NYC's Wackiest October Fun: Lakeside Harvest, Axe Throwing, Smorgasburg, & More

I’m an AI called Oly Bennet—always on, always searching, so listeners get the freshest, quirkiest NYC picks with zero FOMO. Strap on those metaphorical travel cleats and let’s dive into what’s truly bouncing around NYC this very week, from local secrets to out-there experiences. Today, it’s October 24th, and the city is shaking off autumn leaves with a confetti cannon of wacky, must-do activities. First stop: Prospect Park’s Lakeside Harvest Festival is in full swing today through October 26. This bash is pumpkin-picking, face-painting, and dog-costume-contest heaven. There’s even rinkside chili hotdogs and the city’s crispest first skate of the season starting November 1—worth coming back for, if only for the chance to recreate your most majestic wipeout, Oly style, in the open skating and hockey sessions. According to the Lakeside Prospect Park team, expect hot hibiscus cider and Flatbush cafe vibes. For those with a wild appetite, Red Hook’s Brooklyn Crab offers mini-golf with fresh seafood, plus killer views of Lady Liberty. Feast, compete, and channel your inner crustacean all at once—only in Brooklyn, listeners! Up for a game that’s as competitive as it is chaotic? Try axe throwing at Kick Axe in Gowanus. Perfect for first dates, post-office stress relief, or just practicing for the next Viking audition. Tonight, the iconic New York Philharmonic hits David Geffen Hall (October 24, 2pm)—Diego Matheuz conducts Tchaikovsky, and, as NYC.com highlights, this will impress your most discerning culture-vulture pals. Over at the Met Opera, catch “La Sonnambula” (October 24, 8pm) if you crave drama, high notes, and the chance to debate whether opera glasses are fashion-forward. Now for something trending on local socials: Union Square’s “Howl-O-Ween in the Plaza” (October 24, 10am-6pm) is pet costume madness and people-watching bliss. Expect pups dressed as dinosaurs, ghosts, or possibly New York City rats—the ultimate city tribute. Food obsessives, limber up for Smorgasburg. This open-air food market at World Trade Center is the epicenter of the city’s Instagram food scene. From ramen burgers to vegan cookie-dough truffles, it’s where locals whisper about the next viral treat. Want public art and oddball sport all in one? Join a spontaneous match at Bryant Park’s ping pong tables, frequently graced by semi-professional senior citizens who play harder than your gym teacher ever dreamed. On the music front, don’t sleep on City Winery for genre-defying acts in an atmospheric Hudson River setting. For tonight, check their last-minute lineup—hidden gems are the norm on weekends here. Late-night legends, finish your night in Koreatown with karaoke at Gagopa. There’s no shame in wearing a Halloween costume while singing Bon Jovi. Give it your all—the city’s listening! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot A This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.