Events & Things To Do

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

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. With loving greetings. NYPL Digitial Collections.

February 12, 2021

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

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

Photo by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 10, 2021

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

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

Photo by Ajay Suresh via Wikimedia Commons

February 10, 2021

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

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

All images courtesy of Booking.com

February 9, 2021

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

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

Photo of The Shed by Ajay Suresh on Flickr

February 8, 2021

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

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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.
Find out more
Romantic Valentine’s Day takeout and treat options from NYC restaurants
February 4, 2021

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

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

All renderings courtesy of Virgin Hotels

February 4, 2021

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

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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
The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

“Alphas Hold the Line.” Photo by Michael Young. 

February 4, 2021

The best ways to celebrate Black History Month 2021 in NYC

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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.
Get the full list
Artist Swoon transformed a box truck into a diorama-style outdoor sculpture that will travel around NYC

Photo: Marshall LaCount/Swoon Studio

February 3, 2021

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

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

Photo via NYC Water/Flickr

February 2, 2021

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

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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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New York Botanical Garden announces new dates for Yayoi Kusama exhibition

Kusama with Pumpkin, 2010 © YAYOI KUSAMA. Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo / Singapore / Shanghai; Victoria Miro, London; David Zwirner, New York

February 2, 2021

New York Botanical Garden announces new dates for Yayoi Kusama exhibition

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

Photo by Rhododendrites via Wikimedia

February 2, 2021

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

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

All photos courtesy of The Sill

February 1, 2021

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

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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
Offshore park Little Island announces resident artists ahead of spring opening

Photo of Little Island under construction in October 2020; Photo: © CityRealty

January 28, 2021

Offshore park Little Island announces resident artists ahead of spring opening

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

Photo courtesy of Related-Oxford

January 28, 2021

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

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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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Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants
January 27, 2021

Super Bowl spreads you can order from your favorite NYC restaurants

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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
Plans for abolitionist memorial in Downtown Brooklyn park delayed again

Renderings by Hargreaves Jones, courtesy of NYCEDC

January 26, 2021

Plans for abolitionist memorial in Downtown Brooklyn park delayed again

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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.
Get the details
NYC Restaurant Week returns with 570 local restaurants and to-go options

Photo by Samantha Box, courtesy of NYC & Company

January 22, 2021

NYC Restaurant Week returns with 570 local restaurants and to-go options

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New York City Restaurant Week is now Restaurant Month. Due to popular demand, NYC Restaurant Week To Go, which launched on Monday, will run through February 28 instead of on Sunday as originally planned. During the month, diners can buy one bargain meal for delivery or takeout for $20.21, which includes an entree and at least one side, from each restaurant. According to NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency behind the program, a record 570 restaurants in over 100 neighborhoods are participating this year.
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The 5 best ski slopes near New York City

Photo of Hunter Mountain by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr cc

January 21, 2021

The 5 best ski slopes near New York City

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Sure, you'll find more snow and more serious skiing if you fly to Colorado or even drive up to Vermont, but there are plenty of ski hills located in New York State, including several located within a one-and-a-half to three-hour drive of Manhattan. To be frank, the main thing these hills have on their side is their proximity to New York City. If you want to reenact a trip to the Alps or Aspen, you’re going to be disappointed, but if you want to plan an affordable day or overnight ski trip, skiing in the Catskills region can be a great option. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last fall gave ski resorts the go-ahead to reopen, seen as a safe outdoor activity during the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are COVID-19 restrictions at each resort, including mask mandates, social distancing and disinfection requirements, and 50 percent capacity limits indoors. Ahead, we break down five of the best ski resorts less than 150 miles from NYC, along with everything you can expect when hitting the slopes this year.
Get the guide here
46th Street subway station turned into Joe Biden tribute

Photo by Adrian Wilson / @plannedalism

January 21, 2021

46th Street subway station turned into Joe Biden tribute

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Street artist Adrian Wilson decided to mark the momentousness of yesterday with a special NYC-themed tribute to our new President. At the 46th Street subway station in Astoria, he used stickers to change the "46th St" mosaic to read "46th Joe" with a change to the directional below to read "45th Out." In his Instagram post, Wilson wrote, "Total cost including 4 train rides, $12. Anyone could have done it. But I had to do it. For Joe."
Get the scoop
Walk through a kaleidoscope of rotating, glimmering prisms in the Garment District

Photos by Alexandre Ayer / @diversitypics for the Garment District Alliance

January 15, 2021

Walk through a kaleidoscope of rotating, glimmering prisms in the Garment District

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The Garment District Alliance has unveiled a new public art exhibit in the Broadway plaza between 39th and 40th Streets. Called Prismatica, it's made up of 25, six-foot-tall pivoting prisms that reflect the colors of the rainbow and turn the street a "glimmering winter kaleidoscope." The piece was created by RAW Design in collaboration with ATOMIC3 and is on view through January 30th.
Check it out
Queens Night Market will return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this spring

Photo credit: Storm Garner

January 14, 2021

Queens Night Market will return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park this spring

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After canceling its 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Queens Night Market is set to return this spring. John Wang, founder of the popular open-air market, said he plans to kick off the event on April 17 at the New York Hall of Science at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, while keeping an eye on the city's COVID-19 metrics. The food market, open on Saturday nights, will tentatively run through October 30.
Find out more
Empire State Building’s heartbeat light show returns for nationwide COVID-19 memorial

Photo courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust

January 14, 2021

Empire State Building’s heartbeat light show returns for nationwide COVID-19 memorial

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A memorial honoring the lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic will be held at the Lincoln Memorial next week and cities and towns are invited to join the tribute with ceremonies of their own. President-elect Joe Biden's Presidential Inaugural Committee announced plans to feature a lighting around the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. on January 19, the evening before the inauguration. The Empire State Building will participate by playing its red heartbeat light show, which first debuted last year as a tribute to the city's frontline workers.
Find out more
Cuomo’s ‘Arts Revival’ initiative will bring outdoor pop-up performances and events across New York

Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

January 12, 2021

Cuomo’s ‘Arts Revival’ initiative will bring outdoor pop-up performances and events across New York

By
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday unveiled the "New York Arts Revival" initiative, a plan to bring art and culture back to the state after the coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the industry to a standstill. As part of a public-private partnership, the effort will bring a series of pop-up performances and arts events across New York starting February 4. According to the governor, who made the announcement during his multi-day State of the State address, the events will feature performers like Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Wynton Marsalis, Renée Fleming, Hugh Jackman, and others. "We will not let the curtain fall on their careers or the future of our cities," Cuomo said.
Get the details
See new renderings of controversial South Street Seaport towers and museum expansion

All renderings courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill / Howard Hughes Corporation

January 5, 2021

See new renderings of controversial South Street Seaport towers and museum expansion

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Plans to construct two 470-foot towers and expand a museum in the historic South Street Seaport neighborhood were met with mixed feedback during a public Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on Tuesday. The Howard Hughes Corporation presented a proposal for a $1.4 billion mixed-use project consisting of rentals, condos, and office space at 250 Water Street, as well as a new building for the South Street Seaport Museum at 89 South Street. While those in favor of the project say it will bring much-needed affordable housing to a neighborhood that has almost none and help the museum stay open, opponents claim the project is out of scale with the rest of the district. New renderings of the proposed expanded museum show plans for a copper-clad exterior, flexible gallery space, an outdoor terrace, and a connection to the historic structure.
More here
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