September in NYC: Awaken Your Creative Instincts This Fall With Workshops

Welcome to The Creativity Digest, a monthly newsletter series from Akin! We’re bringing you some of the most interesting creative classes, workshops, events, and pop-ups around New York City every month so that you can find your creative community. It’s time to turn your local neighborhood into your creative playground!

Welcome Fall With More Creativity!

As summer's heat gives way to crisp September mornings, there's something electric in the air. There’s that back-to-school energy that makes you want to try something new, meet new people, and dive into creative projects you've been putting off all summer. Fall might just be the perfect entry point for creative exploration.

This month, NYC is buzzing with creative events. We're seeing studios expand their hours (Studio Calmplex is now open 7 days a week!), brands setting up collaborative workshops popping up across boroughs, and a seasonal shift toward more intentional, community-focused creative practices. From storytelling nights in cozy bookstores to scrapbooking workshops, this month feels designed for connection - for your creative self and for the vibrant maker community that makes NYC so special.

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Share your creative events with us: Got a workshop, pop-up, or creative gathering? Fill out our submission form to get featured in our weekly Instagram roundups and monthly newsletter. We love sharing your events with our following!

Tag us for reposts: Creating something amazing at one of these events or hosting your own creative workshop? Tag @discoverakin in your posts and we'll share your creativity with our community of makers and creators.

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Creative Happenings

Try something new with a workshop:

September 4th: Choose your own craft adventure and follow your creative inspiration in this open-format workshop. Tote bag painting, frame decorating, color by number and more! ($31) Cre8tive in Chelsea

September 6th: Paint and customize your own Labubu collectible figure in this outdoor picnic-style workshop. All ages welcome! ($60) Harbor View Lawn in Dumbo

September 6th: Learn ceramic vessel slab building in this tactile morning workshop focused on hand-building techniques in community. ($95) Recreate Collective in Clinton Hill

September 6th: Create Queens-themed scrapbook pages with NYC memorabilia and craft supplies. First Queens location workshop with cafe location sent out two days before the event.($8) Cafe in Elmhurst, Queens

September 6th: Create September sunset-inspired flower arrangements in this beginner-friendly workshop. Includes premium blooms and access to brunch event! ($55) Olly Olly Market in Chelsea

September 14th: Design your own card collage deck by cutting and assembling a one-of-a-kind game. Tickets sold here. ($30) Wandering Barman in Brooklyn

September 20th-22nd: Create unique coasters in intimate workshops while exploring exclusive art works and posters available for purchase. Website for coasters. (Price varies) Bomi NYC

September 30th: Create custom jewelry and beadwork at this social craft night in a cozy cafe setting. Grab tickets here. ($26) No Nazar Cafe in East Village

Up-level with a class series:

September 5th-7th: Master photography printing in risograph with 2 comprehensive sessions covering color profiles and printing techniques. Participants will leave with 20 copies of their printed photos. Buy tickets to the workshop here ($212+ for both sessions) Secret Riso Club in Brooklyn

September 20th: Learn ceramic glaze techniques in this hands-on workshop covering low fire, midrange glazes and electric kiln firing. No prior experience required. Workshop includes glaze recipe zine! (Sliding scale) The Infinite School

September 5th-30th: Join daily craft workshops including ribbon making, jewelry design, junk journaling, and creative charmscapes throughout the month. (Varies) Browse through their offerings here. In The Craft Nook in Williamsburg

Attend a fun creative event:

September 1st: Get handtied bouquets and flash tattoos from this pop-up celebrating flowers during Labor Day weekend. First come, first served! Check out the website for more information. (Varies) Land to Sea in Brooklyn

September 1st-4th: Attend fascinating lecture nights covering topics from conspiracy theories to astrology across Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. (Price varies). Check out their website here! Lectures on Tap - Various locations

September 5th: Share your story at this open mic night focused on folklore themes rooted in myth, legend, and supernatural. Bring a 5-minute tale or just come to listen and be inspired. (Free) Lore Storytelling in Leimert Park Bookstore

September 6th: Compete in Maker Melee - design ridiculous inventions in teams and pitch to judges for prizes and glory! Do it for the plot? ($25, free for members) Social Medium Space

September 6th: Learn the basics of mahjong in this beginner-friendly night with teaching lessons, practice rounds, and community vibes. Snacks and drinks included! Buy tickets ($35) Trans-Pecos & Nhá Minh in Ridgewood

September 8th: Share personal stories about holding on and letting go at this intimate live storytelling event. Come to listen or bare your soul! (Free | RSVP here) McCarren Parkhouse

September 11th: Explore community fashion at this collaborative event focusing on innovation and sustainable practices during NYFW. (Price varies $15-$88) SoHo

September 10th: Meet amazing NYC ladies at this friend speed dating event with complimentary drinks and fast-paced connections. Wine & non-alcoholic options will be available. ($44) Fabrik Social Spaces in Tribeca

September 13th: Volunteer at the NYC Anarchist Book Fair and connect with like-minded community members while supporting via donations of materials and enjoying NYC Trans Archives literature. (Free) East Village

September 21st: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at this vibrant night market with local vendors, live DJ, and cultural performances. Every Thursday night in September, celebrate heritage! (Free) 40th Lower Plaza in Sunnyside

September 28th: Perform your original songs at songwriter rounds with live music community or buy tickets as a listener. Open mic follows the featured performances. Fill out the form to partake in the rounds + open mic! ($10 RSVP, $15 door) Houghton Hall Arts Community

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Support Us!

Do you know of a community-driven creative studio, art cafe, third place, or maker space that isn't on our directory? Are you a business owner of a space where people can discover new hobbies, develop skills, or connect through creative activities?

Fill out our form to get the business added to our directory! We're expanding our listings to include all kinds of places where curiosity and learning thrive—from pottery studios and art cafes to cooking schools, music spaces, dance studios, woodworking shops, and more.

Submit a Business here!

Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok @discoverakin for the most up to date news & exclusive content. Tag us whenever you do something creative to be featured on our page! Email us at info@discoverakin.com for questions or comments!

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Happy creating and thank you for joining us on this creative journey!

Visit Akin to access the directory and learn more about us.

Until next time,

Your Creativity Guides 👨‍🎨