Events & Things To Do

Jane’s Walk Weekend offers nearly 300 free walking tours around NYC

Jane’s Walk photo courtesy of MAS

April 29, 2019

Jane’s Walk Weekend offers nearly 300 free walking tours around NYC

Jane's Walk photo courtesy of MAS Get ready to walk! The great urbanist Jane Jacobs advocated for livable, walkable cities, and the Municipal Art Society invites you to do just that during the first weekend in May. MAS's 9th annual Jane's Walk weekend, a three-day festival of free, public, volunteer-led walking tours, kicks off Friday, May 3rd. The Jane's Walk festival is a global event honoring Jane Jacobs' legacy of urban exploration, local history, and civic engagement. This year, Jane's Walks will take place in 200 cities around the world, and New Yorkers will have nearly 300 walks to choose from!
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Rockefeller Center office tower will be converted into Airbnb rentals

75 Rockefeller Plaza via Google Street View

April 29, 2019

Rockefeller Center office tower will be converted into Airbnb rentals

By Devin Gannon

Ten floors of an office tower in Rockefeller Center will be converted into short-term rentals, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. RXR Realty, which has leased the tower at 75 Rockefeller Plaza since 2012, has partnered with Airbnb to transform a portion of the 87-year-old building into roughly 200 units of high-end lodging. In a press release, RXR CEO Scott Rechler described the new venture as a "travel experience that immerses guests in a dynamic, thriving community in the heart of Rockefeller Center that's vastly different than anything else in the market today."
Get the scoop

Noguchi Museum to expand LIC campus, open the sculptor’s studio to the public for the first time

Rendering of the Noguchi Museum campus by Büro Koray Duman

April 26, 2019

Noguchi Museum to expand LIC campus, open the sculptor’s studio to the public for the first time

By Devin Gannon

The original studio and pied-à-terre of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi will open to the public for the first time as part of a new unified campus, the Noguchi Museum announced earlier this month. The Long Island City museum plans to expand its existing museum and sculpture garden, founded by Noguchi in 1985, by adding a new 6,000-square-foot building and restoring the sculptor's studio.
Get the details

NYC spring art guide 2019: Don’t-miss exhibits, events, and installations

Alicja Kwade, ParaPivot. Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photograph by Hyla Skopitz.

April 26, 2019

NYC spring art guide 2019: Don’t-miss exhibits, events, and installations

By Michelle Cohen

New York City's art scene blossoms anew in springtime, with fresh ways to look at classic museum collections, international art fairs, cutting-edge installations and everything in between. And new public works pop up in the city's parks and gardens, making it possible to enjoy both the outdoors and the art. We've rounded up a list of must-see exhibits, fairs, and installations to get you started.
Check out our top spring picks

Events & Things To Do

Photo via Pixabay

April 25, 2019

French Embassy celebrates Notre Dame with special St. Patrick’s Cathedral concert

By Michelle Sinclair Colman

The French Embassy in the United States has organized a series of solidarity concerts throughout the country as a way to celebrate the international significance of Notre-Dame following the April 15th fire that ravaged the Medieval wooden roof and iconic pinnacle. In the spirit of French-American friendship, each concert--in NYC, Washington DC, San Francisco, and New Orleans--will be held at an American Cathedral and will feature a French organist. Here in NYC, the free April 26th concert will be held at none other than St. Patrick's Cathedral.
All the details

Events & Things To Do

Artists chosen for Shirley Chisholm statue in Prospect Park

Rendering by Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous.

April 24, 2019

Artists chosen for Shirley Chisholm statue in Prospect Park

By Michelle Cohen

In New York City's five boroughs, only five out of 150 monuments of historic figures depict women. Launched last year, a program from Women.nyc called She Built NYC is attempting to narrow that gap by commissioning monuments throughout the city honoring visionary women who have helped define the city and made an impact on the world. To that end, acclaimed artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous have been selected to design the first of these monuments, which will honor celebrated New York congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
More of the winning design, this way

Get your sweet fix while exploring downtown Manhattan on an Underground Donut Tour

Photos courtesy of Underground Donut Tour

April 22, 2019

Get your sweet fix while exploring downtown Manhattan on an Underground Donut Tour

By Alexandra Alexa

After finding success in Chicago and Philadelphia, the Underground Donut Tour has officially launched in New York City (h/t amNY), where there’s no shortage of both modern and classic takes on the popular dessert. And while it’s the perfect way to fulfill your cravings and try new flavor profiles, you don’t have to be a donut fanatic (or a cop) to enjoy yourself. During the two-hour tour, participants will hit up four of the city’s best donut shops while traversing several historic neighborhoods in downtown Manhattan and learning a fun array of facts about the city.
Donut details this way

Events & Things To Do

Parts of every NYC borough will go car free next weekend for Earth Day

Photo courtesy of NYC DOT on Flickr

April 19, 2019

Parts of every NYC borough will go car free next weekend for Earth Day

By Devin Gannon

To celebrate Earth Day next weekend, New York City is closing some of its streets to cars. As part of an annual event run by the city's Department of Transportation, 30 blocks of Broadway from Times Square to Union Square will be closed on April 27 to allow pedestrians and cyclists to roam and ride free between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Along the nearly two-mile route, the city will offer some environmental programs and nonprofit organizations will be on-site to educate walkers about climate change and sustainability.
Learn more

April 19, 2019

14 of this year’s best spring house tours in and around New York City

By Alexandra Alexa

House tour season is kicking off on May 2 this year with the opening of the Kips Bay Decorator's Show House and will continue throughout the summer at various sites throughout the city, New Jersey, and farther afield. For architecture buffs, history junkies, and avid gardeners, this time of year offers the rare opportunity to get an insider's look at some of the most spectacular homes and surprising gardens in and around New York City. Below we've rounded up 14 of the season's best tours, from the Upper East Side to Park Slope to Nyack to Long Beach Island, and we're sure everyone will find something to suit their interests and budget.
All the Spring House Tour info ahead

April 17, 2019

Spring cleaning in NYC: Where to dispose of and donate your unwanted items

By Ben Kharakh

Spring may have started on March 20, but it’s only now that the weather’s warming up in New York City, which means it’s time for spring cleaning. Thanks to the recent Marie Kondo mania, cleaning has transformed from a chore to a celebration, but once you've taken stock of your life and separated that which sparks joy from that which simply takes up space, what do you do with all that unwanted stuff? From disposing of bulk items and electronics to making donations, here's a handy NYC spring cleaning guide.
Here are our tips

Events & Things To Do

Get a first look at City Winery’s new Pier 57 location

By Michelle Cohen

After much anticipation, Tribeca venue City Winery recently announced that it will leave its 10-year home at 155 Varick Street for a new 32,000-square-foot space at Pier 57 in Hudson River Park. The Pier will be anchored by Google and occupies a highly visible location at West 15th Street. The venue has just released renderings of both the exterior and the inside of the new space.
Find out more

Image via Wikimedia cc.

April 15, 2019

Renovated Webster Hall will host Jay-Z, Patti Smith for official reopening concerts

By Michelle Cohen

The historic East Village music venue Webster Hall is scheduled to reopen on April 26, 2019 after being closed for nearly 19 months for renovations. The concert hall was first opened in 1886, making it New York's oldest still-operating venue. According to AMNewYork, the Marlin concert room, Grand Ballroom and studio space have had a complete overhaul; the venue, which was acquired by Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment and AEG Presents (parent company of The Bowery Presents) in 2017, has announced a reopening concert featuring Jay-Z performing "The B-Sides," as well as a month of notable shows that will include Patti Smith, MGMT, Built To Spill, Sharon Van Etten, Broken Social Scene, Real Estate and more.
Find out more

You can book a ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired suite at this Midtown hotel

Photo by Allan Warren

April 12, 2019

You can book a ‘Game of Thrones’ inspired suite at this Midtown hotel

By Devin Gannon

A hotel near Bryant Park wants to up your "Game of Thrones" viewing party game. The Refinery Hotel, located on West 38th Street, has created "Lannister's Lair," a suite designed for the biggest GOT fans. Starting at $569 per night, the room comes equipped with fur throws, "Dragon egg" candles, and a themed room service menu that would make even George R.R. Martin proud.
How to book

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See the stone monoliths being installed at new 9/11 memorial for first responders

Photo courtesy of 9/11 Memorial & Museum

April 8, 2019

See the stone monoliths being installed at new 9/11 memorial for first responders

By Devin Gannon

The main pieces of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's new monument were laid in place on Saturday at the corner of the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. The memorial, dubbed the 9/11 Memorial Glade, honors first responders and those who are sick or who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. The Memorial Glade's six stone monoliths will flank a pathway and point skyward, to represent the "strength and determination through adversity" of rescue and relief workers in the aftermath of September 11.
See the installation

Celebrate 50 years of the Greenwich Village Historic District with a neighborhood-wide open house

Via Flickr cc

April 5, 2019

Celebrate 50 years of the Greenwich Village Historic District with a neighborhood-wide open house

By Lucie Levine

Via Flickr cc The Greenwich Village Historic District was officially landmarked in April 1969. To celebrate the district's 50th anniversary, Village Preservation will host a Village Open House Weekend on April 13th and 14th. Throughout the weekend, more than 70 local businesses, houses of worship, theaters, educational institutions, bars, restaurants, and neighborhood landmarks will open their doors, offering walking tours, events, and promotions.
All the details

Events & Things To Do

Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

Image courtesy of Brooklyn Flea; photo credit: Scott Lynch

April 5, 2019

Sample the wares and see what’s new at NYC’s top flea and food markets

By Michelle Cohen

The city's local flea and food markets set up shop in springtime, bringing irresistible edibles and covetable goods to a neighborhood near you. Though dates and locations vary and favorite vendors come and go, the mighty market phenomenon keeps growing. The shop-and-nosh mecca Brooklyn Flea again changes locations (hello, WTC!), a favorite night market returns in Queens, and the Manhattan classics are back to offer more of what you didn't know you couldn't live without. Some of the best fairs are the most fleeting, and one-offs like the annual Renegade Arts and Crafts Fair are always worth the trip. The list below rounds up the city's top food and flea picks. Let the hunting and gathering begin!
Plan your market strategy

Events & Things To Do

See inside Hudson Yards arts center The Shed

View from Hudson Yards; Photo by Iwan Baan, courtesy of The Shed

April 5, 2019

See inside Hudson Yards arts center The Shed

By Devin Gannon

A new cultural institution in New York City is finally open after more than a decade in the making. The Shed, which straddles the recently opened Hudson Yards neighborhood and the High Line on 30th Street, will commission and present original artwork across a variety of disciplines. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Rockwell Group, the building features a 120-foot movable shell, allowing it to physically change on demand and adapt to different performances. Kicking things off today, April 5 is a five-night concert series, "Soundtrack of America," which was directed by Steve McQueen, Quincy Jones, and Maureen Mahon, and explores the impact of African American music on modern culture.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

A giant NYC scavenger hunt is happening next month

via MCNY

April 4, 2019

A giant NYC scavenger hunt is happening next month

By Lucie Levine

On Saturday, May 4th, the Museum of the City of New York will host "Keys to the City: The Ultimate New York City Scavenger Hunt." Teams of at least three, and up to 10, will have four hours to decipher 50 clues, and visit sites in the Financial District, the Lower East Side, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights. The journey will conclude at MCNY with drinks and a prize ceremony. Winners will snag a private gallery tour of the museum, and family memberships to MCNY.
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Governors Island will offer expanded hours, a new ferry, and 70 free events this year

Image via Wikimedia Commons

April 3, 2019

Governors Island will offer expanded hours, a new ferry, and 70 free events this year

By Alexandra Alexa

Beginning in May, Governors Island will open to the public with a new season of programming and exploration. Just a quick ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, the Island is a perfect getaway, offering car-free recreational activities, lush green space, fantastic waterfront views, local food vendors, and 70 free events spanning visual arts, performance, culture, and science. This year, Governors Island will be open daily from May 1 to October 31, with extended late-night hours every Friday and Saturday between Memorial and Labor Day.
More details

Events & Things To Do

April 2, 2019

The 10 best spots for plant classes in NYC

By Rebecca Fishbein

Even if you've never managed to keep a succulent alive for more than a month, there's no denying that apartment greenery is having a moment. Luckily, New York is full of plant shops and other great spots offering classes and workshops to locals looking to shore up their green thumbs and maybe not kill a plant the second it crosses their threshold. Ahead, we've rounded up the 10 best, from terrarium and flower-crown making to botanical mixology to the principles of hydroponics.
Check out the list

Events & Things To Do

The first Equinox Hotel launches reservations at 35 Hudson Yards, starting at $700/night

Model hotel room, courtesy of Equinox

March 29, 2019

The first Equinox Hotel launches reservations at 35 Hudson Yards, starting at $700/night

By Devin Gannon

Luxury gym Equinox is now accepting reservations for its Hudson Yards hotel, the company's first foray into lodging. When it opens in June, the hotel will take up floors 24 through 38 of 35 Hudson Yards, a 1,000-foot-tall tower designed by David Childs and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for the recently opened neighborhood. The hotel's 212 rooms are designed to promote better sleep, featuring soundproofed walls, blackout shades, and a thermostat set to 66 degrees. According to the Equinox Hotel website, rooms can be booked starting July 15, with rates starting at more than $700 per night.
Learn more

Celebrate Coney Island’s opening day with a walking tour of its newly landmarked boardwalk

Photo by Jim McDonnell

March 28, 2019

Celebrate Coney Island’s opening day with a walking tour of its newly landmarked boardwalk

By Devin Gannon

Keeping with more than 60 years of tradition, the Coney Island Amusement Park will open for the season next month on Palm Sunday. To kicks things off on April 14, historian Charles Denson will lead a tour of the Riegelmann Boardwalk, which was designated a scenic landmark last year. The opening day celebration continues the following weekend with an Immigrant Heritage Tour of Coney Island, with stops at Nathan's Famous, founded by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, purchased by Greek immigrant Denos D. Vouderis as a wedding ring for his wife.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

See the five designs proposed for the Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

Design proposal by Mickalene Thomas

March 27, 2019

See the five designs proposed for the Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

By Devin Gannon

The city announced last November plans to commission a permanent statue in Brooklyn of Shirley Chisholm, a Bed-Stuy native who became the first black woman to serve in the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, the Department of Cultural Affairs unveiled five finalist design proposals and asked the public for feedback. An artist will be selected next month, with the monument, which will be placed outside of the Parkside entrance to Prospect Park, completed at the end of next year. The statue of Chisholm will be the first monument constructed under the city's She Built NYC! initiative, which aims to increase the number of public monuments dedicated to NYC women. Currently, just five of the city’s 150 statues are of women.
See the designs

March 26, 2019

You can rename Hudson Yards’ climbable ‘Vessel’

By Devin Gannon

Officially open to the public for nearly two weeks, the centerpiece of New York City's newest neighborhood needs a name. Known best as "Vessel," the bronzed steel and concrete sculpture designed by Thomas Heatherwick was never given an official title. Earlier this year, developer Related Companies told 6sqft that "Vessel" was just a placeholder until the public experienced the installation. And with hundreds of selfies taken at the site since its opening on March 15, Related is now asking the public to rename the 150-foot honeycomb-like structure.
Have any ideas?

Events & Things To Do

Get a peek inside the cosmic wonder of Macy’s 45th annual Flower Show

Photo: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Macy’s

March 25, 2019

Get a peek inside the cosmic wonder of Macy’s 45th annual Flower Show

By Michelle Cohen

On Sunday, March 24th, Macy’s Herald Square launched its 45th annual Flower Show. This year's theme for the two-week long floral festival is "Journey To Paradisios," celebrating the arrival of spring by transporting visitors into a multi-dimensional world of space and adventure on the mythical planet Paradisios, traveling through eccentrically landscaped gardens and spectacular floral designs made up of more than 5,000 types of plants, trees, and flowers. The theme tells the cosmic tale of Space Flight Director Lucy Ryder and her discovery of the planet Paradisios–a pristine exoplanet, untouched by human technology and filled with resplendent plant life, as Ryder and R.H. Macy IV–pilot-turned-cosmonaut and the great-great-great grandson of Macy’s founder–set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
More resplendent plant life, this way