As the weather continues to get chillier and the leaves begin to fall at a much faster rate, you might be wondering what there is to do during a month that can be warm one day and pretty darn cold the next. Luckily, just in case you forgot, New York City is home to constant action and a never-ending list of things to do to keep yourself occupied. And if you’re adjusting to English, fret not, because all of these events offer plenty of ways to incorporate your learning tactics into real life. Between meeting new people by means of verbal and social interaction and reading and listening to cultural events, you’re sure to put your English skills to use for the whole month of October!
- New York Comic Con 2017; October 5 – October 8
You might be familiar with this event, as this huge gathering attracts thousands of people from all over the country. This event is a chance for superfans from all kinds of pop culture disciplines to come together and interact with other fellow fans. From comic books and superhero movies to science fiction television shows and book series, these passionate fans come to the Javits Center in Hells Kitchen dressed as their favorite characters, called cosplay. This is also a chance for these fans to interact with celebrities, browse timeless memorabilia, and shop for prized souveniers and collectibles. Tickets start at $45 for the day, but act fast since they sell out quite quickly. A great way to practice your English? Come dressed up as your favorite sci-fi character that doesn’t speak English and challenge yourself to interact with other fans. They won’t even know that you’re practicing!
- Cider Week; October 20 – October 29
One of my favorite parts of fall is how everything is apple-focused. I could eat an apple every day and just not get bored with the taste, so since fall is the best time for apples to be in season, I feel like I’m in heaven! With all sorts of types of apples in season, you can surely find your favorite in an instant. And even better is that during this last week in October, over 50 bars and restaurants are participating in this eventful series of events with free apple cider tastings, events, and workshops. Check out the site to see what bars are participating in your area, and bring a group of friends so you can meet other cider fans, practice your English, and get your apple cider on!
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Even if you’re brand new to New York City, you no doubt are aware of this legendary ice skating rink in the heart of Manhattan. It might still be a bit too warm to ice skate when it opens up for the season on October 7, but it’s still a very monumental time of the year when this opens up for the season. You might notice an influx of foot traffic in this area the first couple of days it’s open, so I recommend coming around later in the month, and you’ll beat a lot of the holiday tourist traffic as well! Since you’re in the prime tourist location of the city, this is also a great time to put your English skills to use – help tourists in need of directions or ask other people where they recommend to get great food and drink.
- The New Yorker Festival; October 6 – October 8
The New Yorker is a celebrated and culturally iconic brand in the media industry, and each year the magazine organizes a 3-day event in which their editors and contributors host panels and discussions with some of the most popular and culture-changing figures in theatre, film, music, and social movements. With tickets starting at $65, this event can be a bit pricey, but if this kind of content intrigues you, it would be super beneficial to attend one of these events to feel like the magazine is brought to life. Plus, what better way to utilize your English skills than listen to some of the top academically and professionally accomplished talents in our current world?
No matter what your interests are, you’re bound to find something during the month of October that will not only keep you excited and entertained for the season, but they’ll also keep you on track when it comes to putting your English speaking skills to use.