NYC Dates That Are Not Just Dinner Or Drinks
September 1 - 7
Hello hello,
Labor Day is here, which means summer is officially packing up her beach tote — but before she leaves, she’s throwing one last unforgettable weekend in NYC. Throwback concerts and parades that bring the streets alive to gothic bookstores and nerdy pun battles, this week has a little something for every vibe.
🌴 West Indian Day Parade
NYC’s most electrifying Labor Day tradition returns. Two million people will flood Brooklyn’s streets in a celebration of Caribbean heritage, music, and culture. Come ready for vibrant costumes, irresistible rhythms, and the kind of energy that turns Monday into the best party of the summer.
🗓 Monday, September 1, 2025 | 10:00AM
📍 Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
😂 Punderdome: All-Star Tournament
At Littlefield, Brooklyn’s nerdiest comedy showdown returns with the All-Star Tournament of Pun Champions. Watch pros go head-to-head with two-minute pun routines after only two minutes of prep. Hosted by Fred Firestone and his daughter Jo, this long-running show is basically a rap battle.
🗓 Wednesday, September 3, 2025
📍635 Sackett Street, Brooklyn, NY
🏹 Archery Class at Wild Captives
Release your inner superhero at the nation’s first female- and LGBTQ-owned archery studio in Industry City. Their intro classes run every weekend and include a crash course in bow basics, safety, and your big moment: shooting arrows at balloons pinned to a bullseye. Empowering, cathartic, and Instagram-worthy.
🗓 Multiple Dates
📍34th St (2nd Fl.), Industry City, Brooklyn, NY
💬 Details Here | $45
📚 NYC’s First Horror Bookshop Opens: The Twisted Spine
Calling all dark academia lovers: The Twisted Spine has officially opened, and it’s the gothic library of your dreams. Hardwood floors, chandeliers, a graveyard patio (yes, with tombstones), and over 5,000 titles dedicated entirely to horror — from gothic classics to indie chillers. Grab a latte (or wine), curl up in a corner, and let the nightmares begin.
🗓 Saturday, September 6, 2025
📍 306 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY
✨ Instacart’s Summer of ‘99: Live with Third Eye Blind Concert
For one night only, Instacart is taking us back to 1999! butterfly clips, frosted tips, and all. Expect complimentary snacks straight from your childhood pantry (Frosted Flakes, anyone?), nostalgic cocktails, makeover stations, exclusive merch, and of course, a full set from Third Eye Blind (yes, “Semi-Charmed Life” included).
🗓 Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 6:30PM - 10:00PM
📍 610 West 56th Street, New York, NY
Got a favorite NYC date idea? Reply and share—we might feature it next week!
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