The three best things to do in New York today

Get pampered during Spa Week
Treat yourself to a facial, massage or other service for just $50 at more than 100 different venues around the city. We recommend signing up for a relaxing Pumpkin-spice Massage at Essential Therapy L&Y Spa (60mins) or a hyperbaric antiaging Oxygen Facial (45mins) at Skin Bar Med Spa.
Various locations through Oct 18; see spaweek.com for details

Hear Joyce Carol Oates talk about her new memoir
Beloved bestselling author Oates talks about her memoir, The Lost Landscape: A Writer's Coming of Age, which chronicles her upbringing in rural Western New York and the life lessons she learned. 
86th Street Barnes and Noble, 150 E 86th Street, 7pm, free

Learn the Cultural History of Halloween
Head to the Brooklyn Brainery to learn why we all decorate our houses with fake cobwebs and wear costumes on October 31 (other than it's a great excuse to party). Wear a costume while examining the cultural intersections that led to Halloween celebrations worldwide. 
190 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, 6:30–8pm, $10