The charm of the Lower East Side rests in its diverse and unique residents. Everyone from hardworking immigrant families to art-loving hipsters inhabit the area. Here are three events that will help you experience the neighborhood’s alluring charisma this weekend.
Oct. 26 and 27| Noon to 6 p.m.
Envoy Enterprises | 131 Chrystie St.
Smell Me
A Lower East Side gallery, Envoy Enterprises, recently opened an exhibition that gives new meaning to the term self-portrait. The solo exhibition titled “Smell Me” is a collection of artist Martynka Wawrzyniak’s body odors that have been collected and placed into chemistry vials. Wawrzyniak worked closely with Hunter College chemistry students to extract the necessary aromas. There are three candles on display, which are made of melted paraffin that was scraped off Wawrzyniak’s body. Wawrzyniak’s aromas are released inside a scent chamber that will allow visitors to become acquainted with her in a strange but unique way. “Smell Me” will be on display until Nov. 18.
Oct. 27 | 9 a.m.
Plank Pilates | 187 Chrystie St.
$5 for 5 Miles
Plank Pilates is hosting a five mile run from its Lower East Side location to the Brooklyn Bridge and back. It costs $5 to participate and all proceeds go to benefit Wellness for Schools, an organization that promotes healthy lifestyles for kids. Wellness for Schools helps children by providing them with nutritious food and safe environments in which to play. Families are welcome to join the run, but children must be supervised. RSVP to [email protected].
Oct. 28 | Noon to 5 p.m.
Orchard Street between Delancey and East Houston streets
Lower East Side Pickle Day
After your run to the Brooklyn Bridge, refuel with some crunchy snacks at Lower East Side’s 11th Pickle Day. Over 10 pickle vendors will be in attendance to satisfy your salty cravings. Be sure to check out traditional neighborhood favorite Guss’ Pickles, which has been providing the Lower East Side with brine soaked goodies for the past 100 years. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous head on over to McClure’s. Try their spicy pickle, infused with cayenne and habanero peppers. If you are not a pickle lover, don’t fret. DayLife, a three-block event that fills the Lower East Side with artificial grass and pushcarts, is also underway. There will be more than 30 food and fashion vendors in addition to discjockeys, games and events.
Katya Barannik is deputy features editor. Email her at [email protected].