Blogging Groups New York

A Case for Community: Open Source Events with GatherPress

Community is vital to any open source ecosystem. It jumpstarts projects and careers, gives us encouragement, and helps us keep pushing forward together. And in open source communities, shouldn't the events platform be open too? Mike Auteri decided to do something about it. He brought the idea to the WordPress community and spent years building GatherPress, while navigating the very real challenges of adoption across a global community. Along the way, GatherPress has found its way into communities well beyond WordPress. Now the WordPress Foundation is building its events platform on GatherPress, and that work is moving quickly. Mike will share the story of how we got here, what the team has learned, and where we go next. **Update**: Pizza and drinks will be provided. **6:00–6:45 PM — Snacks and mingling** Grab a bite, meet other folks in the community, and settle in. **6:45–8:00 PM — A Case for Open Community** Mike shares his story about building community in the open. *Please let us know beforehand if you need accommodations for accessibility or food allergies.*

THIS MEETUP IS MOVING AS OF NOV. 1 to Lu.ma/irishgenealogy

Central Park Pumpkin Painting

**\*Pumpkin Painting Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/central-park-pumpkin-painting-tickets-2002769035097](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/central-park-pumpkin-painting-tickets-2002769035097) Come join us in a beautiful, creative and social setting to paint pumpkins in Central Park! All you will need to bring is something to sit on. For this special event, instead of canvases, we will be painting on pumpkins! A Master Artist will walk you through the steps to create a creative and unique Halloween decoration. We are taking our popular paint in the park concept and adding a fun twist to get you in the Halloween spirit! We will be limiting this to groups so that we are able to safely social distance. Included: a pumpkin, unlimited painting materials (brushes, acrylic paints etc.) No smocks so please dress appropriately. This is a BYOB so bring your drinks & snacks - have yourself a picnic while getting instruction for painting! If you are bringing certain types of "drinks", please be discreet in Central Park 🙂 What to expect: **• Step-by-step, group-oriented painting instruction, which is designed to simultaneously entertain and enlighten our members.** **• We'll have a professional artist guide you through a featured painting that is yours to keep and proudly display. And don’t worry — no experience is necessary.** **• 2 hour course lead that teaches you the art of mixing colors, blending and painting techniques.** **• All supplies provided - pumpkin and all painting supplies** Directions: We are located in a cul-de-sac at PINETUM EAST. We will be behind this row of benches (right under the trees). If you are coming from the east side you can find us by entering Central Park on East 84th street. Walk up the ramp, cross over the road and head west. If you are traveling from the west side we are east of the basketball courts. FAQs: **What if it rains?** We will email attendees a rain date. **How many are attending?** Up to 20 people. **Can I still attend If I don't know how to paint?** Yes, there's no experience necessary. **Can I come alone?** Yes, about 80% come on their own. **Is this age specific?** No, all are welcome. \*PREPAY ONLY EVENT. $35-$45, price goes up as the event date gets closer. This event will sell out. Can't purchase at the door.

Daily & Weekly Planning with Astrology

Join us for a live presentation with [Kirah Tabourn](https://www.thestrology.com) about utilizing astrology to plan out the flow of your day and your week. This is a pay-what-can in-person event at the New York Theosophical Society. No one is turned away for lack of funds at the door. You may also join the Zoom livestream that night for a small $5.85 required fee. This fee is necessary to prevent Zoom bombers. **Livestream Tickets:** [https://buytickets.at/bigappleastrologymeetup/2486993](https://buytickets.at/bigappleastrologymeetup/2486993) **Event Description:** Whether you’re wondering about the best day to buy groceries, schedule a first date, or send an email blast, this lecture will walk you through simple, practical techniques for planning your day-to-day life with astrology. Drawing on basic traditional planetary aspects and transits, with a primary focus on lunar aspects, you’ll learn how to track the Moon as it moves through the sky and how its connections to the other planets shape the mood and momentum of each day and week. We’ll cover how to read the Moon’s daily aspects, how to spot supportive, challenging, and restful windows in your week, and how to match your tasks, conversations, and commitments to the timing that suits them best. Make the mundane magical by tuning in to the ebbs and flows of daily astrology, and leave with a repeatable approach for scheduling your life with more ease and intention. **$$ In Person Event:** A suggested donation is $5 -$30 is very VERY much appreciated, but please know whatever you can afford is acceptable. Donations collected pay our rent, Meetup.com fees, and the honorarium for Kirah Tabourn. You may bring cash to donate on the evening of the event, or you can donate online by purchasing a livestream ticket. **$$ Livestream:** You may also join the zoom livestream that night with a small $5 required ticket fee. You are encouraged to donate more to Kirah Tabourn. This fee is a precaution against trolls and zoom bombers, which occurred frequently when we shared a free zoom link on meetup.com. You may purchase and livestream ticket after the event starts and join late. E-mail Danny Larkin at DanielBLarkin@gmail.com with any questions. **Livestream Tickets:** [https://buytickets.at/bigappleastrologymeetup/2486993](https://buytickets.at/bigappleastrologymeetup/2486993) **Recording:** If you can’t attend live, you are welcome to buy a livestream ticket to get access to the recording. The recording will be shared with all livestream ticket buyers as well as individuals who RSVP yes for the event on meetup.com. The deadline to buy the recording through the link above is 9:00pm on the day of the meetup. Email Danny Larkin at DanielBlarkin@gmail.com with any questions. **Directions:** The meetup takes place at the New York Theosophical Society, which is next door to the Quest Bookshop. You may enter through the bookshop before 7 pm (when it closes) or to the left of the bookshop after 7 pm. **Timing:** 7:00pm - 7:30pm - General Q & A 7:30pm - 9:00PM – Daily and Weekly Planning with the Moon

Paint In Central Park (Bucket List Event)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-in-the-park-tickets-1984990444855) *(This is a prepay event and only way to attend is to get ticket in advance at link above. Our events are co-organized by multiple groups so don't pay attention to the RSVPs. These events are consistently well attended.)* CELEBRATE SPRING AT ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR MEETUPS - A PICNIC 'N PAINT IN CENTRAL PARK! Come join us in a relaxed, creative and social setting. No experience necessary. So grab your picnic basket and enjoy wonderful paint event in Central Park! Included: a pre-sketched canvas, unlimited painting materials (brushes, acrylic paints etc.) and a take home bag. No smocks so please dress appropriately. Please bring something to sit on. What to expect: **• Step-by-step, group-oriented painting instruction, which is designed to simultaneously entertain and enlighten our members.** **• We'll have a professional artist guide you through a featured painting that is yours to keep and proudly display. And don’t worry — no experience is necessary.** **• 2 hour course lead that teaches you the art of mixing colors, blending and painting techniques.** **• All supplies provided - 12x16 pre-sketched canvas, unlimited acrylic paint (water based), brushes, and aprons.** DIRECTIONS TO FIND GROUP: We are located in a cul-de-sac at PINETUM EAST. We will be behind this row of benches (right under the trees). If you are coming from the east side you can find us by entering Central Park on East 84th street. Walk up the ramp, cross over the road and head west. If you are traveling from the west side we are east of the basketball courts. FAQs: What if it rains? We will email attendees a rain date. Can I still attend If I don't know how to paint? Yes, there's no experience necessary. Can I come alone? Yes, about 80% come on their own. Is this age specific? No, all are welcome. Cost? $35-$45, price goes up as the event date gets closer. This event will sell out. Can't purchase at the door. For more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)

Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit (week 3)

Join us for weekly discussions of G. W. F. Hegel's 1807 dialectical quest through consciousness and subjectivity to reason and absolute knowledge, *The Phenomenology of Spirit*. **Required reading for this meeting: B. Self Consciousness - IV. The Truth of Self-Certainty (Pages 104-111) - A.V. Miller edition** I plan to use the A.V. Miller edition though you can use a different edition. A digital pdf can be found here: [https://cominsitu.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/georg-w.-f.-hegel-phenomenology-of-spirit-a.-v.-miller-translation.pdf](https://cominsitu.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/georg-w.-f.-hegel-phenomenology-of-spirit-a.-v.-miller-translation.pdf) This week’s reading will be on the lighter side to give people a chance to reread the earlier sections in tandem with this week’s selection. The Phenomenology is a difficult text and I highly recommend to read along side Hegel (though not required) the accessible secondary lit, “The Logic of Desire” by Peter Kavage. It can be found here: [https://a.co/d/02jcheHr](https://a.co/d/02jcheHr) We'll be meeting at the 180 Maiden Lane Public Atrium on the ground floor of the building downtown.

Writing group meeting on the Upper West Side

For this meeting we'll be returning to the home of two longtime/regular members named Elisa & Jeff. Huge thanks to them once again for making it happen! The day before we meet, I'll send all the details to people who are on the RSVP list, but for now, be advised that there are two cats and a dog. Also, there's no wifi, the place is wheelchair accessible, we're going to have a full hour at the start to arrive/hang, and there'll be lots of food. If this'll be your first time joining the group, please take a couple of minutes to read the "What we're about" info on our main page so you'll know what to expect. Thanks and see you there! -Z

Beers & Data

WE ARE BACK IN PERSON!

Meet in the Arts

[Which art style are you? Vote and see who shares your lane.](https://app.favr.town/polls/s_378XeL85R4csGQ?r=@lovemaze) Our preferences in art reveal more about us than we often realize. Long before personality traits were formally categorized, psychologists studied personality differences through individuals' ratings of various paintings. If you find yourself drawn to the same piece of artwork, there's a strong chance you share a deep connection. Meet in the museum for an excursion. Sign up on [favr.town](https://favr.town/) and predict your next art buddy before you meet. Find out if you're right when you meet onsite. Or, if you fancy other museums, pin them at times that work for you on [favr.town](https://favr.town/) and discover who you might meet there. Note: This is a [Favr.town](http://favr.town/) member exclusive event. [Join](https://favr.town/events/meet-and-shop-trader-joes-trader-joes-2026-06-15-17-00) [[https://favr.town](https://favr.town/) ] Hint: Fans of abstract art tend to be creative, pop art lovers are often optimistic, impressionism enthusiasts are more likely to be conscientious, and those who prefer traditional art tend to be, well, more traditional. Something extra: Why do these traits matter? See how [optimism](https://favr.town/blog/the-power-of-optimism-in-relationships-how-a-positive-outlook-strengthens-resilience-emotional-health-and-lasting-love-2025-11-20), [conscientiousness](https://favr.town/blog/how-responsibility-and-reliability-build-trust-and-lasting-love-2026-04-19), [traditional values](https://favr.town/blog/prioritizing-family-values-for-lasting-commitment-and-love-2025-12-17), and [excitement](https://favr.town/blog/how-novelty-play-and-shared-adventure-keep-love-alive-2025-12-14) influence relationships. You can also measure how your sense of [optimism](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=1&b=OPTIMISTIC), [conscientiousness](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=CONSCIENTIOUS), [traditional values](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=TRADITIONAL), and [excitement](https://app.favr.town/we?t=1&s=2&b=EXCITING) stack up against others.

Central Park Fall Bird Walk - Bluebirds!

This is a paid event! Please pay and time of RSVP. Ty Beginners welcome! Friendly group! Paid event! Join naturalist Debbie Becker on a two-hour fall Bird Walk. Admire the changing leaves and ripening berries as nature changes seasons. The walk includes plants and mushrooms but focuses mainly on bird and hawk identification. The Fall migration is a spectacular event! Have fun birding and meeting others who love nature. RSVP $20 by Venmo @Deb-becker-8 or PayPal editconsul@aol.com

Little Island Social Walk (50 & Over)

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-island-social-walk-50s-over-tickets-1998132908317](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-island-social-walk-50s-over-tickets-1998132908317) *(\*Limited # save $5 by using discount code "5" at checkout. This is a prepay event and only way to attend is to get ticket in advance at link above).* This is the perfect opportunity to go out and meet others your age while also getting some exercise and seeing the beautiful park. Our 50 & Over Social Walks are an extremely popular way to make new friends and meet others in a safe and unique setting. This event is very casual and non-awkward + our host will help to make introductions. Little Island provides a one-of-a-kind relationship between nature and art—a break from urban life and a connection to spontaneity and joy. It's become NYC's newest and hottest attraction! We'll make several stops along the park so that people can take pictures and admire the beautiful views. We'll circle the island a couple of times and then afterwards, we'll continue the walk along the Hudson River. During the walk, you will randomly be paired with others in the beginning then rotate at designated times so that you get to meet everyone participating. Afterwards, you're welcome to hang out and exchange contact info with others. FAQs: **Where to meet?** Exact meeting location with host contact info will be sent to all paid attendees day of the event. **How many will attend?** We are limiting the # of attendees so that there's enough room for everyone to feel comfortable. **What if rains?** We will email attendees a new date. **Can I come alone?** Yes, about 90% come on their own. **Ages?** 50s & Over. Gender balance is not guaranteed but we usually get a good mix. **How much?** $15-$25 depending upon when you get ticket and spots left. For more fun events follow: **[https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)**

Skip the Small Talk: Make Friends, Not Small Talk

**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-27-2026 in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won't accurately reflect the actual number of attendees; typically there are around 30-40 people in attendance. Folks in this Meetup group get **10% off**! Use code: **MEETUP** at checkout. **What's It Like?** Do you wish you could have more of the kinds of conversations you have late at night where for some reason, you feel safe talking about the things you actually care about? Bring your friends (or come by yourself- most people do!) and spend your Tuesday night at an event where you know everyone else is there for the same reason. We'll be offering 'big talk' conversational prompts on them to get you started, and we'll have lots of structure to make sure that you actually talk to people and that it's not awkward. There will be drinks for sale! **There is a 1 drink minimum purchase** for this event, so please keep that in mind. **Check-in** for this event will begin around **6:45 pm**. Please do your best to arrive before 7:00 pm so we can begin as close to on time as possible. Skip the Small Talk is dedicated to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone. Check out our safety policy here: tinyurl.com/ststSafety Please see our event [page](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-27-2026) for more accessibility info. **Ready to Skip the Small Talk With Us?** **[Grab a ticket](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-night-at-mccarren-parkhouse-tuesday-october-27-2026)** since entry is on a first come first serve basis and we tend to sell out in advance for these-- once we are out of tickets, we will NOT be able to accommodate folks at the door. Want to see what else is happening at McCarren Parkhouse? Feel free to check them out **[here](https://mccarrenparkhouse.com)**! If you want to be the first to hear about our events before we sell out, feel free to join our mailing list at [Skip the Small Talk Mailing List Sign-Up](https://sendfox.com/skipthesmalltalk) For refunds or transfers, please contact use at info@skipthesmalltalk.com