Events & Things To Do

NYC’s latest pickleball club coming to Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point

Renderings courtesy of Court 16.

August 4, 2023

NYC’s latest pickleball club coming to Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point

Downtown Brooklyn will be home to New York City's newest pickleball club. Located on the fourth floor of the mixed-use complex City Point, the 26,000-square-foot Court 16 will offer seven tennis and pickleball courts for kids and adults, with each court ranging in size from 36 feet for young players to full-sized courts for experienced players. The club’s August 28 grand opening coincides with the start of the 2023 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament finals.
Learn MORE

Events & Things To Do

14 ways to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in NYC

Photo of Big Pun mural in the Bronx by Nicholas Knight

July 31, 2023

14 ways to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

On August 11, 1973, when DJing his sister's back-to-school party at an apartment building in the Bronx, DJ Kool Herc tried something new on the turntables, switching back and forth repeatedly between the same record. The pioneering technique, now known as the breakbeat, led to the creation of hip-hop. Now 50 years later, the genre has become a cultural phenomenon beyond music. As the birthplace of hip-hop, New York City has a ton in store for the genre's 50th anniversary, from massive concerts and block parties to immersive art and film screenings.
All the hip-hop happenings here

Events & Things To Do

The book giveaway from 2022. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Blanc / NYPL

July 28, 2023

NYC libraries to give out 15,000 free books this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City public libraries are giving away 15,000 books to families this weekend. The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are gifting the books as part of the annual summer reading and learning programs, which motivate kids and teens to maintain their reading and critical thinking skills while on summer break. The free books will be available on a first-come first-served basis at select library branches on Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

NYC memorial honoring Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire victims to be unveiled this fall

Renderings courtesy of Uri Wegman and Richard Joon Yoo

July 28, 2023

NYC memorial honoring Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire victims to be unveiled this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

A permanent memorial in Greenwich Village honoring the lives lost to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire will finally be built. Designed by artists Richard Joon Yoo and Uri Wegman and commissioned nearly a decade ago by the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition, the tribute will feature the names of all 146 workers who died, cut into steel panels outside of 23-29 Washington Place, the building where the tragedy happened over 100 years ago. As first reported by the New York Times, a dedication ceremony for the new memorial is scheduled for October 11.
Details here

You can board a pre-World War II vessel at the South Street Seaport

Photo courtesy of the United States Coast Guard Academy on Wikimedia

July 27, 2023

You can board a pre-World War II vessel at the South Street Seaport

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers are invited to board a pre-World War II United States Coast Guard ship as it docks at the South Street Seaport this weekend. Known as the Eagle, the vessel is America's largest tall ship and the only active square-rigger currently in the country's service. The Coast Guard is inviting New Yorkers to board the Eagle, which will be docked at the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17 from Saturday, July 29 through Monday, July 31.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

8 ways to stay cool (and safe) during NYC’s heat wave

Photo by Barney Bishop on Flickr

July 26, 2023

8 ways to stay cool (and safe) during NYC’s heat wave

By Aaron Ginsburg

Another heat wave is here. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for New York City starting this week, with high heat and humidity leading to real-feel temperatures near or exceeding 100 degrees Monday through Wednesday. Staying cool on a hot day is no joke, as heat contributes to the deaths of roughly 350 New Yorkers each year. Ahead, find some ways to beat the heat, from swimming in one of the city's free outdoor pools to running through spray showers and sprinklers at your local park.
Beat the heat

10 best under-the-radar picnic spots in NYC

Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

July 25, 2023

10 best under-the-radar picnic spots in NYC

By Michelle Cohen

The city is filled with picnic possibilities in the form of parks and gardens. New York City is also known for its accessible secrets, and our shortlist of urban escapes–whether hidden in plain sight or tucked away–are great to visit any time, but as off-the-beaten-path picnic spots, they shine.
Discover a new favorite picnic place

July 24, 2023

The best free museum days in New York City

By 6sqft

When living in one of the most expensive cities in the country, it’s helpful to know the places in New York City that offer discounts and freebies. Thankfully, many of the Big Apple’s world-class museums and galleries offer free admission on certain days, from the tiny Mmuseumm in Chinatown to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the best free museum days in NYC to let you pinch pennies and get your culture fix at the same time.
See the full list

Events & Things To Do

A pop-up ‘beach’ returns to the Seaport this month

All photos courtesy of Mike Szpot, The Howard Hughes Corporation

July 20, 2023

A pop-up ‘beach’ returns to the Seaport this month

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers don't have to travel far this summer to bury their feet in the sand and bask in the sun. The Seaport Beach Fest is back for 2023, with oversized sandboxes for lounging, food trucks, live performances, and DJ sets. The event takes place at Seaport Square, located at 89 South Street between Piers 16 & 17, from Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30.
Get the details

Events & Things To Do

Afro Dominicano. Credit: Michael Ferguson

July 20, 2023

NYC launches first-ever subway performer contest

By Aaron Ginsburg

New Yorkers now have the opportunity to vote for their favorite New York City subway performer. Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday helped launch the first-ever "Riders' Choice Award," a competition among artists who are in the MTA's Music Under New York program to win a free recording session with Atlantic Records. New Yorkers can cast their votes for their favorite performer here through July 26 with a winner announced on July 27.
Cast your vote

Alamo Cube returns to Astor Place in full spinning glory

By Aaron Ginsburg

Astor Place's beloved Alamo Cube has returned to its rightful place and is ready to be spun once again. After removing the sculpture to repair its spinning mechanisms in May, the city reinstalled the public art sculpture in the East Village this week. Officially called "Alamo," the 1,800-pound cube was sculpted by artist Tony Rosenthal and first installed at Astor Plaza Place in 1967. Rosenthal's estate paid for the sculpture's repair bill, estimated to be $100,000, according to EV Grieve.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

NYC approves design for Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

Renderings courtesy of Amanda Williams and Olalekan B. Jeyifous/ NYC Public Design Commission

July 18, 2023

NYC approves design for Shirley Chisholm monument in Prospect Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City this week approved the design for a monument to Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn native who became the first Black woman to serve in the United States Congress. The city's Public Design Commission on Monday unanimously approved plans for the monument: a 32-foot-tall sculpture depicting the congresswoman designed by artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan B. Jeyifous installed at the southeast entrance of Prospect Park. The artists were selected for the monument's design in 2019, but the process was delayed because of the pandemic.
Take a look

Events & Things To Do

NYC Restaurant Week returns this summer with nearly 500 restaurants

The restaurant Kru in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is participating in Restaurant Week. Image courtesy of NYC Tourism + Conventions

July 17, 2023

NYC Restaurant Week returns this summer with nearly 500 restaurants

By Aaron Ginsburg

Hungry New Yorkers will be thrilled to hear New York City's Restaurant Week is back this summer. NYC Tourism + Conventions, the city's tourism agency, announced that the program, which allows patrons to eat at hundreds of the city's best restaurants with discounted, prix-fixe menus, would return to the five boroughs this summer with nearly 500 participating establishments. The four-week program will run from Monday, July 24 through Sunday, August 20.
Plan your Restaurant Week rendezvous

Brooklyn Public Library opens surprise installation honoring Jay-Z

Photo © 6sqft

July 14, 2023

Brooklyn Public Library opens surprise installation honoring Jay-Z

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Public Library on Friday opened a new installation celebrating the life and legacy of Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, from his beginnings in Bed-Stuy's Marcy Projects to worldwide fame. Located at the library's Central Branch next to Prospect Park, the exhibition, titled "The Book of HOV," features art, images, ephemera, and memorabilia from the rapper's archives that pay tribute to his incredible life and career and highlight the ways he helped redefine hip-hop, music, and culture on a global scale. The experience is free and open to the public for a limited time starting July 14.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Rise Up NYC returns to the five boroughs with 8 free concerts

Image courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 14, 2023

Rise Up NYC returns to the five boroughs with 8 free concerts

By Aaron Ginsburg

"Rise up NYC," a series of free concert events, is returning to New York City after debuting last summer. Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced the second year of the event series, which will bring eight easily-accessible live performances to all of the five boroughs. This year's Rise Up NYC will kick off on Wednesday, July 19, and run through Sunday, August 20, featuring critically acclaimed artists like K. Michelle, Stokley, Farmer Nappy, and Hot 97 Disc Jockey Funk Flex, with more performers to be announced.
Find out more

Global Citizen reveals lineup for its 2023 festival in Central Park

Photo of Global Citizen Festival in Central by Anthony Quintano on Flickr

July 11, 2023

Global Citizen reveals lineup for its 2023 festival in Central Park

By Aaron Ginsburg

The lineup for the 11th annual Global Citizen Festival in New York City has been revealed. Taking place on Central Park's Great Lawn on Saturday, September 23, this year's event includes headliners the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ms. Lauryn Hill, with Megan Thee Stallion, Conan Gray, and the Stray Kids also set to perform. The free ticketed event connects music and activism, with a focus on tackling issues related to extreme poverty around the world, including empowering women and girls, fighting climate action, and alleviating the hunger crisis.
See the lineup

Events & Things To Do

NYC libraries celebrate 50 years of hip-hop with special edition library cards

Image courtesy of Jonathan Blanc

July 10, 2023

NYC libraries celebrate 50 years of hip-hop with special edition library cards

By Aaron Ginsburg

The New York Public Library (NYPL) and Queens Public Library (QPL) are releasing new limited-edition library cards in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The new cards honor the genre and commemorate New York City's integral role in its rise to global fame. The cards will be available at branches across the NYPL and QPL systems starting on Friday, July 14.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

How to celebrate Bastille Day 2023 in NYC

A past Bastille Day event hosted by the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Photo by Julieta Cervantes

July 7, 2023

How to celebrate Bastille Day 2023 in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

Bastille Day is a celebration of the day French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison in Paris, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. Taking place on July 14, Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, is France's national holiday, and many of New York City's French businesses and institutions host exciting celebrations to honor the day. Ahead, find a round-up of Bastille Day celebrations across the five boroughs, from street fairs and concerts to French automobile parades and specials at French restaurants throughout the city.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

A crew of weed-eating goats returns to Riverside Park this week

Image courtesy of the Riverside Park Conservancy

July 6, 2023

A crew of weed-eating goats returns to Riverside Park this week

By Aaron Ginsburg

A voracious crew of goats will return to the Upper West Side on Friday to help clear out hard-to-reach weeds in Riverside Park. Known as "Goatham," the event marks the fourth consecutive year that the Riverside Park Conservancy has welcomed in a team of goats to clear out invasive species. This year's celebration has been made more grandiose with the first-ever Goatham Festival on Friday, July 7 at 11 a.m., which will host four esteemed goats as guests for a "ribbon chewing" ceremony for the opening of the new Compost Compound on 95th Street.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

New Louis Armstrong Center opens in Corona

Image courtesy of Albert Vercerka/Esto

July 5, 2023

New Louis Armstrong Center opens in Corona

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new center dedicated to jazz legend Louis Armstrong has opened in Queens. Located at 34-40 107th Street in Corona, the Louis Armstrong Center will feature a 60,000-piece permanent collection of historical items relating to Louis and Lucille Armstrong, a rotating exhibition space, and a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, films, and educational experiences. Part of the existing Louis Armstrong House Museum, the new building opened on Thursday, July 6.
See more here

Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn Bridge Park Yoga. Photo credit: Etienne Frossard

July 3, 2023

Where to find free outdoor fitness classes in NYC

By Lidia Ryan

"New York City has different changes and energies throughout the seasons," says Robert Atterbury, executive vice president of relationships and programs for the Hudson River Park Trust. And the summer season is the time when parks and outdoor public spaces come alive. New Yorkers come out from apartments, offices, and coffee shops to run, stroll, picnic, hang out — and work out for free — in the city's beautiful outdoor spaces. "It's part of what makes New York New York — the outdoor gathering. It is important, and I think it shows off the diversity that NYC offers," Atterbury said.
Where to get fit for free

Manhattan Park’s annual Pop-Up Pool Party gets new art that imagines a bright and sustainable future

Photo credit: Michael Alley with Allyson Lubow Photography

June 30, 2023

Manhattan Park’s annual Pop-Up Pool Party gets new art that imagines a bright and sustainable future

By Michelle Cohen

Roosevelt Island luxury rental community Manhattan Park has unveiled its ninth annual outdoor pool art transformation. Colorful, transformative art has graced the community’s Pop-Up Pool Party each summer, beginning on Memorial Day. This year's artist, James Gortner, was selected for his artistic and colorful vision; Gortner's themes for this year's art are the joy of existence and sustainability.
See more of the pool's colorful murals

Events & Things To Do

NYC’s best spots to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

Photo by Wiebke Meyer-Lüters on Unsplash

June 30, 2023

NYC’s best spots to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

By Devin Gannon

America's biggest and boldest Independence Day celebration returns to New York City for its 47th year. Macy's annual fireworks show will ring in the Fourth of July with 60,000 shells launched from five barges in the East River from East 26th Street to East 40th Street. There are plenty of firework watch parties being hosted across the city, but Macy's has announced seven official viewing locations where you can enjoy the show for free, including spots in Midtown, Long Island City, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg with unobstructed views.
Where to watch

Events & Things To Do

18 best places to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Image courtesy of John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 29, 2023

18 best places to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC

By Aaron Ginsburg

On the Fourth of July, Americans all across the nation will be celebrating the country's independence alongside friends and family with good food, cold drinks, and of course, fireworks. Luckily enough for New Yorkers, New York City offers the country's most awe-inspiring Independence Day celebrations, featuring the 47th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show over the East River and Jersey City's display over the Hudson River. Ahead, find a selection of some of the best-ticketed events across the five boroughs to enjoy this year's July 4th fireworks celebrations, from the top of observation decks soaring 1,000 feet above Manhattan to luxury yachts parked in the East River.
See the list

Events & Things To Do

Hypnotizing flower-themed sculptural exhibit coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Jean-Michel Othoniel, view of the exhibition Treasure Gardens at Seoul Museum of Art and Imperial Palace Garden, Seoul (South Korea), 2022. Photo by CJY ART STUDIO. © Jean-Michel Othoniel / ADAGP, Paris & ARS, New York 2023.

June 28, 2023

Hypnotizing flower-themed sculptural exhibit coming to Brooklyn Botanic Garden

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is hosting a new sculptural exhibition in three of its most well-known garden spaces this summer. Created by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, "The Flowers of Hypnosis" consists of six separate flower-like sculptures inspired by Othoniel's passion and observations of nature and work on a landscape scale. The sculpture series, Othoniel's largest exhibition in the United States since 2012, will be on view at the BBG from July 18 through October 22, 2023.
See more here