1. London Rum Festival, Ocotber 22^th  – 23^rd

So let’s see what I can do to cheer you up a bit. Let’s begin our marvellous tour around the city events with the London Rum Festival. The end of October, the weekend of the 22^nd and 23^rd, is all dedicated and devoted to the culture of rum: founded by Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador, in 2007, it is a festival which celebrates and gives you the chance to know the best qualities of rum, meet the experts of this drink and have the chance to be involved in workshops and seminars. By purchasing the tickets you’ll be part of this amazing event which will unveil the secrets of rum. The venue will be at the ILEC Conference Centre, where the seminars, tastings and show will be held in a fantastic and beautiful location.

2. London Literary Festival, October 5^th – 16^th

Now that your days have been shaken up, let’s slow down the pace a bit and get involved in the London Literary Festival. Taking place at the Southbank Centre from the 5^th to the 16^th, the main focus this year is the present and the future; a topic which involves our everyday life since the beginning of the technological revolution. The festival features a great number of guests including authors, poets, and speakers, such as Margaret Atwood and Michel Faber. You don’t need to be a bookworm, scholar or a man of letters to enjoy the festival. There will be a full range of events and activities from readings, talks, and discussions available to anyone who wants to open their mind.

3. The Hackney Wonderland, October 15^th – 16^th

After drinking and reading, let’s listen to some music! The Hackney Wonderland is waiting for you on Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th of October. Held at five amazing locations; Oval Space, The Laundry, London Fields Brewery, Sebright Arms, and The Pickle Factory, this music festival offers the best of rock and indie music, featuring the likes of Mystery Jets and We Are Scientists. If you’re ready to dance, let yourself go and get lost in the sounds of Hackney Wonderland.

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4. Africa on the Square, October 15^th

If London still looks too grey, take a walk through Trafalgar Square on the 15^th because here colours await! Africa on the Square is a free, day-long event, from 12 to 6pm, which celebrates the cultures, art, food, and fashion of Africa, as part of Black History Month 2016. In its third year, with DJ sets, live performances, and dancing, Africa on the Square is the right place if you want to cherish this incredible continent with all its diversity, beauty, and traditions.

5. Bloomsbury Festival, October 19^th – 23^rd

Even as the month nears closing the fun is far from over. From the 19^th to the 23^rd, the Bloomsbury Festival is held on the streets and in buildings of this beautiful quarter. Over five days, it offers a great mix of events and activities which brings together people involved in the progress of art and science, from academics to musicians, and school children, who have had the opportunity to create new amazing projects. Be inspired by this itinerant festival which invades every corner of Bloomsbury.

Edited by Ivy Joseph

The post London: Five Events You Can’t Miss in October appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Harlem

1. “Make Me Feel Like A Woman” – Long Gallery 

Now – November 13

This group exhibition is exploring notions of gender through the work of Linda Gallagher, Ted Partin, Daniela Puliti and Tiffany Smith.

2. “Past Present” – Elizabeth Dee Gallery

Now – October 22

The first in the gallery’s upcoming Research Series, “Past Present” explores the work of Annette Lemieux, whose work in the 1980’s coincided with the beginning of “picture theory.”

Lower East Side

3. Vittorio Brodmann – Gavin Brown’s Enterprise (Grand St.) 

October 14 – November 13

Check out Vittorio Brodmann’s brightly colored work, full of looping abstraction and absurd figures in this solo show.

4. “Detected Reality” – Richard Taittinger Gallery

October 13 – November 27

This new show at LES stalwart Richard Taittinger features Russian duo Recycle Group, whose work utilizes industrial materials to explore issues of waste, consumption and other ails of modern civilization.

5. Benjamin Butler – Klaus Von Nichtssagend Gallery

October 21 – December 4

Get lost in Benjamin Butler’s hypnotic close-ups of nature in his forth exhibition at Klaus Von Nichtssagend Gallery.

Chelsea

6. “Trade Winds” – Casey Kaplan Gallery

October 27 – December 17

Hugh Scott-Douglas’ cyanotype prints have one foot in the past and the other in the present, using outmoded technology as the basis to create ghostly, beautiful images on textiles.

7. “Further Evidence – Exhibit B” – Galerie Lelong

October 21 – December 3

Galerie Lelong is partnering with P.P.O.W. to present Carolee Schneemann’s two-part solo exhibition; a meditation on bodies in captivity which features installations, film, and video work.

8. “Selected Works from The Democratic Forest” – David Zwirner Gallery

October 27 – December 17

David Zwirner is showing selections from photographer William Eggleston’s magnum opus, The Democratic Forest—a collection of 1980’s images of rural America and Eastern Europe.

Brooklyn

9. Jon Pestoni – Real Fine Arts (Greenpoint)

Now – October 29

Jon Pestoni returns to Real Fine Arts for his second exhibition with the Greenpoint gallery, continuing to expand upon his wet-into-wet painting technique.

10. “TELEVISION” – 99 Cent Plus Gallery (Bushwick)

October 7 – December 18

Sarah Largess & B.Thom Stevenson are coming together to curate an enormous group show featuring the work of the likes of Chris Oh, Cali Thornhill DeWitt, Morgan Blair and more.

11. Coco Young – Interstate Projects (Bushwick)

October 21 – November 20

Interstate Projects is hosting photographer and filmmaker Coco Young, whose work uses light and collage-style composition to create compelling images.

Edited by Brianna Arrighi

The post What’s Good in the Hood? The Best NYC Art Galleries to Visit in October appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.