Good afternoon, this is W42ST Lifestyle Editor Sarah Beling with “Make Way For The Weekend” — your curated guide to the best of New York events in one convenient newsletter!
OK, friends. Let’s talk survival strategies for this weekend. Pack the most ludicrously large water bottle you can carry, locate your nearest Mister Softee and be sure to pop into air-conditioned places from time to time (shoutout to the NYPL!!!!!!!!!). We’re staying hydrated, we’re not worrying about looking sweaty (it’s a late summer glow!!), and we’re staying as cool as we can until the New York Metro Weather Gods declare the vibes more stable. We’ve got this!!!
…when you can only think as far ahead as Monday!
👚 “can you please spell gabbana?”
I’ll admit that I’ve gathered most of my fashion industry insider knowledge from repeated viewings of The Devil Wears Prada and occasionally staring shamelessly at the outfits of Well-Dressed Fashion Girlies who pass me on the street — BUT if you are a Well-Dressed Fashion Girlie or want to be one, then you probably know that Fashion Week runs from September 8-13. While many of the heavy-hitter shows aren’t open to the public/people who recreate haute couture through lewks via Old Navy 🙋🏼♀️, there are a limited number of public events like the Rodarte Live Portrait series September 8, the Art Meso x W Times Square pop-up September 8, the Dreamland in Central Park show September 9 and the DapperQ presents Muse show at Brooklyn Museum tonight! If you’re going to go, by all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.
🎭 the meaning of mufti
The much-beloved Musicals in Mufti series is back this fall at the York Theatre Company! What exactly is “mufti”, you say? Why, it’s when some of your favorite musical theatre actors and creatives gather to present a script-in-hand, minimally staged reading of new works. In my humble opinion, they’re definitely worth catching — you never know when you’ll see the next Lucky Stiff (IYKYK) or other promising piece before it hits the big time!
🖼️ delirium of agony
Head to the Sean Kelly Gallery for the opening of contemporary artist Awol Erizku’s first solo exhibition September 8, where Erizku’s works, inspired by Ghana coffin culture and hip hop, “transform the linguistic conventions surrounding music, popular culture and sports symbolism into images and sculptures that offer an alternative to the Western gaze.”
🎤 this show will be yuge
SNL’s James Austin Johnson — known for his uncannily spot-on impressions of Joe Biden and That Guy Who Also Was President And May Now Be Under Indictment — makes a stop on his latest tour at the Bell House September 9!
🎶 babies were indeed born to run
I’m sorry, but Cocomelon and Baby Shark et al make my ears bleed. Be like my cool parents and instill a sense of taste in your kids early by taking them to Rock and Roll Playhouse: The Music of Bruce Springsteen at Brooklyn Bowl September 10, where you can enjoy hits from The Boss that you’ll actually want to sing along to.
🎤 have your quarter life crisis at radio city
Millennial honing beacon Taylor Tomlinson plays Radio City Music Hall September 10, where the successful standup will no doubt cover more of her conversational comedy that broaches everything from broken engagements to her own journey with bipolar disorder.
🎶 fluorescent adolescent
British rock sensation Arctic Monkeys take their post-punk revival act to Forest Hills Stadium September 8-9 with hits from their five critically-acclaimed albums!
🎶 live your life like it’s golden
Did you HEAR? The 90s are having a renaissance and I for one, am fine with it. Relive the Soulful Sounds of the 90s: Sade, Jill Scott & Lauryn Hill at Cafe Wha? September 10 with a musical tribute to some of the best female artists of the decade.
📜 analog art
Pier 36 hosts a massive, 100-gallery exhibition dedicated to modern and contemporary paper-based pieces at the Art on Paper festival September 7-10. In addition to the exhibitions, there are workshops, screenings and immersive performances “highlighting the creative potential of paper” — which I might need, considering I spend a significant portion of my day staring at a blank piece hoping for inspiration!!
🏳️🌈 work OUT
Take part in an all-day celebration of queer healing and community at the Gay Ass Wellness Fest September 10 where you can work out to the soundtrack of a live DJ with classes from Out Boxing, Fringe Pilates, TheTransFitnessBitch and more!
…what’s happening before and just after I hit your inbox next!
🎶 september’s song
Spend an evening with the Schiller Institute’s NYC Chorus, Asiana Sinfonia and the Bergen Symphony Orchestra at the Never Forget! 9/11 Memorial Concert September 10 at the St Paul and St Andrew United Methodist Church on the Upper West Side, where the artists will perform a moving tribute to those lost in the 9/11 attacks that features works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Eugene Simpson.
🎤 the best out there
There are few better storytellers than New Yorkers, and you can hear a few of them at Caveat September 12 for Generation Women: New York Stories, a multigenerational performance night where female-identifying and nonbinary New Yorkers from all walks of life share their wit and wisdom. This month we hear that Ariana DiLorenzo, known for both her highly danceable pop anthems and viral motivational speeches, will be one of the performers taking the stage.
🎞️ where we’re going we don’t need roads
I recently saw the Broadway adaptation of Back to the Future and was reminded of just how much I love the 1985 classic. If you too are looking to revisit the Robert Zemeckis film, it’s screening at Chelsea Park September 13 courtesy of a sponsorship from Council Member Erik Bottcher!
…for when you need to secure those hot tickets before they sell out!!!
🩰 diamonds are forever
Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, New York City Ballet’s presents Jewels September 19-24 as the first part of their Fall 2023 season. Apparently inspired by Balanchine’s trip to Van Cleef & Arpels, I would wager a ticket to see the show is still cheaper than buying one of their necklaces lol.
🌶️ hot ones, assemble
Grab your Scoville scale and head to Industry City for the 10th Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo September 30, where you can not only sample your favorite spices and sauces from all over the world but watch brave souls attempt to break Guinness World Records for spiciest peppers consumed 👀.
🔥 Hot tip
Thanks to loyal reader Teej for recommending a trip to Reception Bar, a Soju-focused downtown cocktail bar with impeccable vibes and impeccable bulgogi dumplings. Sounds like the perfect happy hour to us!!
⚠️ Omg I forgot to tell you
Don’t forget that the Manhattan Plaza Block Party is September 9
The Chinatown Night Market is September 8
There’s a free game night at Pier i September 8
Browse a brunch and shop event at the Grand Bazaar September 9 featuring food from the Olly Olly market
There’s a Reformation sample sale opening September 12
That’s it for now! Call me beep me if you want to reach me! (sarah@w42st.com)
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