If you’re curious about climate policy, listen to a panel of experts discuss Germany’s approaches to global warming. Students will be able to hear from a roundtable of political scientists, historians and environmental experts to discuss the balance between a coal-heavy economy and supporting sustainable initiatives. Stephen Gross, director of NYU’s Center for European and Mediterranean Studies, will moderate the discussion featuring Timo Stuehn, a U.N. representative, Sven Egenter, Editor-in-Chief of Clean Wire Energy in Berlin and several professors. The event is free and open to the public, but requires in-advance RSVP.  

Try out African dance with an open class featuring traditional and contemporary music and choreography. The class, which is hosted by NYU’s African Students Union — a club focused on the exploration of African culture — will feature experienced dance instructors to teach attendees. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, dancers of all levels are encouraged to attend the free event. 

Honor national architecture month with a discussion that explores unattractive and “visually depressing phenomena” in the contemporary world. The discussion is based on “Why is Everything So Ugly?,” an essay published in N+1 magazine that inspects “ugly” architecture, product design, films and lighting. Writers of the essay will speak with a painter, film editor and architectural historian to discuss ways to approach urban design without defaulting to “ugliness.” The event is free, but RSVP is required. 

Learn about the role of the caste system between 14th and 16th century India at a lecture by PK Yasser Arafath, a historian who specializes in medieval and modern India.  The event, hosted by NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, will discuss Muslim scholars’ varying perspectives on caste, and how condemned societal traditions have been shaped by legal frameworks. This event is free and advanced registration is required for those who are not members of the NYU community. 

With midterm season around the corner, relieve some stress with an afternoon of ABBA, The Beatles and even Taylor Swift at a piano karaoke. Students can choose from over 1,000 songs and take the stage — or rather, the First Floor lounge of Pless Hall. Those who feel less confident about their karaoke capabilities can attend to cheer on friends and enjoy some complimentary food. Take the opportunity to connect with fellow students at this free event and channel your musical talent!

Join Nisrin Elamin, a professor and author who has extensively researched community resistance in Sudan, in a lecture and discussion to learn about the country’s ongoing war and famine. Centered on land struggles and civilians’ vital role in aid and relief efforts, this discussion aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Sudan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and its history. Hosted by NYU’s Center for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora, the event is free and a Zoom option will be available. 

Take a break from studying and relax with workout classes, meditations and a series of vetted panelists on mental health’s role in everything from policy to social media. Kick off your day at the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival with a SoulCycle session or charity pickleball tournament, before joining a selection of featured fireside chats with speakers including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Demi Lovato and dozens more. The festival is free but registration is required.

Attend an informative performance about people’s perceptions of current politics at “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event.” The performance, which features actors from NYU Steinhardt’s documentary theater program, is the newest production of the group’s interview-based project on the 2024 election that aims to portray what Americans want from the next president. The event is free, but registration is required. Seating will be first come, first serve. 

Get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of “Hocus Pocus,” a Halloween Disney classic, at the P.O. Serrano Playground in the Bronx. The movie, which follows three 17th-century witches living in modern-day Salem, will begin at dusk and is open to all ages. This event is free with advanced registration required. 

Enjoy an evening of stargazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association at Carl Schurz Park. Based in New York City, the nonprofit organization AAA highlights the value of astronomical study with a school outreach program, free museum lectures and various stargazing sessions. All are invited to enjoy dazzling views of the East River, Roosevelt Island and the Queensborough and Triborough bridges in an observing session, which is held once a month. This event is free and open to the public.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through 45 minutes of art and music featuring the New York-based Mariachi Real de Mexico. The group will perform pieces that celebrate the history of music in Mexico and go hand-in-hand with “Mexican Prints at the Vanguard,” an exhibition that explores how printmaking has been used as a form of political and social expression in Mexico. This event is free with museum admission and is first come, first serve. 

Listen to authors Ery Shin and Christine Ma-Kellams discuss their debut novels — “Spring on the Peninsula” and “The Band,” respectively — that center around the Korean diaspora. Shin’s novel follows a man in contemporary Seoul as he navigates an unexpected heartbreak, while Ma-Kellams’ book tells the fictional stories of K-pop band members whose lives took turns for the worst. Tickets to the event are $27.

Fill your afternoon with laughter by attending free comedy performances in Washington Square Park. The event is hosted by NY Laughs — an organization that aims to address societal issues through comedy while drawing community to New York City’s public spaces. This event is free and open to the public. 

Enjoy your weekend and relax with some live jazz music from Grammy Award-winning musicians at the Trinity Church. The performance will feature the Billy Childs Trio, including Billy Childs — a highly-acclaimed pianist known for his original pieces and arrangements — bassist Scott Colley and drummer Ari Hoenig. The event is free and open to the public, with advanced registration highly recommended as seating is first come, first serve.