#community-gathering

#community-gathering

For the night, Hadidi transformed the restaurant's back room, typically reserved for parties of 20 or more, into a theater-style viewing room. It became so packed that Huda regulars Hiba Awad and her friends Joanna and Mo ran home for a laptop and monitor, which they set up at the bar next to the martini glasses. "That way, we can live stream the results for the rest of the restaurant to see, too," Awad explained.

Despite the changing ways in which American readers buy their books, the small independent bookstores of Upstate New York have withstood the test of time and, in fact, are growing in numbers. Here are a dozen of the best ones, from the Hudson Valley through Central New York and out to Western New York. If your favorite indie bookstore didn't make our list this time around, let us know at feedback@nyup.com.

On 23rd Street, Andy's Donut Shop has provided that setting since 1954. For some, it's where they snuck out for midnight pastries in their teens. For others, it's their sandwich stop on the morning commute. For a few, it's their go-to Vietnamese place. The menu has changed over the years, but its importance as a reliable cafe and gathering space has not.

She says one of her goals in restoring the space at 15.5 N. Santa Cruz Ave. was to give the community a cozy, relaxed place to meet friends and bond with neighbors. From the convivial bar to the cozy dining room and the even cozier high-end private whiskey and tequila lounge with its own speakeasy to the lively game lounge, plus TVs for sports fans, this place has it all, including an outdoor patio and a private dining room for celebrations.

As designers who often do digital things, we feel specifically within our community that algorithms are pushing us further [apart]. Campillo saw those spaces, where friends could spend hours, slipping from espresso to wine without having to move locations, across Latin America and Europe, but felt like they were missing from Los Angeles.

Join us for a tail-wagging day of fun, connection, and canine joy! Whether your dog is a playful pup or a mellow senior, our Doggy Social is the perfect chance for all ages to mingle, sniff, and make new furry friends in a safe and welcoming space.

"These works carry memory. They are not just handmade; they are hand-held stories of survival, spirituality, and community."

The Vallejo Art Walk occurs every second Friday from 5-10 pm, featuring over 25 local and national artists in downtown Vallejo's historic arts district.

Rabbi Baruch Binyamin Melman reminded the crowd, "In the camps, we were acted upon. Today, with Israel and its defenders, we act. Am Yisroel Chai."

"When we did this, it was kind of a natural progression, because my end goal was always to open a bakery," Browne told BK Reader.

The Prescott Night Market is a vibrant community event that brings together residents, local food makers, artists, and entrepreneurs once a month from June to October.

Our Juneteenth Ritual of Remembrance is a prayerful honoring of the enslaved people who didn't live to see freedom come. It emphasizes a deep spiritual connection through diverse faiths.

The Castro Night Market returns this Friday with its PET PARTY, featuring food vendors, live performances, and activities for pets and their owners.

Join us for Divine Sips: A Roots Divino Tasting Experience on April 29th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at our Hayes Valley location.