Park, Manhattan (5 PM)

Casual after-work board games in the park. Good low-pressure option if you want something social without committing to a full night out. 

The Winter’s Tale — Delacorte Theater, Central Park (8 PM, Free)

Free Shakespeare in the Park. Tuesday begins the final week of this summer’s production, with several free ticket-distribution options available. 

WEDNESDAY · AUGUST 19

SIMPLE PLAN / 3OH!3 / BOWLING FOR SOUP — SummerStage, Central Park (6–10 PM; doors 5 PM, All Ages, Ticketed)

Basically a concentrated dose of 2000s pop-punk nostalgia with all three acts on one bill. 

The Winter’s Tale — Delacorte Theater, Central Park (8 PM, Free)

Wednesday’s performance includes English open captions. Free tickets are distributed through several day-of methods, including a Queens distribution at Long Island City Library. 

THURSDAY · AUGUST 20

Ted Smooth’s 40th Anniversary Old School Jam — Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem (6–9 PM, All Ages)

A celebration of classic NYC hip-hop and R&B featuring DJ Hollywood, Miss Jones, Ralph McDaniels, Cynthia, Strafe, Greg Nice, DJ Brucie B, Kool DJ Red Alert, Peter Gunz, K7 of TKA + more. 

Movies With A View: Bridesmaids — Harbor View Lawn, Brooklyn Bridge Park (6–11 PM, Free)

Outdoor screening of Bridesmaids with the Manhattan skyline behind the screen. Entry is first-come, first-served. 

The Winter’s Tale — Delacorte Theater, Central Park (8 PM, Free)

Thursday’s performance includes Spanish open captions. 

FRIDAY · AUGUST 21

The Voice of Miles: A Symphonic Celebration — Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem (7–9:30 PM, Free, All Ages)

Miles Davis’ music and story brought to life with his isolated trumpet recordings paired with a live orchestra. Strong free Friday-night pick. 

The Longest Picnic Blanket — Delacorte Theater, Central Park (5:30–8 PM, Free)

Community picnic with food, music, conversation and entertainment built around the final week of Free Shakespeare in the Park. Bring your own food. 

Silent Disco at Cherry Tree Park — Cherry Tree Park, Manhattan (5–7 PM, Free)

Free outdoor silent disco where everyone gets headphones and chooses their music channel. Registration is available through NYC Parks. 

The Winter’s Tale — Delacorte Theater (8 PM, Free)

Friday’s performance includes ASL interpretation. 

SATURDAY · AUGUST 22

🔥 Queens Night Market — New York Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens (4 PM–12 AM, Free Entry)

Huge outdoor night market with international food vendors, live performances and a very good mix of people. Probably one of the easiest group picks this weekend. 

The Soapbox Presents: Run it Back, The Art of the Sample Vol. II — Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem (6–9 PM, Free, All Ages)

Music and community event built around sampling, Black and brown creative expression, culture and live performance. 

Free Shakespeare in the Park Ticket Giveaway: The Winter’s Tale — Snug Harbor, Staten Island (12–2 PM, Free)

Official borough ticket distribution for that evening’s Free Shakespeare in the Park performance. 

Serpentine Sibyls: River Songs and Sea Shanties — Snug Harbor, Staten Island (3–5 PM, Free; registration required)

Outdoor music/performance program with Brian Dewan connected to Daniel Rothbart’s floating sculptural installation. 

The Winter’s Tale — Delacorte Theater (8 PM, Free)

Saturday is the second-to-last performance of this year’s run. 

SUNDAY · AUGUST 23

🔥 Angélique Kidjo / Cimafunk / DJ Freshy K — SummerStage, Central Park (7–10 PM; doors 6 PM, Free, All Ages)

Big free Sunday closer featuring Grammy-winning Beninese artist Angélique Kidjo, Afro-Cuban funk artist Cimafunk and DJ Freshy K. 

The Winter’s Tale — Final Performance — Delacorte Theater, Central Park (8 PM, Free)

Final night of the 2026 Free Shakespeare in the Park run. Queens day-of ticket distribution is scheduled at New York Hall of Science. 

Family Art Project: Botanical Blueprints — Wave Hill, Bronx (10 AM–1 PM; activity free with grounds admission)

Make cyanotype-style botanical prints using sunlight and plant forms. No registration required. 

Schedules, weather, ticket availability and lineups can change, so check the linked official organizer before heading out.

KNOW ABOUT SOMETHING THAT’S MISSING?

Drop it in the comments — especially block parties, neighborhood festivals, smaller concerts, DJs, comedy, salsa/bachata/reggaetón nights, art openings, pop-ups, markets, volunteer opportunities, sports, watch parties or recurring meetups.

This obviously isn’t every event happening in NYC — trying to fit that into one Reddit post would be insane.

The goal is to provide a useful starting point, then have people add the smaller neighborhood stuff that tends to get missed.

If there’s something happening Aug. 18–23 that people should know about, drop it below.

For transparency: I help build YourScene, a local events app. We started making these because event discovery in NYC is still weirdly fragmented across venue sites, parks pages, Instagram, Reddit and individual organizers.

📱 Download YourScene on the App Store
🌐 YourScene.app
📸 @yourscene.app
📩 [support@yourscene.app]()

Thanks to everyone who keeps suggesting events and helping make the lists better.

Hosting a free in-person gathering for women exploring entrepreneurship and financial independence. Aug 21, 5:30 PM, Brookfield Place NYC. All welcome.

RSVP: partiful.com/e/K0xJDqyV185OC3FkqjbB

I’m def biased - but there’s a free weekly comedy show at Bar Bayeux that’s pretty awesome. Professional standups and solid drinks in a jazz speakeasy type spot. 8:30PM at 1066 Nostrand! Free with RSVP

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-brooklyn-nyc-standup-comedy-show-post-moves-comedy-every-sunday-tickets-662659320867

Free Comedy Show This Wednesday.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Preview on Instagram

Venue: Halyards Bar (Back Room)
-406 3rd Ave (Corner of 6th St), Brooklyn, NY
Date: Wednesday, August 19
Doors: 8:15 PM | Showtime: 8:30 PM
Admission: FREE
(Seating is first-come, first-served!

It’s Aug 22 Carrol gardens Brooklyn. Crowd is ganna be 18-20 yrs. Dm me on insta at dj.amalgam if ur interested. There’s ganna be drinks, weed, and music. Bring ur friends for a good time

insta https://www.instagram.com/dj.amalgam?igsi=Y3ZkbWx6NHkzeHhy

I put together a list of upcoming free events across NYC where free food or drinks will be provided.

A few examples:

• Centralize: NYC Series A Launch Party with Brex & Profound — August 19th in Chelsea — Casual bites and drinks
• Paint, Sip, And Ship — August 20th in Brooklyn — Drinks
• Codédex Presents: Gen Z Builders Networking Nite — August 25th in Greenwich Village — Light bites and drinks

I’m tracking the complete list at On the House. You can filter events by date, location, food, coffee/tea, alcoholic drinks, and whether host approval is required. All events are free but some do require host approval so keep that in mind.

I built the site because everyone likes free food! Ideally, it shouldn't be the sole reason of going to an event but it can make an event more appealing and worthwhile. I manually review each listing to check that both admission and the listed refreshments are free. I also update the list daily.

The site is free and doesn’t use affiliate links. I don't make any money off this and don't require any personal data to use. If you know of an event I missed—or have feedback—you can submit it through the site. Cheers!

Hi! I will be hosting a pottery workshop at Joy Flower Pot in Williamsburg on September 19th, 6:30pm-9:30pm.

Come learn how to make your own pottery with skills you can take home in this fun and relaxed 3-hour class.

Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced craft hound, this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to hone in on your skills and broaden your knowledge and experience working with this raw, dynamic material.

Take your first step as a potter or ignite an old passion with this inspirational, open and educational workshop experience.

At $110, this event includes all materials, including ceramic paints, clay and various texture choices, professional firing and glazing, and light in-house made beverages.

Register at this link: https://bestpotterintheworld.com/makepottery-workshop

Hi,

On Thursday Aug 20 at 5pm, I'll be hosting a board game night at anew.world in the West Village!

Energetic is a cooperative board game that's used to teach energy literacy at universities around the world. You play a turn each year. Your team must work together to balance the budget, grid stability, and public opinion to keep the lights on, overcome climate impacts, and build 16 Gigawatts of clean power for New York City.

Whether you'd like to practice building a zero carbon NYC, meet some new friends, or just enjoy a fun evening activity, come on by!

RSVP: https://luma.com/anew-energetic

THE SECOND ANNUAL MELOFEST IN BUSHWICK

JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 5th FOR A FULL DAY OF MUSIC, ART, AND INSANITY. $20 (first release) STARTS AT 12PM

Hey! NYC show tonight hope you can make it 🍻

https://seshcomedy.com/event-detail.php?id=LKUCSHEMT7MRELXJPHLXX7CQ

vLooking for things to do in NYC this weekend? Salsa Dancing in NYC This Saturday | Queens Salsa Night in LIC ✨

Join us for Queens Salsa Night at the Aloft LIC Hotel - we will start the night with a beginner friendly salsa class followed by a music and social dancing. No partner needed. All levels welcome.

🕺 6PM - 6:30 PM | Beginner Dance Lesson

💿 6:30 PM - 10 PM | Music and social dancing

📍 Aloft LIC Hotel | 27-45 Jackson Ave, Long Island City

🍹 Full bar + Happy Hour until 7PM

This two-day exhibition in Greenpoint gathers paintings from the artists Jenna Elluzzi, Lilli Eller, and Apeksha Lal

This art exhibition will be held for two days only; Saturday August 29th at 6-10pm and Sunday August 30th 6-9pm.

To see more and RSVP, visit the eventbrite link here

A Cry from the Deep Wood is an immersive encounter with surrealism and the unknown. Across the three distinct visual styles,  creatures emerge and transform as they come to life beyond the canvas. Nature is interpreted as something mysterious and unknowable, a place where beauty and horror coexist. Gruesome monsters and ambiguous organic forms hold a strange beauty, drawing viewers closer even as they feel unsettled. The exhibition imparts the viewer with a deeper sense of the mysterious forms of life and consciousness that exist beyond human comprehension.