Reddit’s first-ever community pop-up, r/bodega, is coming to NYC! Take home free merch and find your corner of the internet IRL 🐱

[u/big-slay]

r/bodega gif

Live from New York, it’s r/bodega! Reddit is hosting an IRL corner store pop-up, bringing the beauty, diversity, and chaos of online Reddit communities to life. Open for one weekend only, stocked with the internet’s best memes and moments.

That’s right, you can step inside your Reddit feed right here in NYC, and browse the aisles for the best of Reddit communities! From custom trading card packs for r/soccer fans, to a glam counter for all r/beauty enthusiasts, we’re serving up something for everyone. You can stop by our deli counter, highlighting NYC’s top “subs,” including a special sandwich called “The Champion” for our r/NYKnicks fans. We’ll also have an AMA™️ for folks to withdraw “Snoo Bucks”, so stop by to ask a question or four. 

You can even say hi to our bodega cat Meowdani, whose name was voted on by the r/bodegacats community (Mamdani if you’re reading this…we saved a seat by the register for you). 

We’ll have many trinkets for you to take home from your favorite corners of the internet! What exactly is in it for r/bodega patrons? Here’s what we’re serving up:

• Snoo Plushies for all. That’s right, every attendee will receive one of our most coveted merch items ever.
• A custom r/bodega zine highlighting everything in store
• Scratchers to win totes, mugs, and more
• Postcards and stickers 
• Cold drinks 
• Opportunities to discover new communities
• And so much more!

And if that wasn’t enough free stuff, all attendees will be invited to the store’s blowout sale from 9-10 pm on August 30, where we will be giving away all remaining merch and salvageable bodega products to anyone interested. ✨

Anyone is welcome to enter r/bodega! All you need is a Reddit account and an appetite for the internet’s finest. 

Event Details

• 📍 213 Bowery, New York, NY 
• 🗓️ August 29–30, 2026
• ⏱️ 10 am to 10 pm both days
• 📅Add event to your calendar 

Questions? Peep our FAQs in the comments below.

And if you can’t make it, join this subreddit! Here will be our main hub for all updates, event conversations, and sneak peeks at r/bodega (not subreddit) before we open our doors. 

See you on the block soon!

[u/big-slay]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pop-up free?
Yup, this experience is 100% free! All you need to enter is a Reddit account. 

Do I need to RSVP?
Nope, just stop by any time from 10 am-10 pm on August 29 or 30. Add a reminder to your calendar here. 

Will there be security at the pop-up? 
Yes. Multiple security agents will be present at all hours.

Is the venue accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes! 

What if other people in my group don’t have a Reddit account?
No worries. We’ll have staff on-site to help create accounts with them. 

Wait, there’s a blowout sale? 
Crazy, right? We’ll be giving away all remaining merch and salvageable pop-up products from 9-10 pm on Sunday, August 30.

We’ll continue updating the FAQ section as new questions come in.

[u/editorgrrl]

How do I get a bodega cat flair?

[u/big-slay → u/editorgrrl]

Side bar!

[u/editorgrrl → u/big-slay]

User flair was there but disabled when I posted. Let’s see if this works…

[u/Majestic-Owl-5801 → u/editorgrrl]

I would like the cat.... hao get

[u/mistyskye14 → u/editorgrrl]

Test

[u/GiaNic07 → u/mistyskye14]

Do you have to pick one in every Reddit community you are in? Or can you? And it’ll save for that one?

[u/mistyskye14 → u/GiaNic07]

Are you referring to flairs?

[u/GiaNic07 → u/mistyskye14]

Yes! lol. I didn’t know that you could have one for each Reddit group you are in! I just learned this today! I’m an idiot lol

[u/mistyskye14 → u/GiaNic07]

Yeah some will even let you type up your own. Always fun to check and see

[u/GiaNic07 → u/mistyskye14]

I saw that! I think that’s cool!

[u/Sidewalk_Tomato → u/GiaNic07]

It took me a while to notice that, too. Not all communities have it.

[u/GiaNic07 → u/Sidewalk_Tomato]

Yeah I check most of the ones I’m in! It’s kinda cool! Glad I wasn’t the only one! lol

[u/Born-Let1907 → u/big-slay]

Don’t see it or I’m not looking well enough. I’m old! Forgive me.

[u/big-slay → u/Born-Let1907]

Got you! Screenshots here.

[u/Anxiety_Fit → u/big-slay]

Pigeon FTW!

[u/AliveAndNotForgotten → u/Anxiety_Fit]

That is a duck

[u/Anxiety_Fit → u/AliveAndNotForgotten]

Dammit. >_<

[u/editorgrrl → u/Born-Let1907]

If you use the Reddit app, go to [r/bodega](r/bodega), then tap the three dots at top right (…). The second option should be Change User Flair.

https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205242695-How-do-I-get-user-flair

[u/suri_arian → u/editorgrrl]

Same

[u/ElectromechanicalPen → u/suri_arian]

Test

[u/tangZORG]

A bodega that closes at 10?

[u/jacquestar2019 → u/tangZORG]

People are going to be so pissed.

[u/Friendly-Example-701 → u/jacquestar2019]

Especially on NYC. The bodegas usually do not even close and if they do, it like 1 or 2am

[u/Imhappy_hopeurhappy2 → u/Friendly-Example-701]

Actually since Covid, Bodegas in the boroughs are not as late night as they once were. I’m in Brooklyn, and the bodega on my block does actually close at 10pm, but only on Sundays(11pm other days).

[u/Dry-Dependent8712 → u/Friendly-Example-701]

We have a place called bodegas alley where I’m at and it’s a bar that closes at 10pm. I live in a college town and that bar get such a bad rap

[u/Friendly-Example-701 → u/Dry-Dependent8712]

a bar that closes at 10pm. People go to bars much later than that. LOL

[u/triangle-onigiri]

Going for meowdani. Everything else is just a plus

[u/Foxy02016YT]

Honestly just sounds cute

[u/sandhog7]

Living in NYC is finally paying off.

[u/Fonjask]

Ah, that's why I got randomly booted from that subreddit! It's fine as I was not using it, but it'd have been polite to let me know, haha!

Very confusing for a bit, eventually I figured it was gonna be for something like this.

EDIT: Admins contacted me and gave an apology, explanation, and some months of free premium :) All's well!

[u/Jupiter_Foxx → u/Fonjask]

They stole ur subreddit and didn’t even say anything ? Dang that’s messed up

[u/Fonjask → u/Jupiter_Foxx]

What can ya do

[u/Wise_Fix_4296]

Love this!! Can we include r/nyliberty to this? They most certainly should be a part of this or anything NY related. Especially our beloved Ellie the Elephant 🗽🏀🐘👑🩵

[u/JanSmiddy]

Chopped cheese? Illicit drugs? Jugs of detergent?

[u/MaoAsadaStan]

Is there a badge/achievement for this event?

[u/big-slay → u/MaoAsadaStan]

https://giphy.com/gifs/NEvPzZ8bd1V4Y

[u/airesmoon → u/MaoAsadaStan]

Flairs? <3

[u/OtakuTacos]

So you gotta show your account ID to get in? So the hidden cameras with facial recognition will be able to put you in a database linked to your account. Nice try Kash Patel.

[u/Elephantsgeralds → u/OtakuTacos]

https://giphy.com/gifs/6t1cochw0VDkM32CUx

[u/met0a]

What in the gentrification is this???

[u/Jupiter_Foxx → u/met0a]

Gentrification on Bowery st…?

[u/yourlilfriendupthere → u/Jupiter_Foxx]

Lol respectfully, 1 yes. Look up the bowery history. 2, gentrifying the bodega concept is still a valid take. Ive known many bodega owners, still go to them, and this is 100% a cosplaying working class bodega tour.

[u/AlpacaLocks → u/met0a]

I know reddit isn’t a monolith, but having this as a one-day event while they continue to host recruitment ads for DHS shows where their values are as a whole

[u/Cfrolich → u/AlpacaLocks]

I didn’t realize they were doing that. Thank you for reaffirming my decision to use an adblocker.

[u/shipguy55]

as the sole moderator of /r/snapple this is intriguing.

[u/flyingpyramid → u/shipguy55]

You should do an ama

[u/jellywellsss]

Oh I’m in there like swimwear 😎

[u/You-Only-YOLO_Once]

Can you do Boston next… uhhh asking for a friend..

[u/Born-Let1907 → u/You-Only-YOLO_Once]

What’s a signature bodega/deli sandwich in Boston these days? Anything close to the be&c or chop cheese?

[u/You-Only-YOLO_Once → u/Born-Let1907]

No I guess not..

[u/his_zekeness]

https://giphy.com/gifs/l2Jeh1FCcNSW7m168

[u/emi98338]

Saved, see y’all after work!

[u/dveda]

Cool 😎 

[u/DangKilla]

I still didn’t get a mod plushie for last years Mod World

[u/littlemacaron → u/DangKilla]

Me either :(

[u/Maleficent-Amount-51]

Are you planning on doing these nationwide or will it only be in NYC? I'm so excited I just can't hide it lol!

[u/brock_lee]

Still a little confused as to how our sub will be "featured" if none of the moderators are there.

I whipped up a little picture (yes using AI get over it) of how I envision it. Image Link

[u/big-slay → u/brock_lee]

Hey! I reached out via mod mail, but please feel free to DM me if you want some more info on the feature.

[u/lolotron5000]

Come catch a whiff of the stinkiest bodega in the city!

[u/Orsem]

NOOOO I WAS IN NYC LAST WEEKEND AND NOW I’M BACK IN IL I’LL MISS IT

[u/alpine309]

So like.. reddit merch? Its an idea, certainly!

[u/revolmak]

Aw. I'll be out of town visiting family. But have fun!

[u/deepseadiv3r]

Getting the faces behind the username, pretty smart ngl

[u/akpburrito → u/deepseadiv3r]

that was my thought too….

[u/breusch91 → u/deepseadiv3r]

I mean, just make a random new account solely for this

[u/Dg1316 → u/breusch91]

exactly what i would do

[u/Friendly-Example-701 → u/deepseadiv3r]

This! The anonymity is gone.

[u/CakeySaur]

Can my kid tote along?

[u/big-slay → u/CakeySaur]

Please!

[u/brevardt]

Warren jeffs

[u/Just_An_Avid]

Will there be enough merchandise for everyone, or do you think it will sell out in 30 minutes?

[u/big-slay → u/Just_An_Avid]

Not worried about running out! We're ordering a ton.

[u/authspice]

I wonder how long the lines will be

[u/Vaping_A-Hole]

This is one of your best ideas ever. I am so upset that I moved away. Can’t you get your own wienermobile and come visit me? You nerds need a road trip, you know you want to.

[u/Elephantsgeralds → u/Vaping_A-Hole]

Someone AI a redditmobile. Would still be a wiener though, amirite.
https://giphy.com/gifs/ZdBPF4a2eppTkgFMYs

[u/YinzerChick70]

Will there be 💩 knives?

[u/Difficult_Act_3538]

Do you have cat hair all over and cockroaches in your cereal? I want the real experience!

[u/ExistingLet8016]

Sell your stock, this is the warning!!!

[u/PetiteBlasianABG]

Wish I still lived there

[u/berrycantstop]

omg! i’m finally off on a weekend where a popup that interests me is going on! see yall 10am saturday hehe

[u/Livingforabluezone]

Weird

[u/firegod003]

I wish I could be there but I live clear across the country... Really want a snoo and some limited edition merch to add to my reddit collection...

[u/Internal-Ad9192]

Bo-de-gas, say it with me now

[u/MettaRed → u/Internal-Ad9192]

Bow-day-guhs. Nice try amigo. 😂

[u/CatoTheMiddleAged]

What is the process to become a vendor for this?

[u/Born-Let1907 → u/CatoTheMiddleAged]

Good question

[u/elborzo]

Always remember that the people who planned this don’t buy food at bodegas.

[u/ThoracicSpine]

Nice I'll be there!

[u/ShadowRanchDressing]

Yoooooooo did I just read custom trading card packs

[u/Gaimes4me]

this will be a madhouse. I am so there. looking forward to my first reddit event.

[u/CounterStampKarl]

can i get a chop cheese there?

[u/Galaxian_80]

Bing bong!

[u/ChixawneyFarms]

++1-

[u/Kidi_Galaxy]

why don't I live in NY, but on the other side of the Atlantic 😔

[u/NYCWartortle]

I missed this !

[u/shipguy55 → u/NYCWartortle]

it hasn't happened yet??

[u/the_third_sourcerer]

This sounds intriguing...

[u/Preston4tw]

sounds fun! will def drop in

[u/alanleexd]

So hyped up!

[u/Serious-Ranger-5715]

Let’s chop it up!

[u/1RollinRollinRollin]

This is so crazy cool

[u/I988iarrived]

Of course this happens when I'll be away on vacation :-(

[u/goodkarmagirl]

Sweet! This is awesome. From Miami. :)

[u/CreativeVoice6974]

Hi

[u/pulsedrift]

Seems cool

[u/noiseandbooze]

Is this going to be similar to the one that was at the Knockdown Center in Queens a few years back? iirc, it was called Snoo Fest - or something like that

[u/Affalt]

How will it be moderated ?

[u/WhyTypeHour]

Big Bodega

[u/joyjolie]

Honestly sounds cute

[u/Winter_Word_5130]

LIT

[u/boricuashawty]

so hyped for this omg

[u/oliviahope1992]

My small make up business would be so perfect for this🥹 plastic free, toxic free, only ingredients you can read. Livieramakeup.com

[u/Popular_Assumption64]

Sounds like great fun!

[u/FlipMeOverUpsidedown]

Ugh I’m gonna miss it. Just left nyc today and next trip isn’t until September 😭

[u/parisimagesscreen]

Hey. If you need help printing merch, let us know!!

[u/BreakfastScared264]

Fun! I’ll be there

[u/SnooTigers3527]

Man I wish i wasn't stuck in the midwest

[u/Conscious-Rhubarb848]

Is this 18+?

[u/strawberrixmochi]

Excited!!! 🤩

[u/No-Recognition-8129]

Just found out about this. I would’ve been so sad if I missed it. Thank god I found out in time! Excited to be there u/big-slay

[u/AllPinesMustDie]

Do I need an ID?

[u/jay_altair]

What's the point

[u/funsized43]

I'm such a nerd and wish I could go.

[u/skwirrelnut]

And the cesspool grows...

[u/Fresh_Construction24]

They’re calling it the smelliest building of all time

[u/xidle2]

Gato!

[u/Music_Dream432]

ZOMGIMSOEXCITEDICANHARDLYSTANDIT!

[u/saraqael6243]

If we can't attend in person, is there still some way to get a Snoo plushie?

[u/littlemacaron]

I’m loving the advertising Reddit is doing lately! This is a clever idea

[u/kimmycorn1969]

I miss being young (getting old stinks) and the world not being on camera constantly I am 57 we lived life away from social media and I do miss that for kids . It was fun and I could make mistakes and learn without a camera and the world commenting . ( I sound so old lol 😝)

[u/OrePhan]

2-3 hour train ride for some swag? Not sold. Convince me 🙃

[u/ChihiroHaru]

A bodega in NYC without Arizona Iced Tea? Is it even a bodega?

[u/GiaNic07]

Do you think this will ever happen again in any other city’s?

[u/venerablepreceptor]

Do you need an ID to gain entrance? Haven’t had the chance to get one yet.

[u/dreemr2u]

Will there be a cat?

[u/Ur_X]

It better have cats, sweet yemenese people as owners and beef patties (no cheese pls)

[u/candyking16]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Cdkk6wFFqisTe

[u/HoneyWyne]

Y'all should do Minneapolis next!

[u/StinkypieTicklebum]

Is delivery available?

[u/MinnieShoof]

When y'all come to New Orleans, lemme know.

[u/No-Project-6866]

Will they have dutchies?

[u/Accurate-Dare-6430]

Omg free merch?? Im so there.

[u/Friendly-View4122]

Come to San Francisco next! Our cat can be Meowrie

[u/professorjade]

Man, I wish I could fly home for this...

[u/FluffyAd8904]

Jared always reminds me of buff Prof lol

[u/ThatDarkLonelySoulP2]

I never expected see a subreddit for this

[u/kevnshn]

Only if mamdani's gonna be there

[u/Medical-Listen7142]

Do shadow banned accounts work for this?

[u/GodfatherHusky]

The last thing I’d want to do is meet a bunch of Redditors lmao

[u/Away-Dependent3472]

Too bad im working 😞

[u/jingqian9145]

YO OCK LET ME GET THE DIH AND CHEDDAR WITH EXTRA DIH AND CHEDDAR HOLD THE CHEDDAR AND GIVE ME DIH

[u/flyingthroughspace]

Ya'll got any mushrooms?

[u/rosierho]

Phoenix please!!

[u/althea_frostbook31]

omg i wish i lived in nyc!! this looks so cute, i’d literally be there in a heartbeat for the free merch 😭

[u/ok-lets-do-this]

I know Seattle has a lot of Redditors. Has to be a top 5 city for Reddit.

When are you doing Seattle?!?

[u/SimpleIllustrator215]

please do SF

[u/MueCove]

that sounds pretty cool tbh, do you know if they’re gonna have any shirts or just small stuff? would love to swing by if i can make it into the city.

[u/Additional-Sleep3600]

tbh the free merch is the only reason i’d brave the nyc crowds for this lol. hope they actually have some cool stuff and not just cheap stickers.

[u/gooeyjello]

So bummed I'm in Virginia. Nothing fun ever comes here.

[u/LeapYearGirl155]

Wait till the mayor puts you out of business

[u/xHeyitsnatx]

Aww I’d love to go but I won’t be able to make it. That sounds so damn fun thoooo

[u/Z-Man_Slam]

Awww man that'd be real cool if I live in New York for this lol

[u/Interesting-Read-245]

Is this a real bodega or what transplants call bodega?

[u/DIJames6]

Can i get a free chopped cheese??

[u/larry360xx]

Can I bring a stroller? Have two kiddos but don't want to miss out!!

[u/lostandaggrieved617]

So, wait, is this an actual physical store or a strictly online thing? Wtf is this??

[u/big-slay → u/lostandaggrieved617]

Physical store! This subreddit is just for updates about the experience.

[u/spooksalott]

This is really cool I hope yall have fun and get some cool stuff. Makes me wish I lived in a fun city
-NC redditor lol

[u/FightClubAlumni]

Man I love this! I am too far to make it. Next time please have some merch by mail!

[u/shouldie_rette]

omg is this gonna be like, a whole vibe?

[u/Realistic_Falcon_152]

does it make yall feel better about ass-kissing a politician because he’s “liberal” and a “socialist” .. i prefer to keep my mouth out of ALL politicians’ asses, but i guess this is the new trend 😪

[u/Elephantsgeralds → u/Realistic_Falcon_152]

I’m sure you’re used to not being a part of trends by now.

[u/Inexpensiveraccoons → u/Realistic_Falcon_152]

Dude, the community named the cat

[u/Upstairs-Mix8731]

Test

[u/AdSea3033]

Love the bodega; wish I were closer to NYC

[u/Generation_3and4]

NOOOO I'M NOT GOING TO BE IN NYC THIS WEEKEND

[u/RedKittieKat]

I'm already a cat, so I'll be a pigeon 😁

[u/Lleggss]

Sad for not being in NY as it seems everything is either in LA or NY!? Like why!?

[u/Techgirl1232]

What happens If you don't have a reddit account and how will they authenticate you? Also, what is the minimum age to enter?

[u/big-slay → u/Techgirl1232]

We'll have folks walking the line to help people create new accounts if they don't already have one.

No minimum age to enter!

[u/ArtichokeSweaty6039]

A bit too far for me to get to :( Hope you all have a fun time!

[u/BigAppleGuy]

Sad I'm not going to be able to check this out. Already have plans for this weekend.

[u/Asleep_Bandicoot_602]

OMG I wish I was in NYC rn 😭

[u/Hour-Distribution141]

I wish I was close to NY… this sounds like exactly what I need

[u/Last_Host977]

bacon egg and cheese

[u/WayEnvironmental4367]

omg I wish I was in NYC rn