The 5 Best Things To Do In NYC Tonight, October 16

Tonight in New York City: Celebrate 30 years of Def Jam Recordings at Barclay Center, go for a hike through Prospect Park, or try speed dating with fellow literary folk at Housing Works Bookstore. By Carly Petrone.

Def Jam Recordings 30th Anniversary Concert

Rapper Foxy Brown (credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

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Hip hop is celebrating a milestone tonight at Barclays Center. Get ready for Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, DMZ, Foxy Brown, Warren G, Ashanti, Redman, Jhene Aiko, Fabolous, Onyx, Ja Rule, Method Man, EPMD, and Jeremih to hit the stage to celebrate Def Jam Recordings 30th anniversary. For one night only, you can be a part of this all-star concert. Come see some of the most influential artists of hip hop perform live tonight, starting at 8 p.m. Check website for ticket availability and prices.

New York City Food & Wine Festival: Ronzoni's La Sagra Slices

(credit: nycwff.org)

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The New York City Wine & Food Festival kicks off tonight with quite an Italian feast. Stop by the Esurance Rooftop at Pier 92 tonight from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. for the Ronzoni's La Sagra Slices event. Eat pasta with musician Jon Bon Jovi and his brothers, Anthony and Matthew, who will be showing their support for their dad's new line of Bongiovi Brand Pasta Sauces, alongside co-host Travel Channel personality Adam Richman. Come try some of the city's best Italian dishes from meatballs to calzones thanks to participating restaurants like Nicoletta, Ribalta, and Pizzeria Vetri. Tickets are $125. Festival runs through October 19th.

Explore NYC's Natural Side: Prospect Park and the Ecology of a Forested Refuge

(credit: Prospect Park)

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Join the Natural Areas Conservancy and the Prospect Park Alliance for a guided walk as part of the Explore NYC's Natural Side series. Guides will take you through both the ecological necessity and social meanings of NYC's natural areas, all while exploring one of Brooklyn's many forested trails. After you work up an appetite, light refreshments will be served. Just make sure to register your spot (rain or shine!). Trek begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Bartender's Garden: Cocktails from the Greenmarket

(credit: Thinkstock)

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Jenn Smith knows a thing or two about creating a good cocktail. Tonight, she'll teach you how to concoct cocktails with ingredients that are in season. That's right, let a trip to your local farmer's market inspire you! During this hands-on workshop, you'll muddle, juice, and infuse your way into creating the perfect libation. Oh, and did we mention the garnishes that can be made too? The possibilities for you next Bloody Mary bar are about to become endless. Class starts at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $79.

I Like Your Glasses: Literary Speed Dating with CoverSpy

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Are you a literary lady looking for your match? Get ready for a night of speed dating for those who'd rather be judged by their favorite book cover. Bring your current or favorite book to Housing Works Bookstore tonight and meet other readers who are looking for love. Tickets are $15 (includes one drink) and 10% off all books. All of tonight's proceeds go toward Housing Works' mission to fight homelessness and AIDs. Registration required. Event begins at 7 p.m.

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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.