Events &amp; Things To Do

Tuning in to the Olympics can inspire us to run, sail, leap, or roll back into our favorite athletic pastimes–or discover new ones. The 2024 Summer Olympics, hosted in Paris from Friday, July 26 through Sunday, August 11, will feature 329 events in 32 sports, from traditional sports like tennis and track to newcomers like skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing (breaking will make its Olympic debut this year). If you'd like to get into archery, find a soccer team, or learn to surf, New York City can help you get moving. From programs run by the city's parks to private clubs and organizations, the list below will get you started–or ready for the 2028 games!
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Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra to perform at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Image courtesy of Karpati & Zarewicz

July 24, 2024

Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra to perform at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine

New Yorkers can celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra is performing at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine on Thursday, August 1, at 7 p.m., as part of the Beethoven Ninth Freedom Tour. This concert is the penultimate date of their tour, which has included stops at grand cathedrals and concert halls throughout Europe and the United States.
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Events & Things To Do

Photo of Marine Park via Wikimedia

July 24, 2024

13 places to go hiking in New York City

Forget the rental car or Metro-North trip, all you need to go hiking is subway or bus fare. Home to over 30,000 acres of parkland, New York City offers hundreds of nature trails to explore in parks across the five boroughs. New Yorkers do not have to travel very far to connect with the great outdoors, from the Staten Island Greenbelt, which is three times the size of Central Park, to ecologically diverse forests in Van Cortlandt Park, to the salt marshes of Marine Park Preserve. Ahead, discover some of the best trails to hike in every borough.
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Experience a kaleidoscopic NYC skyline atop Hudson Yards’ Edge

Photos courtesy of Edge

July 19, 2024

Experience a kaleidoscopic NYC skyline atop Hudson Yards’ Edge

A new installation at the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere saturates the New York City skyline in a new light. "Shades" debuted this week at Edge, the 100th-floor indoor/outdoor sky deck at 30 Hudson Yards, with sections of transparent colors splashed across the observation deck, transforming the view. The immersive exhibit challenges visitors to explore how changing vantage points alter the perception of the city around them.
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Events & Things To Do

You can step inside iconic Edward Hopper paintings this weekend

Photo courtesy of the Meatpacking BID

July 18, 2024

You can step inside iconic Edward Hopper paintings this weekend

Celebrate Edward Hopper's birthday by becoming a subject in one of his paintings. This weekend, life-size 3D recreations of three Hopper paintings will pop up on Gansevoort Plaza in the Meatpacking District, inviting New Yorkers to step inside the artwork. Hosted by the Meatpacking BID and the Whitney Museum of American Art, the installations will be on display from July 19 through July 22.
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Events & Things To Do

Lure Fishbar in Soho is participating in Restaurant Week. Photo by Lanna Apisukh.

July 16, 2024

Reservations now open for NYC summer Restaurant Week

Reservations are now open for the summer 2024 NYC Restaurant Week, the New York City Tourism + Conventions announced Tuesday. Restaurant Week hits the five boroughs on July 22 and runs through August 18, with some restaurants extending the menu through the beginning of September. Participating establishments will offer two-course lunches and three-course dinners for $30, $45, or $60.
your table awaits

NYC announces 18 free outdoor concerts in expanded ‘Rise Up’ summer series

Rise Up concert in 2022. Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 15, 2024

NYC announces 18 free outdoor concerts in expanded ‘Rise Up’ summer series

Summer in the city means lots of free outdoor music, from picnic performances in Bryant Park to shows in Prospect Park. Mayor Eric Adams is joining in on the fun by expanding "Rise Up NYC," an annual summer concert series hosted in all five boroughs. There will be 18 performances through the end of August, up from eight shows last year.
details here

Events & Things To Do

Colorful lanterns sparkle over Broadway in the Garment District

Photos courtesy of Alexandre Ayer /@DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

July 15, 2024

Colorful lanterns sparkle over Broadway in the Garment District

A series of colorful lanterns are now sparkling above Broadway as part of a new public art installation in Midtown. The Garment District Alliance last week unveiled "New Start, New Hope," an exhibition featuring 135 colorful lanterns illuminating three plazas between 36th and 39th Streets. Created by local artist Xin Song, the installation adds brightness and a sense of calm to one of the city's busiest areas.
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Events & Things To Do

New York City’s biggest Bastille Day bash celebrates ahead of the Paris Olympics

Photos courtesy of L’Alliance New York

July 12, 2024

New York City’s biggest Bastille Day bash celebrates ahead of the Paris Olympics

This Sunday, the biggest event celebrating Bastille Day outside France hits Madison Avenue. To reflect the world's excitement for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the event, which is expected to draw over 25,000 visitors, will bring an Olympics theme to L’Alliance New York’s annual cultural bonanza of French culture, entertainment, fashion, food, and more.
allons-Y!

Events & Things To Do

NYC artists ‘take over’ iconic spaces in a rare peek inside Westbeth Artists Housing complex

Westbeth Artists Housing is hosting an event that will provide a unique glimpse into the iconic arts organization's home and the important architecture surrounding it while showcasing the work of talented artists. During the Westbeth Artists Takeover, taking place through July 14, participants will exhibit works in a former synagogue, a daycare center, and a dramatic sculpture studio–all of which have been off-limits to the public for decades. Participants include Tom Fruin–known for his stained glass water towers placed throughout the city–who will be showing new work, and a wide range of New York-centric artists.
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Events & Things To Do

20 spots to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Image courtesy of Circle Line

June 27, 2024

20 spots to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Nowhere does the Fourth of July like New York City. For the first time in over a decade, the spectacular Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show will return to the Hudson River, sharing the stage with Jersey City's celebration and illuminating the sky in red, white, and blue. Ahead, discover a selection of the best-ticketed events across NYC to enjoy this year's Independence Day fireworks celebrations, from rooftop bars with prime views of the Hudson River to boat cruises that offer a front-row seat to the action.
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Events & Things To Do

Astoria Pool in Queens. Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

June 27, 2024

NYC opens 50 outdoor pools for summer

School is out, pools are open, and summer is here. New York City opened 50 free outdoor public pools on Thursday, officially kicking off the swimming season. For Queens residents, summer is a little cooler this year as the city reopened Astoria Pool following a $19 million renovation that closed the pool, the five borough's largest, last year.
take a dip

Events & Things To Do

Xanadu, a funky roller disco and nightclub, lands in Bushwick

Image courtesy of Mike Shane

June 25, 2024

Xanadu, a funky roller disco and nightclub, lands in Bushwick

A psychedelic roller rink has touched down in Bushwick. Opening its doors on Friday, June 28, Xanadu Roller Arts is a one-of-a-kind food and entertainment hub featuring New York City's only year-round indoor roller rink that doubles as a 1,000-capacity nightclub and music venue. Located at 262 Starr Street, the venue features an out-of-this-world design with creative food and drinks, a top-of-the-line skating rink, world-class sound and lighting systems, and much more, ensuring an immersive experience for all visitors.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC ‘Summer Streets’ to return with longer hours for more car-free fun

Summer Streets 2022. Photo courtesy of the NYC Department of Transportation on Flickr

June 25, 2024

NYC ‘Summer Streets’ to return with longer hours for more car-free fun

New York City's "Summer Streets" program is returning next month with more time to enjoy car-free streets. The annual event closes several miles of street, allowing for fun outdoor recreation and activities on certain Saturdays. Previously only hosted in Manhattan, in 2023, the program was expanded to every borough. Not only will Summer Streets once again hit all five boroughs, but this year's event will also last longer, with streets closed for an extra two hours, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Macy’s July 4th fireworks: NYC to give out free tickets for front-row views of the show

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2023- Photo by Kent Miller for Macy’s, Inc

June 25, 2024

Macy’s July 4th fireworks: NYC to give out free tickets for front-row views of the show

The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks is set to dazzle New York City once again, with the spectacle taking place over the Hudson River for the first time in a decade. The Independence Day show's 48th edition will feature 60,000 shells and more than 30 colors, fired from five barges between West 14th Street and West 34th Street on the river. While there are plenty of viewing spots open to the public, Mayor Eric Adams this week announced the city will give away 10,000 free tickets for a front-row fireworks experience to be distributed on Wednesday on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Events & Things To Do

Lincoln Center debuts first-ever night market

Image courtesy of Sachyn Mital

June 19, 2024

Lincoln Center debuts first-ever night market

Lincoln Center is hosting its first-ever night market during the annual Summer for the City festival. Open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through August 10, the Lincoln Center Night Market offers visitors an exciting variety of cuisine from curated vendors, from Mexican desserts and soul food from Harlem to Lebanese street food and plant-based options. The market will also feature a tent with rotating food offerings to complement each week of the Summer for the City programming.
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Free live music coming to 11 plazas and open streets across NYC

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus performing at Make Music NY Day. Image courtesy of NYC DOT

June 17, 2024

Free live music coming to 11 plazas and open streets across NYC

Free live music is coming to public squares in all five boroughs starting this weekend. The city's Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Friday announced the return of Make Music New York Day on June 21, featuring performances at 11 different plazas and Open Streets locations across the city. Additionally, DOT is partnering with Mov!ng Culture Projects to host performances in Brooklyn and Manhattan and is activating public spaces for Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month throughout the month.
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Events & Things To Do

Photo courtesy of Dream Downtown / Tao Group Hospitality

June 14, 2024

NYC’s best rooftop hotel pools offering day passes

Coming soon: Full-time sun and swimsuit season. Some lucky apartment dwellers count a private pool among their building’s amenities. Otherwise, your local options include public pools or pricey pool clubs and gyms. One way to hack summer in NYC is to snag a day pass to a pool atop one of the city’s trendy hotels. Usually reserved for hotel guests, some hotels allow visitors to pay by the day–often with poolside restaurant and bar privileges. Some venues host events like pool parties with DJs, live music, and drink specials. Read on for cool pools with day rates. Many hotel pools open on Memorial Day weekend. Pools may be reserved for private events, or rates and access information may change; be sure to check in with the venue before finalizing your plans.
Everyone in the pool

Events & Things To Do

Museum Mile Festival is back, offering free admission at NYC’s best museums

Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr

June 14, 2024

Museum Mile Festival is back, offering free admission at NYC’s best museums

The Museum Mile Festival, aka "New York City's biggest block party," returns to Fifth Avenue for its 46th year. As part of the festival, guests can walk along Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 110th Street and visit eight world-class museums for free. Participating institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Neue Galerie New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, and the Africa Center. The festival takes place on Tuesday, June 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the street closed off to vehicles to allow for live performances, art-making activities, and more.
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Events & Things To Do

Jersey City reveals 4th of July fireworks celebration with concert headlined by Wyclef Jean

Photo by Jennifer Brown/City of Jersey City

June 13, 2024

Jersey City reveals 4th of July fireworks celebration with concert headlined by Wyclef Jean

New Jersey's spectacular 4th of July celebration is returning to the Jersey City waterfront. Mayor Steven Fulop on Wednesday announced this year's Freedom and Fireworks, an all-day celebration on Independence Day featuring a free concert headlined by Garden State-raised Wyclef Jean with openers Fat Joe and Funk Flex, food vendors, family activities, and more. The event concludes with a breathtaking fireworks show by Grucci that will light up the sky above the Hudson River.
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Events & Things To Do

The High Line celebrates 15 years as a public park

All photos by Rowa Lee unless otherwise noted

June 13, 2024

The High Line celebrates 15 years as a public park

Fifteen years have passed since the High Line opened to the public, transforming a crumbling rail line into an urban oasis. Since opening in June 2009, more than 75 million people have visited the elevated public park. Its construction has generated over $2 billion in private investment and economic activity, creating a booming neighborhood with new residential and cultural developments centered around the park. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the High Line will host new public art installations, 15 free special events through the summer and fall, and temporarily reopen the interim walkway at the Western Rail Yards for the first time since 2022. The Western Rail Yards segment, the last of the original High Line structure to be rehabilitated, offers stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson River and cityscape.
happy birthday high line

Events & Things To Do

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns this month

All photos courtesy of Norman Blake

June 12, 2024

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns this month

New York City's colorful Mermaid Parade returns to the Coney Island boardwalk this month. Hosted by Coney Island USA, the spectacle is considered the nation's largest "art parade," attracting 3,000 participants wearing handmade sea-themed costumes and marching next to mythical floats. The 42nd annual Mermaid Parade takes place on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
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Events & Things To Do

Photo by Curt Saunders, @curthoranesaunders. Courtesy of Weeksville Heritage Center / Black Owned Brooklyn

June 11, 2024

15 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in NYC

Juneteenth commemorates the day President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, Texas, effectively ending slavery in the United States. Although it only became a nationally recognized holiday in 2021, Black Americans in New York City and across the country have long celebrated the holiday, an opportunity to uplift communities and share Black culture. Ahead, find Juneteenth events happening in NYC this year, from live gospel performances and celebrations of Black music to food festivals and 5K runs.
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Events & Things To Do

First major exhibit dedicated to Shirley Chisholm opening at Museum of the City of New York

Chisholm on the Congressional Rules Committee, A. Dev O’Neill and K. Jewell, 1970s, Reproduction, Special Collections and University Archives, Rutgers University Libraries

June 5, 2024

First major exhibit dedicated to Shirley Chisholm opening at Museum of the City of New York