Events & Things To Do

Where you can see late artist Yayoi Kusama’s work in NYC

Yayoi Kusama creating the My Eternal Soul series in her studio.© YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy David Zwirner, Ota Fine Arts

September 4, 2026

Where you can see late artist Yayoi Kusama’s work in NYC

Yayoi Kusama, the iconic Japanese artist known for her distinctive polka dot style, pumpkin sculptures, and infinity mirror rooms, died on August 14 at the age of 97. Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, Kusama lived in New York City from the late 1950s through 1975, where she established herself as an avant-garde artist through "groundbreaking performances, happenings, events, and exhibitions," according to David Zwirner, who represented her since 2013. While her work has been recognized for decades globally, Kusama's legacy in New York City will be especially remembered, from her early "Infinity Room" series to more recent exhibitions at the New York Botanical Garden and mosaics at Grand Central.
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NYC expands free rooftop tours at historic Manhattan Municipal Building

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 28, 2026

NYC expands free rooftop tours at historic Manhattan Municipal Building

By Aaron Ginsburg

Larger groups are now permitted to attend the city's free tours of the historic David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building following growing demand. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei on Friday announced expanded access to “Centre 360,” a panoramic experience inside the Beaux-Arts government building's 36th-floor cupola, increasing the maximum group size from five to eight. The move comes just months after the tours launched in June following a $6 million renovation, with reservations for the experience selling out in less than two minutes.
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August 27, 2026

17 spots in NYC to watch the U.S. Open and sip a Honey Deuce

By Aaron Ginsburg

The U.S. Open is set to return to Queens' Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for another year of world-class competition. As the world's best tennis players battle for the final Grand Slam titles of the year, the tournament will once again bring plenty of excitement to the five boroughs, along with one of its most iconic drinks: the Honey Deuce. If you weren't willing to splurge on tickets to the increasingly expensive event in Queens, we've found some of the best spots across NYC to watch the U.S. Open while enjoying a Honey Deuce cocktail.
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Events & Things To Do

Mamdani announces 1,000 discounted U.S. Open tickets for NYC residents

Photo by Kate Tann on Flickr

August 25, 2026

Mamdani announces 1,000 discounted U.S. Open tickets for NYC residents

By Aaron Ginsburg

Amid backlash over high U.S. Open ticket prices, Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday announced he secured discounted tickets to the tournament for New York City residents. The mayor and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) will offer 1,000 tickets priced at $100 to see main-draw matches taking place from Sunday, August 30, through Tuesday, September 8. The tickets, which go on sale on this Wednesday at 10 a.m., will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible New Yorkers. New Yorkers will be able to purchase two tickets each.
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Events & Things To Do

Prospect Park to host Battle of Brooklyn reenactment for borough-wide 250th anniversary commemoration

Battle of Brooklyn reenactment in Green-Wood Cemetery. Credit: Allison Meier on Flickr

August 21, 2026

Prospect Park to host Battle of Brooklyn reenactment for borough-wide 250th anniversary commemoration

By Aaron Ginsburg

Relive the first and largest battle of the American Revolution this weekend as part of a borough-wide commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn's 250th anniversary. Fought in August 1776, just weeks after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the battle took place across parts of present-day Prospect Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, Fulton Ferry Landing, and Fort Greene Park. To mark the anniversary, Prospect Park will host a reenactment of the battle on Saturday August 22, following in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there 250 years ago, while Green-Wood will host its own reenactment on Sunday. The events are part of Brooklyn 250, a borough-wide commemoration by six cultural institutions with free events, tours, and discussions on the historic battle's role in American independence.
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Inwood’s new immigrant arts center announces inaugural season

Photo by Luis Luque/Capture Imaging

August 20, 2026

Inwood’s new immigrant arts center announces inaugural season

By Devin Gannon

A new theater dedicated to immigrant-centered works opening in New York City this fall released its inaugural schedule of performances. Located on West 206th Street in Inwood, Centro Cultural Inmigrante provides a permanent home for The People's Theatre, the first immigrant cultural center in New York. The season begins on September 19 with a community open house and jazz power jam, followed by the play "GUAC," written and performed by Manuel Oliver, whose son Joaquín "Guac" Oliver was killed in the Parkland shooting in 2018.
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Broadway Week is back with discounted tickets for 25 shows

Photo credit: Lucia Vazquez

August 18, 2026

Broadway Week is back with discounted tickets for 25 shows

By Devin Gannon

With summer about to take its curtain call, New Yorkers can start planning for fall. Tickets for the semi-annual Broadway Week are now on sale, offering 2-for-1 deals on select shows, New York City Tourism + Conventions announced. Running from September 8 through September 20, this year's event includes 25 shows, from longtime favorites like "The Lion King" and "The Book of Mormon" to newcomers "Schmigadoon!" and "Titaníque."
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Events & Things To Do

Data Vandals turns facts about NYC into art and conversation in an abandoned subway kiosk

Photo credit: Mark Shaw

August 12, 2026

Data Vandals turns facts about NYC into art and conversation in an abandoned subway kiosk

By Michelle Cohen

Some New Yorkers have complained that they miss the old subway platform kiosks that were recently replaced by vending machines, seeing the change as a sign that human interaction is becoming a thing of the past. Data Vandals has an even better idea: As part of the MTA’s Vacant Unit Activation Program, the artist-activists created the Data Vandals Newsstand, a data-art gallery on the downtown 6-train platform at 51st Street and Lexington Avenue. A colorful mural outside the former kiosk reveals New York’s history in fascinating detail for the 52,000 riders that pass through the station daily. Creative visualization of vital data includes the country of origin for each of the city's 8.8 million residents anchored by a freshly updated Statue of Liberty and a six-foot-tall rat mascot offering facts about the 6-train stops. Inside, the kiosk turns into a center for community conversation, with rotating surveys, changing exhibitions, in-person events, talks, music, and a free newspaper.
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Events & Things To Do

Camp out overnight in NYC parks with the Urban Park Rangers

All photos courtesy of NYC Parks

August 11, 2026

Camp out overnight in NYC parks with the Urban Park Rangers

By Michelle Cohen

Here's a chance to pitch a tent under the stars in parks around New York City. First launched over 20 years ago, the NYC Parks Department's Family Camping program provides a free way for New Yorkers to experience overnight camping without leaving the five boroughs. The events, hosted by the Urban Park Rangers, include night hikes, storytelling, and, of course, s’mores. As space is very limited, with just 30 participants per program, according to Gothamist, interested campers must enter a lottery for each event. While registration for the Central Park event has passed, there are plenty of opportunities in other parks across New York, like Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan and Orchard Beach in the Bronx.
gone camping

Events & Things To Do

Explore how ‘The Odyssey’ is depicted in art at the Met

Photo by Rebecca Schear, Courtesy of The Met

August 10, 2026

Explore how ‘The Odyssey’ is depicted in art at the Met

By Devin Gannon

If you haven't been able to snag one of the elusive tickets to see Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70-millimeter film at AMC Lincoln Square (join the club), a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art may temporarily suffice. The museum's collection of Greek and Roman art comprises more than 30,000 works, including several related to Homer's epic poem, a story that has inspired artists for thousands of years. Ahead, discover pieces currently on view at the Met that retell the story of Odysseus' 10-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
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World Trade Center Oculus to host 10 days of events for 10th anniversary

By Aaron Ginsburg

The World Trade Center Oculus will mark its 10th anniversary next month with 10 straight days of celebrations honoring the architectural landmark. Running from Friday, August 7 through Monday, August 17, festivities at the Lower Manhattan transit hub will include the unveiling of a new floral sculpture, giveaways, live music, artwork created on-site, and other free offerings open to the public. The event series kicks off with an exclusive rededication ceremony and the unveiling of the 10-foot “TEN IN BLOOM” floral installation, designed by world-renowned floral design company Fleurs de Villes.
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Events & Things To Do

NBA championship trophy on display at Natural History Museum

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 23, 2026

NBA championship trophy on display at Natural History Museum

By Aaron Ginsburg

When the New York Knicks said they would bring their first championship in 53 years back to the five boroughs, they meant it. Starting Monday, July 27, the American Museum of Natural History will display the NBA's Larry O'Brien Trophy, where it will remain on view through January 3, 2027. The glittering 30-pound trophy, engraved with the Knicks' championship details, joins the museum's "For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence" exhibition, which celebrates some of the greatest achievements in sports history.
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Events & Things To Do

Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the Whitney will explore the evolution of images

Roy Lichtenstein, Crying Girl, 1963. Offset lithograph: sheet, 17 3/4 × 23 3/4 in. (45.1 × 60.3 cm); image, 17 1/4 × 23 1/8 in. (43.8 × 58.7 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Scott Newman 2021.135. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein/DACS 2026

July 22, 2026

Roy Lichtenstein exhibition at the Whitney will explore the evolution of images

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Whitney Museum of American Art is set to host a career-spanning exhibition this fall celebrating legendary pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, featuring more than 130 works exploring the evolution of his artistic career. Opening October 11, "Roy Lichtenstein: Like New" will examine the artist's engagement with mass culture and his belief that no work is ever truly "stable," but instead exists in a constant state of duplication, reproduction, and being "made new." The featured works span from the early 1940s through the 1990s and offer a reconsideration of Lichtenstein's relationship with image culture at a time when images are endlessly "cropped, filtered, reposted, and recirculated."
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July 17, 2026

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup final in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

It might be hard to believe, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly over. Soccer fans have been captivated by what many are calling one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory, while cities around the globe, including New York City, have welcomed travelers from near and far to celebrate the beloved event. This Sunday, the tournament will come to an end in New Jersey, which will host the final between Argentina and Spain. The third-place match between France and England takes place on Saturday. Ahead, here are some of the best places across the five boroughs to watch the match, from a free free screenings on Governors Island and in Hudson Yards to under the Blue Whale at the American Museum of Natural History.
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Events & Things To Do

‘Summer Streets’ returns with over 20 miles of car-free blocks and later hours

Credit: NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

July 13, 2026

‘Summer Streets’ returns with over 20 miles of car-free blocks and later hours

By Aaron Ginsburg

Summer Streets returns to New York City this month with more than 20 miles of car-free streets and programming through August, along with later hours in the outer boroughs. Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn on Friday announced that the annual event will open select stretches of street to pedestrians and cyclists from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Manhattan and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island over five Saturdays in July and August, starting July 25.
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AMNH to celebrate Manhattanhenge with free block party this weekend

Credit:zxvisual

July 10, 2026

AMNH to celebrate Manhattanhenge with free block party this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

The American Museum of Natural History is offering a new way to experience Manhattanhenge as the phenomenon makes its final appearance of 2026. The twice-yearly spectacle occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, creating iconic views and photo opportunities across the borough. To celebrate the cosmic event on Saturday, museum astronomer Jackie Faherty will lead a ticketed 3D presentation using cutting-edge software, followed by a free outdoor viewing experience accompanied by live music.
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Events & Things To Do

Courtesy of Gotham FC

July 7, 2026

Gotham FC will move to Queens in 2028

By Aaron Ginsburg

Gotham FC, the reigning National Women's Soccer League champions, will make Queens their permanent home alongside the New York City Football Club (NYCFC). On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the team's move from New Jersey to Etihad Park, the city’s first-ever professional soccer stadium under construction in Willets Point, in 2028. The fully electric stadium, designed by HOK, is slated to open for NYCFC’s season next spring, establishing Queens as a major hub for soccer across the five boroughs.
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Events & Things To Do

Where to watch the Macy’s July 4th fireworks for free

Credit: spurekar on Flickr

July 2, 2026

Where to watch the Macy’s July 4th fireworks for free

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is set for its largest display in its 50-year history in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Commemorating the occasion, Macy's will launch more than 85,000 shells from three locations: the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River near the South Street Seaport, and the Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City. While there are many ticketed watch parties planned across the five boroughs, the show’s record-breaking scale also means more free viewing locations than in previous years.
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Events & Things To Do

How to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in NYC

Credit: Circle Line

June 30, 2026

How to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

On July 4, America celebrates its 250th anniversary, a momentous occasion marked by patriotic celebrations across the country. New York City festivities will be especially memorable this year. The Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is set to be its biggest ever, with fireworks launching from three separate locations for the first time. The largest parade of tall ships ever assembled takes to the New York Harbor, with more than 40 tall ships from around the world and 30 naval vessels. Ahead, find some of the best 4th of July celebrations for America's semiquincentennial, from ship tours and exhibits exploring NYC's Revolutionary past and immigrant history to firework watch parties on rooftops and observation decks.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC co-names streets after New York Knicks players

All photos courtesy of NYC DOT

June 29, 2026

NYC co-names streets after New York Knicks players

By Devin Gannon

In commemoration of the team's first NBA championship in over 50 years, New York City has temporarily co-named streets in Manhattan for every player on the 2026 New York Knicks. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city's Department of Transportation (DOT) on Monday unveiled 18 new blue-and-orange signs installed at locations across Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The signs feature a player's name and jersey number, which corresponds to the street where it's installed, creating a "championship route through the heart of Manhattan," according to the city.
go new york go new york

Events & Things To Do

NYC to give out 100,000 free tickets to Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show

South Street Seaport. 2019 fireworks. Photo credit: Jane Kratochvil

June 26, 2026

NYC to give out 100,000 free tickets to Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show

By Devin Gannon

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday opened a lottery for 100,000 free tickets to the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show next week. In celebration of its 50th July 4th event, and coinciding with America 250, Macy's will expand the show to the East River, the Hudson River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The event is free to watch without a ticket, but those who are selected by the lottery will get a front-row seat to the spectacle, which includes more than 85,000 shells and 30 colors. The lottery is open now through Monday, June 29, at 11:59 p.m.
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Events & Things To Do

‘Clutch’ orange bag of Knicks playoff run on view at the Guggenheim

Photo: Davia de Croix, Courtesy of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

June 24, 2026

‘Clutch’ orange bag of Knicks playoff run on view at the Guggenheim

By Aaron Ginsburg

The lucky orange bag that followed the New York Knicks throughout their historic playoff run is now on view at the Guggenheim Museum. Designed and carried by Jordyn Woods, fiancée of Knicks star center Karl-Anthony Towns, the Tux Clutch Mini bag became a viral good luck charm during the team's 13-game playoff winning streak and its Game 5 Finals-clinching victory. Woods even carried the bag during last week's ticker-tape parade held by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The accessory is on display at the museum's Café Rebay for five days only, through June 28.
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Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn Public Library releases limited-edition Jay-Z library cards

Images courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library

June 23, 2026

Brooklyn Public Library releases limited-edition Jay-Z library cards

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library is releasing a limited-edition Jay-Z library card in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Brooklyn-born rapper’s debut album. Starting Thursday, the JAŸ-Z 30 Limited Edition Library Card will be available at BPL branches systemwide on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Created in collaboration with Roc Nation, the card celebrates the 30th anniversary of “Reasonable Doubt” and comes ahead of the rapper’s three highly anticipated performances at Yankee Stadium next month.
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Events & Things To Do

June 22, 2026

New York Historical opens $175M democracy wing designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects

By Aaron Ginsburg

The newest wing at New York’s oldest museum officially opened this week following a 71,000-square-foot expansion. Completed just in time for the nation's 250th birthday, the $175 million Tang Wing for American Democracy at The New York Historical, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), marks the first expansion of the landmarked campus in nearly a century. The new wing adds space for exhibitions, programming, and democracy education, including the first dedicated home for the American LGBTQ+ Museum, the institution's Patricia D. Klingenstein Library collection, a courtyard, and a rooftop garden with Central Park views.
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New York to consider dual bid by NYC and Lake Placid to host the Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy; photo credit: profernity on Flickr.

June 22, 2026

New York to consider dual bid by NYC and Lake Placid to host the Winter Olympics

By Michelle Cohen

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday the formation of a state committee to explore the possibility of a bid by Lake Placid and New York City to co-host a future Winter Olympics. The Lake Placid-New York City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee would evaluate the feasibility of a 2042 Winter Games concept–similar to this year's Olympics in Milan and Cortina–that made use of Lake Placid's Olympic legacy and New York City's global platform, according to the governor.
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