Events & Things To Do

March 3, 2021

Limited live performances and events can resume in New York in April

After being closed for over a year, events, arts, and entertainment venues can reopen at a limited capacity next month. Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced that as soon as April 2, live performance venues will be able to open indoor spaces at 33 percent capacity or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of a negative coronavirus test prior to entry, capacity can increase to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, according to the state.
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March 3, 2021

New York lawmaker proposes converting empty offices and hotels into affordable housing

A state lawmaker introduced legislation this week that would allow New York to buy financially distressed commercial buildings and convert them into housing for low-income and homeless New Yorkers. The Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act, sponsored by State Sen. Michael Gianaris, includes the purchase and conversion of office buildings and hotels that are up for sale, as the Wall Street Journal first reported. The proposed legislation comes as commercial districts and tourist hubs have yet to recover fully from the impact of the coronavirus and as the housing crisis, particularly in New York City, continues.
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March 2, 2021

New digital art show that takes you ‘inside’ Van Gogh’s paintings will open in NYC

An interactive digital art exhibition that has taken the world by storm will open in New York City this summer. Immersive Van Gogh explores the post-Impressionist works of Vincent Van Gogh through massive, moving projections. Created by film producer Massimiliano Siccardi and producer Corey Ross, and with mood-setting music by composer Luca Longobardi, the experience will open at a yet-to-be-announced location in the city on June 10.
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February 26, 2021

Here’s where to donate to support Asian communities in NYC

Before the coronavirus even hit New York City last year, anti-Asian racism and xenophobia struck the city's Chinatown neighborhoods, affecting the residents and many small businesses. Throughout the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in harassment and violence against Chinese and other Asian New Yorkers, particularly stemming from racist misinformation about COVID-19. As The City reported, the Commission on Human Rights, recorded 205 cases in 2020 involving anti-Asian incidents, a nearly "sevenfold rise" compared to 2019. Hate crimes and attacks directed at Asian Americans have continued into 2021, in New York and across the country. Ahead, we've put together a list of local organizations to donate, for those looking to support Asian communities across the five boroughs. While incomplete, the list can serve as a starting point and will be updated.
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February 23, 2021

New immersive art installation in Chelsea explores the beauty of mathematics and nature

A stunning new digital installation exploring the beauty of "mathematics, nature, and architecture" opens in Chelsea next month. Artechouse NYC, an innovative digital art space beneath Chelsea Market, will kick off its 2021 season with Geometric Properties, a vibrant exhibition that explores mathematical patterns and fractional dimensions. Created by Amsterdam-based artist Julius Horsthuis, the installation opens March 1 and will be on view through September 6.
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February 22, 2021

Petition launches against the Met’s plan to sell art amidst $150M deficit

In early February, the Metropolitan Museum of Art began talks about selling some of its artworks in the face of a $150 million deficit. As the New York Times explained, the Association of Art Museum Directors created a two-year window during which its members could use the proceeds from sales of works in a collection to pay for its own expenses as opposed to just for future art purchases, as was the rule in the past. But a new Change.org petition is calling for the Met's board members, many of whom are billionaires, to foot the bill instead of selling off its art.
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February 17, 2021

Artist BKFoxx debuts new Year of the Ox mural in Chinatown

Public artist BKFoxx recently debuted her new mural in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Located at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School 131 on Eldridge and Hester Streets, the piece representing the Year of the Ox is titled "Onward." The artist tells us that she was inspired by what the Ox represents--honesty, hard work, stubbornness. "No better time than now for that theme, moving forward into 2021 and learning to be resilient," she says.
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February 12, 2021

King Cake, crawfish, and more: How to celebrate Mardi Gras 2021 in NYC

Like almost everything this past year, Mardi Gras is looking a lot different (New Orleans is even closing all its bars), but that doesn't mean the festive, celebratory sentiment is lost. Here in New York City, there are plenty of bakeries with King Cake and other colorful treats, and restaurants have put together special seafood boils. There are also some virtual events so you can celebrate carnival safely.
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February 12, 2021

These early 20th-century Valentine’s Day cards are delightfully bizarre

While jewelry, roses, and a steak dinner are always nice, a romantic greeting card remains one of the most popular, and affordable, ways to say "I love you." Instead of the typical heart and floral card designs, why not surprise your Valentine this year with a bizarre note from the early 20th-century that depicts delightfully weird cherubs and charming cupids? The New York Public Library has an amazing digital collection of vintage Valentine's Day cards, some of which stand the test of time and others that may not. Ahead, see some of our favorites from the collection and choose your own to exchange on February 14.
More here
February 10, 2021

New York stadiums and arenas can reopen February 23 with COVID-19 testing

Large stadiums and arenas in New York can welcome back fans and audiences starting February 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. Venues that reopen must operate at 10 percent capacity and with coronavirus testing requirements in place. According to the governor, this could apply to sports, music, and performance venues. The Barclays Center has already been approved to reopen for a Brooklyn Nets game against the Sacramento Kings on February 23.
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February 10, 2021

The Frick Collection’s temporary home in Madison Avenue’s Breuer building is opening next month

A little over two years ago, the Frick Collection announced it would take over Madison Avenue's famous Breuer building from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Up until 2016, the brutalist landmark was home to the Whitney Museum of American Art, but when the Whitney moved to its new High Line building, the Met took it over as a contemporary wing. The new move allows the Met to ease the burden of some of its debt while providing a temporary home for the Frick while its permanent home--a Gilded Age mansion on Fifth Avenue-undergoes a renovation. The Frick Madison will open at 25-percent capacity on March 18.
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February 9, 2021

You can stay overnight at Bryant Park’s Winter Village this Valentine’s Day

Travel company Booking.com is transforming Midtown's Bryant Park into a unique overnight experience this Valentine's Day. As part of its "Love Letters to America" campaign, the company is celebrating cities across the U.S. that have been hit hard by the coronavirus and inviting others to share adventures they are looking forward to once it's safe to travel again. As a tribute to the Big Apple, Booking.com has converted the Polar Lounge at the Bank of America Winter Village into an après ski-inspired chalet, available to book for two nights only on February 13 and February 14.
Details this way
February 8, 2021

‘Arts Revival’ program to include 300+ outdoor pop-up performances and events around New York

Starting this month, more than 300 outdoor pop-up events and performances will take place across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. "NY PopsUp" kicks off on February 20 at the Javits Center with a special performance dedicated to healthcare workers and runs over the course of 100 days. The effort is part of the governor's "Arts Revival" initiative aimed at bringing back art and culture to the state and as part of its recovery from the coronavirus.
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February 4, 2021

Romantic Valentine’s Day takeout and treat options from NYC restaurants

Heart-shaped pizzas, at-home sushi-making kits, red velvet cakes, sake and chocolate pairings--these are just some of the takeout offerings and treats that you can order this Valentine's Day. Since most of us will be staying home, we've put together a list of local restaurants with special to-go menus, as well as shops that have yummy holiday treats and edible gifts and even some virtual cooking classes. Ahead, check out all the options and start planning your romantic day (or weekend!).
Full list ahead
February 4, 2021

Nomad’s glassy Virgin Hotel will have a rooftop pool and bar

As the New York City hospitality industry continues to reel from the effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on tourism and business travel, plans are moving forward for a massive new hotel in Nomad. Fresh renderings of the 510-foot Virgin Hotel at 1225 Broadway, the first in the city, were recently released, showing off the hotel's resort-like rooftop pool and bar.
See it here
February 4, 2021

The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

During the month of February, the nation observes Black History Month as a way to celebrate and honor African American history and culture. While this year's commemoration will be different because of the pandemic, many New York City organizations and institutions are hosting virtual events, lectures, and exhibitions. Learn about the achievements and influence of Black Americans with an online walking tour featuring Black artists of Greenwich Village, a concert honoring composers of the Harlem Renaissance, a class on Black archaeology in New York City, and much more.
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February 3, 2021

Artist Swoon transformed a box truck into a diorama-style outdoor sculpture that will travel around NYC

A roving public art installation that explores the American experience has hit the streets of New York City. As part of the "American Portrait" initiative from PBS, Brooklyn-based artist Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, has designed a diorama-inspired sculpture on top of a 14-foot box truck. The installation, titled The House Our Families Built, features paintings and cutouts portraying domestic life. The sculpture debuted at Brooklyn Bridge Park last weekend and will travel to Prospect Park on February 6-7, Flushing Meadows Corona Park on February 13-14, and Union Square on February 21.
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February 2, 2021

On Valentine’s Day, take a virtual tour of the city’s largest sewage plant

What's more romantic that that?? It may seem odd, but every year, when the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Open House New York host a Valentine's Day tour of the Newtown Creek Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility and its famous Digester Eggs, it sells out almost immediately. But thanks to our new virtual world, more New Yorkers will get a chance to experience this quirky event this year, and it also allows us to see parts of the facility that the public wouldn’t normally have access to.
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February 2, 2021

New York Botanical Garden announces new dates for Yayoi Kusama exhibition

The New York Botanical Garden was scheduled to hold a blockbuster exhibition dedicated to Yayoi Kusama last spring, but sadly had to postpone the event when the pandemic hit. But they've now announced new 2021 dates for KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature--the show will run from Saturday, April 10 to Sunday, October 31, 2021 with tickets going on sale to the general public on March 16. The exhibition will immerse us in the Japanese artist’s visionary world through a career-spanning survey, the debut of four new works, and a variety of complementary horticultural installations created by the Garden’s team.
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February 2, 2021

Lunar New Year 2021: Celebrate with virtual events, food, gifts, and more

Next Friday, February 12th, begins the Year of the Ox, an animal whose attributes are hardworking and honest. The Lunar New Year is a 16-day celebration, often marked by lantern festivals, parades, and fireworks. But since we aren't able to enjoy a lot of these gatherings this year, we've rounded up some of the best safe celebratory events in New York City, including virtual dumpling-making classes, papercutting workshops, a small business crawl in Chinatown, and traditional Chinese dance and music performances.
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February 1, 2021

The Sill’s Valentine’s Day Collection is perfect for the special plant-parent in your life

It's no surprise that we've seen a growing number of plant moms and dads over the past year, with everyone staying home and looking for added comfort (and company!). So this February 14th, ditch the roses and get that special someone a plant gift that will last longer than a week. The Sill has put together a Valentine's Day Collection, and it's just as good as you'd imagine, from the world’s longest blooming houseplant (how romantic is that?!) to an actual heart-shaped plant to a petite rose bush.
Check out the gift ideas
January 28, 2021

Offshore park Little Island announces resident artists ahead of spring opening

Developers of the new public park under construction in the Hudson River announced on Wednesday the participants of its first-ever artists-in-residence program. Artists Ayodele Casel, Tina Landeau, Michael McElroy, and PigPen Theatre Co., will perform, direct, and/or curate cultural events for Little Island, the two-acre offshore park at Hudson River Park's Pier 55 expected to open this spring.
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January 28, 2021

This Valentine’s Day, watch the sunrise from 1,131 feet above NYC at Edge

New York City's highest outdoor observation deck has a special treat for lovebirds this Valentine's Day. For that one day, Edge will be opening at 6am, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to watch the sunrise from 1,131 feet in the air. In addition, from February 12th-21st, the Hudson Yards attraction will extend its daily hours from 8am to 10pm (perhaps to accommodate an expected rush of proposals?).
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January 27, 2021

Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants

Most of us are looking forward to special televised events this year more than ever, and Super Bowl LV is sure to be a welcome distraction from the pandemic. Even if you're not so into football (or you're like us and are toggling back and forth to the Puppy Bowl), the commercials, half-time show, and, most importantly, food make it a fun Sunday night. And when it comes to nosh, it's also a great opportunity to support one of your favorite local restaurants, many of which are offering up special game day packages.
Check out all the spots
January 26, 2021

Plans for abolitionist memorial in Downtown Brooklyn park delayed again

After being in the works for nearly two decades, plans to build a public park in Downtown Brooklyn with a memorial to the neighborhood's abolitionist history are delayed once again. The Public Design Commission last week tabled a conceptual proposal from artist Kameelah Janan Rasheed after preservationists and community members during an intense public hearing criticized both the design for missing details and the city's lack of transparency.
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