Welcome to another week of event recs.
If you're new here - welcome! Whether you came from TikTok or IG (shoutout to
), I'm really glad you're here. It’s been wild going from posting into the void to suddenly having 60-something of you tuning in each week. I'm excited to share some weird, worthwhile things with you.But first, a little about me…
I'm Molly (aka thriftyboy), a creative based in Ridgewood, NY. This all started as a way to rebuild the community I lost when my IG got banned in Vegas (you can read the full story here). I also wanted to do my own riff on Nathan Fielder’s now-defunct NYC freebie blog, a personal version for my friends that turned into something bigger.
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love collecting weird experiences and unexpected stories. It’s what keeps me in NYC, and 9 times out of 10, these memories are thanks to a free gallery opening, a secret show, or a pop-up I stumbled into. Sharing that joy with you is half the fun.
Each week, I round up a handful of events that are actually worth showing up to and an occasional stay-in rec if you're in hermit mode.
Anyways….I hope you find something unique & memorable in this week’s wrap!
4 Free NYC Events Worth Leaving Your Apartment For
Artists & Beers: September Film Festival
September 24 | 7 PM | All Night Skate
Artists & Beers is a cozy screening night spotlighting short films and music videos by local filmmakers. Bring a friend, a date, or just yourself - it’s the perfect place to meet fellow creatives and discover new art.
No RSVP - Arrive early for a good seat
Opening Reception: Haze by Sasha Gordon
September 25 | 6-8PM | David Zwirner @ West 19th St
Sasha Gordon’s Haze opens like stepping into a lucid dream: colossal, hyperreal portraits stare back in fluorescent, feverish color. Already one of the youngest stars on the David Zwirner roster, Gordon’s intimate and unsettling works are full of surreal self-mythology that sticks with you.
If you miss the opening, don’t stress, the show runs through November 1.
No RSVP - arrive early for less chaos
Zine Fair & DIY Culture Festival
September 27 | 12-10 PM | Mayday Space
A stacked day of zines, mutual aid, vegan food, tattoos, and more - free to attend, with donations encouraged. From 12–5 PM, explore zines from 25+ artists and collectives, screenprinting stations (BYO shirt or patch), plus performances and discussions.
Stick around 6–10 PM for a hardcore show with Fulano!, Pure Terror, PersonA, and Jolana Star.
Album Listening Party & Mezcal Cocktails
September 28 | Doors 6 PM | National Sawdust
Get an early listen to Silvana Estrada’s new album Vendrán Suaves Lluvias (out Oct 17 via Glassnote). Blending poetic melancholy à la Mercedes Sosa with the raw intimacy of Adrianne Lenker, her music is emotional and immersive. She'll chat with Rolling Stone editor Julyssa Lopez about the album’s stories - plus, enjoy complimentary drinks.
RSVP doesn’t guarantee entry, so arrive early!
BONUS REC: Creative Re-Charge



If you’re looking for a quiet place to reset and feed your brain this fall, I can’t recommend this enough: Vowels Research Library | 76 Bowery
Tucked inside the minimalist showroom of Japan-made streetwear brand Vowels is a maximalist library of design books and vintage mags. It’s a rare peek into the personal archive of creative director Yuki Yagi - an obsessive researcher and detail-oriented artist- with an expansive collection of photo, fashion, textile, and typography gems that mirror his ethos.
You get two hours to browse and scan, plus a complimentary tea or coffee. The space is a beautifully grounding space to escape the chaos of NYC and get lost in obscure books. I went in looking for surreal B&W photo references for a zine and ended up discovering ‘90s issues of Hysteric Glamour and ‘80s furniture catalogs.
I left feeling more recharged and inspired, and now I flip through the images I scanned to inspire my own work.
It’s free, open weekdays from 10–6. Email info@vowels.net to book an appointment.
Thanks for reading! I hope you find some fun things to do, and keep an eye on my IG for spontaneous recs throughout the week.
LMK if you check any of them out!
And as for the newsletter….see you next Wednesday!
-xoxo Thriftyboy
P.S. I’ll share more spontaneous finds on my new IG and Substack Notes.