Weekly roundup (October 8)
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October 8, 2025 | Issue #127
NYC FOR FREE WEEKLY ROUNDUP
Note from Rebeka:
This week: a free immersive roller rink debuts in Chelsea, check out the Dear New York art installation in Grand Central, experience the world of manga at Kodansha House and more.
β Rebeka
FEATURED EVENTS (THIS WEEK):
ποΈ Met Rooftop Closes Oct 19: Met Roof is closing until 2030 to undergo 5 years of renovations. Check it out in the next 2 weeks!
πͺ© Secret Room at IKEA Brooklyn (October 8 - 9): A secret dazzling mirrored room is hidden inside the IKEA Brooklyn showroom. Find it to unlock exclusive offers! (Sponsored)
π IKEA House Warming (October 9 - 26, Thurs-Sun): IKEA U.S. is kicking off its 40th anniversary with an immersive pop-up experience celebrating four decades of iconic design and the beloved IKEA meatball.
π―π΅Kodansha House (October 8 - 19): Kodansha House returns, inviting fans to discover an even bigger and more expansive experience with the world of manga.
πΌοΈDear New York Art Installation (October 8 - 19): Humans of New York creator Brandon Stanton created the largest public art installation in NYC in decades. Grand Central is cleared of advertising for the first time, with digital screens showcasing portraits and stories from Humans of New York
π§PopUp Bagels x Kraft Mac & Cheese (October 10): Kraft Mac & Cheese is teaming up with PopUp Bagels for a one-of-a-kind Kraft Mac & Cream Cheese schmear, with a takeover at the Penn Plaza location on Friday
πΌFaena New York Amaze, Vogue, Ascend, Flourish Roller Rink (October 11 - 12): Faena Art is debuting an vibrant, immersive roller rink art installation this weekend, featuring complimentary skate rentals, live performances, daily DJ sets, and more
βοΈ Nature Made Wellness Experience Grand Opening at TENSPACE (October 11): The Nature Made Wellness Experience is an interactive journey transforming how you care for yourself from the inside out. Grand opening day features gift bags, juice and more. Plus, last day to enter a NYC for FREE giveaway for VIP access, merch and vitamins here!
π₯₯ Vita Coco x Montauk General Store The Supporting Farmers Market (October 11): Vita Coco is bringing its Seedlings for Sustainability initiative and coconut farms to life with a one-day experience in collaboration with Montauk General Store.
MORE EVENTS (THIS WEEK):
π± Cat Chow Therapod (October 8 - 10)
βοΈ The Weeknd & Nespresso Samra Origins Vinyl Cafe (October 8 β 14)
π₯ The Macallan A Month of Timeless Taste (October 8 - 16)
βοΈ Nudestix Cafe (October 9)
π§΄ Timeline Skincare Longevity Lab (October 9 - 11)
π π» Opill x Chillhouse Launch Event (October 9)
ππ»ββοΈ Function of Beauty Community Meet Up (October 9)
πΈ Lincoln Center Festival of Firsts (October 9 - 23)
π Marshall's Style Closet (October 10)
π§ Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival (October 10)
π§΄ De:maf Pop-Up (October 10 - 12)
π₯¨House of CB NYC Pop-Up (October 11)
πThe SEOUL Soul Collective: Nature Crafted (October 11 - 12)
π»Squishmallows x Five Below The Month of the βMallow Mash (October 12)
ON THE RADAR:
πVictoria's Secret Fashion Show Watch Party (October 15): Join the Official Victoriaβs Secret Fashion Show Viewing Party at THE PENN DISTRICT with PINK sweet treats, giveaways, bites, photo moments, a DJ and more!
π Fishwife Snack Bar & Shop (October 17 - 19): Come snack, sip & shop your way through the most delightful tinned fish snack bar the big apple has ever seen, featuring different free activations throughout
π Open House New York (October 17 - 19): Open House New York is an annual festival that unlocks 300+ destinations across all five boroughs for behind-the-scenes tours and special activities.
πSeaport Pumpkin Arch (starting October 22): The iconic Pumpkin Arch is back this fall for Halloween and Fall photo moments!
MISC, RECURRING & DEALSο»Ώ:
π» The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at NYBG: Experience Tim Burtonβs The Nightmare Before Christmas with an immersive light trail that brings Jack Skellingtonβs world to life. A must do Halloween activity. Book in groups of 4+ to save on ticket prices
π Dumbo Moving Giveaway: Moving is expensive and stressful. Four winners will win moving vouchers from $250 to $500. Mention NYCFORFREE for 10% off your move anytime!
ππ½ββοΈ Get $225 for a Focus Group: Earn $225 in rewards to help to shape the future of technology! Sign up for a 3 hour in-person study in Midtown Manhattan and get $225 for your time and participation.
π½οΈ Nora Health: Thereβs a new app in NYC where you can get paid to eat healthy. Get $15 cash back for your first meal at your favorite healthy eateries with code NYCFORFREE, and up to 20% cash back after that!