Things to do in New York: Negroni Week, Football, Apple Picking, ChainFest

NEW YORK – Fall 2024 officially begins this Sunday in New York City, and there are a lot of things happening around town to herald the arrival of the new season.

From fall cocktails to food festivals to apple picking and everything in between, here are some things you can do this weekend.

GO TO: Fun things to do | ROOFS | COCKTAILS | APPLE PICKING | FOOTBALL

Cocktails Negroni NYC

Be sure to try a sip of Negroni Week, which ends this Sunday.

Here are some Negroni cocktails worth trying in and around New York City:

• Bitter Island in Shinji: Made with a rich syrup of gentian root and orange leaves sourced from a local New Jersey citrus plantation.
• Caprese Negroni in Bar Congress: Made with sweet vermouth and balsamic vinegar, this negroni tastes like a summer vacation
• Golden Heart in Mr. Paradise: Made with The Botanist Distiller’s Strength distillate infused with mango and white vermouth to reflect Filipino culture
• Ocean Prime: Furious with

Swingers, crazy golf club (NoMad)

Try your hand at Swingers NoMad – a golf event that offers a fun twist on the game with DJs, gourmet street food and cocktails.

From October 31 to November 3, guests can enjoy special Halloween deals, including a prize wheel on the 9th hole where you can win festive cocktails and special treats.

ChainFest NYC Michelin Chef Prepares Chain Food

The Los Angeles-based event known for its innovative interpretations of iconic chain restaurant dishes is expanding to New York for the first time.

On September 21st from noon to 4 p.m., Randall’s Island Park will host a food festival featuring Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth featuring dishes from Red Robin, Panda Express, KFC and more, as well as debut dishes from KFC and Panda Express. There will also be nostalgic attractions like an adult arcade called Chuck E. Cheese and a pop-up Trader Vic’s.

Candle making at Apotheke (Red Hook)

At Apotheke Studio, guests can try a personalized candle-making experience where they explore scents and create a personalized candle that reflects their unique style. With over 50 different scented oils to choose from, this is the perfect option for a fun date night or cozy activity. Tickets start at $60 per guest.

Second City New York (Williamsburg)

Laugh your head off as you watch two of The Second City’s best shows: Ruthless acts of kindnessa funny look at dealing with modern dilemmas and A totally improvised extravaganzawith unexpected celebrity guests and improvisation stars.

Past appearances include Padma Lakshmi, David Cross and Jeff Hiller, but you never know who will show up next!

Get your tickets here.

“Halloween Town” at the New York Botanical Garden

Ready to get into the Halloween spirit? Experience the magic of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the New York Botanical Garden, September 27.

This immersive light show will run Thursday through Sunday from dusk to 10pm until November 30.

Tickets start at $39 and can be purchased here.

Here are some rooftops where you can enjoy the last days of summer!

Enhance your football experience at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square and The Highlight Room.

Magic Hour features a new food and drink menu, live DJs and eight large TVs, making it a great place to watch any match, especially with Sunday Bubbles kicking off on 22nd September, with bubbles and live music from 5pm until midnight.

• Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge: The Magic Hour rooftop terrace overlooks the Empire State Building and includes a 2-hour Endless Drink Pass. tickets online For $45 you can enjoy free drinks at the bar only from 5pm to 7pm, every day of the week.
• The Highlight Room: Located on the LES with stunning views of the New York City skyline, with unbeatable happy hours Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, featuring: $5 pink into glasses and in cocktail jugs to share.

While orchards and farms may seem like an escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Big Apple is actually close to some of the best harvests of the year.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY)

This Westchester farm is just an hour’s drive from New York City.

Don’t miss the charming market with a wide variety of baked goods including fresh cakes, famous apple cider doughnuts, wine from White Hill Vineyard and unique strudel sticks.

By public transport: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By car: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Outhouse Orchards (139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY)

Outhouse Orchards offers the highest quality apple picking and a celebration of fall.

Visit in September and October for the Fall Festival, where you can enjoy rubber duck races, hayrides, wood-fired pizza, and sample 12 varieties of apples, including spicy McIntoshes and sweet Jonamacks.

By public transport: From Grand Central Station, take the Metro-North train to Brewster Station, then take a taxi or rideshare to the orchard.

By car: Approximately 90 minutes.

• Cham’s Mom “Sour from the Black Sea” (121 Montague St, New York) This bold fall cocktail is made with rich Georgian brandy, fresh lemon juice and a velvety head of foam for a perfectly balanced, smooth finish.
• Nice sipsSpecial Fall Snacks (30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City and 84 South Street, Pier 16, New York City) New York City’s first “dirty soda” shop, Cool Sips, is now offering four limited-edition fall drinks, including Nags Head (Root beer, toasted marshmallows, brown sugar) and Goose Rocks (unsweetened black tea, pumpkin pie, vanilla cream boba) – perfect for those looking for fall flavors other than pumpkin!
• Brooklyn Hen“Onibaba” (34 34th St., Brooklyn) Seven-year-old kome shochu (a Japanese rice-based distillate) has been expertly blended with Japanese curry, sweet red beans and pear to create an autumn-tinged spirit.
• Registration Agency“Brand Ambassador” (118 E 40th St, New York) This tart take on the gimlet features Serbian pear brandy and gin infused with classic fall flavors like allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and almonds. Despite the depth of fall flavor, it’s still bright and citrusy like its classic counterpart, so those craving a tart kick from the gimlet will still be able to enjoy this fall riff.
• Patent pending“Done from memory” (49 W 27th St, New York) This apple brandy-based drink combines some classic fall flavors—orange liqueur, fig leaf, Earl Grey tea and cream—with gin (served hot).
• Quiet‘S “Sereneco Derby” (113 Franklin St, Brooklyn) Bourbon, rosemary, honey and grapefruit come together in this classic fall drink with earthy flavors, spicy citrus notes and sweet honey undertones.