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10 FREE things to do in NYC [new video]
+ The worst week of NYC traffic comin' in hot 😬 & our fave Korean Fried Chicken spot!
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here
September 17th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes
Hey there,
“Humor is really a New York invention, as far as I’m concerned. All humor emanates from New York. All people in New York are funny and get funnier as they get older, and everyone outside New York gets less funny.” -Jerry Seinfeld
In this week’s newsletter:
🎫 Events We Love [and Hate] This Week: September 17-24 - Brooklyn Book Festival and free Shaboozey concert
🍗 You’ll Have to Check It Out - The best Korean Fried Chicken in all of NYC, guaranteed
💰 10 Free Things to Do - Including our favorite rooftop park for sunset views
Let’s go! 👇
Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
Events We Love This Week: September 17-24, 2025
In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.
Free Shaboozey Concert - September 20 @ 7pm
Jack Daniel’s presents Shaboozey for one night only in New York City!
Early access to claim free tickets begins September 18th at 12:00pm ET, and the general admission free tickets will be available on September 19th at 12:00pm ET through AXS. Once registered, you’ll receive an email on September 18th with your early access ticket link, password, and details to claim your free tickets.
Note: entry is first-come, first-served, and only the first 1,000 fans will get in. A ticket is required for entry, but does not guarantee admission—so arrive early! This event is 21+ only.
Brooklyn Book Festival - September 14-22
The Brooklyn Book Festival turns 20 this year!
Hundreds of authors will join from all over Brooklyn and all over the world. Alison Bechdel, Marlon James, Joyce Carol Oates, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and others join for the free Festival Day in Downtown Brooklyn on September 21st.
More than 25 publishers will showcase their books in the Festival’s Literary Marketplace, the largest book market in the Northeast.
Be Aware of UN Week Traffic
Traffic during the United Nations General Assembly — which runs from Sept. 22 to 26 — is expected to bring some of the worst congestion of the year.
Avoid being in a car in the city!
You’ll Have to Check It Out - Chick Chick
If you want the best fried chicken in New York City, go to Chick Chick on the Upper West Side!
This spot, opened by Jun Park, who runs Jun Men Ramen Bar in Chelsea, has become one of our favorite spots for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
I don't know what they do to the batter and chicken, but it's perfect. Crispy, crunchy, full of flavor, and not too greasy.
Plus, the sauces are to die for. You have to try the Korean Sweet Gochujang.
If you're gonna go to one spot on the UWS, go to Chick Chick! Thank us later 😉
A Quick Favor?
Help this newsletter grow by forwarding this email to a friend or family member who loves New York City.
We’d appreciate it very much! 🙏
10 Free Things to Do in the City
Whether you're planning your once-in-a-lifetime NYC trip or you've been living here for years, we’ll show you 10 completely free things to do in New York City that you’ll love.
We're talking about experiences that rival anything you'd pay premium prices for – except they won't cost you a penny.
Rose Main Reading Room at NYPL on 5th Ave
These free activities are perfect for any season, suitable for kids, and ideal for those traveling to NYC on a budget!
Don’t miss our bonus idea that you won’t find on other free activity lists.. 👇
Talk later,
Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here 🎥
Weekly Dog Tax
Scout squirrel-watching in Central Park 🐿️