Be optimistic that Hurricane Joaquin won’t rain out your weekend and get outside to enjoy these great events around the city this weekend.

Harvest Festival
Randall’s Island Park
What better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than with a festival dedicated to the season? Randall’s Island Park is hosting its annual Harvest Festival, so head out there this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. This family-friendly festival will be filled with face painting, a pumpkin hunt, apple cider, tours of the island’s Urban Farm and so much more. But the best part is that the event is free and open to the public.

High Line as Habitat
The High Line
The High Line is  a popular spot for people to appreciate nature’s beauty in the middle of New York City. On Saturday, the site will host a habitat event from 8 to 9 a.m. that is perfect for those who love nature and enjoy an early start to their day. Follow horticulturist and wildlife expert Maryanne Stubbs as she leads a tour focusing on how pollinators, birds and other wildlife use the High Line gardens as means of habitation and sustenance. Although the event is free, all attendees must RSVP through Eventbrite. The link can be found at thehighline.org.

Lower East Side Pickle Day
Orchard Street (between Houston and Delancey streets)
Join the Lower East Side community to celebrate Pickle Day on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The event originated as a tradition in the late ’90s to pay homage to the abundant pickler population that previously resided in the area. This year’s Pickle Day will include a variety of local Lower East Side food and fashion vendors, along with games, activities and the highly anticipated home pickling competition. Don’t forget to register beforehand at pickleday.nyc to take part in the contest. Regardless, the Lower East Side’s proximity makes the event very accessible, so don’t miss out.

Verena Toh is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].