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Free Fun Friday - Free Cooking Classes, Fall Festivals and Local Pumpkin Picking

10/9/08 - By Nina

IMG_0383.JPGFall has arrived and it's time to get yourself some pumpkins! Check out our posts on the best pumpkin picking and apple picking in the area if you want to head out of town. Or, you can stock up on pumpkins and fall fun right here in NYC with the top picks of this weekend's local pumpkin events. Plus, did you know that there are lots of free kids cooking classes available this weekend? Keep reading for the full scoop...

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The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival runs thru the weekend. While a lot of the high-profile adult-events are sold out, nearly all the kids events are all FREE and have space. If you want to bake with Amy of Amy's Bread, decorate cookies with Eleni, or learn about lobsters with chef Ian MacGregor from the Lobster Place and more, check out the listings and RSVP ASAP. Saturday and Sunday, various times and locations.

If you've ever wondered what lives in the waters under the Manhattan Bridge now is your chance to find out. Join experts as they use a 30-foot seining net to catch fish and other remarkable East River creatures. Then take a good look before they release them back to their homes.To reserve a place, call Kara Gilmour, Education and Stewardship Coordinator, at 718-802-0603 x18, or email kgilmour@bbpc.net. Saturday 11:30 AM - 1PM, Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. FREE.

And now, a word about pumpkins....

In Queens you can head over to the Pumpkin Patch, Oktoberfest and Arts & Crafts Fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park. Saturday, 12-6PM (rain date 10/12) FREE. Or join the Rockaway Fall Festival and carve your pumpkin on the beach. Sunday 12PM.

Brooklynites can choose from Pumpkin Day in McCarren Park which includes a live performance by Grand Street Community Band. Saturday, 11 am -1 pm (rain date 10/18). Suggested donation $5. Or, check out the 2nd Annual Gowanus Harvest Festival where you can catch live music, local vendors and lots of kiddie stuff including pumpkin carving. Saturday 11AM - 9PM. $12 admission, children under 5 free.

On Staten Island you can go Pumpkin Picking at Greenbelt Farm on Saturday from 12-5PM (FREE) or Decker Farms where you can also take a hay-ride.  October weekends, $4 per person or $14 for a family of four.

Your best bet in the Bronx is Boo at the Zoo which has tons of great activities including pumpkin carving lesson from Noon–3:00 p.m. Click on the link up above to get $3 off your tickets. Sat. and Sunday.

And, check out our Halloween Guide and  events calendar for more cool stuff to do around town...