So you just moved moved, eh? There are so many things going on in this city, many art shows, clubs, restaurants, bars, weird events, etc. Alas, it’s hard to actually pick the best one or venture out to these events, especially if you don’t know anyone. But you-can-do-it! I even went out by myself one night and had a great time (read the article here).
You can start by checking out events on couchsurfing.org in the NYC group. But I warn you: events posted there are mostly get togethers, the weekly CS meeting, or bar hang outs. Sometimes someone will post information about a particular event or an interesting plan but I wouldn’t count on it as my primary source for NYC events. Remember that the majority of people who post in the new york group are tourists or clueless newcomers like us! This is not to say that you shouldn’t visit the NYC Couchsurfing group! Au contraire, I think it is a great place to meet people who will tag along and go with you to events that you propose.
If you are looking for cool, different, and interesting things to do in this city I would recommend doing the following, in no particular order. Although, I may have unconsciously ordered it from best to worst.
1. Signing up to the weekly newsletter called nonsense new york (find it here: http://www.nonsensenyc.com/). Every thursday or wednesday, they will send you an email with list of cool things to do during the weekend. I know I’ve used the word “cool” a lot but I don’t know how else to describe these things. They’re COOOL events oookaaaay?
2. Checking out Brokelyn, a guide for broke people to go out in brooklyn http://brokelyn.com/
3. Perusing oneartworld to find art gallery shoes/openings/events where you will be likely to get drunk for free whilst being surrounded by pretty people and pretty things http://oneartworld.com/
4. Reading or following Gothamist – they’ll often do “Food and Drinks” neighbourhood tours such as this; advertise festivals going on in the city; and present news that will keep you ~in the know~ of what’s going on. You kind of have to dig through it though, not gonna lie.
6. Checking out the Evgrieve blog http://evgrieve.com/, which is a repository for events, news, and other stuff going on in the East Village/Lower East Side area. You also have to dig through it.
Update! New sources – this time in no particular order!
7. Check out 3rdWard.com or and/or their respective Facebook and twitters. 3rdWard is a gallery where they host this drink and draw event on wednesdays (which should be checked out by you) but they will often post about events going on in the city.
8. brooklynvegan.com (foooo shooooo) is also a really awesome website where they post about a bunch of events, most of them cool and FREE. And no, they dont just advertise events for vegans!
9. Brooklyn exposed is similar to brooklynvegan but the events don’t overlap so you should check it out.
10. Believe ir or not Brooklyn.com is an awesome source for events! haha i know right? yeah check it out. the usefulness of the information makes up for their dreadful webpage design. Maybe they’re trying to go vintage or something. Through this website, I found out Aretha Franking played for fucking free on August 4th 2011.
8. GET A TWITTER if you don’t already have one and follow a bunch of people, pages, bands, magazinez based in New York City because they often post shit to do like gallery openings, release parties (which often have free food and free booze) and places they are DJing and stiff. Basically follow me on twitter and follow all the NYC pple I follow? Ok i’m not gonna teach you how to use twitter lol but let me tell you its hella useful.
The more things i find that I can share I will let you know. Meanwhile, feel free to check out the map I made with all my favourite spots in NYC. I shall update it the more I get to know the city.
Toronto --> New York City 