Events & Things To Do

A fun wine festival is coming to the Jersey City waterfront

Photo courtesy of Wine Fest

September 10, 2021

A fun wine festival is coming to the Jersey City waterfront

Next Friday, September 17, Jersey City Wine Fest is taking place at Harborside's waterfront property. A ticket will get you samples of both local and international wine, and there will be live entertainment, food, and interactive games (oh yeah, and NYC skyline views!).
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

New York’s official fall foliage map is here!

Image courtesy of I LOVE NY

September 9, 2021

New York’s official fall foliage map is here!

By Dana Schulz

Have you been dreaming of pumpkin spice and chunky sweaters all summer long? Well, autumnal bliss is upon us, with the first signs of colorful fall foliage already appearing in upstate New York. To help you keep tabs on peak foliage in your area, the state has released its annual Fall Foliage Report, an interactive map that is updated weekly using on-the-ground observations and reports from a state-wide network of volunteers.
READ MORE

Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

Gov. Kathy Hochul tours a storm-damaged apartment in Inwood. The heavy rains of Tropical Storm Ida forced part of a parking garage to collapse and damaged a ground floor apartment, and vehicle, on West 218th Street. Photo: Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul on Flickr

September 7, 2021

Here’s how New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Ida can get help

By Devin Gannon

President Joe Biden on Monday approved a major disaster declaration for New York, making federal funding available to residents and businesses in counties affected by flooding last week caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. According to an early estimate from state officials, Ida caused $50 million in damage to public property and to more than 1,200 residences. In addition to the financial relief provided by FEMA, there are several resources available to New Yorkers who need help in the aftermath of the storm, including temporary shelter, food and basic needs, and cash assistance.
More here

An illustration of the first Labor Day parade, via Wiki Commons

September 3, 2021

In 1882, Labor Day originated with a parade held in NYC

By Emily Nonko

Though Labor Day has been embraced as a national holiday--albeit one many Americans don't know the history of--it originated right here in New York City as a result of the city's labor unions fighting for workers' rights throughout the 1800s. The event was first observed, unofficially, on Tuesday, September 5th, 1882, with thousands marching from City Hall up to Union Square. At the time, the New York Times considered the event to be unremarkable. But 138 years later, we celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of every September as a tribute to all American workers. It's also a good opportunity to recognize the hard-won accomplishments of New York unions to secure a better workplace for us today.
Keep reading for the full history

Photo courtesy of Feltman’s of Coney Island

September 3, 2021

America’s original hot dog company Feltman’s of Coney Island brings back 9/11 fundraiser

By Dana Schulz

Several years back, 6sqft told the story of the original Coney Island hot dog. Started in 1867 by German immigrant Charles Feltman, who's considered the inventor of the hot dog on a bun, the Coney Island eatery and amusement park Feltman's eventually closed in 1954. But brothers Michael and Joe Quinn brought the brand back in 2015, in part because they themselves love Coney Island red hots but more so to honor the legacy of their late brother Jimmy, who died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks at just 23. This year, they'll continue to honor Jimmy with a special fundraiser for the 3 Brothers Foundation, which supports veterans and service members, to which they'll donate 100 percent of proceeds from the new Jimmy Quinn 2021 Memorial T-Shirt.
READ MORE

New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

Credit: ESI Design

September 1, 2021

New exhibit on NYC photographer Bill Cunningham to open during New York Fashion Week

By Devin Gannon

A new installation dedicated to the life of legendary New York City fashion photographer Bill Cunningham will open this month. The immersive exhibit, called "Experience The Times of Bill Cunningham," will feature large-scale reproductions of the photographer's famous photos, audio and video segments, and artifacts, like his trademark Biria bicycle and his blue worker’s jacket. Coinciding with the start of New York Fashion Week, the exhibit opens at the South Street Seaport on September 12 and runs through October 30.
Find out more

September 1, 2021

13 ways New Yorkers can commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11

By Dana Schulz

Next Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Whether New Yorkers were here two decades ago or not, it will be a somber day across the city and across the world. For those looking for ways to honor the anniversary, we have put together a preliminary list of commemorations and events, whether you prefer to mark the date from home or in a group of your fellow New Yorkers. The list includes the annual Tribute in Light and reading of the names, as well as indoor and outdoor concerts, documentary film screenings, and more.
READ MORE

Events & Things To Do

10 NYC museums are offering free admission on Saturday, September 18

Photo of the Museum of the City of New York by Joyofmuseums via Wikimedia Commons

August 31, 2021

10 NYC museums are offering free admission on Saturday, September 18

By Dana Schulz

After getting canceled last year, Smithsonian Magazine has scheduled its 17th annual Museum Day for Saturday, September 18, and this year, there are 10 New York City museums participating. As part of the celebration, museums and cultural institutions across the country (more than 1,000, to be exact!) provide free entry to anyone who has a Museum Day ticket.
Find out what NYC spots are participating

Events & Things To Do

The best places in New York City to get challah bread

Photo by Svetlana Barmina on Unsplash

August 30, 2021

The best places in New York City to get challah bread

By Dana Schulz

If you're planning your Rosh Hashanah meal, you'll definitely need challah bread on the table, and luckily for New Yorkers, there are plenty of places baking the braided bread. When eaten traditionally on Shabbat, the eggy bread is in its standard loaf form, but on the Jewish New Year, challah is often made round to symbolize continuity. Ahead, we've rounded up the best spots in New York City for challah, whether you're celebrating the High Holidays or just want some delicious bread.
READ MORE

Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

Photo credit: Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

August 23, 2021

Original copy of the Bill of Rights, lock of Beethoven’s hair on display at new NYPL treasures exhibit

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library's much-anticipated permanent exhibition of rotating rare objects and artifacts finally opens to the public next month. First announced in 2018, the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures features 250 unique, historic items from the library's incredible holdings, which includes more than 45 million objects in its research collections. Highlights include Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens' writing desk, a letter written by James Baldwin to Angela Davis, the 1811 Comissioners' Map and Survey of Manhattan Island, and much more.
More details here

You can ride an 11-story Ferris wheel in the middle of Times Square

Artist rendering by Anthony George

August 20, 2021

You can ride an 11-story Ferris wheel in the middle of Times Square

By Devin Gannon

A new attraction coming to Times Square next week hopes to wheel in tourists. A 110-foot high outdoor Ferris wheel will open next Tuesday on the plaza between West 47th and West 48th Streets, as the New York Post first reported. Dubbed the Times Square Wheel, the limited experience runs from August 24 through September 12. The pop-up attraction is part of a larger effort by the Times Square Alliance to promote the neighborhood as the city continues to recover from the pandemic.
Get the details

NYC’s West Indian American Day, Mermaid Parades canceled over Covid

Mermaid Parade 2018; Photo Credit: © Norman Blake

August 19, 2021

NYC’s West Indian American Day, Mermaid Parades canceled over Covid

By Devin Gannon

Two of New York City's most vibrant parades won't take place in person this summer for the second year in a row. Due to the spike in coronavirus cases, organizers of both the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island and the West Indian American Day Carnival along Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway have postponed their in-person parades until next year.
Find out more

Museum of Broadway to open in Times Square next summer

Rendering by Paul Bennett Architects PC

August 16, 2021

Museum of Broadway to open in Times Square next summer

By Devin Gannon

The first permanent museum dedicated to Broadway will open in Times Square next year. Originally scheduled to debut in 2020 but delayed because of the pandemic, the Museum of Broadway will open at 145 West 45th Street in the summer of 2022, officials announced on Monday. The interactive experience will explore and celebrate the history and legacy of Broadway musicals, plays, and theatres.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

All the places in NYC requiring proof of vaccination

Photo by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

August 16, 2021

All the places in NYC requiring proof of vaccination

By Devin Gannon

Starting Tuesday, New Yorkers aged 12 and older must be vaccinated against the coronavirus to partake in indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment. The Key to NYC initiative, which applies to bars, fitness centers, movie theaters, museums, and other indoor venues, requires visitors to show proof of at least one dose of the vaccine. The policy will go into effect on August 17 with enforcement beginning the week of September 13.
Learn more

Green-Wood Cemetery honors Battle of Brooklyn’s 245th anniversary with revolutionary event

Battle of Brooklyn reenactment in Green-Wood Cemetery; Photo by Allison Meier on Flickr

August 13, 2021

Green-Wood Cemetery honors Battle of Brooklyn’s 245th anniversary with revolutionary event

By Devin Gannon

The first major battle to take place during the Revolutionary War after the United States declared independence took place in Brooklyn on August 27, 1776. During the Battle of Brooklyn, fighting took place across the borough, including throughout present-day Prospect Park, Fulton Ferry Landing, and Green-Wood Cemetery. To commemorate the 245th anniversary of the historic struggle, Green-Wood Cemetery is hosting a family-friendly event this month with Revolutionary War reenactors, music, demonstrations, and other activities.
Learn more

New Roosevelt Island cocktail bar has panoramic views of NYC and the Queensboro Bridge

Photo credit: Noah Fecks

August 12, 2021

New Roosevelt Island cocktail bar has panoramic views of NYC and the Queensboro Bridge

By Devin Gannon

New York City is full of rooftop bars, most offering a sky-high snapshot of the Big Apple's expansive skyline. But a new cocktail lounge on Roosevelt Island is providing an even bigger picture, with 360-degree views of three boroughs and a unique perspective of the Queensboro Bridge. Opening this Friday, the aptly named Panorama Room sits on the 18th-floor of the Graduate Roosevelt Island, the first hotel to open on the island.
Find out more

KAWS unveils new 18-foot sculpture at Rockefeller Center

Courtesy of Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer

August 12, 2021

KAWS unveils new 18-foot sculpture at Rockefeller Center

By Devin Gannon

The distinct art of KAWS is now on display at Rockefeller Center. The 18-foot tall bronze sculpture, dubbed SHARE, features two of the artist's signature cartoon-like figures, Companion and BFF. The installation, which coincides with the current sweeping exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, "KAWS: WHAT PARTY," will be on view at the Center Plaza until October 29.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

Spend the night in ‘Real Housewife’ Dorinda Medley’s infamous Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires

Exterior photo (L) by Alexandra Arnold; Living room photo (R) by Mick Hales. Courtesy of Airbnb.

August 11, 2021

Spend the night in ‘Real Housewife’ Dorinda Medley’s infamous Blue Stone Manor in the Berkshires

By Dana Schulz

The fish room, the creepy Halloween decorations, "I made it nice!" -- IYKYK. Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New York City" has captured many an iconic moment at Blue Stone Manor, former cast member Dorinda Medley's home in the Berkshires. And now you, too, can live like a reality TV star, as Dorinda has teamed up with Airbnb to offer the 1902 hilltop estate in western Massachusetts for two $100 one-night stays on August 23 and 25.
READ MORE

1 million daffodils will be planted around NYC to honor victims of 9/11

Photos courtesy of New Yorkers for Parks

August 11, 2021

1 million daffodils will be planted around NYC to honor victims of 9/11

By Devin Gannon

Daffodil bulbs will once again be planted across New York City this fall as part of a living memorial to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Led by open space advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks, the Daffodil Project launched in the spring after 9/11 and has continued every year since, with more than 8 million daffodil bulbs distributed for free and planted by volunteers. As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the organization will hand out more than one million daffodil bulbs, double the amount from the year prior. The project's expansion this year will also honor lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson will host 9/11 benefit comedy show at MSG

Photo of Madison Square Garden by ajay_suresh via Flickr cc

August 9, 2021

Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson will host 9/11 benefit comedy show at MSG

By Dana Schulz

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson have organized a special benefit comedy show at Madison Square Garden called "NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration." Other big-name comedians who will perform at the September 12 show include Dave Chapelle, Amy Schumer, Jimmy Fallon, Michael Che, and Wanda Sykes, among others.
More details here

Events & Things To Do

August 6, 2021

The best international grocery stores in NYC

By Nicole Mondrus

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.
READ MORE

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