Top 5 festivals in New York this weekend

New York is known for its many cultural, artistic, and just downright fun festivals. If you are looking to experience some of the unique events that the city has to offer make sure you're in town this weekend, October 1-2, 2011, for five must-attend festivals of the Fall.

Chile Pepper Fiesta
When: Oct 1, 11AM-6PM
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

For those who love anything spicy (including your music!) the Chile Pepper Fiesta is a must. The event will include 8 bands from sizzling regions, hot salsa, tingling kimchee, zesty pickles, and other fiery foods. There will also be a Chile-Chocolate Takedown contest where you will be able to sample and vote. Along with musical entertainment there will also be circus-style performances such as chile pepper juggling and fire eating.

New York Burlesque Festival
When: Sept 29-Oct 2
Where: Varies by performance

If you want to see the sexier side of New York, come check out the New York Burlesque Festival. Friday night is the premier party with some of the top names in the business in attendance. Hosted by Scotty the Blue Bunny at Brooklyn Bowl. Saturday night, Murray Hill hosts a bed-supper-club style party with a stage of beauty queens at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. Sunday is the last day of festival as Miss Astrid hosts an Oscar-like award ceremony for Burlesque at the Highline Ballroom.

New York Wine and Food Festival
When: Sept 29-Oct 2
Where: Varies, but mainly in the Meatpacking District

Not only can you enjoy delicious cuisine and sample local and international wines at the New York Wine and Food Festival, you can also give back to charity, as 100% of the net proceeds to to the Food Bank for New York City. Television chefs such as Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay, culinary experts, wine makers, and cocktail connoisseurs come together to give demonstrations, tastings, panels, classes, book signings, and more.

Art in Odd Places
When: Oct 1-10
Where: Along 14th Street, from Ave C to the Hudson River

While visiting art galleries in New York is always an enlightening experience, being indoors all day, especially with the beautiful Fall weather, can feel a bit cramped. Art in Odd Places allows people to experience an open-air art event, including visual and performance art with a ritualistic theme.

New York Film Festival
When: Sept 30-Oct 16
Where: The Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center at Lincoln Center

The New York Film Festival is a must for any film lover, especially if you want to find unique films from around the world with interesting perspectives that you usually would not find at your local movie theater. The festival aims to create and enhance an understanding of the art form of film. Some titles to lookout for include The Artist, Sleeping Sickness, Footnote, 4:44 Last Day on Earth, and My Week With Marilyn. Ticket prices and show times vary.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States