October is one of my favorite times of the year, especially in New York City. Fall is in full swing, which means I can be more comfortable in my knit sweaters, enjoy seasonal coffee beverages, and embrace the changing colors of my scenery. I just overall feel more calm and relaxed – who knew the weather could do that?? I tend to take more walks in Central Park so I can enjoy the fall foliage and take tons of pictures worthy for Instagram. Of course, one of the most popular events of the month (well, maybe even the whole season) is of course Halloween, and you won’t have any trouble finding any kind of activity in relation to this holiday. Instead, I’ll focus on all the other things you can do this month in New York City so you can embrace the best month on the year.
If you’re willing to put your English skills to use this month, there are tons of ways you can put your learnings to practice in the real world. Interacting with others is the best way to test out what you’ve learned, and never forget that New York City is a huge cultural melting pot. This means don’t feel intimidated or nervous to ask others for help in translating or navigating your way around. While New York City is essentially a blip on the map, it’s still an epicenter of its own, so don’t be afraid!
- New York Coffee Festival, October 12-14, 2018
If you need a break from the bar scene (like I do), this is a great way to learn more about one of our most prized possessions: coffee! If you’re anything like me, coffee is a necessary fuel that helps any kind of productivity and energy maintenance, and it’s an interest that I’m always willing to explore. I’ve wanted to attend this event since moving to NYC but just haven’t made it yet, but this year I’ll be there! I plan on learning about more blends and coffee-making methods, and I hope to enjoy plenty of local samples. The event will also keep you entertained with tons of street food, learning demos, and live music. Bring your friends and meet new people—practice your English by asking other event-goers about their favorite brew, what they’ve learned, or simply strike up a conversation.
- Open House New York Weekend, October 12-14, 2018
This is one of those events that is highly regarded in New York City, as it’s a celebration for historic buildings, architectural legends, and new sites. It’s a chance for New Yorkers that have a passion for architecture to view locations and sites that are normally shut down or off-limits for the general public. Do some research before committing to this event, as some locations require a reservation. You’ll be able to practice your English social skills here, as you’ll be interacting with dozens of other passionate fans of traditional and modern buildings alike, and what’s even better is the organization’s philanthropic effort in putting on this event, so it might be helpful to bring your checkbook.
- The Accomplice, weekends in October
This event falls in the category of interactive entertainment that seems to be all the rage now. Similar to Escape the Room, this is a theatrical experience that will take you about all parts of New York City, depending on where you’d like to explore. There are tons of options available, as you can go on scavenger hunts with friends and simultaneously see parts of the city that you have never explored before. While this event can be on the pricier side, the whole experience lasts a little over 3 hours, and the reviews prove that it’s worth every penny. You can practice your English comprehension by interacting with the improv actors and meeting other excited event-goers. Before you know it, you’ll be looking up other ticket availabilities for the next show.
There are so many amazing things to do in New York City, and October is one of the best (and last of the year) to enjoy all kinds of activities outdoors. You can watch the leaves change color, feel comfortable with warm days and cool nights, and give your seasonal English skills some practice. Grab some of your friends and start exploring the city before it gets too cold and you start to feel the urge to hibernate!