BRIC JazzFest Marathon Night
Catch simultaneous sets across multiple stages at BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn, featuring boundary-pushing jazz legends and rising stars.
live-musicjazznightlife
For friend groupsThings to do in New York City with friends this weekend (Oct 16–18)
This weekend in New York City: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 4 dated events
What's on in New York, NY this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.
13 hand-picked things to do in New York, NY right now · 5 with confirmed dates
Photo: Jordan Merrick / Unsplash
How we pick spots for a group
- Buzzy, higher-energy rooms that take a crowd
- What's on right now over evergreen tourist stops
- Bookable tables and shared plates a group can split
🎟️ Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight
Rebel Stencil Workshop at Banksy Museum
Learn the mechanics of stencil cutting and spray techniques inside the world's largest collection of Banksy murals on Broadway.
arthands-onworkshop
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at DR2
Eric Carle's beloved stories leap from page to stage with 75 luminous puppets just off Union Square—ideal for an autumn family matinee.
theaterkidsfamily
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🍷 Eat & Drink
Cozy dining and seasonal neighborhood flavors
Seafood Pastas & Warm Negronis at San Sabino
From the Don Angie team, this warm corner gem shines on brisk autumn afternoons with spicy tuna cannoli and lobster tripoline.
italianpastacozy
Welsh Rarebit & Curried Lamb Tart at Lord's
Ed Szymanski and Patricia Howard's British bistro is built for October weather—order the duck scotch egg and a glass of Gamay.
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Wood-Fired Tacos Under Greenpoint Skylights at Oxomoco
Warm up next to the glowing wood oven with lamb barbacoa tacos, roasted beet tartare, and smoke-tinged mezcal palomas.
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🍁 This Weekend in New York, NY · Oct 16–18
Make the most of crisp autumn days
DAYDREAM: Air Becomes Art at Balloon Museum
Wander through oversized inflatable architectural installations, mirror mazes, and chromatic air sculptures right along the East River.
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T.E.A.L. 90s Dance Party at The Bell House
Ditch the chill outside and head to Gowanus for classic throwback 90s anthems, retro drinks, and dancing in support of ovarian cancer awareness.
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Autumn Foliage Walk Through The Ramble
Catch mid-October peak foliage along winding forested trails, Bow Bridge, and the Conservatory Water before grabbing hot cider nearby.
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✨ New & Notable
Fresh exhibits and seasonal happenings
Open House New York Weekend
Hundreds of secretive rooftops, historic water towers, and architectural landmarks unlock their doors across all five boroughs.
architecturesecret-nyctours
Heirloom Apples & Hot Cider at Union Square
Upstate orchards roll in with dozens of heirloom apple varieties, warm cider donuts, and fresh concord grapes straight from Hudson Valley farms.
farmers-marketlocal-foodautumn
🚗 Quick Escape
Road-trip getaways within three hours
Dia Beacon & Mount Beacon Ridge
Take the 80-minute Metro-North ride north along the Hudson. Spend Saturday morning immersed in massive minimalist sculptures at Dia Beacon, hike up Mount Beacon for sweeping foliage vistas across the river valley, and finish with wood-fired sourdough pizza on Main Street.
arthikinghudson-valley
Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Loop & Waterfalls
Drive two hours west across the Delaware River to hike the tumbling cascades at Dingmans Falls and traverse scenic cliffside trails along Mount Minsi, wrapped up with local cider tastings and quiet country inns.
mountainswaterfallsroad-trip
Ready-made New York, NY itineraries
Ready-made plans for New York, NY, written out in full and built from real local spots — start from one instead of a blank page.
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in New York, NY with friends?
Group-friendly highlights in New York, NY right now include BRIC JazzFest Marathon Night, Rebel Stencil Workshop at Banksy Museum, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at DR2. WonderKit updates this guide daily so plans stay current.
Where do locals go out in New York, NY?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists buzzy restaurants and bars in New York, NY — the spots locals are actually packing this week.
Where's the best nightlife in New York, NY?
Check the sections above for current events, buzzy bars, and weekend plans in New York, NY worth texting the group chat about.
Plan a friends trip to New York, NY
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three New York, NY trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.