The X Guide Weekend Edition

Sept 26–28, 2025

NYC · Vegas · CT — curated weekend vibes from me to you.

Quick Glance Calendar

Here’s your at-a-glance plan for the weekend:

• Friday 9/26: NYC → Oktoberfest at Zum Schneider | Vegas → Bellagio Fountains + Lounges | CT → Carriage Barn Arts “Fierce Planets”

• Saturday 9/27: NYC → Global Citizen Festival | Vegas → PARADICE R&B Festival | CT → Rum Rendezvous at Foxwoods

• Sunday 9/28: NYC → Brunch + The Met | Vegas → Peppermill Brunch + Encore Pool | CT → County Fairs + Hike & Sip

Weekend Playlist

Set the vibe with this soundtrack while you’re getting ready, driving to events, or winding down:

• Weekend Mix — curated for NYC, Vegas, and CT: → → MY PICK!!!!!

New York City

Theme: Big Energy, Big Crowds

Friday Plans

• Oktoberfest at Zum Schneider - I love this because it feels like instant community. You’ll end up at a long table with strangers who become drinking buddies. Pretzels bigger than your head seal the deal.
  → nycoktoberfest.com

Saturday Headliners

• Global Citizen Festival, Central Park - This is one of those “you had to be there” NYC moments. Shakira, Cardi B, Mariah the Scientist. Even if you don’t have tickets, the park buzzes with energy.
  → globalcitizen.org/en/festival/nyc

• Nate Bargatze at MSG - If you’d rather laugh than bump in a crowd, Nate’s chill storytelling style is perfect. MSG makes it epic.
  → msg.com/calendar/nate-bargatze-big-dumb-eyes-tour

Sunday Wind-Down

• Brunch + The Met - The Smith or Sadelle’s for brunch, then a slow wander through Van Gogh before it closes. Culture + carbs = ideal Sunday.
  → thesmithrestaurant.com | sadelles.com | metmuseum.org

The X Pick: Global Citizen — once-a-year energy that makes NYC feel bigger than itself.

Las Vegas

Theme: Choose Your Adventure

Friday Plans

• Bellagio Fountains + Lounges - Tourist move, yes, but still magic. Follow it with a cocktail at The Bar at Mandarin Oriental or Easy’s Lounge at Aria.

  → bellagio.mgmresorts.com/fountains-of-bellagio | mandarinoriental.com/las-vegas/the-bar | aria.mgmresorts.com/easys-cocktail-lounge

Saturday Headliners

• PARADICE R&B & Soul Festival - Downtown block party vibes, live sets, and a dancing crowd. This feels like the local side of Vegas.
  → dlvec.com

• Copperfield or Cirque - Classic Strip choice: illusions at MGM, or Cirque at O, Mad Apple, or Michael Jackson ONE.
  → mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/david-copperfield | bellagio.mgmresorts.com/o-by-cirque-du-soleil | newyorknewyork.mgmresorts.com/mad-apple | mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/michael-jackson-one

Sunday Wind-Down

• Peppermill Brunch + Encore Pool - Pancakes the size of your face, then a nap at the pool. That’s how I’d end a Vegas weekend.
  → peppermilllasvegas.com | monamigabi.com/las-vegas | wynnlasvegas.com/encore-beach-club

The X Pick: PARADICE Festival — because Vegas feels different when you step off the Strip.

Connecticut

Theme: Local Flavor, Fall Energy

Friday Plans

• Carriage Barn Arts “Fierce Planets” - A mellow night with art before the weekend ramps up. Dinner nearby, then something cultured.
  → carriagebarn.org

Saturday Headliners

• Rum Rendezvous at Foxwoods - Brand-new event with cocktails, live music, and casino buzz. If I were in CT, this is where I’d go.
  → foxwoods.com

• County Fairs - Funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, fried Oreos. Honestly, the fried dough alone is worth it. Bring cash.
  → woodstockfair.com | hebronharvestfair.org | goshenfair.org

Sunday Wind-Down

• Hike + Sip - Crisp hike at Sleeping Giant or Devil’s Den, then reward yourself with a brewery stop at Two Roads or Counter Weight. Balance achieved.
  → portal.ct.gov/sleeping-giant | nature.org/devils-den-preserve | tworoadsbrewing.com | counterweightbrewing.com

The X Pick: Rum Rendezvous — fresh energy for CT nightlife.

The X Take

If you’re hunting for the best NYC events this weekend, Global Citizen and MSG are the move. Vegas is stacked with Cirque, Copperfield, and block-party vibes. And Connecticut proves small towns know how to throw a fair.