Rossilynne Skena Culgan

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, and the all-Brooklyn BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer progresses, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Morningside Lights, the Affordable Art Fair, The Village Trip, Gotham Roller Derby and a bus festival—plus free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in September.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

While some of us spend fall dreaming of hot apple cider, hayrides and picking apples and pumpkins, others are eagerly planning for the upcoming terror-fest that is Halloween in NYC. In addition to finding a costume (check out the best Halloween stores in the city) and choosing which Halloween events to attend, it’s time to start thinking about all the haunted houses in NYC to hit up. These haunted houses are intense with thrills and chills that will shake you to your core. You’ll experience ghouls, gore and plenty of undead action, but don’t we all love a good scream around Halloween? If you’re looking for a real-life creep-out, there are plenty of haunted places and spooky spots in the city that will give you the willies any time of year, but these haunted houses in NYC offer peak terror that’s perfect for the Halloween season. So take in a few of the best horror movies and head out to celebrate the scariest time of year.

Union Square is now a beloved spot for alfresco lunches, high-octane protests and shopping. But it took a long time to reach today’s cheery, sunny status. Until 1831, the square was a graveyard for unidentified bodies, and it didn’t enjoy the fruits of its revamp to public park until the 1860s, when labor and union organizers started staging protests. Designed by the planners of Central and Prospect Parks Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Union Square became a cosmopolitan hub by the 1870s. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of things to do in Manhattan Today, it remains the city’s essential gathering spot for activists and organizers, and a nexus point between the East Village, Flatiron and Gramercy neighborhoods. And the park is never without things to do. You can head to the Greenmarket on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (8am–6pm) year-round; visit the holiday market come wintertime; and enjoy free movies and activities each summer. To find out more about things to do, see, eat and drink in Manhattan, and discover other neighborhoods in the area, visit our Manhattan borough guide.

Finding free things to do in New York City is like striking gold. NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world, but holy cow, is it pricey. Seeing Broadway shows or dining at one of the city’s most buzzed about restaurants will cost you a pretty penny. Luckily for us, the city also offers a prime list of free museum days, walking tours, exhibits, comedy shows and more. Read on for our list of NYC's best gratis activities. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to our best things to do in NYC

We're in a stretch of shockingly pleasant weather right now, so you've make the most of it— especially considering the Farmers Almanac is predicting a brutal winter. When you're bundled up in a parka sliding in your boots down the sidewalk, you'll be glad for the memories you made on these warm end-of-summer days. Keep scrolling for our editor's picks on how to optimize your day. It’s rare to be in the greatest city on earth and not have plans, but if you’re stumped for things to do in NYC today, consider us your entertainment saviors. Daily, there are awesome events to stream and new attractions to see, but if you’re searching for something really specific like new happenings at the city’s top destinations or something low-budget—like free things to do—we have everything you need listed right here. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Contrary to its moniker, Oktoberfest—the annual autumnal celebration anchored in Munich, Germany, with satellite festivities all over the globe—kicks off in September. Lucky for you, New York City hosts some of the best boozy, musical sausage fests in the world. This year’s events include weeks-long waterside parties, brewery bashes and even lobster-fueled feasts—all with plenty of German (and local!) beer to start your fall eating and drinking plans out right. Here's where to keep the party going all season long.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including The Village Trip, the Affordable Art Fair, Le Dîner en Blanc, Climate Film Festival, the last week for yoga in Bryant Park, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’re starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;)), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

New York has lots of brilliant qualities, but being a refreshing place to visit is not one of them. That’s why having a gleaming pool at your hotel can be a real game-changer when you’re choosing where to stay, and we’ve rounded up the best ones. From cabana-lined rooftops to enjoy the final dregs of sun to gleaming, spa-adjacent pools for a relaxing dip pre-spa, there are some luxe options across the city—you just need to know where to look. So, dive into our dazzling new list, updated for fall 2025. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

Want to cheer on your loved one in the biggest race of the year, the TCS New York City Marathon? The route is huge at 26.2 miles, so you need to plan on where you’ll watch them run. The 2025 NYC Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 2, starting at 8am.  The entire city turns into a party to cheer on our the incredible runners. Below, find the full NYC Marathon route, its starting and stopping points and how to watch it live on TV. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC Marathon 2025 Where does the NYC Marathon route start? The route typically begins on Staten Island and exits Staten Island via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It takes runners through Brooklyn and then into Queens before entering Manhattan.  Where does the NYC Marathon route end? After a trip up into the Bronx, runners head back down into Manhattan and enter Central Park, where they finish. You can see the full route map here. What does the route look like? Here's a preview of the course, courtesy of New York Road Runners. Where can I watch the race? You can watch runners finish from the East Side Grandstand Seating (you’ll need a ticket) or you can see them go by from the sidewalks at the following points: Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4): Catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and move along Fourth Avenue. Subway: R Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8): Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5 Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13): Claim sidewalk space along streets li

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and you may be looking for events around NYC to memorialize this solemn day. Over the past two decades, NYC has remembered those we lost in the attacks through music, somber ceremonies, art installations and incredible symbols like the Tower Lights. In 2025, events include vigils, memorials and tribute runs. Here are some ways to mark the significant date. 

Spend your Tuesday evening at this variety show featuring comedians sharing their joy in standing out. Comedian Lauren LoGiudice knows that being different isn't just uncomfortable— in today's world, it can feel downright dangerous. That's why she's bringing her Misfit Variety Show: A Joyful Comedy Nite to Brooklyn Art Haus on Tuesday, September 16.  "Every city has its misfits, but not every city has a place where misfits can truly belong," says LoGiudice. "We're not just putting on a show—we're building temporary autonomous zones of weirdness where people can shed the boxes society puts them in." What sets the Misfit Variety Show apart is its ability to transform personal discomfort into collective celebration. When audience members share their anonymous stories of awkwardness and alienation, the resulting laughter becomes a form of group therapy. "It's a space where everyone from the GenZ barista to the Boomer accountant are welcome to be appreciated for their uniqueness," as event organizers say. The show features standup comedy, storytelling, and some character. In addition to LoGiudice, the lineup includes Kari Burt, Will Purpura, Brooke Ferris, Catherine Waller, and Lexi Lewis.  

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. The September 15 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including the following improvisers and actors: Marika Dominczyk, Brendan Hines, Ceara O'Sullivan, Lucy Walters, Connor Ratliff, Rodd Cyrus, Rose Kelso, Alex Dickson Brian Morabito, and Shane Nielsen. Can't make it to this one? Upcoming shows are on October 20, November 17, and December 15. 

German-American actress and comedian Lucie Pohl invites comics born near and far to perform their best immigration-inspired stand-up, storytelling and sketch comedy. Comedians for the Friday, September 5 show at Caveat include Isa Medina, Kathleen Kim, Mo Mussa, Christian Escoto, and more plus games and prizes. Comedians represent Colombia, South Korea, Somalia, the Phillippines, Germany, Romania and more. This month's show raises money for the New Women New Yorkers. 

The trolley tour that's outfitted to look like a Victorian funeral parlor—think chandeliers and velvet curtains—and takes you on a trip through the shadows of historic Brooklyn is back. The tour visits the secret location where Murder, Inc. disposed of bodies, alien abduction sites along the Brooklyn Bridge, a brothel and more spooky sites spanning 400 years of Brooklyn history.  Even if you're a supernatural skeptic, it's fascinating to see hidden cemeteries, mobster dumping grounds, and an EPA Superfund site. Plus, get the chance win prizes with spooky trivia. Time Out tip: Though these are a staple of spooky season, Madame Morbid now offers tours from July through November.

  Catherine and Dorian's Copacabana is a return to the golden age of variety shows. Hosts Catherine Lindsay and Dorian Debose showcase the city's top comics, musicians, and performance artists against a backdrop of glamor and camp. On the lineup for the September 4 show at Brooklyn's Cafe Balearica: Max Fine, James Mwaura, Rachel Coster, MC Nanda, and physical comedy by Chicken Big.

More than 100 classic cars will fill a 60,000 square-foot rustic warehouse at Brooklyn Navy Yard for Wheels of NYC on Saturday, September 27. If past events are any indication, you can expect to see vintage Audis, BMWs, Porsches, Lamborghinis—and some usual cars that will surprise even the biggest auto admirers. "We have one of NYC's largest classic car communities, primarily catering to the younger generation of car collectors and enthusiasts," event organizers say. "We're known for our events, which attract a creative, diverse, and young audience."  While cars are in the spotlight here, the event also includes music, a clothing marketplace, food vendors, a kids' zone and other fun activations. Find it all at Agger Fish Warehouse at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tickets start at $35.

Sure, you've heard of wine pairings. But what about books and burlesque pairings? During this show at Caveat on Saturday, September 13, award-winning authors will read excerpts from their new books. Then, a burlesque or drag performer will present a spectacular new act they created that was inspired by the book pairing.  This literary evening of "lore and allure" boasts an excellent lineup featuring: Denne Michele Norris' debut novel When the Harvest Comes paired with Chestnut Belafonte. Next up is a performance by Antonio Amor inspired by Edgar Gomez's Alligator Tears: A Memoir in Essays. Then there's Kerry Cullen's debut novel House of Beth paired with Racy DeClare. Don't miss Fortune Cookie's take on Erica Peplin's debut novel Work Nights. Finally, there's a collection of short stories Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, Jesus is Alive! by Melissa Lozada-Oliva paired with Saida Exit. The show's produced and hosted by Fortune Cookie. Local bookstore Book Club Bar (197 East 3rd Street) will sell signed copies of all the books featured at the show. Time Out tip: Tickets go fast for this show, but if it sells out, there will be a waitlist at the door. There's also a livestream option.

Parade around Bryant Park with your pup at Paws on Parade, hosted by AKC Museum of the Dog. This adorable event invites dogs and their humans to prance around the park and get in on a whole day of dog-gone good fun on Saturday, September 13 from 12pm to 4:30pm. The event will bring together local dogs, their owners and dog lovers of all ages for a fun-filled afternoon culminating in a march around the park. Paws on Parade will also host food and drink vendors, live music from Susan Said Band, art workshops, tricks training demonstrations and more.  Additionally, Bryant Park has announced that their lawn will be open to dogs from the start of the event until the end of September.  The event's free to attend, but you must register in advance if you're bringing your dog.

One of Brooklyn’s favorite beer halls since 2007, Radegast Hall has also become a top destination for Oktoberfest fêtes in Williamsburg. This year’s celebration will include waves of German suds, the best wursts in the area all hot off the grill, mug holding competitions, ceremonial keg tappings, brass bands and more. The party will be held on September 20, September 27 and October 4. 

UCBLK, an all-Black variety show held at the Upright Citizens Brigade in the East Village, spotlights some of the best Black comedians in the city.  Expect a mix of improv, sketch comedy, music and stand-up. Previous lineups have featured comedians whose credits include SNL, Don't Tell Comedy, Comedy Central, and more, so you know you're going to get some pretty funny people in the room.  This month's edition, hosted on Saturday, August 30, will be hosted by Justin Catchens, Shem Pennant, and Dominique Kaplowitz. Speacial guests include Zach Cherry, Asha Ward, Sydney Duncan, Frankie Benz, Mike Poole, Joshua Stokes, and Chine Ikoro.    

While every day feels like Oktoberfest at Zum Schneider's, this party takes the celebration to the next level. The festival, running from September 26 through October 5, has been known to draw more than 7,000 people in past years with its imported beer, traditional Bavarian food, and oompah band that festival founder Sylvester Schneider plays in.  This year's event will be held in Brooklyn in a decked out tent at 12 Franklin Street in Greenpoint. There are a bunch of different ticket options with VIP seating, reserved tables, and all-inclusive packages.

Every fall, Morningside Lights illuminates the night with a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns. This year’s event, titled "TIMEFRAME 1965" features a celebration of the images, icons, and influences of the year 1965. Just after dusk on Saturday, September 20, see more than 50 community-built lanterns. This mobile, glowing art gallery will represent transformative art and artists, seeking to remind viewers how myriad ways of seeing can cohabit and enrich one singular space.  The procession will head from Morningside Park to Columbia University campus, fittingly home to incredible art and arts programming. The route begins in Morningside Park at 116th Street and Morningside Avenue at 8pm, arriving on campus around 8:45pm. "This year’s Morningside Lights, TIMEFRAME 1965, honors an important milestone—the vibrant 60-year history of Columbia’s School of the Arts—and explores the extraordinary artistic energy of that time, out of which a generation of influential artists, filmmakers, performers, scholars, and writers emerged," Melissa Smey, executive director of the Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre, said in a press release. Morningside Lights is led by the directors of Processional Arts Workshop, Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, and produced by Columbia University's Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts. It’s free to attend with no tickets required; festivities begin at 8pm on September 20 in Morningside Heights. In the week lea

Stroll through a field of colorful wildflowers in the heart of Rockefeller Center this weekend. How exactly? Well, the flowers are fake, but they’re so lifelike they could practically trick a bee into searching for pollen. These beautiful blooms are the creation popular artist Cj Hendry in a new iteration of her famed Flower Market. It’s free to attend—and everyone will get one free flower to take home, plus a chance to purchase additional flowers for $5 each. Flower Market is open September 19 to 21, from 10am to 7pm daily. There are no tickets for the free portion of the event; just show up and get in line (it’s worth the wait!).  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this weekend Even if you attended last year’s Flower Market (which started on Roosevelt Island, then moved to Industry City mid-run because of large crowds), this year promises a different experience. Expect to see 27 brand-new plush flower designs to explore, including a pink-and-white lily, a ruby red rose, a baby blue hyacinth and fuzzy daisy, among many others.  Photograph: Courtesy of Flower Market The flowers bloom beneath a large tent taking over Rockefeller Center between 49th and 50th Streets. You can find it just above the golden Prometheus statue by the rink. Flowers pack into crate upon crate, arranged in long rows and artful installations. In addition to the 27 flowers you can explore for free, there’s a limited-edition 28th flower design, which you can get only at Top of the Rock by pre-pur

It’s no secret that Union Square is one of the buzziest neighborhoods in Manhattan right now. This bustling neighborhood is home to one of the busiest subway stations in the city, a booming business district and a whole lot of foot traffic. But the millions who traverse this neighborhood each year might not be aware of the secrets beneath their feet. From historical facts to transit marvels, here are some of the most interesting fun facts about Union Square.   RECOMMENDED: 10 surprising secrets of Washington Square Park 1. It was designed by the same people as Central Park Union Square Park has long been a must-visit spot in NYC—even longer than Central Park. Union Square Park first opened in opened in 1839 and then was redesigned in 1872 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same team behind Central Park’s beloved landscapes.  Vaux and Olmsted were charged with executing a new vision for the park. They removed a fence and hedges that enclosed the space, opening it up to accommodate mass meetings, NYC Parks explains. They also planted trees and added an official reviewing stand.  Photograph: By Sean Mackell, NYC CLC 2. It was home to the first Labor Day Parade  That redesign turned out to be especially worthwhile, as just 10 years later, Union Square played an important role in the country’s first Labor Day celebration.  On September 5, 1882, a crowd of 10,000 workers paraded up Broadway and filed past that very reviewing stand, as NYC Parks documents. Shortly the

Emerging from the NQRW train at 14th Street, Union Square presents a smorgasbord for the senses. The smell of patchouli sold by street vendors, the stoic silence of people playing chess, the “good luck” and “bad luck” spots drawn in chalk on the sidewalk to navigate. This slice of Manhattan where midtown turns into downtown has been an important area to New Yorkers for decades—and these days, it’s one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the city.  Not only is it an area bucking dismal national trends (businesses are actually opening and flourishing here), it’s also a place where an urban farm sprouts on the concrete every week. It’s where esteemed chefs shop for produce alongside us mere mortals and where renowned authors come to launch their books. It's where Time Out Market decided to launch its second New York outpost. This is Union Square, and here’s why we think this buzzy, bustling neighborhood is worth exploring. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Union Square Photograph: By Ryan DeBerardinis / Shutterstock It’s bustling This neighborhood’s coolness factor isn’t just our opinion. Instead, more than 75,000 residents and 60,000 students who call the area home would agree. As for work, monthly worker visits to Union Square reached a post-pandemic high of 444,000 in October 2024, according to a new report from the Union Square Partnership. That’s even higher than in January 2020 before the pandemic began, and you can feel the renewed energy the second you step out of

If you've ever had a late night at an epic NYC concert, those memories might be a little fuzzy. But the smell—booze, hot air, sweat—likely lives deep in your brain. A fascinating new art installation in Red Hook combines scent and sculpture in a unique way that will have you remembering those hazy late nights in NYC. Tom Fruin, the artist behind the colorful water tower sculptures in Brooklyn, collaborated with local fragrance house Joya to create a multi-sensory installation called All Access Pass. Find Fruin's new 12-foot rooftop tower atop Joya's waterfront space at 499 Van Brunt Street, Building 4A. It's on view through October 12. While you can see the water tower day or night, the studio is open on Thursdays from 12-6pm; Fridays-Sundays from 12-7pm; and by appointment on Monday-Wednesday. RECOMMENDED: 17 NYC art exhibitions we’re most excited about in fall 2025 When you arrive, you'll first be greeted by one of Fruin's signature colorful water towers. You've probably seen his other two towers in Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge Park, but what you might not know is that these pieces were inspired by garbage littered around the city, including drug bags. For his new kaleidoscopic artwork, made of colorful plexiglass and metal, scavenged Webster Hall concert wristbands served as a muse. Look closely at the abstract artwork, and you'll start to notice little details, like the squiggly lines on the sticker end of a wristband.  Photograph: By Roshan Jacob This monumental sculpture

Meticulous artists have been known to rip up their canvases when their work isn't perfect. But the American artist Man Ray took a different approach.  While working late in his Paris darkroom in 1921, the artist inadvertently placed some glass equipment on top of an unexposed sheet of photographic paper. Eventually, a phantom image formed, captivating his attention and spurring a new form he called rayographs. These pieces are among 160 works featured in a new show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Man Ray: When Objects Dream will be on view from September 14 through February 1, 2026. RECOMMENDED: 17 NYC art exhibitions we’re most excited about in fall 2025 This exhibition is the first major show exploring rayographs, a type of cameraless photograph emblematic of Man Ray's radical experimentation. The Met's show opens with a collection of 12 rayographs called Champs délicieux (Delicious Fields), all black-and-white and arranged in a tight grid on a wall. Featuring everyday objects like a comb and a key, they look almost like 2011-era Instagram grid.  They looked startlingly new and mysterious. As he wrote in his 1963 autobiography, "Before my eyes an image began to form, not quite a simple silhouette of the objects as in a straight photograph, but distorted and refracted ... In the morning I examined the results, pinning a couple of the Rayographs as I decided to call them on the wall. They looked startlingly new and mysterious."  Photograph: By Anna - Marie Kellen / Court

The mornings are getting chillier, the sun is slipping below the horizon earlier and it's time to break out the sweaters. That means autumn is officially nearing, bringing with it some excellent fall festivals that we've been looking forward to for months, especially during those sweltering summer days.  Both the Feast of San Gennaro and Oktoberfest celebrations kick off this week, treating New Yorkers to some of the best eating and drinking all year long. Here's everything you need to know about these can't-miss fall festivals.  RECOMMENDED: The best fall activities in NYC to do with the arrival of Autumn Photograph: Elyssa GoodmanFeast of San Gennaro 2013 The Feast of San Gennaro  What is the Feast of San Gennaro? The annual Feast of San Gennaro is set in Little Italy, celebrating Italia with Italian food and free entertainment in an event dubbed "the feast of all feasts." Although it's a celebration of faith (folks tip their hats to the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy) the festive atmosphere, delicious food and colorful processions are what the festival is known for. For 11 days, Little Italy is transformed into a red, white and green bash with special guests, live music and lots of fun. When is the Feast of San Gennaro? September 11-21, 2025.  Activities kick off on September 11 with the Blessing of the Stands and continue with daily performances and festival fun. Don't miss the Grand Procession on September 13 with floats, the statue of San Gennaro, Clarity Festival Ban

Every September 11 since 2003, two colossal pillars of blue light have illuminated the night sky, filling the gap in the skyline where the Twin Towers once stood. This art installation called Tribute in Light will once again beam into the clouds this September 11, marking 24 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people in New York City and changed the world as we know it.  New Yorkers can view Tribute In Light from just about anywhere, as it can be seen for miles on a clear night. But all are also invited to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza to see the lights from the Twin Towers once stood. Before the lights officially turn on, we got a sneak peek at the testing process and learned 10 interesting facts about Tribute in Light that you might not know. RECOMMENDED: Ways to mark September 11 in NYC this year 1. Tribute in Light dates back to 2002 Though it is a signature autumn event nowadays, the iconic tribute was actually first presented in the spring. Tribute in Light debuted in the spring of 2002, six months after 9/11 even while recovery and relief efforts at Ground Zero were still underway. It became an annual tradition on September 11 as of 2003. 2. It was created by a team of artists Several artists and designers came together to create the concept. While it may look simple, it's not, as Beth Hillman, president of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, told us. Lights were designed specially for this use, as it's difficult to send beams of light this extraordinarily high into

“Let Me Tell You” is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored why NYC is still the city that never sleeps. As New Yorkers, we’re spoiled with cultural attractions, from art shows to live music and theatrical performances to historical exhibits—and you probably know all the big-name spots to go. But there’s one surprising cultural amenity I bet you’re leaving untapped: cemeteries.  RECOMMENDED: 5 surprising secrets inside NYC's Woodlawn Cemetery Yes, cemeteries. Places for burying the dead may not seem like cool spots to hang out, but our city’s cemeteries actually offer some of the most interesting programming around town. Of course, these events are respectful to the, shall we say, permanent residents who stay there—and you must be, too. These events aren’t just your standard mass or remembrance ceremonies. Instead they’re hosting circus performances, catacombs concerts, after-dark tours, stargazing and more. Our cemeteries are worth a visit year-round, but Halloween feels like a particularly apt time to make a visit. Rather than being creepy, our city’s cemeteries are beautiful, art-packed, lushly landscaped places where we can go to simultaneously remember New Yorkers who have gone before us while also experiencing something new. (I like to think that when I end up in a cemetery someday, perhaps my spi

Union Square is packed with excellent dining options, but it can be hard to find time to try every single one. The answer to that conundrum: Harvest. This annual benefit for Union Square Park will unite dozens of celebrated restaurants, bars and cafes for a festive evening of tastings and fun to benefit Union Square Park. The Union Square Partnership will host the event Thursday, November 13 event at Civic Hall (124 E 14th St) to benefit the sustained care and maintenance of Union Square Park. Tickets are on sale now starting at $100. RECOMMENDED: It’s official: here are all the chefs coming to Time Out Market Union Square This culinary showcase offers a chance to interact with Union Square’s most acclaimed chefs and mixologists, from neighborhood favorites to exciting new voices. Expect thoughtfully curated offerings including signature dishes, cocktails, wines and brews while mingling with like-minded gourmands, tastemakers and community leaders.  Photograph: By Jane Kratochvil “Union Square has long been New Yorkers’ go-to destination for exceptional dining—from beloved icons like Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, and Craft to exciting newcomers such as Seahorse, Vinile Chophouse and Taqueria El Chato,” Julie Stein, executive director of the Union Square Partnership, told Time Out New York.  This year’s additions include several new-to-Union Square eateries, including Vinile Italian Chophouse and John McDonald’s soon-to-open seafood restaurant Seahorse. These newcome

A century ago this fall, Robert Rauschenberg was born in Texas. He went on to become a Pop art pioneer and one of the most renowned American artists of this era. Now, museums and galleries across the globe are planning shows that honor the artist's expansive creativity, spirit of curiosity and commitment to change. For its part, NYC's Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side will host a major show called "Robert Rauschenberg: Life Can't Be Stopped," running from October 10, 2025–April 5, 2026. The show will feature more than a dozen historic pieces, including Rauschenberg's monumental painting "Barge," all which reflect the artist’s radical legacy.  RECOMMENDED: There is a hanging garden inside the Guggenheim Museum's rotunda The Guggenheim's show will be drawn from its own collection as well as loans from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and focuses on the artist's experiments with using photographs in drawing, painting and printmaking. Rauschenberg's radial use of media imagery and commercial printing techniques led critics to associate him with Pop artists such as Andy Warhol. Like Warhol, Rauschenberg was also enamored with contemporary culture. As he once said to an interviewer, "I want paintings to be reflections of life, and life can't be stopped." Photograph: Courtesy of Robert Rauschenberg Foundation/Licensed by VAGA/ArtistsRights Society | Barge Among the highlights of the Guggenheim show is the 32-foot-long silkscreen painting "Barge," mostly created over a 24-

You're probably familiar with the phrase, "if you see something, say something." But there's a new phrase being announced over the airwaves in NYC subway stations: "if you hear something, free something." Next time you ride the subway, you may hear that poetic phrase and many others announced as part of a sound artwork by artist Chloë Bass. Though art in the subway is nothing new, this project is the first to use the MTA's broadcast system. You can hear it through Sunday, October 5.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer View this post on Instagram A post shared by Creative Time (@creativetime) The exhibition is meant to tap into the purpose of the public address, the way it provides riders with a fleeting moment of everyday connection. After all, as public transit riders, we're attuned to remove our headphones and listen up when announcements come over the loudspeaker—and repeat them to fellow passengers who didn't hear.  The sounds won't just play in English; they'll also play in Spanish, Arabic, Bangla, Haitian Kreyòl and Mandarin. Expect to hear announcements intermittently in key station mezzanines, reaching hundreds of thousands of riders. Each recording will begin with a custom tone, designed by Bass in collaboration with artist Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste, followed by one of 24 total announcements spoken by professional performers and everyday New Yorkers. Here's where to hear the art: Manhattan: Fulton St (4,5), 14 St-Union

Rooftop Cinema Club takes movie-going to a whole new level—literally. This rooftop film series at a midtown skyscraper offers stunning views and an impressive lineup of films.  In addition to the movie magic, the venue also offers movie snacks, a full bar and cute photo opps. This season features a Gilmore Girls marathon, a drag night, singles events and plenty of Halloween fun to make the most of fall 2025. Here’s the full list of what’s coming to Rooftop Cinema Club’s big screen. RECOMMENDED: The best NYC movie theaters Photograph: Courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club Rooftop Cinema Club NYC 2025 lineup September September 7: Pride & Prejudice - This broody love story is turning 20. September 9: Gilmore Girls Mini Marathon - Grab your flannel because the rooftop is going to feel like Stars Hollow. September 10: Singles Night - Cuffing season is creeping in, and this event with Matchbox Dating is your chance to mix, mingle, and maybe meet someone worth texting past September. September 15-30: Spooky Season Preview - Expect spooky classics, cult favorites, and a few surprises that'll have you fully in your fall feelings. Summer?  September 25: LGBTQ+ Singles Night - At this LGBTQ+ singles night, show up in a blank white T-shirt, grab a marker, and write the little white lie you always slip into dating convos. You’ll be matched for three curated mini-dates through Matchbox. September 30: Pretty Little Liars TV Marathon - Watch one of the most unhinged Halloween specials in Prett