Events & Things To Do

June 1, 2020

10 virtual things to do this week: Brandi Carlile, The Apollo, dinosaurs, and more

New York City is finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't remain vigilant in our social distancing efforts. Thankfully, there are plenty of cool online events this week to make staying at home that much easier. There's good music, from the kick-off concert in a new series from Brandi Carlile to a benefit concert to support Harlem's The Apollo, as well as some newsy discussions like a talk about life after COVID-19 with Fareed Zakaria and a new virtual open newsroom with THE CITY and the Brooklyn Public Library. You can also go on a virtual dino bone dig with the American Museum of Natural History and watch Puccini’s masterwork Tosca with the Met Opera.
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May 29, 2020

9 virtual things to do this weekend: Loisaida Festival, guided meditation, dachshund fiesta, and more

If you've run out of Netflix shows and can't look at another jigsaw puzzle, there is still plenty of ways to stay entertained this weekend. From a virtual stand-up comedy show and a spring fiesta for dachshunds to guided meditation and a historic discussion on New York City's Chinatown, we've rounded up nine virtual events to keep boredom at bay.
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May 27, 2020

This Saturday, partake in a virtual dachshund festival for peak cuteness

If quarantine's got you down, the Washington Square Park Conservancy has just the thing to lift your mood. This Saturday afternoon, along with their partner the Dachshund Friendship Club, the organization is taking its annual Dachshund Spring Fiesta virtual for a full hour of adorableness, including a sing-along to the "Dachsong."
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May 26, 2020

8 virtual things to do this week: Outer space, sourdough, Questlove, and more

If you're having a tough time coming back to work after the long weekend, this roster of virtual events will help soften the blow. From an all-day celebration of the first US human mission to space in almost a decade to a virtual dinner party hosted by Questlove to a six-part sourdough class, there's plenty to do this week to keep busy and stay entertained.
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May 22, 2020

To mark 125th anniversary, NYPL releases list of kids books to spark lifelong love of reading

While summer vacation is sure to look different this year, the New York Public Library hopes kids will stay busy reading. In celebration of its 125th anniversary on Saturday, the library has released a list of 125 children's books from the last 125 years, aimed at sparking a lifelong love of reading. The collection of books, which is available online, follows a list released in February of the best adult titles, with a list for teenage readers expected this fall.
More here
May 20, 2020

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

At sunset on Thursday, May 21, the Empire State Building, Central Park Arsenal, Washington Square Park Arch, Coney Island's Parachute Jump, and the Bronx's Ranaqua Park will "go green" to honor parks workers, who have been part of the city's essential workforce during the current COVID crisis. #GoingGreenForParkies "is the ultimate acknowledgment and thank you for all their hard work," which has kept public parks well-maintained "in support of the mental and physical health of all visitors," according to a press release.
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May 19, 2020

Public art campaign lights up Times Square in support of essential workers

A public art campaign is lighting up Times Square in support of New York City's healthcare and essential workers. As part of a joint effort by Times Square Arts, For Freedoms, and Poster House, "Messages for the City," now in its second phase, features work from more than 30 artists and designers on digital public service announcements in New York, Boston, and Chicago.
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May 18, 2020

New Yorkers invited to design iconic Rockefeller Center flags

A public art competition launched last week that asks New Yorkers to submit designs for the iconic flags that surround the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Led by the site's developer Tishman Speyer, "The Flag Project" is looking for artwork that celebrates New York City, whether it be through graphic design, a drawing, or collage. Winning designs will be made into flags and flown from Rockefeller Center's 192 flagpoles this August as part of a temporary exhibit.
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May 18, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Pizza, mozzarella, African dance, and affordable housing

With the warm weather sticking around it's getting a bit harder to stay inside, but this list of fun virtual events and ideas for things to do will help make this week much more bearable. From an online mozzarella-making class to a chat with the man who possesses the world's largest collection of pizza boxes, there are plenty of foodie options. You can also enjoy BAM's DanceAfrica programming, learn about affordable housing, take a virtual tour of the Merchant's House Museum, and much more.
Check out this week's event guide
May 18, 2020

NYC drive-in festival to open near Yankee Stadium this summer

A drive-in festival with live performances, movies, and local food vendors is set to open near Yankee Stadium this summer, offering New Yorkers a way to have fun without violating social distancing rules. From the event planners who put on the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest, the "Uptown Drive-In Experience" is slated to open in July as a "social distancing playground," according to the organizers.
More here
May 15, 2020

A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in

A retro diner in Queens has transformed its parking lot into a drive-in movie theater, giving New Yorkers a way to be entertained safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The Bel Aire Diner, located at Broadway and 21st Street, set up a 25-foot outdoor projection screen in its lot that has enough space for 40 cars. After successful first showings of "Grease" and "Dirty Dancing," the diner plans to keep the movie nights going, possibly with multiple showings per week.
More here
May 15, 2020

13 virtual things to do this weekend: Small-space design, Obama, Taylor Swift, and more

The sun is shining, and the weekend looks lovely, so crack open those windows and enjoy one of these fun virtual events. From concert streams by Prince and Taylor Swift to virtual graduation events featuring a commencement speech by President Obama to Apartment Therapy's weekend-long small-space design lineup to a star-filled benefit for Hollywood's behind-the-scenes workers, there are plenty of cool things to do from home this weekend.
All the events
May 12, 2020

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

Los Angeles-based painter and designer Tristan Eaton is well known for his street murals, which he's brought to NYC through a collaboration with Montefiore Hospitals. The towering artwork, which sought to capture the heroism of our healthcare workers, is located on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and is part of a larger appreciation campaign for National Nurses Week sponsored by Montefiore and its creative company of record, Alto NY. They wanted to create a "digital" ticker-tape parade and "extend the Canyon of Heroes to the doors of every hospital in New York." Using Eaton's mural as a template, New Yorkers can create their own hero image by uploading a photo on the website or through Instagram. In addition, Montefiore has created a moving video thanking all the brave nurses.
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May 11, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Events with Tina Fey, Neil Gaiman, Wendy Whelan, and more

This week's virtual roster kicks off with a star-studded benefit hosted by Tina Fey and continues with book readings by Neil Gaiman, ballet classes taught by Wendy Whelan, and the first online version of Selected Shorts hosted by Maulik Pancholy. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 fun things to do this week from the comfort of your couch.
Check out the lineup
May 8, 2020

NYPL’s famous marble lions mark 109th birthday with a virtual party

The New York Public Library's historic marble lions turn 109 on May 11 and New Yorkers are invited to their rip-roaring celebration. Carved by the Piccirilli Brothers in 1911, Patience and Fortitude have long guarded the library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue. From a special storytime to lion-curated book lists, the activities highlight the lions' role as symbols of New York's resilience.
More here
May 8, 2020

15 virtual things to do this Mother’s Day weekend: Azaleas, concerts, SNL, and Broadway

Mother's Day won't be the same this year for a lot of who can't head over to mom's house for brunch, but that doesn't mean you can't plan out some fun and upbeat virtual events this weekend. From concerts by Yo-Yo Ma, the best of City Winery, and Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton to a star-studded virtual Broadway event to a virtual tour of the azalea garden at the New York Botanical Garden to two special SNL episodes, these events will let you spend time with mom and take her mind off how much she's missing you.
15 fun events
May 7, 2020

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

An initiative launched this week to donate free Broadway show tickets to frontline workers. As first reported by Variety, the ticket website TodayTix has started the "Save a Seat" fund to reserve the best seats at shows for essential workers when theater returns following the coronavirus pandemic. The site has also rebranded as TommorrowTix, to give artists and theater lovers something to look forward to during this difficult time.
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May 7, 2020

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

Yesterday, JetBlue announced its Healthcare Hero program through which the airline will provide roundtrip flight certificates for two to anywhere JetBlue flies for 100,000 healthcare workers. To coincide with the initiative, they'll "bring the Clap Because We Care movement to the skies with a three aircraft, low altitude flyover salute above New York City" tonight at 7 pm. The flyover will be done by three New York-themed painted JetBlue planes, honoring the FDNY, NYPD and I LOVE NY/Empire State Development.
See the flight path
May 6, 2020

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

An art center with immersive art exhibitions has been proposed for a landmarked former banking hall in Lower Manhattan. Culturespaces, a French museum operator, presented its plan to adapt the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank into a center of digital art to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. The design proposal from Woods Bagot Architects includes alterations to the landmarked interior to accommodate a ticketing area and necessary audiovisual equipment for the art center, as well as modifications to the exterior of the building.
More here
May 6, 2020

Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts

Since Bruce Springsteen got his start at the Jersey Shore music venue in the '70s (launching "the house that Springsteen built"), The Stone Pony has been a trailblazer in the music scene. Though the venue hosts big-name acts today, what's set the Pony apart over the years is its commitment to local artists and up-and-comers. And they're not letting coronavirus stop this. As reported by the Asbury Park Press, The Stone Pony is hosting "a curated live stream lineup of Jersey Shore musicians and national faves, all regulars at the venue."
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May 4, 2020

12 virtual things to do this week: Met Gala, cherry blossoms, oysters, and more

When it comes to virtual events, the biggest news this week is the Met Gala. Vogue's Anna Wintour is hosting a star-studded live event tonight where she'll be joined by the likes of Stella McCartney and Florence + the Machine. It's also Cinco de Mayo, so we've got a list of spots for taco takeout. For more foodie fun, the Billion Oyster Project is hosting a Zoom "oyster hour." You can also check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Esplanade online, join a virtual animal meet and greet with the Staten Island Zoo, watch Ballet Hispánico, learn about the history of Hospital Ships, and more.
12 virtual things to do this week
May 1, 2020

13 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Eat pierogis, sip rosé, and bang on a can

The weather is supposed to be positively springy this weekend, but don't let the fact that you can't enjoy it as usual get you down--there are plenty of fun things to do indoors with those windows wide open. From a star-studded virtual comedy fest to a 24-hour global live stream event featuring three former Presidents and Oprah to a six-hour musical performance from Bang on a Can. And of course, what would quarantine life be without food (we're talking pierogis and cheesecake) and drink (spring-time weather calls for the start of rosé season!).
Check out the full list
April 28, 2020

‘Stand by Me’ is the pick for Thursday’s NYC sing along

Now in its third week, Peace of Heart Choir's city-wide sing along is encouraging New Yorkers to open up their windows this Thursday and belt out Ben E. King’s 1961 classic "Stand by Me." The first event kicked off with Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," and last week was Bill Withers' "Lean on Me." As always, the sing along will start at 7:02pm, just following the nightly #ClapBecauseWeCare ritual.
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April 27, 2020

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels to fly over NYC to honor essential workers

The United States Navy Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds will fly over parts of New York City on Tuesday to honor coronavirus essential personnel. The 40-minute joint flyover is part of the mission "Operation America Strong," announced by President Donald Trump last week, as the Washington Post first reported. The performance will happen across parts of the city and Newark starting at noon on April 28 and then move onto Trenton and Philadelphia.
Details here
April 27, 2020

The Empire State Building’s new light shows honor essential workers and first responders

After kicking off on Saturday, the Empire State Building will continue to put on nightly light shows in honor of specific first responders and essential workers. The landmark began its #HEROESSHINEBRIGHT series by paying tribute to the FNDY and EMS on Friday, doctors, nurses, and the medical community on Saturday, and correction officers on Sunday. Tonight, watch the building blink orange, blue, and white in honor of the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as blue and gold in honor of the U.S. Navy.
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