Events & Things To Do

April 20, 2020

NYC cancels Pride March, Puerto Rican Day Parade along with all June gatherings

Though Governor Cuomo has only extended New York Pause through May 15, Mayor de Blasio went one step further and canceled all non-essential permitted events in June. Most notably this includes the Pride March (for which it would have been the 50th anniversary), the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and the Celebrate Israel Parade. In addition to parades, concerts, rallies, and large gatherings will be canceled through June.
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The Met Opera will present a live-streamed gala with 40+ artists

Photo via Wikimedia

April 14, 2020

The Met Opera will present a live-streamed gala with 40+ artists

By Devin Gannon

The show must go on. The Metropolitan Opera on Monday announced plans to host a virtual "At-Home Gala" this month with over 40 artists participating around the world. On Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m., leading Met artists will perform live from their homes for a free three-hour concert. The event comes after the venue was forced to cancel the rest of its season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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This Sunday’s Easter Parade is going virtual

Photo from last year’s parade, by Phil Roeder via Flickr cc

April 10, 2020

This Sunday’s Easter Parade is going virtual

By Dana Schulz

While it won't be an actual procession, this year's annual New York City Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival will take place virtually on Sunday, April 12. The festive event dates back to the 1870s but was, of course, canceled this year due to the coronavirus crisis. But the Fifth Avenue Association is taking it to Instagram, encouraging participants to "dress up in their most creative, home-crafted Easter outfits, strike a pose in quintessential Fifth Avenue style and participate in a virtual parade."
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Events & Things To Do

New-York Historical Society is collecting objects related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Business sign 3.20.20, photo by Stephen Harmon, courtesy of New-York Historical

April 10, 2020

New-York Historical Society is collecting objects related to the COVID-19 pandemic

By Devin Gannon

The New-York Historical Society is asking New Yorkers to donate any materials related to the coronavirus pandemic as a way to preserve this moment in the city's history. First created during September 11, the museum's History Responds initiative has collected objects related to movements like Black Lives Matter, Occupy Wall Street, marriage equality, and others.
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Events & Things To Do

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

Anna Netrebko in the title role of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera

April 3, 2020

All the performances, events, and classes in NYC you can stream online

By 6sqft

Although the coronavirus has shuttered most of the city, many museums, performance venues, theaters, and famous New Yorkers are offering free (or low-cost) online resources to entertain New Yorkers throughout this difficult period. From virtual storytime with Brooklyn Public Library librarians to live-streamed performances by the Metropolitan Opera to baking classes with Milk Bar's Christina Tosi to dance lessons from the Radio City Rockettes, support local organizations safely from your home. This list was lasted updated at 10:00 a.m. on April 3, 2020.
The full list, ahead

Events & Things To Do

20 NYC hotels sign on as temporary hospitals, will add 10,000 beds

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

April 2, 2020

20 NYC hotels sign on as temporary hospitals, will add 10,000 beds

By Dana Schulz

New York City's hotels have seen more than an 80 percent drop in occupancy since the coronavirus crisis, but that unfortunate fact has at least opened one positive door. As Mayor de Blasio announced in his press conference yesterday, 20 hotels have signed contracts to be converted to temporary hospitals, which will add roughly 10,000 additional beds. As NY1 reported, on Wednesday, Dr. Mitchell Katz, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, said, "We are in disaster mode so that contracts can be quickly signed. When it’s operational, patients who don’t need to be incubated, who are recovering but not well enough to leave the hospital, will be sent to hotels."
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A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

Photo by Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia

March 30, 2020

A nightly music-to-light show launches at the Empire State Building to keep NYC bright

By Devin Gannon

A New York City landmark is looking to lift the spirits of New Yorkers and keep the light in the city bright during this challenging time. The Empire State Realty Trust on Friday launched a music-to-light show from the skyscraper's famous tower, in partnership with iHeartMedia. A new show, designed by lighting artist Marc Brickman, will premiere every Friday night and play nightly for one week.
More here

Free fun and educational online resources for kids at home during coronavirus

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

March 25, 2020

Free fun and educational online resources for kids at home during coronavirus

By 6sqft

The current times are especially tough for children who are home from school and their parents who are struggling to keep up with remote learning and keep the kiddos occupied during downtime. Luckily, institutions and businesses are stepping up to offer all kinds of free fun and educational resources for youngsters. From cool virtual museum content to online homework help to virtual storytelling to penguin cams, 6sqft has put together a list of ways to keep your children entertained and educated while at home.
The full list, ahead

Events & Things To Do

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

Comedian Bridget Everett is participating in The Trickle Up; Photo by John Morton on Flickr

March 25, 2020

Support local NYC artists and performers with this new subscription-based streaming service

By Devin Gannon

With theaters and performance venues closed as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the livelihoods of many artists in New York City continue to hang in the balance. A new subscription-based streaming service launched this week to support local artists affected by these coronavirus-related shutdowns. "The Trickle Up" charges subscribers $10 per month to access original performances from 50 different artists, with proceeds going to artists struggling financially.
Details this way

‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ returns for one night to support The Actors Fund

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

March 19, 2020

‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ returns for one night to support The Actors Fund

By Dana Schulz

With all Broadway, Off-Broadway, and any type of performance suspended through at least April 12th, Broadway.com is bringing back The Rosie O'Donnell Show for one night to benefit The Actors Fund. When her show was on air from 1996 to 2002, O'Donnell was a strong advocate for performance arts and often showcased Broadway ensembles performing numbers from their shows. The one-night event will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed on Broadway.com and Broadway.com's YouTube channel.
Find out who's performing

Events & Things To Do

NYC’s coronavirus cancellations, closures, and precautions

By 6sqft

With city and state government closing schools until at least the end of April and shutting down restaurants and bars aside from takeout and delivery, NYC is in unprecedented times. 6sqft has begun compiling a list of closures, cancellations, and postponements, as well as information on how the subway, ride-share companies, and public entities like libraries are handling the outbreak and how refunds or credits are being issued. As the situation develops, we'll be updating this list to the best of our knowledge. This list was last updated at 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 26.
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Events & Things To Do

Governors Island announces free programming ahead of May 1 opening

Photo by Kreg Holt

March 11, 2020

Governors Island announces free programming ahead of May 1 opening

By Devin Gannon

With the weather finally warming up, it's time to start planning spring and summertime activities. The Trust for Governors Island on Monday unveiled its lineup of free programming for the island's 2020 season, which officially kicks off on May 1. Throughout the season, more than 30 organizations will bring installations, exhibitions, workshops, and more to the 172-acre site, with most programs focusing on visual art, climate change and environmental science, and culture.
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Events & Things To Do

‘Bach in the Subways’ will spread the German composer’s music throughout the city this month

Cellist Dale Henderson, photo by Phillip Guye, courtesy of Bach in the Subways

March 10, 2020

‘Bach in the Subways’ will spread the German composer’s music throughout the city this month

By Alexandra Alexa

Classical music lovers, mark your calendars: Johann Sebastian Bach's 335th birthday on March 21 will be honored with a whole week of spontaneous, free performances of his music throughout the city. From March 19th to 25th, Bach in the Subways will bring hundreds of performers to the city to share the German composer's work. The name suggests you'll have to ride underground for a chance to see them play, but you can expect performers to spring up in public spaces above ground as well.
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Events & Things To Do

Pubs, parades, and politicians: The Irish legacy of the East Village and Greenwich Village

Photo of White Horse Tavern (bottom left) courtesy of Wikimedia; Photo of the Merchant’s House Museum (bottom right) courtesy of Village Preservation on Flickr

March 10, 2020

Pubs, parades, and politicians: The Irish legacy of the East Village and Greenwich Village

By Andrew Berman of Village Preservation

For many, celebrating Irish American heritage in March brings one to Fifth Avenue for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, or perhaps a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. But for those willing to venture beyond Midtown, there’s a rich Irish American history to be found in Greenwich Village and the East Village. While both neighborhoods became better known for different kinds of communities in later years – Italians, Ukrainians, gay men and lesbians, artists, punks – Irish immigration in the mid-19th century profoundly shaped both neighborhoods. Irish Americans and Irish immigrants played a critical role in building immigrant and artistic traditions in Greenwich Village and the East Village. Here are some sites connected to that great heritage, from the city's oldest intact Catholic Church to Irish institutions like McSorely's Old Ale House.
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To offset Coronavirus-related dips in attendance, tickets for six Broadway hits will be only $50

Photo credit: Mihai Bojin via Flickr

March 10, 2020

To offset Coronavirus-related dips in attendance, tickets for six Broadway hits will be only $50

By Alexandra Alexa

As Coronavirus fears begin impacting Broadway attendance, producer Scott Rudin is slashing ticket prices to keep theatres full, Deadline reports. Starting this Thursday at noon, all remaining March tickets for Rudin's popular productions—To Kill a Mockingbird, West Side Story, The Lehman Trilogy, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and The Book of Mormon—will be available for only $50.
This could be the deal you've been waiting for

Events & Things To Do

This incredibly detailed 3D replica of Manhattan took 1,000 hours to complete

Photos courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust

March 6, 2020

This incredibly detailed 3D replica of Manhattan took 1,000 hours to complete

By Alexandra Alexa

French artist Johann Perathoner has created a panoramic 3D replica of Manhattan that is currently on view in the Empire State Building’s lobby. Though compact in scale, the composition is ambitious in scope and captures an incredible amount of detail in its small size. Made up of vibrant colors and 100 different textures that include rhinestones and fake diamonds, the piece took Perathoner more than 1,000 hours to complete.
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Four permanent artworks will transform LaGuardia Airport

Rendering of Terminal B courtesy of the Governor’s Office

March 6, 2020

Four permanent artworks will transform LaGuardia Airport

By Alexandra Alexa

The ongoing $8 billion transformation of LaGuardia Airport has focused on bringing the airport's functionality into the 21st century, but a series of major art commissions will also enhance how travelers experience the overhauled spaces. On Thursday Governor Cuomo announced a partnership with the nonprofit Public Art Fund that will bring site-specific works by four renowned artists —Jeppe Hein, Sabine Hornig, Laura Owens, and Sarah Sze—to the new Arrivals and Departures Hall opening later this year at Terminal B.
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The American Museum of Natural History’s most vibrant new exhibit is an in-depth exploration of color

Photo credit: R. Mickens/© AMNH

March 5, 2020

The American Museum of Natural History’s most vibrant new exhibit is an in-depth exploration of color

By Alexandra Alexa

For most of us, color is such a seamless part of how we experience the world that we don’t think to stop and question it. But color is more than just a visual phenomenon, it carries symbolic and cultural meanings, has the ability to impact our mood, and in the natural world, it plays a critical role in the survival of many species. The many dimensions of color will be explored in The Nature of Color, a new exhibition opening at the American Museum of Natural History on March 9th.
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Events & Things To Do

Sales launch for Waldorf Astoria’s luxury condos, starting at $1.7M studios

Rendering by Noë & Associates/The Boundary

March 4, 2020

Sales launch for Waldorf Astoria’s luxury condos, starting at $1.7M studios

By Michelle Cohen

Residential condo sales have launched at the newly-imagined Waldorf Astoria, which has been closed for renovations since 2017. The launch, complete with a new website offering a sneak peek inside the iconic building, comes at a time when ultra-luxe apartments have become a tougher sell in a market loaded with competition and unsold units, as The Real Deal reports. The residential portion of the building sits above the renovated hotel, with 375 condos and 50,000 square feet of amenities including private bars, a 25-meter pool and a fitness center.
Get a closer look

March 4, 2020

15 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in NYC

By Devin Gannon

What better place to celebrate women than in New York? The state hosted the country's first women's rights convention in 1848, Union Square held the first large-scale suffrage parade in 1908, and New Yorkers came up with the idea to honor women for one month every year. This Women's History Month, which marks the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage, honor the trailblazing New Yorkers who forged the paths for feminists today with lectures, art exhibits, and bites from women-owned vendors. Ahead, find our favorite events, from a Wikipedia edit-a-thon at the Museum of Modern Art to a trolley tour of Woodlawn Cemetery.
More here

Events & Things To Do

Cultural diversity and nature informed this Brooklyn photo series by two longtime residents

Alex Webb, Park Slope, 2018. Chromogenic development print. Courtesy of the artist

March 3, 2020

Cultural diversity and nature informed this Brooklyn photo series by two longtime residents

By Alexandra Alexa

Photographer couple Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb have lived in Park Slope for some 20 years and for just as long, they've been documenting the borough they call home. In 2014, the duo embarked on a collaborative series of photographs that show typically unseen corners of Brooklyn and tell the layered stories of its multicultural neighborhoods. A collection of 30 images from that series will be on view at the Museum of the City of New York beginning on March 11 in an exhibition titled The City Within.
More images, this way

Events & Things To Do

Parades, trivia, and live music: 20 ways to celebrate St. Patricks Day in NYC

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

March 3, 2020

Parades, trivia, and live music: 20 ways to celebrate St. Patricks Day in NYC

By Alexandra Alexa

St. Patrick's Day takes place on Tuesday, March 17 this year but in NYC, it's much bigger than just the official holiday. Celebrations get an early start and run throughout the month with a whopping nine parades dedicated to the holiday (some have already taken place but you still have plenty to choose from). Of course, many of the festivities are known for being raucous and alcohol-fueled, but there are many other ways you can celebrate: from taking a walking tour in the former "Little Ireland" area of the Lower East Side, to learning how to bake Irish soda bread and shamrock macaroons, to getting competitive in an Irish-themed trivia night. Ahead, we rounded up 20 options and none of them involve waking up early to snag a seat at McSorley's.
Start your planning now!

Events & Things To Do

The Brooklyn Public Library is joining forces with the Brooklyn Historical Society

Photo of the Brooklyn Public Library flagship by Ajay Suresh via Flickr

February 28, 2020

The Brooklyn Public Library is joining forces with the Brooklyn Historical Society

By Alexandra Alexa

Two Brooklyn institutions are joining forces to broaden their impact and create “the premiere collection” of archival materials related to the history of the borough. The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) have announced a plan to unify their resources, which was approved by the boards of both organizations this week. The library will serve as the parent institution and the partnership is expected to bring greater financial stability to both while expanding the historical society’s reach through the library’s 59 branches.
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Events & Things To Do

Museum of Natural History’s new Halls of Gems and Minerals will open this fall

A conceptual rendering of the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, opening in fall 2020 at the American Museum of Natural History. Rendering courtesy American Museum of Natural History.

February 27, 2020

Museum of Natural History’s new Halls of Gems and Minerals will open this fall

By Michelle Cohen

The American Museum of Natural History announced this week that the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will be opening in fall of 2020. Named for longtime museum supporters Roberto and Allison Mignone, the long-awaited redesign will be a dazzling showcase for one of the greatest collections of its kind. The new Halls will be connected to Studio Gang’s 235,000-square-foot Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation.
More about the exhibitions and gallery, this way

Photo (cropped) by Alex Proimos via Wikimedia Commons

February 26, 2020

The Met reveals new commissions for summer roof garden and facade niches

By Alexandra Alexa

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced two new sculpture commissions to be installed in the museum's facade niches and the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden later this year. Mexican artist Héctor Zamora will create a site-specific intervention on the roof titled Lattice Detour that's set to open on April 21. On September 9, American artist Carol Bove will unveil new sculptures in the building's Fifth Avenue facade niches, becoming only the second artist to activate the building's exterior in this way. The works are still in progress but Sheena Wagstaff, the Met's Leonard A. Lauder Chairman of Modern and Contemporary Art, hinted that Zamora's piece will "invite us to reconsider the panoramic view of the city skyline" and Bove's installation will feature "colorful stylized abstractions."
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