5 Black-Owned Experiences to Keep You Warm This Fall and Winter
As the weather cools down, NYC heats up with unique Black-owned experiences that are perfect for a cozy and inspiring escape from the chill. From hands-on art and science activities to gallery exhibits that celebrate Black culture, these spots offer ways to stay entertained, inspired, and connected to the community. Here’s your guide to five can’t-miss experiences this fall and winter, highlighting Black-owned spaces where culture and creativity shine.
1. Paint ‘N Pour NYC
Paint ‘N Pour in Harlem brings a fresh twist to the paint-and-sip idea, with an open bar and an atmosphere that’s more like a night out than an art class. Here, everyone’s more focused on having fun and enjoying the music than making a “perfect” painting. You’ll find hip-hop and R&B filling the space, and each season they switch up the themes, so there’s always something new. It’s the kind of place where you can let loose, have a drink (or a few), and maybe even surprise yourself with what you create. Perfect for groups, dates, or even a solo night out if you’re up for meeting new people.
Address: 2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
2. The Drunken Laboratory
For those seeking a unique and interactive experience, The Drunken Laboratory in Brooklyn offers an immersive blend of science and nightlife. Guests don lab coats and engage in hands-on experiments that range from creating edible cocktails to witnessing mini-explosions. Founded by scientist Cautney Nelson, this venue transforms traditional scientific concepts into entertaining activities, providing a perfect mix of education and fun. It's an excellent choice for adventurous individuals looking to add a scientific twist to their winter evenings.
Address: 1111 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Visit The Drunken Laboratory Website
3. The Weeksville Heritage Center
The Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn offers a powerful look into one of America’s first free Black communities, founded in 1838. Here, you can explore the historic Hunterfly Road houses, preserved with original artifacts that bring 19th-century Black life in Brooklyn to vivid life. Beyond history, Weeksville hosts workshops, exhibits, and events that celebrate Black heritage and connect the past to today, making it a meaningful destination to explore culture and legacy on a winter’s day.
158 Buffalo Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11213
4. Richard Beavers Gallery
Situated in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Richard Beavers Gallery is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by Black artists, focusing on socially relevant themes. The gallery provides a platform for artists to present works that challenge perspectives and explore themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment. The intimate setting offers a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect stop on a chilly day for art enthusiasts eager to engage with impactful and thought-provoking pieces.
Address: 408 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Visit Richard Beaver Gallery Website
5. The Bishop Gallery
The Bishop Gallery in Bed-Stuy feels like stepping into a local artist’s studio, where every piece tells a story rooted in Brooklyn’s energy. Founded by Brooklyn locals Stevenson Dunn Jr. and Erwin John, the gallery highlights raw, unfiltered art across mediums like street art and photography, often focusing on themes of identity, social change, and everyday New York life. It’s a refreshing alternative to the polished Chelsea galleries, drawing in artists, collectors, and locals who want a real, close-up experience. This spot makes for a perfect winter afternoon, sparking thoughts that stay with you long after you leave.
Address: 630 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Visit The Bishop Gallery Website
As winter sets in, these Black-owned establishments offer enriching experiences that combine warmth, creativity, and community. Whether you're painting with a cocktail in hand at Paint ‘N Pour, conducting experiments at The Drunken Laboratory, or exploring art at The Bishop Gallery, each venue provides a unique way to connect and engage during the colder months.
