Whether you’re back to school shopping, looking to improve your fall wardrobe, or are simply a shopaholic, this new store on the block better be on your list!
GU (pronounced G-U), part of the Fast Retailing Group and a sister brand to UNIQLO, has just expanded into the U.S. with its first-ever flagship now open in SoHo. In fact, this is the brand’s first permanent store outside of Asia!
Shoppers will get to explore two floors of clothing, shoes, bags and accessories across the flagship’s 10,225 square feet at 578 Broadway.
So how does GU sell quality clothing at a more affordable price? GU offers less than one-tenth of the number of items available at other global fashion brands. This creates an efficient system to create high quality products at a much lower price. Moreover, customers won’t have to be overwhelmed by an endless inventory, but rather shop beloved basics for everyday wear.
To honor their U.S. debut, GU’s KOSMIK/NOISE collection with UNDERCOVER is now on available. Shop from the collection’s 22 styles of gender neutral tees, joggers, and convertible items, in addition to NYC specific exclusive graphic tees and totes, special to the store opening. All of GU’s collections are intended to be mixed and matched to maximize your styling possibilities. And who knows, whatever you find might be fall’s new trending item like the UNIQLO shoulder bag.
GU x UNDERCOVER
“Since opening our first pop-up store in the U.S. in the fall of 2022, we’ve had the opportunity to introduce GU products to many customers, which has greatly fueled our expectations for business growth in the U.S. We’ve leveraged the insights gained to create a robust framework for global product development and business operations,” said GU CEO Osamu Yunoki. “We look forward to bringing GU fashion to an even broader audience.”
In addition to the SoHo flagship, GU also launched its first US e-commerce site and app. So if you don’t feel like coming into the store or you’re out of town, you can do all your GU shopping online.
GU first launched in the Asian market in 2006. As of today, the brand has more than 470 stores in Asia, most of them in Japan. The store name comes from the Japanese word for “freedom.”
As part of their sustainable efforts, each GU store has a donation box customers can drop off clothing at to be donated to those in need. Learn more about GU and its mission on its website.
Fall in NYC is arguably one of the best times of the year–the weather is absolutely gorgeous and there’s a ton of fun to be had throughout the city. Plus, all those fun-filled street fairs that took over the streets during the summer are still going on, alongside a ton of other amazing festivals. If we could give you a piece of advice it would be to take advantage of being outdoors this fall as much as possible and head to one (or all) of these fall festivals!
P.S. – this is a running list and will continuously be updated as more fall street fairs and festivals get announced.
Oktoberfest in NYC is a vibrant celebration, bringing the spirit of Germany with bratwurst, dancing, and plenty of brews. This year, the city hosts a variety of events, from the German American Oktoberfest in Central Park to the lively festivities at Loreley Beer Garden. Enjoy traditional German fare, live music, and themed games across the city. For a full list of Oktoberfest events, explore this guide to NYC’s Oktoberfest celebrations.
The 62th edition of the New York Film Festival will premiere this fall, showcasing some of the best films in the industry debuting for the first time. It’s presented by Film at Lincoln Center and it’s once again set to feature top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent from all across the globe. The festival itself centers primarily around the “Main Slate” (30-ish films that represent the year’s best in international cinema), as well as dedicated categories “Currents” (experimental and avant-garde works), “Spotlight” (highly anticipated titles), and more.
It takes place over the course of a few weeks at select theaters across NYC, you can check out the full schedule and how to get tickets via NYFF’s official website.
Dive into the flavors of Japan at the Japan Fes, a massive food festival traveling around NYC this fall. With food items averaging $10, it’s an affordable way to savor dishes from vendors like Menya Jiro and Tonkatsu Me. Explore and eat your way through dozens of Japanese vendors while enjoying live performances and shopping for traditional Japanese novelties. The festival, organized by Dragon Yamamoto, aims to unite cultures through food, music, and art. Discover more about this traveling festival on Japan Fes’ official page.
New York Comic Con, one of the largest fan conventions in the country, is back this October at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Expect a comic-focused weekend filled with panels, celebrity meet and greets, and the vibrant Artist Alley. This year’s special guests include the likes of Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers: Endgame, The Goonies); Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: No Way Home, My Cousin Vinny); Clerks duo Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes; cast members from fan-favorite films and TV series Starship Troopers, Shameless, and Futurama, plus many more. Learn more about the convention via our New York Comic Con guide.
The Global Citizen Festival is back for its 12th year in NYC, taking place on September 28th at Central Park’s Great Lawn. This free annual music festival is on a mission to end extreme poverty and features a star-studded lineup including Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, and Rauw Alejandro. Attendees can earn free tickets by taking action on the Global Citizen app, promoting causes like poverty alleviation and environmental protection. Learn more about the festival and how to participate.
Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Across NYC
October 18 – 20
7. Boo at the Zoo
Source / Julie Larsen & WCS
One of the best kid-friendly Halloween festivals returns this fall at The Bronx Zoo…the annual Boo at the Zoo event series! For about a month, the zoo will welcome all kinds of spooky and festive family-friendly festivities, including costume parades, Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving demos, magicians, a pumpkin trail, and more! Find the full list of Boo at the Zoo happenings online!
The Bronx Zoo
September 28 – October 27
8. Sound & Color! Autumn Festival
Source / Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take in the stunning fall foliage of Brooklyn Bridge Park at an incredible park-wide fall festival this October. The Sound & Color! Autumn Festival is scheduled to have tons of afternoon music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games and so much more! Full details are still continuing to roll out, so keep your eye on BBP’s official page.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
October 19, 11 am – 5 pm
9. Queens Agricultural Fair
Source / Jeff Kollbrunner
The Queens Agricultural Fair is the ultimate fall/country vibe…and there’s set to be pie eating and corn husking contests, hayrides, carnival rides, midway games, and so much more. Bring you and your family to the fair and take in live music and theatrical performances, local craft and food vendors, Blue Ribbon competitions, a 3 acre corn maze, and more. It’s one of our favorite annual seasonal fairs and tickets start at $22 for a weekend pass! Learn all the details on the Queens County Farm Museum’s website.
Queens County Farm Museum
October 5 – 6, 11 am – 6 pm
10. Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Source / Luna Park
One of NYC’s iconic amusement parks is getting spooky this fall, as their annual Halloween Harvest returns for 2024! Visitors can expect all kinds of Halloween-themed activities at the park including pumpkin decorating, balloon twisting, face painting, tractor racing, and trick or treating. Don’t forget about the pumpkin spiced and apple cider flavored carnival style treats! Check out all of the full details on Luna Park’s event listing.
Luna Park in Coney Island
September 20 – October 27
11. BRIC JazzFest 2024
Source / BRIC JazzFest
The magical jazz marathon that is BRIC JazzFest returns this fall, bringing together legendary figures, groundbreaking artists, and newcomers from across the jazz genre. Happening over the course of one weekend in October, BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn will turn into a jazz epicenter and welcome names like Brandee Younger, Makaya McCraven, Daniel Villareal, Reggie Workman, Allysha Joy, and many more. Tickets start at $45 or you can purchase 3 day package deals! Learn more about this year’s BRIC JazzFest on their website.
The Brooklyn Book Festival is a must-visit for literary enthusiasts, offering a week-long celebration with panels, signings, and appearances by renowned authors like Judy Blume and R.L. Stine. This vibrant event culminates in a massive book sale, making it a paradise for book lovers. If you enjoy exploring literary events in NYC, mark your calendar for this festival!
Comedy enthusiasts can look forward to the New York Comedy Festival returning for its 20th year, featuring over 200 comedians in more than 100 shows across NYC. This exciting event promises a mix of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy from both emerging talents and renowned comedians. Don’t miss the chance to see top performers like Judd Apatow, Bill Maher, and Tracy Morgan.
Various venues across NYC
November 8 – 17
14. New York City Wine & Food Festival
Source / Hudson River Park
Join food and wine enthusiasts at the New York City Wine & Food Festival, a premier event showcasing the talents of renowned chefs and culinary personalities presented by the Food Network. This four-day festival offers over 80 events, including tastings and demonstrations from some of the world’s best wine and spirits producers. This year’s NYCWFF is actually switching locations, and for the first time happening at Brooklyn Army Terminal in Red Hook, Brooklyn! Some of these year’s attendees include restaurants like Roscioli and Artichoke Basille’s Pizza and talent like David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris. See the full lineup and grab tickets via their website.
Although just right outside of NYC in the Historic Hudson Valley, this dazzling pumpkin festival is full of illuminating gourds you have to see with your own eyes! The eye-catching marvel is full of 7,000+ uniquely carved pumpkins forming all sorts of art installations, including a walkable Pumpkin Bridge, jaw-dropping Pumpkin Planetarium, and much more. Learn more about how they’re celebrating their 20th season of the great blaze on their site!
578 Broadway, New York
Mid September – early October
September 22 – 30
