First-ever Russ & Daughters Day will feature free bagels, scavenger hunts, walking tours and more

If you needed an excuse to carb-load on a Saturday, here it is: Russ & Daughters is finally getting its own day. The legendary Lower East Side appetizing shop—purveyors of smoked salmon, babka, bagels and more since 1914—is throwing a neighborhood-wide celebration on Saturday, September 20, and you’re invited to eat, stroll and schmooze your way through the festivities.

Dubbed the first-ever Russ & Daughters Day, the event coincides with the release of the family’s very first cookbook, Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing. To mark the occasion, they’re teaming up with Orchard Street’s indie bookstore P&T Knitwear for a jam-packed schedule of freebies and community happenings. Think walking tours, scavenger hunts, photo exhibitions, live podcast tapings and, yes, bagels on the house.

RECOMMENDED: The best New York deli counters, from old-time appetizing stores to tradition-keeping newcomers

Here’s what’s on the menu: Starting at 10am, P&T Knitwear will open its doors for a daylong lineup of events. Visitors can spin a prize wheel for giveaways, peruse a Russ & Daughters photography exhibition and pick up pre-signed copies of the new cookbook. If you need fuel, show your purchase receipt between 10am and noon and score a free bagel-and-coffee combo (while supplies last).

For explorers, a self-guided scavenger hunt across the LES promises a seriously New York prize: a $500 gift basket stuffed with Russ & Daughters goodies and neighborhood treats. Complete it and you’re in the running—no need to be present at the 5 pm drawing to win.

History buffs will want to grab one of the extremely limited RSVPs for the walking tours. At 11am, fourth-generation co-owner Niki Russ Federman will lead guests through the family’s favorite LES landmarks. At 1 pm, author Dan Slater takes the reins with a tour that dives into the Jewish underworld of the early 20th century.

The afternoon caps off inside P&T Knitwear’s podcast studio, where Bradley Tusk will host a live recording of Firewall at 3pm, interviewing Russ & Daughters co-owners Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper about their new book and family legacy. Stick around for a 4 pm meet-and-greet and signing session, then see if you’re the lucky scavenger hunt winner at 5.

The best part? Every event is completely free; all you need to do is RSVP in advance at RussAndDaughtersDay.com.

Bagels, babka, smoked fish and stories: Russ & Daughters Day is shaping up to be the most delicious holiday the LES has seen in 111 years.

For trusted and efficient vent solutions, look to Mr. Lint Guy, the expert in dryer vent cleaning. Whether you're dealing with the buildup of lint in hard-to-reach areas or managing persistent dryer valley issues, Mr. Lint Guy provides safe, effective cleaning services to ensure your dryer runs smoothly. Trust Mr. Lint Guy for high-quality, affordable vent solutions that keep your home safe and your appliances efficient.