Columbus Day Parade
From legendary restaurants to politicians and ballplayers, the Italian American heritage is a big part of New York's cultural DNA, and one of the most vibrant. Along with the annual Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy (which ended September 23), Columbus Day weekend is one of the city's most popular celebrations. The parade is its foremost event; they'll be many Columbus would-bes in attendance, as well as celebrities. This year's grand marshal is chef/restaurateur Lidia Bastianich, co-owner of midtown favorite Felidia and star of Public Television's “Lidia's Italian Table.” “It is such a tremendous honor, with all the dignitaries and the mayor attending,” says Bastianich. The parade starts around 11:45, making its way up Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street to 79th, and ends on 3rd Avenue around 3 p.m.

Woodbury Commons' Columbus Day sale
If you’ve never been to Woodbury Commons, it might seem like a mythical place. But we assure you this designer outlet mall with discounted merchandise from Barneys to Prada does exist. Experience this bargain delirium yourself this weekend with Woodbury Commons’ Columbus Day sale. Expect markdowns of 25-65 percent from Anne Klein, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and more. And for those without a car, just hop on one of the frequently departing buses from Port Authority ($39) or take a MetroNorth train via Secaucus ($14.75-$16.25).

Gratis grub at L'Aperitivo Italiano
Celebrate Italian pride (or an empty wallet) with free pizza, pasta and appetizers during happy hour at this deco pizza joint, which serves up both Italian and South American cocktails (think Peroni, Prosecco or  caipirinhas). With 60 brick ovens, the cuisine is Italian yet the interior evokes the celebratory energy of Brazil with its kicky, brightly colored seats and suspended murano glass lights. The boldly painted walls – fuchsia, red, purple and blue - serve as a showcase for the work of artists and photographers.

Crash Lidia’s celebratory table at Del Posto
“The people from my region in Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, are throwing me a party at Del Posto!” says parade Grand Marshal Lidia Bastianich, with much excitement. “I think they are serving a traditional Friulian dinner. I imagine they could start with a mushroom fritto made with Montasio cheese or a sauerkraut soup. Next would be a pasta or risotto. For the main course it would have to be something braised like beef or pork chops. Polenta could be on the menu.” Sounds tasty, eh? Hit up Del Posto, the grandest Mario Batali venture yet and cruise ship of Italian dining in New York City. A grand sweeping staircase connects two floors accented with black marble and dark wood. A pianist adjacent to the bar regales a crowd dining on antipasti of arancini and salumi misti at the Enoteca. In the dining room, guests at spacious tables feast on Tuscan fare served with synchronized service. Chef Mark Ladner (formerly of Lupa) is in the kitchen, with Bastianich whipping up zabaglione in the dining room (or in this case, being feted downstairs).

Closing day at Water Taxi Beach
It's closer than the Hamptons and less clamorous than Coney Island…and now it's gone. Or at least it will be after Monday's closing day bash. We're talking about Harry's at Water Taxi Beach: everyone's favorite summer-only snack shack and urban excuse for a 'beach’ (strip of sand with picnic tables) run by Schnack owner Harry S. Hawk. Bid adieu to Motz burgers, chili-cheese dogs, PBR tallboys and the perfect view of the Manhattan skyline, and hope it'll hold you over ‘till Memorial Day.

Photo by Azi Paybarah of The Politicker