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Gothamist Fall Guide: 20 Ways To Nail November In NYC

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November has inexorably arrived, and while you might already be gearing up for a long winter of take out food and Netflix binges, allow us to offer an alternative, twenty of them, in fact! From nature walks to comedy shows to winner-take-all mustache contests, November is packing so much cultural heat that it was almost impossible to narrow the list down. But somehow, we found a way. Time to make some plans!

via Steven Severinghaus's flickr

Odds are there's not enough trapeze happening in your daily life. This month you'll get a chance to change that, when BAM premieres <a href="http://www.bam.org/theater/2015/opus">Opus</a>, a high-brow circus act that's as acrobatic as it is aristocratic. The show will feature the ornate feats of Australia's Circa, who will tower and balance upon one another while a string quartet plays selections of Debussy and Shostakovich; it's being heralded as a "delicate and savage thriller" and will likely flip all your preconceived circus notions, no big tent required. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p5qYO6eZhT0?rel=0" width="640"></iframe> Wednesday-Saturday, November 4-7th, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday November 8th, 3 p.m. // <a href="http://www.bam.org/visit/venues/howard-gilman-opera-house">BAM Howard Gilman Opera House</a>, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn // <a href="http://commerce.bam.org/tickets/production.aspx?pid=10382">Tickets $25-60</a>

via facebook

We're not meteorologists, but we're pretty certain that the temperatures are set to plunge throughout November. Luckily there'll be excess body heat on hand at every night of <a href="http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/956671-antibalas-brooklyn">Antibalas's month-long Brooklyn Bowl residency</a>. Each Wednesday the powerhouse afrobeat band will bring in special guests like rapper-poet <a href="http://saulwilliams.com/">Saul Williams</a>, RnB dynamo <a href="http://www.santigold.com/">Santigold</a>, and soul revivalist <a href="http://www.leefieldsandtheexpressions.com/">Lee Fields</a> to push the mercury towards the boiling point. After all, this is the band that helped make <a href="http://www.felaonbroadway.com/">Fela!</a> such a runaway success; their grooves will send you off to a place of sweaty bliss. Wednesday, November 4th, 11th, and 18th; Doors at 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.brooklynbowl.com/brooklyn/">Brooklyn Bowl</a>, 61 Wythe Ave // <a href="http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/956671-antibalas-brooklyn">Tickets $15</a>

via Antibalas facebook

Throughout the month of November, MoMA will once again host "<a href="http://www.moma.org/calendar/film/1562?locale=en">To Save And Project,"</a> a celebration of landmark films from directors like Orson Welles, Federico Fellini and Dario Argento. As in years past, this month's batch of films represents works that have just recently been restored, and will offer cinephiles the chance to sink deep into Hollywood Noir, Cold War-era European masterpieces, and even a few silent classics that predate most of the Manhattan skyline. But the clear must-see items this year belong to Welles; 2015 is his centennial, after all, and MoMA is making the most of it by showing The Merchant of Venice, a rare print of The Deep, and selections from The Other Side of the Wind. We can already taste the popcorn. Wednesday-Thursday, November 4th-25th; times vary // <a href="http://www.moma.org/">MoMA</a>, 11 W 53rd Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.moma.org/calendar/film/1562?locale=en">Tickets $8-12</a>

A still from Amarcord, courtesy MoMA

Apples, they're more than just biodegradable bongs. They can also be used to make cider, delicious delicious cider, some of which can even become boozy through the miracles of fermentation. Savor some orchard-to-glass offerings at this year's <a href="http://ciderweeknyc.com/">Cider Week NYC</a>, which will host tastings, cheese pairings, cider making clinics, and an apple pie contest over a span of 14 days (which definitely stretches the definition of "week" but relax, it's just juice). Restaurants, galleries, and bars across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Jersey City will all be getting in on the action, and yes, there's something called <a href="http://ciderweeknyc.com/events/">Applepalooza</a> on their calendar, so get ready to sip all seasonal-like. <a href="http://gothamist.com/2015/10/28/cider_week_nyc_2015.php">Here's our guide to the highlights.</a> Monday-Sunday, November 2-15; Times vary // <a href="http://ciderweeknyc.com/events/">Various locations</a> // <a href="http://ciderweeknyc.com/events/">Admission and menu rices vary</a>

via Sharon Perlman's flickr

Yes, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEYN5w4T_aM">Santeria</a>" is without a doubt the worst song of the 1990s, but if you can look past Sublime's shitty beer-stained brand of blue-eyed reggae you might actually learn something at <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/events/ny-santeria-workshop">Atlas Obscura's Santeria Workshop</a>, which will take you to the Bronx's Original Products Botanica shop for a lesson in Afro-Caribbean spirituality. Candles, iconography, and incantations are all a part of this belief system, which blends Roman Catholic tenets with Yoruba traditions and is still practiced by many Bronx residents today. It'll be reverent, slightly eerie, and certainly off the beaten path of your <a href="http://gothamist.com/2013/10/24/the_only_good_brunch_is_a_dead_brun.php">typical weekend plans</a>. After the class you'll be encouraged to shop at <a href="http://www.originalbotanica.com/">Original Products Botanica</a> and put your newfound enlightenment to good use, and if you're upset over that Sublime diss then <a href="https://twitter.com/scottheins">come the fuck at me, bro.</a> Saturday, November 7th, 12:30 - 3 p.m. // <a href="http://www.originalbotanica.com/">Original Products Botanica</a>, 2486 Webster Ave, the Bronx // <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/events/ny-santeria-workshop">Tickets $35</a>

via Original Products Botanica Facebook

You'll have to stock up on bike lights and polish those reflectors, but it'll be well worth it for the <a href="http://times-up.org/rides/moonlight-ride-central-park">Moonlight Ride through Central Park, hosted by Time's Up</a>. Starting at Columbus Circle, the group ride will wind across the park at a laid-back pace with plenty of stops to admire your wheel spokes glowing in the silky moonlight. The environmental and bike activist group will be placing helpful pace-setters at the front and rear of the pack, adding to the overall nocturnal cooperation vibe. And if Central Park isn't in your two-wheeled orbit, a similar<a href="http://times-up.org/rides/moonlight-ride-prospect-park"> late night ride through Prospect Park</a> is also on the docket for the 14th. Friday, November 6th, 10 p.m. // Columbus Circle, Central Park // <a href="http://times-up.org/rides/moonlight-ride-central-park">Free</a>

via Damien Derouene's flickr

If "electronic music" only brings to mind the painted faces and neon tank tops of Electric Zoo, then your horizons are in dire need of broadening. You can jumpstart that process at the <a href="http://brooklynemf.com/">Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival</a>, which will bring DJs, producers, and bands from across the five boroughs and around the world to Williamsburg for one loud and extra-immersive weekend. Now in its eighth year, the fest will hinge upon sets from Armand Van Helden, Laidback Luke, Django Django and Snakehips, while hip-hop godfather Afrika Bambaataa will be stopping by for a panel discussion. Most shows will be taking place at <a href="http://outputclub.com/">Output</a>, <a href="http://www.verbotennewyork.com/">Verboten</a>, <a href="http://www.goodroombk.com/">Good Room</a>, and <a href="http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/">Music Hall of Williamsburg</a>, meaning that fans of rave scenes both spacious and compact will be able to get the goods they need. BEMF is your chance to visit planet rock and finally learn the subtle differences between house, garage, jungle, and techno, so pack a pair of earplugs and get ready to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF-kLy44Hls">lose yourself to dance</a>. Thursday-Monday, November 5-8th; <a href="http://brooklynemf.com/">Showtimes vary</a> // Multiple venues across Williamsburg, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.ticketfly.com/org/4135">Ticket info here</a>

Gothamist

This month marks the last stretch of 2015 in which you'll be able to stroll outside, sip from a thermos, and meditate on life without having to worry about <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/13/9520507/winter-storm-names-2015-2016-weather-channel">Winter Storm YOLO</a>. The <a href="http://www.nybg.org/gardens/thain-family-forest/forest-weekends.php">New York Botanical Garden's Fall Forest Weekends</a> will make it easy to feel one with nature as you walk a long and winding path under a canopy of leaves (and bare twigs). The largest old-growth forest still alive in New York City, the Thain Family Forest truly is one of our most under-appreciated gems, and from guided hikes to canoe trips to woodcrafting clinics, there's something up there for everyone. November 7-8, 14-15, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/">New York Botanical Garden</a>, 2900 Southern Blvd, the Bronx // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/gardens/thain-family-forest/forest-weekends.php">Included with</a> NYBG admission (<a href="http://www.nybg.org/visit/tickets.php">$25 for an adult</a> on weekends)

Ivo M. Vermeulen/NYBG

Beards: they happen. They happen on men's faces. And while it goes without saying that the <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/12/lumbersexuality-and-its-discontents/383563/">Lumbersexual</a> is a thriving species that's easy to spot on J, G, and L trains, the real facial hair honchos will be repping their scruff at the Kings Theatre for the <a href="http://www.nationalbeardchampionships.com/2015">National Beard and Moustache Championships</a>. If you think your handlebar or fu manchu is up to snuff, then go ahead and <a href="http://www.nationalbeardchampionships.com/competitor-information/">register to compete</a>, but be forewarned: the last seven yearly competitions have seen wooly-cheeked men from all over the globe fly in, wax up, and throw down. Those who prefer to enjoy beards from a distance can still get tickets, and the entire evening will benefit the FDNY. Saturday, November 7th, 1 p.m. // <a href="http://www.kingstheatre.com/contact/about-us">Kings Theatre</a>, 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/national-beard-and-moustache-championships-brooklyn-new-york-11-07-2015/event/03004E94DB84656F?artistid=2114859&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0">Tickets $28</a>

Gothamist

If you're the type who can see the beauty in tangled synthesizer cables, homemade drum machines, and DIY displays, then charge up before heading out to <a href="http://www.culturehub.org/">Culturehub</a>'s collaborative tech-music show. It's called <a href="http://www.culturehub.org/upcoming-events/">Improvised Electronics Round Robin: Dark Circuits II</a>, which is both the title of our next Voltron fanfic novel and the perfect way to describe this evening of collaborative music from local artists working on the cutting edge of current events. Artists like <a href="https://vimeo.com/alexnathanson">Alex Nathanson</a>, <a href="yuditskaya.com">Sofy Yuditskaya</a>, and <a href="https://jonasbers.wordpress.com/">Jonas Bers</a> blur the lines between sonic, visual, and bodily mediums, and so if you've always lamented the fact that you'll never get to truly plug into The Matrix, this might be the very next best thing. Sunday, November 8th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.culturehub.org/">Culturehub</a>, 47 Great Jones Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/improvised-electronics-round-robin-dark-circuits-ii-tickets-18395867535">$10 Suggested Donation</a>

Kjersten Rossi via Culturehub facebook

The fall will once again bring some of the most talented, iconic, eager, crass, clever, and downright strange performers in all of comedy to venues all over the city. Yes, it's <a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com/">New York Comedy Festival</a> time, and from live Comedy Central shows at the Kings Theatre to upstart podcast tapings to a "conversation" with Lewis Black (the man doesn't converse, he rages, let's speak plain), there'll be more to do than you could possible hope to fit into just one week. Make the most of it with "<a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com/event/women-comedy-panel-comedy-matters-tales-dark-side/">Tales From the Dark Side</a>," a panel on women in comedy, a mock <a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com/event/trump-vs-bernie-debate-starring-anthony-atamanuik-james-adomian/">Trump vs. Sanders debate</a>, and a solo show from the always-brilliant <a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com/event/week-creek-james-adomian/">James Adomian</a>. Wednesday-Monday, November 10-15; Times vary // <a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com/">Full Schedule and Ticket Info Here</a>

via New York Comedy Festival facebook

It's officially November, in the literal sense, but is it also a dark, drizzly November in your soul? Unlike Ishmael, you probably have a 9 to 5 job and can't just set sail for the watery part of the world whenever you feel like knocking people's hats off in the street. However, for a solid three days this month you can immerse yourself in the <a href="http://whitney.org/Events/MobyDickAMarathonReading">second-annual marathon reading of Moby Dick</a>. Authors, editors and visual artists will read aloud all 135 chapters of Herman Melville's novel with some notable guests including Eileen Myles, Ashley C. Ford, and Nathaniel Philbrick, who wrote Why Read Moby Dick?, in case you still need convincing. (Marie Solis) Saturday-Monday, November 14-16th, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // <a href="http://www.acehotel.com/newyork">Ace Hotel New York</a>, <a href="https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/">South Street Seaport Museum</a> and <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/bookstore/">Housing Works Bookstore Cafe</a> // <a href="http://whitney.org/Events/MobyDickAMarathonReading">Free</a>

via Moby Dick Marathon facebook

Your cold, shining smartphone knows nothing of the computers that came before it. Many punch cards died to bring us this information. But there are terabytes' worth of knowledge to be gained by visiting the <a href="https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/silicon-city-computer-history-made-new-york">NYHS's Silicon City</a> exhibit, which opens later this month and tells the story of New York's role in the making of the modern computer. From early vacuum tube contraptions that filled entire rooms to the iconic 1964 World's Fair IBM Pavilion, to modern microchips and wifi infrastructure, the ways in which New Yorkers plugged in and logged on will be divulged in hi-rise detail. It's a must-see show, and lucky for you we've already picked out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ4B8clQGnA">perfect soundtrack for your visit</a>. Opens Saturday, November 13th // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/">New York Historical Society</a>, 170 Central Park West

The final day of the 1964 World's Fair, via NYHS facebook

If the usual holiday cider and powdered cocoa just won't cut it this year, <a href="http://microapp.villagevoice.com/holidayspirits/2015/">The Village Voice's 3rd Annual Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise</a> will afford you the chance to sip wintry offerings from over 25 distilleries and wineries. There'll be dinner, live music, and sweeping views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty on this Santa-sanctioned booze cruise (insert Broad City reference <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7O1KQYCICo">here</a>). Thursday, November 19th, 6-10 p.m. // The Hornblower Infinity Cruise Ship (Pier 40 at West Houston Street, Manhattan) // <a href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/958289?utm_source=nyv&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=hssite">Tickets $55-70</a>

Gothamist

Before the hip-hoppers, punk rockers, and doo-woppers, New York belonged to the folk poets, and none perhaps has a greater legacy than Woody Guthrie. The American songwriting legend lived and worked all over the city, channeling its harsh struggles into his songs. On the 19th, <a href="http://mcny.org/event/rambling-around-woody-guthrie%E2%80%99s-new-york-0">The Museum of the City of New York will host "Rambling" virtual walking tours of Guthrie's New York</a>, as well as a few first-hand stories courtesy of his daughter, Nora. You'll be privy to old personal photos, archival audio and very rare film footage, making this the perfect behind-the-music companion piece to her new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Name-New-York-Guthries/dp/1576875954">My Name is New York</a>. Thursday, November 19th, 6:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.mcny.org/">MCNY</a>, 1220 5th Avenue, Manhattan // <a href="https://35948.blackbaudhosting.com/35948/Rambling-Around-Woody-Guthries-New-York">Tickets $12-16</a>

Gothamist

Period piece guru Matt Zoller Seitz won our hearts with his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anderson-Collection-Matt-Zoller-Seitz/dp/081099741X">Wes Anderson Collection</a>, a deluxe deep-dive into some of the most visually striking films of the past twenty years. Now, he's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Men-Carousel-Complete-Companion/dp/1419720635">done the same for Mad Men</a> and is <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/matt-zoller-seitz-mad-men">stopping by The Strand</a> to discuss his dapper new tome. We've been known to get our rocks off by <a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/madmen">unpacking the historical references embedded in our favorite episodes</a>, but Zoller Seitz has taken that process to an entirely new level. He'll speak on the series with a cadre of fellow Draper-ites, and we recommend you pick out your favorite pair of wingtips and bring a flask of old fashioned mix, just to be on the safe side. Saturday, November 20th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/">The Strand Bookstore</a>, 828 Broadway, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/matt-zoller-seitz-mad-men">Free with purchase of either Mad Men Carousel or a $15 gift card</a>

Gothamist

Anyone who has ever used a dating app will find that they are better fodder for funny stories than anything else. Writer, actor, musician and stand-up comic Lane Moore explores the hilarious pitfalls of our attempts to find True Love during her interactive show <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/event/983245-tinder-live-lane-moore-brooklyn/">Tinder Live!</a> Moore will offer tips and tricks for Tinder users and hopefully answer some of our own burning questions, because we still don't understand why men post <a href="http://tinderguyswithtigers.tumblr.com/">photos</a> with <a href="http://tigersoftinder.com/">tigers</a> or how we can <a href="http://gothamist.com/2015/02/19/bartenders_are_judging_u.php">avoid bartenders judging our Tinder dates</a>. Moore will even do real-time swiping and put her matches in the hot seat as she messages and calls them on stage. (Marie Solis) Friday, November 20th, 8:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/event/983245-tinder-live-lane-moore-brooklyn/">The Bell House</a>, 149 7th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.thebellhouseny.com/event/983245-tinder-live-lane-moore-brooklyn/">Tickets $15</a>

Gothamist

This event is everything you wished your senior thesis was: boozy and about boy bands. This month, Drunk Ted Talks presents <a href="http://www.littlefieldnyc.com/event/986189-quit-playing-games-our-art-brooklyn/">Quit Playing Games with Our Art: N'Thynking through the Legacy of Boy Bands,</a> which will hopefully help you make sense of the sexual awakening you had when you watched the "Bye, Bye, Bye" music video for the first time. Other topics include "Whatâs My Rage Again: Integrating Pop-Punk into the Boy Band Canon" and "The NeXt factor: Debating the Future of One Direction." (I would suggest abandoning all hope and listening to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnUWcm6KK6c">Mitski's cover of "Fireproof"</a> on repeat instead, but thatâs none of MY business). In any case, this won't be a <a href="http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ruined-childhood">Ruin Your Childhood</a>-type event, but rather a get-drunk-and-theorize-pretty-boys kinda thing. (Marie Solis) Saturday, November 21st, doors at 5:30 p.m., show at 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.littlefieldnyc.com/">Littlefield NYC</a>, 622 Degraw St // <a href="http://www.littlefieldnyc.com/event/986189-quit-playing-games-our-art-brooklyn/">Tickets $5</a>

Gothamist

If the thought of preparing an entire Thanksgiving dinner gives you the shakes, take heart. There are plenty of delicious seasonal recipes to try that don't involve gizzards, and our most favorite of all is chili. Pro chefs and apartment kitchen amateurs will be gathering once again for the fall <a href="http://thetakedowns.com/brooklyn-chili-takedown-2015/">Chili Takedown</a> competition, which will determine who's got the goods when it comes to broth, seasoning, beans, and beef. Between 25 and 30 entrants are expected, and even if you're not culinarily-inclined, a ticket still buys you the chance to sample from the bubbling pots of others. If you really want to get serious, bring a bib and your own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VblNDhGFc6s">special spoon</a>. Monday, November 22nd 12-2 p.m. // <a href="http://www.royalpalmsshuffle.com/">Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club</a>, 514 Union Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2450291">Tickets $20</a>

Gothamist

A deep look at the cynical, corrupt, and deadly untold story of the TASER industry, Killing Them Safely might be the most important documentary of the year. <a href="http://www.ifccenter.com/films/killing-them-safely/">The film arrives at IFC</a> at the end of November following a successful premiere at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, and peels back much of the marketing and faulty research that frames TASER weapons as non-lethal. Spoiler alert: they do, in fact, kill, and Killing Them Safely gets up close and personal with the families who have lost a loved one to taser-happy police, along with executives at the main company responsible for manufacturing and selling these unreliable weapons. Thoroughly researched and unflinching in its depiction of the lives decimated by these guns, Killing Them Safely is a film that speaks directly to the present moment. Necessary viewing for engaged citizens everywhere. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m44Qs5qoPcY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe> Opens Friday, November 27th // <a href="http://www.ifccenter.com/">IFC Center</a>, 323 6th Avenue, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.ifccenter.com/films/killing-them-safely/">Ticket Info Here</a>

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