Events & Things To Do

August 6, 2021

The best international grocery stores in NYC

Not only can you eat nearly every type of cuisine in New York City, but you can also cook it. Thanks to the many specialty grocery stores across the five boroughs, no fare is off the table. Whether you hit popular stores like Kalustyan's selling Middle Eastern and Indian spices in Murray Hill or check out the more obscure shops, like Sri Lankan-supermarket Lanka Grocery on Staten Island, there are endless options when planning an international menu.
Get cooking

Mockup of Rooftop Films’ Queens Drive-In, courtesy of Rooftop Films

August 5, 2021

Rooftop Films will present 5 free outdoor screenings as part of NYC Homecoming Week

By Dana Schulz

In addition to five free concerts--four hip hop performances in the outer boroughs and one massive show in Central Park--New York City's Homecoming Week will feature five free outdoor film screenings put on by Rooftop Films. Taking place in all five boroughs, the screenings range from documentaries about choreographer Alvin Ailey and Malcolm X/Muhammad Ali to a collection of short films and locally set television episodes. The events will take place from Monday, August 16 through Friday, August 20, and attendees are required to show proof of vaccination.
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Events & Things To Do

Portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum this month

(L) “Barack Obama” by Kehinde Wiley, oil on canvas, 2019. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; (R) “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama” by Amy Sherald, oil on linen, 2018. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.

August 5, 2021

Portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum this month

By Devin Gannon

The famous portraits of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are coming to the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights this month. At the beginning of 2020, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery announced a five-city tour for the two popular paintings, which kicked off in June in the Obamas' hometown of Chicago. Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald are the first African American artists selected by the Portrait Gallery for the museum's official portraits of a president or first lady.
Details here

Events & Things To Do

Vibrant new street mural takes over Union Square’s 14th Street

Photo by Liz Ligon

August 3, 2021

Vibrant new street mural takes over Union Square’s 14th Street

By Devin Gannon

A huge nature-themed street mural was installed along the 14th Street Busway in Union Square this week. Titled "Collective Vision," the mural was painted on the pedestrian areas of the busway between Broadway and Union Square West. Brooklyn-based street artists GERALUZ and WERC designed the piece to highlight the strength of nature and unity, with a ruby-throated hummingbird at the center representing the "power of resilience in standing together against injustice and extinction." Over the last five days, community volunteers have helped the artists fill in the vibrant colors of the mural.
See it here

Events & Things To Do

Hip hop legends to perform at four free concerts in NYC for ‘Homecoming Week’

Orchard Beach concert in 2017; Photo by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr on Flickr

July 29, 2021

Hip hop legends to perform at four free concerts in NYC for ‘Homecoming Week’

By Devin Gannon

Four free concerts featuring both legendary and up-and-coming hip hop musicians are coming to a borough near you. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday revealed the lineup of the shows, which are taking place as part of the city's "Homecoming Week," a weeklong celebration of New York City's comeback following the pandemic. Produced by the Universal Hip Hop Museum, the concerts will feature stars like KRS-One, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Big Daddy Kane, George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars, and nearly 40 more performers.
See the lineups

Events & Things To Do

Pigpen Theatre Co. performs in “The Amph”; Photo courtesy of Little Island

July 28, 2021

Free four-week arts festival with 160 performances headed to offshore park Little Island

By Devin Gannon

A month-long arts festival featuring more than 160 events and 460 artists will take place in New York City's newest public park next month. Called NYC FREE, the celebration will bring a variety of music, dance, and comedy performances to Little Island, the offshore park in Hudson River Park that opened this spring, over four weeks starting in August. The festival is the culmination of the state's "NY PopsUp" initiative, which launched earlier this year to revive New York's art and culture scene.
Get the details

Andrea Bocelli, The Killers, Wyclef Jean & a dozen more stars to perform at Central Park concert

Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017.Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 27, 2021

Andrea Bocelli, The Killers, Wyclef Jean & a dozen more stars to perform at Central Park concert

By Devin Gannon

More than a dozen iconic musicians will take the stage in Central Park next month as part of a mega-concert celebrating the city's recovery from the coronavirus. Announced on Tuesday, the lineup for the concert, dubbed "WE LOVE NYC: The Homecoming Concert," includes major stars like Andrea Bocelli, Wyclef Jean, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire, Jennifer Hudson, The Killers, LL COOL J, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Rob Thomas, and more.
Get the details

J. Cole, Warm Up 2013. Photo: Zachary Newton

July 23, 2021

Warm Up, MoMA PS1’s outdoor music and dance party, will return this August

By Dana Schulz

After taking shape as a one-day virtual event last year, MoMA PS1's popular outdoor music series Warm Up will return this August for its 24th season. Limited-capacity tickets are now on sale for the in-person events (it will also be streamed virtually) on August 7, 14, and 21 from 2–8 p.m. DJ sets and live performances include Amorphous, Yung Baby Tate, Yu Su, glaive and ericdoa, Sango, foreigner, La Goony Chonga, and more.
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Events & Things To Do

The Radio City Rockettes are coming back this Christmas

Photo courtesy of MSG Entertainment

July 23, 2021

The Radio City Rockettes are coming back this Christmas

By Dana Schulz

After canceling their famous Christmas Spectacular last year for the first time in 87 years, the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. announced that the Rockettes will return to Radio City this year. Tickets are already on sale for shows running from November 5, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
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Events & Things To Do

NYC will host 5 free concerts as part of ‘Homecoming Week’

Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017. Photo credit: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 22, 2021

NYC will host 5 free concerts as part of ‘Homecoming Week’

By Devin Gannon

New York City will host five huge free concerts in every borough next month to mark the city's recovery from the pandemic. Earlier this summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans for a "mega-concert" on Central Park's Great Lawn in August and later revealed the show's three major headliners: Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Jennifer Hudson. On Thursday, the mayor said there will be four additional free concerts, one in each borough, as part of a weeklong celebration dubbed "Homecoming Week."
Get the details

11 best spots for outdoor concerts in NYC this summer

By Devin Gannon

After a year without live music, it's finally time to move and groove again. As part of the recovery of New York City's arts and culture scene, outdoor concerts are back. From rooftops and islands to city parks across the five boroughs, there are lots of places hosting outdoor shows this summer. Take in the sounds of summer, whether it be DJ sets on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library, jazz and classical tunes under the Manhattan Bridge, or silent discos at Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza.
Full list ahead

Events & Things To Do

Under new Netflix management, historic Paris Theater will reopen next month

All photos by The Brinsons

July 21, 2021

Under new Netflix management, historic Paris Theater will reopen next month

By Dana Schulz

Midtown's Paris Theater is New York City's longest-running arthouse cinema and only remaining single-screen movie theater. On August 6th, the historic theater on 58th Street will hold its grand re-opening following a renovation that added new carpeting, drapes, and a marquee. After opening in 1948, the 571-seat theater closed in 2019 when its lease expired. But later that same year, Netflix announced that it reached a lease agreement to preserve the landmark and keep it open for "special events, screenings, and theatrical releases of its films."
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Events & Things To Do

For $2,500, you can get married at Katz’s Deli (pastrami platter included)

Photo by ercwttmn via Flickr cc

July 21, 2021

For $2,500, you can get married at Katz’s Deli (pastrami platter included)

By Dana Schulz

Nothing says love like... pastrami? Lower East Side institution Katz's Deli has teamed up with Williamsburg wedding chapel Sweet Hearts to offer couples the chance to get hitched inside the 133-year-old restaurant, as was first reported by Time Out NY. Those interested can reserve a 75-minute spot on August 28th, which allows a couple to bring up to six guests. The $2,500 package includes an officiant and witness, photos by the Edward Winter Photography team, and, of course, party platters of Katz's legendary hand-carved pastrami and corned beef.
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Events & Things To Do

July 16, 2021

18 coolest ice cream shops in New York City

By 6sqft

Summer is here! Whether you're soaking up the sun at a local beach, taking a dip in the city's pools, or staying inside with air conditioning on full blast, you deserve ice cream. With so many great places in the city, it's almost impossible to actually pick one. But we're here to help. Ahead, find some of our favorite scoop shops in New York City, from the iconic (The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Big Gay Ice Cream) to the inventive (Malai, La Newyorkina).
Get the scoop here

Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put

Photo by mari small on Unsplash

July 15, 2021

Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put

By Dana Schulz

Affordable housing has long been a topic at the forefront of NYC politics, but it gained even more attention with Mayor de Blasio's plan to preserve or build 300,000 affordable units by 2026, which has resulted in a slew of new lotteries, a new more user-friendly web portal, and an update to ease the process for immigrants and low-income New Yorkers. But the topic is not without its issues, especially with the city reeling in the wake of the pandemic. Many still wonder if the city is doing enough for affordability and if some of the available units are really affordable. Ahead, we break down the different types of affordable housing programs, how you can qualify and apply, and what happens if and when you get in.
Everything you need to know about affordable housing

July 14, 2021

The 7 best beaches for surfing near NYC

By Dana Schulz

Whether you're a seasoned surfer or are looking to learn the sport, you don't have to go far from New York City to ride some waves. Ahead, we've rounded up the seven best beaches in the area for surfing, from the Rockaways, NYC's only legal surfing beach, to spots on Long Island and the Hamptons to the greatest of the Jersey Shore. We'll also fill you in on other things to do in these towns and where to rent boards or take lessons.
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Events & Things To Do

Magnolia Bakery is giving out free banana pudding across NYC this weekend

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Bakery

July 9, 2021

Magnolia Bakery is giving out free banana pudding across NYC this weekend

By Devin Gannon

Not only can you enjoy Magnolia Bakery's internationally renowned banana pudding for free this month, but you also don't have to travel very far to eat it. To celebrate its 25th birthday, the iconic Manhattan shop is taking to the streets with its "banana pudding-mobile" and handing out the sweet treat for free in several locations across New York City over two weekends in July.
Get the details

13 ways to celebrate Bastille Day 2021 in New York City

Photo by Rafael Garcin on Unsplash

July 9, 2021

13 ways to celebrate Bastille Day 2021 in New York City

By Dana Schulz

France's Independence Day is coming up on Wednesday, July 14, and you don't have to be in Paris to join the festivities. Ahead, we've rounded up 11 ways to celebrate Bastille Day in New York City, from a special Central Park SummerStage event to a block party in the newly dubbed "Little Paris" to several restaurant specials.
The full list

Events & Things To Do

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

July 8, 2021

Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC

By Devin Gannon

After finally finding that perfect New York City apartment, it's time to prove you can actually pay for it. Many NYC newbies and even natives can't meet landlords' strict criteria, like having a high credit score or a salary that equals 40 to 45 times the monthly rent, for example. This is where guarantors come in. A guarantor is a co-signer who guarantees payment on the lease if it otherwise can't be made. But this is an entirely additional process, from finding someone who fits the bill to gathering all of the necessary paperwork. Ahead, find out everything you need to know about using a guarantor, as well as some tricks of the trade.
Find out the basics

July 8, 2021

‘Running of the Goats’ returns to Riverside Park next week

By Dana Schulz

Next week, 24 weed-eating goats will return to Riverside Park. On Wednesday, July 14, the animals will arrive for the Riverside Park Conservancy's second-ever "Running of the Goats," where the public can see them run from their truck to a weed-filled hill at 120th Street. Five of the goats will then remain for the duration of the summer and campaign to be the G.O.A.T., for which the public can vote-the-GOAT using a "new and heretofore untested ranked-choice voting system."
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Events & Things To Do

Summer Streets is back this August with seven miles of car-free NYC blocks

Summer Streets 2019; Photo courtesy of New York City Department of Transportation on Flickr

July 7, 2021

Summer Streets is back this August with seven miles of car-free NYC blocks

By Devin Gannon

New York City's original "Open Streets" return this August. The Department of Transportation announced "Summer Streets," the annual initiative that transforms seven miles of Manhattan streets into a car-free oasis, will take place on August 7 and August 14. While the city's popular Open Streets program was established last year in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Summer Streets is now in its 13th year.
More here

New-York Historical Society expansion includes a home for the American L.G.B.T.Q.+ Museum

View along West 76th Street looking northeast. Rendering by Alden Studios for Robert A.M. Stern Architects, courtesy of the New-York Historical Society and NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

July 6, 2021

New-York Historical Society expansion includes a home for the American L.G.B.T.Q.+ Museum

By Dana Schulz

The New-York Historical Society, the oldest museum in the city, recently unveiled to the Landmarks Preservation Commission plans to expand by more than 70,000 square feet with a five-story extension at the rear of its Upper West Side lot. The $140 million expansion will be designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern and include additional classrooms and gallery space, as well as a permanent home for the American L.G.B.T.Q.+ Museum, the city's first museum dedicated to L.G.B.T.Q. history and culture, as the New York Times first reported.
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Everything you need to know about NYC’s ticker-tape parade to honor Covid heroes

Photo by Spurekar via Flickr cc

July 6, 2021

Everything you need to know about NYC’s ticker-tape parade to honor Covid heroes

By Dana Schulz

Update 7.7.21: Due to the extreme heat, the post-parade ceremony at City Hall Plaza has been cancelled. In April 2020, when New York City was truly the world epicenter for the coronavirus, Mayor de Blasio said that the city would hold a ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes for health care workers, first responders, and essential workers as soon as things reopened. Fast forward 15 months, and the Hometown Heroes Parade will take place this Wednesday, July 7. Queens nurse Sandra Lindsay, who in December received the first vaccine dose in NYC, will serve as the parade's Grand Marshal, while Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts will host the ceremony.
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Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, & Jennifer Hudson to headline Central Park ‘mega-concert’ this summer

Global Citizen Festival in Central Park on September 23, 2017.Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 1, 2021

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, & Jennifer Hudson to headline Central Park ‘mega-concert’ this summer

By Devin Gannon

Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Jennifer Hudson will headline the massive concert happening this August in Central Park, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. Last month, the mayor said he asked music producer and Brooklyn native Clive Davis to put together the concert, marketed as a celebration of New York's comeback following the pandemic. The full lineup of performers will be announced in the coming weeks, but de Blasio said the event will be "one of the greatest Central Park concerts in history."
Find out more

July 1, 2021

The Mets and Airbnb team up to offer baseball fans an overnight stay at Citi Field

By Devin Gannon

For baseball fans, this Airbnb stay is pretty Amazin'. The New York Mets and Airbnb are teaming up to offer a one-night stay for four at Citi Field this month for $250. Not only does the promotion include a once-in-a-lifetime sleepover, but the winning guests will also get a VIP private suite to watch two games and throw out the first pitch during one of them.
Get the details