Events & Things To Do

10 organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in NYC

Photo a protest June 1, 2020, by Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

June 2, 2020

10 organizations supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in NYC

Demonstrations over the May 25 death of George Floyd continue across the country and New York City. For those seeking additional ways to advocate for antiracist policies, police accountability, and racial justice, we've compiled a guide to local NYC organizations that are advocating against institutional racism and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. While this list is not complete, these resources hopefully can serve as a starting point to help New Yorkers navigate as allied communities during this time.
How to help

Events & Things To Do

The Met Opera will not resume performances until New Year’s Eve

Photo by Seth Hoffman on Unsplash

June 2, 2020

The Met Opera will not resume performances until New Year’s Eve

By Dana Schulz

After last performing on March 11 and facing revenue losses nearing $100 million, The Met Opera has announced that it's cancelling its fall season with hopes to resume with a New Year's Eve gala. The opera's general manager Peter Gelb told the New York Times that "It’s transparently obvious that social distancing and grand opera cannot go together. It’s not just the audience; it’s the health of the company. You cannot put a symphony orchestra inside a pit, and performers and a chorus in intimate proximity on the stage of the Met."
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The Brooklyn Museum transforms into a pop-up food bank this week

Photo by Howard Brier on Flickr

June 1, 2020

The Brooklyn Museum transforms into a pop-up food bank this week

By Devin Gannon

Starting on Monday, the Brooklyn Museum is temporarily transforming its parking lot into a weekly food bank. The institution announced last week a partnership with The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH), a Bed-Stuy based nonprofit that has served about one million meals to New Yorkers in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The museum has been closed since March 13.
More here

Events & Things To Do

10 virtual things to do this week: Brandi Carlile, The Apollo, dinosaurs, and more

Photo by Felix Soage on Unsplash

June 1, 2020

10 virtual things to do this week: Brandi Carlile, The Apollo, dinosaurs, and more

By Dana Schulz

New York City is finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't remain vigilant in our social distancing efforts. Thankfully, there are plenty of cool online events this week to make staying at home that much easier. There's good music, from the kick-off concert in a new series from Brandi Carlile to a benefit concert to support Harlem's The Apollo, as well as some newsy discussions like a talk about life after COVID-19 with Fareed Zakaria and a new virtual open newsroom with THE CITY and the Brooklyn Public Library. You can also go on a virtual dino bone dig with the American Museum of Natural History and watch Puccini’s masterwork Tosca with the Met Opera.
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Events & Things To Do

9 virtual things to do this weekend: Loisaida Festival, guided meditation, dachshund fiesta, and more

Photo of last year’s Loisaida Festival by editrixie on Flickr

May 29, 2020

9 virtual things to do this weekend: Loisaida Festival, guided meditation, dachshund fiesta, and more

By Devin Gannon

If you've run out of Netflix shows and can't look at another jigsaw puzzle, there is still plenty of ways to stay entertained this weekend. From a virtual stand-up comedy show and a spring fiesta for dachshunds to guided meditation and a historic discussion on New York City's Chinatown, we've rounded up nine virtual events to keep boredom at bay.
Get the full list

Events & Things To Do

This Saturday, partake in a virtual dachshund festival for peak cuteness

Photos of the 2019 Spring Fiesta by WSPC photography volunteer Beth Whitman

May 27, 2020

This Saturday, partake in a virtual dachshund festival for peak cuteness

By Dana Schulz

If quarantine's got you down, the Washington Square Park Conservancy has just the thing to lift your mood. This Saturday afternoon, along with their partner the Dachshund Friendship Club, the organization is taking its annual Dachshund Spring Fiesta virtual for a full hour of adorableness, including a sing-along to the "Dachsong."
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Events & Things To Do

8 virtual things to do this week: Outer space, sourdough, Questlove, and more

Photo by Carol M. Highsmith via Wikimedia Commons

May 26, 2020

8 virtual things to do this week: Outer space, sourdough, Questlove, and more

By Dana Schulz

If you're having a tough time coming back to work after the long weekend, this roster of virtual events will help soften the blow. From an all-day celebration of the first US human mission to space in almost a decade to a virtual dinner party hosted by Questlove to a six-part sourdough class, there's plenty to do this week to keep busy and stay entertained.
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Events & Things To Do

To mark 125th anniversary, NYPL releases list of kids books to spark lifelong love of reading

Photo: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL

May 22, 2020

To mark 125th anniversary, NYPL releases list of kids books to spark lifelong love of reading

By Devin Gannon

While summer vacation is sure to look different this year, the New York Public Library hopes kids will stay busy reading. In celebration of its 125th anniversary on Saturday, the library has released a list of 125 children's books from the last 125 years, aimed at sparking a lifelong love of reading. The collection of books, which is available online, follows a list released in February of the best adult titles, with a list for teenage readers expected this fall.
More here

Events & Things To Do

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

Photo (cropped) by Arturo Pardavila III via Flickr cc

May 20, 2020

NYC landmarks will ‘go green’ to honor parks workers

By Dana Schulz

At sunset on Thursday, May 21, the Empire State Building, Central Park Arsenal, Washington Square Park Arch, Coney Island's Parachute Jump, and the Bronx's Ranaqua Park will "go green" to honor parks workers, who have been part of the city's essential workforce during the current COVID crisis. #GoingGreenForParkies "is the ultimate acknowledgment and thank you for all their hard work," which has kept public parks well-maintained "in support of the mental and physical health of all visitors," according to a press release.
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Public art campaign lights up Times Square in support of essential workers

PSA by Carrie Mae Weems; Photo by Maria Baranova

May 19, 2020

Public art campaign lights up Times Square in support of essential workers

By Devin Gannon

A public art campaign is lighting up Times Square in support of New York City's healthcare and essential workers. As part of a joint effort by Times Square Arts, For Freedoms, and Poster House, "Messages for the City," now in its second phase, features work from more than 30 artists and designers on digital public service announcements in New York, Boston, and Chicago.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

New Yorkers invited to design iconic Rockefeller Center flags

Photo by Sharon Mollerus on Flickr

May 18, 2020

New Yorkers invited to design iconic Rockefeller Center flags

By Devin Gannon

A public art competition launched last week that asks New Yorkers to submit designs for the iconic flags that surround the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Led by the site's developer Tishman Speyer, "The Flag Project" is looking for artwork that celebrates New York City, whether it be through graphic design, a drawing, or collage. Winning designs will be made into flags and flown from Rockefeller Center's 192 flagpoles this August as part of a temporary exhibit.
Find out more

Events & Things To Do

May 18, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Pizza, mozzarella, African dance, and affordable housing

By Dana Schulz

With the warm weather sticking around it's getting a bit harder to stay inside, but this list of fun virtual events and ideas for things to do will help make this week much more bearable. From an online mozzarella-making class to a chat with the man who possesses the world's largest collection of pizza boxes, there are plenty of foodie options. You can also enjoy BAM's DanceAfrica programming, learn about affordable housing, take a virtual tour of the Merchant's House Museum, and much more.
Check out this week's event guide

Events & Things To Do

NYC drive-in festival to open near Yankee Stadium this summer

Photo by Daniel Vargas on Unsplash

May 18, 2020

NYC drive-in festival to open near Yankee Stadium this summer

By Devin Gannon

A drive-in festival with live performances, movies, and local food vendors is set to open near Yankee Stadium this summer, offering New Yorkers a way to have fun without violating social distancing rules. From the event planners who put on the Bronx Night Market and the Bronx Beer Fest, the "Uptown Drive-In Experience" is slated to open in July as a "social distancing playground," according to the organizers.
More here

Events & Things To Do

A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in

Photo courtesy of The Bel Aire Diner

May 15, 2020

A diner in Astoria has transformed into a pop-up drive-in

By Devin Gannon

A retro diner in Queens has transformed its parking lot into a drive-in movie theater, giving New Yorkers a way to be entertained safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The Bel Aire Diner, located at Broadway and 21st Street, set up a 25-foot outdoor projection screen in its lot that has enough space for 40 cars. After successful first showings of "Grease" and "Dirty Dancing," the diner plans to keep the movie nights going, possibly with multiple showings per week.
More here

Events & Things To Do

May 15, 2020

13 virtual things to do this weekend: Small-space design, Obama, Taylor Swift, and more

By Dana Schulz

The sun is shining, and the weekend looks lovely, so crack open those windows and enjoy one of these fun virtual events. From concert streams by Prince and Taylor Swift to virtual graduation events featuring a commencement speech by President Obama to Apartment Therapy's weekend-long small-space design lineup to a star-filled benefit for Hollywood's behind-the-scenes workers, there are plenty of cool things to do from home this weekend.
All the events

Events & Things To Do

Artwork titled “Now & Forever” by Tristan Eaton created exclusively for Montefiore and Alto New York’s 2020 “Heroes” campaign

May 12, 2020

Street artist Tristan Eaton reveals new Midtown mural thanking NYC’s nurses

By Dana Schulz

Los Angeles-based painter and designer Tristan Eaton is well known for his street murals, which he's brought to NYC through a collaboration with Montefiore Hospitals. The towering artwork, which sought to capture the heroism of our healthcare workers, is located on 34th Street and 8th Avenue and is part of a larger appreciation campaign for National Nurses Week sponsored by Montefiore and its creative company of record, Alto NY. They wanted to create a "digital" ticker-tape parade and "extend the Canyon of Heroes to the doors of every hospital in New York." Using Eaton's mural as a template, New Yorkers can create their own hero image by uploading a photo on the website or through Instagram. In addition, Montefiore has created a moving video thanking all the brave nurses.
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13 virtual things to do this week: Events with Tina Fey, Neil Gaiman, Wendy Whelan, and more

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

May 11, 2020

13 virtual things to do this week: Events with Tina Fey, Neil Gaiman, Wendy Whelan, and more

By Dana Schulz

This week's virtual roster kicks off with a star-studded benefit hosted by Tina Fey and continues with book readings by Neil Gaiman, ballet classes taught by Wendy Whelan, and the first online version of Selected Shorts hosted by Maulik Pancholy. Ahead, we've rounded up 10 fun things to do this week from the comfort of your couch.
Check out the lineup

Events & Things To Do

NYPL’s famous marble lions mark 109th birthday with a virtual party

Courtesy of NYPL

May 8, 2020

NYPL’s famous marble lions mark 109th birthday with a virtual party

By Devin Gannon

The New York Public Library's historic marble lions turn 109 on May 11 and New Yorkers are invited to their rip-roaring celebration. Carved by the Piccirilli Brothers in 1911, Patience and Fortitude have long guarded the library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue. From a special storytime to lion-curated book lists, the activities highlight the lions' role as symbols of New York's resilience.
More here

Events & Things To Do

15 virtual things to do this Mother’s Day weekend: Azaleas, concerts, SNL, and Broadway

Image by Anja?#helpinghands#stayathome #solidarity#stays healthy? from Pixabay

May 8, 2020

15 virtual things to do this Mother’s Day weekend: Azaleas, concerts, SNL, and Broadway

By Dana Schulz

Mother's Day won't be the same this year for a lot of who can't head over to mom's house for brunch, but that doesn't mean you can't plan out some fun and upbeat virtual events this weekend. From concerts by Yo-Yo Ma, the best of City Winery, and Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton to a star-studded virtual Broadway event to a virtual tour of the azalea garden at the New York Botanical Garden to two special SNL episodes, these events will let you spend time with mom and take her mind off how much she's missing you.
15 fun events

Events & Things To Do

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

May 7, 2020

‘Save a seat’ fund gives free Broadway tickets to frontline workers

By Devin Gannon

An initiative launched this week to donate free Broadway show tickets to frontline workers. As first reported by Variety, the ticket website TodayTix has started the "Save a Seat" fund to reserve the best seats at shows for essential workers when theater returns following the coronavirus pandemic. The site has also rebranded as TommorrowTix, to give artists and theater lovers something to look forward to during this difficult time.
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JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

Airbus A320, take off, photo courtesy of JetBlue press

May 7, 2020

JetBlue is doing a NYC flyover tonight to honor healthcare workers

By Dana Schulz

Yesterday, JetBlue announced its Healthcare Hero program through which the airline will provide roundtrip flight certificates for two to anywhere JetBlue flies for 100,000 healthcare workers. To coincide with the initiative, they'll "bring the Clap Because We Care movement to the skies with a three aircraft, low altitude flyover salute above New York City" tonight at 7 pm. The flyover will be done by three New York-themed painted JetBlue planes, honoring the FDNY, NYPD and I LOVE NY/Empire State Development.
See the flight path

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

Rendering of proposed exhibition space by Culturespaces/ Woods Bagot, courtesy of LPC

May 6, 2020

See the immersive art museum proposed for a landmarked Lower Manhattan bank hall

By Devin Gannon

An art center with immersive art exhibitions has been proposed for a landmarked former banking hall in Lower Manhattan. Culturespaces, a French museum operator, presented its plan to adapt the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank into a center of digital art to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. The design proposal from Woods Bagot Architects includes alterations to the landmarked interior to accommodate a ticketing area and necessary audiovisual equipment for the art center, as well as modifications to the exterior of the building.
More here

Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts

Photo by Acroterion via Wikimedia Commons

May 6, 2020

Iconic Asbury Park music venue The Stone Pony hosting live stream concerts

By Dana Schulz

Since Bruce Springsteen got his start at the Jersey Shore music venue in the '70s (launching "the house that Springsteen built"), The Stone Pony has been a trailblazer in the music scene. Though the venue hosts big-name acts today, what's set the Pony apart over the years is its commitment to local artists and up-and-comers. And they're not letting coronavirus stop this. As reported by the Asbury Park Press, The Stone Pony is hosting "a curated live stream lineup of Jersey Shore musicians and national faves, all regulars at the venue."
Get the scoop

Events & Things To Do

May 4, 2020

12 virtual things to do this week: Met Gala, cherry blossoms, oysters, and more

By Dana Schulz

When it comes to virtual events, the biggest news this week is the Met Gala. Vogue's Anna Wintour is hosting a star-studded live event tonight where she'll be joined by the likes of Stella McCartney and Florence + the Machine. It's also Cinco de Mayo, so we've got a list of spots for taco takeout. For more foodie fun, the Billion Oyster Project is hosting a Zoom "oyster hour." You can also check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Esplanade online, join a virtual animal meet and greet with the Staten Island Zoo, watch Ballet Hispánico, learn about the history of Hospital Ships, and more.
12 virtual things to do this week

Events & Things To Do

13 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Eat pierogis, sip rosé, and bang on a can

Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

May 1, 2020

13 virtual things to do in NYC this weekend: Eat pierogis, sip rosé, and bang on a can

By Dana Schulz

The weather is supposed to be positively springy this weekend, but don't let the fact that you can't enjoy it as usual get you down--there are plenty of fun things to do indoors with those windows wide open. From a star-studded virtual comedy fest to a 24-hour global live stream event featuring three former Presidents and Oprah to a six-hour musical performance from Bang on a Can. And of course, what would quarantine life be without food (we're talking pierogis and cheesecake) and drink (spring-time weather calls for the start of rosé season!).
Check out the full list