If you’re into food, which we know you have to be if you’re checking out Leisurely, this weekend is all about The New York City Wine and Food Festival (NYCWFF). But if you aren’t into crowds or chef-driven dinners, we’ve got a few recommendations on how to keep your cool.

New York City Wine and Food Festival, Multiple Locations, Thursday through Sunday

You don’t want to make the mistake this writer is reminded of through nightmares and go back-to-back-to-back on endless tastings at New York City Wine and Food Festival. If you do, immediately after feeling amazing during the annual Blue Moon Burger Bash, you’ll realize what a horrible choice you’ve made. Instead, consider a smaller event like dinner with Chefs Hugh Acheson and Michael Anthony, who are collaborating on a season menu paired with plenty of wine. You can also just attend a chef demo or learn how to pace yourself. Though some events have sold out because the Food Network stars brought their posses, tickets to remaining events can be reserved here.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, 525 S Riverside Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY. Saturday and Sunday

Sleepy Hollow in New York’s Hudson Valley might have the spookiest rep of any town in America, which is why it’s a great place to visit for Halloween festivities. In nearby Croton-on-Hudson, The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze lights up the night sky with Halloween themed events for kids and adults who want to get some extra mileage out of their Comic Con outfits. And if you need a nice restaurant to enjoy nearby, Dale Talde’s Goosefeather is cranking out dumplings and delicious Chinese BBQ in a historic mansion. Tickets fo the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze can be reserved here.

Dumpling Making with Josh Grinker, Kings County Imperial, Saturday, 12 pm

Trust us, you’re going to want to learn how to make dumplings before the winter hits which is why we’re reminding you about Leisurely’s very own intimate gathering this weekend. Josh Grinker of the Lower East Side and Williamsburg neighborhood favorites Kings County Imperial is an expert in regional Chinese cuisine. He will teach you the best way to roll and stuff dumplings, then he’s going to feed you some of his favorite off the menu dim sum specials because real chefs like to feed people. Watch the video if you need some extra motivation to learn and become a true dumpling don, then reserve your tickets here.