Rossilynne Skena Culgan

We're throwing the spookiness into high gear with events for Halloween in NYC. October is filled with costume parties, haunted houses, corn mazes, parades and even dog parades — and we're so ready! Don't bother breaking out your sewing kit, New York's greatest Halloween stores have plenty of options to make you look really spooky. Make sure to check out our NYC events in October too for even more activities to finish off the month in killer spirits.  Bookmark this link because we'll be updating this guide all autumn long. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

Some of the best comedians in the world call NYC home, and whether you're seeing them in Manhattan clubs or Bushwick dive bars, you're guaranteed to be blown away by NYC's talent. Here's our rundown of the venues where you can see the best comedy in NYC. A few tips for those new to NYC's comedy scene: Expect to sit close to strangers, often in basement surrounds. Many venues require a two-drink minimum, so check for that when you buy tickets. (Pro-tip: Comedy club cocktails aren't always the most appetizing drinks, so we tend to stick to bottled or canned beverages like beer or White Claw.) Overall, remember to have fun and enjoy a good laugh.RECOMMENDED: See all of the best comedy shows in NYC

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to see as much of New York as possible in a short time, the solution might be one of Gotham's best walking tours. NYC is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot, and there's certainly no shortage of interesting sights around every corner, from awesome outdoor art to the most haunted places in NYC to beautiful NYC buildings to the most awe-inspiring New York attractions. New York natives and first-time tourists alike will discover parts of the city they’ve never seen before on the best walking tours in NYC. RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to New York City tours🚨Check out the best crime tours in NYC🏨Stay in the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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: Immigrant Jam comedy show, Daddy Rabbit speakeasy jazz night, queer nightlife event Dreamscape, and free Sunday concerts at Union Pool—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 August.  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. 

New York City has been feeling downright tropical recently. Whether you want to embrace that humidity or you'd prefer to stay in the air-conditioning, we've got ideas to make the most of your day. Keep scrolling for our editor's picks. 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

Get ready to use our NYC events in August calendar as your guide for ending the summer with a bang. This month is the last to take advantage of New York beaches and pools before they close for swimming in September. There are many more things to do outside this month, like enjoying incredible rooftops, going to the botanical garden and dining at night markets. This is the last full month of summer—make it count! RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

July 30, 2025: Summer in NYC is in full swing, so get out there and soak up the sun before fall arrives. Our iconic museums, big attractions and favorite restaurants have the coolest exhibits, shows and menus right now. From music festivals to movie nights and beaches to rooftop bars, there's so much to do right now. Time Out editors traverse New York City from end to end looking for the coolest things to do, the most delicious places to eat and the most impressive shows to see. We then pick the very best items to make it to this list each month.  From its art museums (The Met and MoMA) to its attractions (The Bronx Zoo and sunrises from the Empire State Building), we are certan that New York City is the best city in the world. Its dining and drinking scenes are still unbeatable with killer bars, restaurants and creative culinary inventions. Every day, we’re discovering something new and wonderful about our city, whether it’s one of the best parks, some incredible views, must-see art or hidden gem stores—and we’re highlighting the best of the best right here. So, consider below your NYC Bible.  RECOMMENDED: Check out Time Out’s interactive map of the best things to do in New York City

The best NYC events in September include everything from last-minute things to do in summer to early fall celebrations including incredible art and cultural events. Use our events calendar for September to help you schedule all the happenings you don’t want to miss, like the NYC Pizza Run, Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo, Morningside Lights, and music festivals. Sure, summer is nearly over, but there's still time to enjoy all of the wonderful things to do outside in New York before the cold temps usher in fall in NYC with its colorful leaves, apple cider donuts and jack-o'-lanterns galore. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

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 Drunk Black History, Tides & Tapas Sunset Sail, a drawing session at the Woolworth Building, the last week for Battery Park City's River & Blues Concert Series, 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. 

Searching for great things to do near the High Line? The beautiful, one-of-a-kind park attracts locals and tourists with its stunning scenic views and lush urban greenery. Now spanning 22 blocks (approximately 1.5 miles), the High Line is situated near numerous entertainment spots. Grab lunch at Chelsea Market, peruse some of the best Chelsea art galleries or stroll over to one of the other best NYC Parks—Hudson River Park and Little Island. You’re also close enough to discover Hudson Yards and Manhattan West. There are many options to choose from, but here are our top suggestions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the High Line in NYC

Looking for the best things to do in Brooklyn? There's no shortage. Kings County is chock-full of stellar Brooklyn attractions, fantastic restaurants and bars, and fun things to do. The ever-beautiful and lush Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden definitely earn the right to be included here. But we made sure to highlight a few hidden gems amid the well-known haunts. From Williamsburg to Red Hook and Dumbo to Crown Heights, here are the best things to do in the borough. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Brooklyn, NYRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Brooklyn RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in Brooklyn

There are so many things to do on Governors Island that you could easily spend your entire summer there. The car-free oasis is best known for The Hills (one of city’s best parks offering unreal 360-degree views of New York harbor), but it’s also home to art installations, historic sites, a renowned spa, and highly-recommended events such as the Jazz Age Lawn Party. The island makes a perfect escape from the city. Even though it's just a short ferry ride away from Manhattan, you'll feel worlds away in this quiet oasis. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Governors Island

With its hulking concrete frame towering over NYC’s elevated park, The Standard, High Line is one hell of a building. And though it’s one I’ve walked past frequently, it wasn’t until my recent stay that I passed through the canary yellow revolving doors and could truly appreciate this iconic hotel.  Why stay at The Standard, High Line?  If you’re looking for sweeping city vistas, this hotel more than delivers. Every single one of its 338 rooms features a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Manhattan or the mighty Hudson River—sometimes both, as I was lucky enough to discover in my Studio Suite.  Nestled in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, steps away from Little Island, Chelsea Market and (of course) the High Line itself, this is a cool alternative to the saturated hotels of Midtown if you’re in New York for the first time. The Hotel debuted way back in 2009, and other than a couple of dings in the room’s furniture, it still feels pretty fresh.  What are the rooms like at The Standard, High Line?  The hotel offers a wide variety of room types, and whether you need a room with two double beds, a standard queen room, a deluxe king or a suite, there are plenty of options. However, no matter which you choose, you’ll be treated to floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows with sweeping city views.  Expect comfortable beds with Italian sheets, fluffy down pillows and cozy, moody lighting. Wood paneling around the bed area makes for an elevated and warm design feature t

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, August 1 show at Caveat include Felipe Torres Medina, Nataly Aukar, Peng Dang, Fareeha Khan, and more, plus prizes and games. Comedians represent Colombia, Lebanon, China, Pakistan, Romania, Germany and more. This month's show raises money for the New Women New Yorkers. 

Join Brandon Collins' critically acclaimed show Drunk Black History for a special culinary-themed edition at at Museum of Food and Drink in Brooklyn. The booze-filled lesson kicks off on Thursday, June 31 at 7pm, exploring the rich food and drink culture of the African diaspora, from iconic Black chefs and culinary traditions to the trailblazers behind today's most beloved Black-owned spirits. Tipsy comedians, experts and writers recount the stories of overlooked figures and moments in Black culinary and cocktail history. It will be plenty entertaining, surprisingly educational and, as always, hilariously unpredictable. Tickets, priced at $45, include entrance to the museum/show, two drink tickets, and snacks.

Other archives may offer broader perspectives on city history, but we love the Transit Museum because it goes deep into one essential element of New York life: the public transit system. Opened in 1976 in a former IND subway station, the museum displays historic artifacts—including a collection of vintage train cars spanning the 20th century—as well as more timely pieces, such as works from the MTA’s Arts for Transit program. 

Those searching for a little peace and quiet would do well to spend a few hours at this verdant oasis. The garden—which abuts two other neighborhood gems: the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park—was founded in 1910 and features thousands of types of flora, laid out over 52 acres. Each spring, crowds descend on the space to ooh and ahh over the 70 trees blooming along the Cherry Esplanade. But equally impressive are serene spots like the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the first Japanese-inspired garden built in the U.S., and the Shakespeare Garden, brimming with plants (such as primrose and crocuses) mentioned in the Bard’s works. Start your journey at the Visitor’s Center, an eco-friendly portal (it has a green roof filled with 45,000 plants) that opened in May 2012.  RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions

A respite for travelers to Newport, this laid-back hotel with elevated roadside motel vibes makes for a comfortable place to land in Rhode Island. A cozy Scandinavian-style lobby with a fireplace was an especially welcome sight for me after several hours of driving. Though Newport is known for its antique gilded-age splendor, Wayfinder is a property for more contemporary travelers who are looking for a quiet place to rest their heads at a more affordable price.  RECOMMENDED: How to spend 48 hours in Rhode Island Why stay at Wayfinder Newport? If you’re driving, Wayfinder will work well for you, as it’s not within walking distance of the city's attractions. The hotel offers a spacious parking lot close to the front door, so you don’t have to lug your bags too far.  Inside, it’s an art-lover’s paradise. Keep an eye out for local collaborations, including 1,000 works by Rhode Island artists adorning the walls.  What are the rooms like at Wayfinder Newport? The hotel is home to 187 oversized guest rooms where there’s plenty of room to spread out, no matter how much luggage you brought. I stayed in a king room with a park view and slept well in the hotel’s luxury linens with Matouk bed throws. The decor is casual, with a quirky twist on a New England vintage aesthetic (think a tufted bench at the foot of the bed coupled with an antique trunk as a bedside table).  Continuing the theme from the lobby, you’ll find plenty of local art in the guestrooms, as well. More local amenities a

You won't believe how seamlessly good comedy can work with pole dancing (you can read about it here). While stellar stand-ups deliver sets, pro dancers give the crowd something stare at. Think of it as a full-brain experience. Comics Dan Goodman, Joanna Ross and special guests will welcome talented pole dancers and comedians from across NYC.  Each show features a different musical theme, and each one is full of surprises. This time, on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, brat summer is making a comeback for a Charli XCX-themed show. Expect to hear jokes from five comics and see performances by five dancers. "They're not strippers, it’s not burlesque. It’s aerial dance with a side of crazy gymnastics, and death defying tricks that make your jaw drop," event planners explain. As the event organizers say: "If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying the NYC rents?" See it at Drom in the East Village.

Vincent van Gogh had a knack for making flowers seem to spring to life from his canvases. Now, his lilies, sunflowers, trees and more have truly come to life at New York Botanical Garden's newest exhibit. Titled "Van Gogh's Flowers," the massive exhibition transforms the garden's 250 acres into a kaleidoscopic celebration of the artist's lifelong passion for nature. This isn’t just a flower show. The exhibition brings Van Gogh’s expressive canvases off the wall and into the wild, pairing his iconic works with contemporary interpretations and living installations. At the heart of the experience is a towering field of real and sculptural sunflowers designed by French artist Cyril Lancelin, an immersive environment where guests can wander through Van Gogh’s signature motif on a monumental scale. Other installations feature reflecting pools, sculptures and playful programming.  See it in The Bronx through October 26, 2025.

Uh, how did we get here? If you've ever pondered that question, this immersive VR journey called Life Chronicles is worth your time. The experience will take you on a journey through Earth's history, from the origins of life 3.5 billion years ago to the rise of humans. During the adventure, get up close to iconic creatures like the Tyrannosaurus, Cambrian marine life, Cretaceous dinosaurs—and even early humans. As the story unfolds, you'll witness evolutionary milestones of each great geological period.  The show isn't just fun, it's also scientifically accurate. Life Chronicles was creatd by Excurio in collaboration with experts from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle of Paris, so you know you can believe what you see. It's virtual reality—and actual reality, too. See it at Eclipso, located at 555 West 57th Street.   RECOMMENDED: I stepped back into ancient Egypt at this fascinating virtual reality experience in NYC

Lose yourself in immersive digital art, evocative soundscapes and custom-crafted scents at the new Arte Museum. The museum promises "a multi-sensory journey beyond time and space" with dazzling installations inspired by the beauty of nature. The experience is heightened by soundscapes from acclaimed composer Young-gyu Jang and custom-crafted fragrances by master perfumer Marianne Nawrocki Sabatier.  After the experience, you can unwind at Arte Cafe, offering fusions of tea as well as media art. From beginning to end, it's packed with Instagrammable moments.  Expect to spend about an hour-and-a-half at this experience at 61 Chelsea Piers this September, October, and November.

At this massive art institution, find the classics in contemporary art (Picasso, Matisse, Pollock), alongside art by new and up-and-coming artists, with a special focus on women and artists of color. The museum covers a whopping 708,000 square feet, and every inch is packed with paintings, sculptures and films. The galleries are divided by era, so you can literally walk through the evolution of modern art.

It should take you about a week to recover from your three-day party weekend, by which time you can actually honor the national holiday at this joyous parade held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10am. The AFL-CIO hosts the annual event. Whether you’re marching with actors, nurses, engineers and organizers or are just there for support, you’re certain to leave feeling proud of the city. It steps off from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and marches north toward 64th Street.

Central Park's newly renovated Delacorte Theater doesn't just look better; it feels better and even smells better. After an 18-month renovation, the beloved venue run by The Public Theater is set open on August 7 for Shakespeare in the Park's free performances of Twelfth Night. We got a sneak peek inside the freshly updated space today. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Public's Oskar Eustis described the Delacorte as "a palace for the people—and the people deserve the best." The renovation focused on improving accessibility and modernizing the space for artists and audiences. Luis Miranda, The Public's board chairman, credited a $42 million investment from local government leaders to help make it possible. RECOMMENDED: The complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC Before even stepping foot inside, the theater's new curb appeal is obvious thanks to lead architect Ennead Architects. Beautiful redwood reclaimed from decommissioned NYC water towers across the five boroughs has replaced the former gray siding, offering the added bonus of a fresh aroma. Accessibility was a major priority for the update, and every part of the space is now accessible, from the seating to the light booth to the dressing rooms. Two new gates offer accessibly entry, and the number of ADA seats has more than doubled. Plus, the renovation added additional ramps, lifts, and elevators for artists and crew. A palace for the people—and the people deserve the best "The new Delacorte experience is bette

It may be hard to imagine right now in our city's new subtropical climate where a jaunt through a subway station feels like an expedition through the rainforest, but fall is coming. We're so ready—and so, too, are the folks at the beloved Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which lights up autumn nights with more than 7,000 ornately hand-carved pumpkins. This year, the pumpkin paradise just north of the city promises a "completely reimagined" experience with multiple new displays, including intricate carvings of New York State landmarks, eye-popping classic video game icons and a whimsical hillside Wizard of Oz scene. Blaze: Hudson Valley returns to Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson from September 12 through November 16. Tickets, starting at $24, go on sale August 6, and they do sell out, so book early. RECOMMENDED: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze guide Blaze offers an all-ages, walk-through experience packed with pumpkin displays. From the moment you first enter, you'll see pumpkins just about everywhere, each display more dazzling than the last. Expect to spend about 45 minutes walking through, but budget some extra time to take photos.  Jack-o'-lantern artists are already hard at work preparing for this year's Blaze season. All year, they brainstorm, plan and design, coming up with imaginative new pumpkin creations. Then, as fall nears, the pumpkins start arriving. Nearly 10,000 pumpkins show up on flatbed trucks throughout the season, all sourced from Wallkill View Farm in N

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 Grease sing-along, a drag night, dog-friendly screenings and lots more to make the most of summer 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 August August 7: Troop Beverly Hills - Scout’s honor: wilderness survival has never looked this glamorous. Gather your troop, brush up on your Wilderness Girl anthem, and strut to the rooftop for a night dedicated to the ultimate coture-squad: Troop Beverly Hills. "What A Thrill!"  This nostalgic evening celebrates friendship, fearless fashion, and fabulous fun. Phyllis Nefler didn’t survive the wild in couture for you to miss this. August 10: Drag me to the movies: The Parent Trap - Camp rules? Please. We’re breaking curfew, faking accents, and letting the queens handle the chaos of Drag Me the Movies: The Parent Trap. This isn’t summer camp, it’s summer CAMP -- with one drag show, two mischievous twins, and the most iconic handshake of the 90s. Come ready to slay, swap, and scheme. August 14: Clueless 30th Anniversary - 30 years of CLUELESS, and we’re still waiting for someone to in

As the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crashed onto Rockaway Beach on a steamy morning this July, Lou Harris gathered a group of about a dozen kids to look closely at the formation of the water as it formed riptides. Harris, founder of the Black Surfing Association in the Rockaways, doesn’t just teach kids to surf; he also teaches them to learn safety strategies in the powerful water on New York City’s coastline. Affectionately called Mr. Lou, Harris teaches free surfing lessons to local kids, no matter their background or finances. Families can sign up here for free lessons that will teach their kids surf etiquette, how to pop up on the board and even how to catch waves. After the lesson on riptides, his legion of surfing newbies grabbed their boards, moved to a safer spot on the shore and paddled into the water to continue their training. Soon, kids were gliding atop the water with smiles on their faces and Mr. Lou’s enthusiastic cheering in their ears.  RECOMMENDED: Rockaway Beach, NY guide: How to get there and things to do Harris, a Queens native, learned to surf in 2007 under the guidance of other surfers in the Rockaways. Then, years later, Harris heard a news story in 2014 about a kid in Coney Island who set fire to a mattress inside a public housing complex because he was bored. That fire ended up killing a police officer who responded to the blaze. The story stuck with Harris, and he wanted to do something to help local kids beat boredom. He founded Black Surfing Rockaway in

Remember that viral faux flower exhibition that popped up on Roosevelt Island last fall? Called Flower Market, the installation by artist Cj Hendry invited New Yorkers to visit for free—and even get a complimentary plush flower to take home.  Fans of flowers (and free stuff) responded in droves—so much so that officials shut down part of Roosevelt Island because of overcrowding, and the artist moved the installation to Industry City in Brooklyn instead. Well, Flower Market is coming back this September 19–21, this time at Rockefeller Center, the artist announced yesterday in an all-caps Instagram post.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now Though official details haven't been announced yet—specifically, whether the installation will be free this time and how ticketing will work—it's certain to be a beautiful sight. The 2024 iteration of Flower Market filled a massive white tent with 100,000 plush roses, sunflowers, lilies and more in vibrant colors. Thousands of New Yorkers, including queen Martha Stewart herself, visited to stroll through the faux meadow and pick a bouquet. Photograph: Antonio Ajam Fans of the show responded to Hendry's announcement with hundreds of comments. One person who attended last year wrote, "This is one of my fav memories of a solo parenting moment with my daughter!" Others said they're "SCREAMING with excitement!" and "Brb putting in a PTO request for day 1." Photograph: courtesy Cj Hendry Studio As an artist,

Transport yourself to the heart of the mosh pit—figuratively, that is—at this new immersive exhibit all about rock 'n' roll. Titled "Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience," this digital exhibition is hosted at ARTECHOUSE in Chelsea, known for its stunning visual and audio presentations.  You'll get to explore the legacy of Rolling Stone magazine through more than 50 years of music and pop culture. Narrated by Kevin Bacon, "Amplified" features more than 1,000 photographs, 1,300 iconic magazine covers and a massive 270-degree digital canvas. Adult tickets start at $39, and the show is on view through August 31.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The show will take you on a 50-minute journey featuring iconic visuals and, of course, incredible music. You'll get a tour through the story of revolutionary music and the changes it brought. Expect to see rare live performance and behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive portrait sessions, album art and posters, delivering one of the most comprehensive collections of rock 'n' roll imagery ever assembled. Photograph: By ATH Studio / Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience More than 300 iconic artists whose music changed the world are featured in the show, including The Who, David Bowie, Sam Cooke, and Tinashe, to name a few. As for imagery, more than 500 photographers and film directors, such as Mark Seliger, Danny Clinch, Lynn Goldsmith, Anton Corbijn, B

Your dog is super, of course. But is your dog extra Super, like Krypto in the new Superman movie?  Now's the chance to find out, as a Superdog Look-Alike Contest is coming to NYC on Friday July 18 at 2pm in Manhattan West Plaza (385 9th Ave in New York City). Dog parents are invited to bring their furry friends of all breeds and sizes to compete for a $1,000 cash prize; register to participate here. "Whether your pup is a dead ringer for Krypto or just bursts with superhero spirit, this is your chance to show the world the true power of pets," the event organizers at Pumpkin Pet Insurance said in a press release.  RECOMMENDED: Free dog meet-ups are coming to Hudson Yards this summer This tail-wagging celebration will honor the most iconic pup in the DC Universe with some solid prizes. Two lucky dogs will earn top honors: one crowned Best Krypto Lookalike and one recognized as the Most Unique, Unlike-Krypto contestant. Each one will will $1,000, plus a $2,500 donation to the Angel Fund at a veterinary clinic of each winner's choice. A panel of two expert judges will choose the winners, with help from audience reactions.   If you haven't seen the new Superman movie yet, Time Out's film critic raves about sparky superdog Krypto. "A mundane-looking white pooch, he's a sidekick whose lack of proper training and licky nature makes him a menace to foes and friends alike," our Phil de Semlyen writes.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pumpkin 🐶🐱 (@pump

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is one of the most translated books in the world, but that doesn't mean all New Yorkers are familiar with this important text. To help share Anne Frank's story, 10,000 copies of her book are being given away to students and families throughout New York City this summer.  In addition, Anne Frank The Exhibition will open its doors for free admission for teachers, first responders, military members, librarians and the general public on dates throughout July and August. Keep scrolling for the full details.  RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—the new Anne Frank exhibit in NYC will haunt you The giveaways are part of an initiative called Summer of Reflection: The Legacy of Anne Frank, which began today on what would have been Anne Frank's 96th birthday. The programming is presented by Anne Frank The Exhibition at the Center for Jewish History in Union Square in partnership with NYC Public Schools and all three New York City public library systems.  Her words inspire us to confront injustice and to promote tolerance and human dignity. In case you aren't familiar, Anne Frank's diary is a firsthand account of a Jewish girl's life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. Her father, Otto Frank, was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust and he decided to share his daughter's writing to honor her memory.  "Anne Frank’s diary is not just a historical document; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action," said Ronald Leopold, Executive Directo

“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 asserted that the summer solstice is the best day of the year. Living in New York City has long been an expensive endeavor, but this year it feels like someone is plucking the cash from our wallets bill by bill. Rents are going up at least 3 percent for 1 million rent-stabilized apartments this fall. And if you aren’t lucky enough to live in a rent-stabilized unit, there’s no limit on how much your landlord can raise your rent—literally the sky is the limit, folks! The average one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan already costs a staggering $5,309 a month, per RentCafe. Just leaving the house seems to cost $100, as TikTokers have joked about—and that’s especially true in NYC. There’s a lot to lament about our city’s affordability crisis, but it’s not an intractable situation; it’s one our city leaders can improve if we demand it. In the meantime, these circumstances have made me even more thankful for NYC’s long list of free events this summer. So allow me to highlight five of my favorite free things to do this summer and how to make the most of the experience because even if your wallet is feeling light, the summer fun doesn’t have to be. RECOMMENDED: Best free things to do in NYC Photograph: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com / Courtesy of The Whitney Visit The Whit

Walking through Midtown can feel like a maze, but at this trippy mirrored art installation, that's exactly the point. You'll lose your bearings and find yourself again inside this immersive art installation where space feels endless and ever-changing.  Called Reflection Point, the piece by Brooklyn-based artist duo Wade and Leta (Wade Jeffree and Leta Sobierajski) is on view for free at Rockefeller Center until July 20. Take a moment to stroll through its shifting pathways and definitely snap a few photos while you're there.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer As you walk through the colorful maze, you'll spot bold, graphic shapes that function as doors, welcoming visitors to push through and uncover new routes for some playful exploration. Color guides the eye through certain passages, while reflection and refraction conceal others, inviting constant reevaluation of direction and experience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wade and Leta (@wadeandleta) "The piece is an immersive, kinetic environment of color and mirrored surfaces, inviting viewers to move, reflect, and participate in the iconic location," artists Wade and Leda said in a statement. "It's a work about perception, process, and the shifting relationship between technology and art."  To create the larger-than-life installation, the artist duo used Whisk, a Google Labs AI experiment that enables fast, visual ideation and brainstorming. Then, they combined m

Inside Barclays Center, when the New York Liberty players take the court, most fans (with the exception of the lucky few in floor seats) are looking down on them from the stands. But in this new public art exhibition by LaToya Ruby Frazier, all who pass by Barclays Center will get a chance to look up at the players, feeling awed by their physical strength and touched by their personal stories. The installation, titled "The Liberty Portraits: A Monument to the 2024 Champions" celebrates professional female athletes, reflecting the power of female leadership, influence, diversity, and love for the game of basketball and family. The exhibition is open to all who walk past Barclays Center and will be on view through October.  RECOMMENDED: New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant on how to have a Hot Girl SummerA longtime Liberty fan, Frazier spent time with each of the players on the 2024 roster to photograph them in uniform and also with their chosen family. She then designed double-sized, nine-foot-tall portraits presented in display cases to showcase the work. Frazier said she created the concept in this double-sided fashion as a way to juxtapose two different parts of each player's identity. Photograph: By Daniel Greer | “The Liberty Portraits: A Monument to the 2024 Champions" (2024 - 2025) © LaToya Ruby Frazier, Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone In the athletic portrait, the artist asked players to reflect on their intensity on the court, perhaps even thinking about a mom

July 4th is almost here! It is, of course, a time to remember the revolutionary Americans who fought to free us from the rule of a king nearly 250 years ago. It's also a day for taking Americana to the max—fireworks, hot dogs, parties and red-white-and-blue treats galore.  New York City is the perfect place to celebrate given our own revolutionary history and our penchant for parties. The main event is the Macy's July 4th Fireworks, which will delight millions of onlookers around NYC and via television, but there are tons of other cool events, too. Here's everything you need to know about how to celebrate America's big day in NYC, where to see the fireworks and how to get around despite multiple street closures. RECOMMENDED: The best 4th of July events in NYC for 2025 Photograph: By Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock Where are the best places to watch the fireworks in New York City? This massive Macy's July 4th Fireworks show begins at 9:25pm on Friday, July 4, 2025 and lasts for about 25 minutes. The show will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. You'll be able to see the fireworks from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River, Macy's says. Prime public viewing will be available along elevated portions of the FDR Drive with the following access points managed by NYPD: Montgomery Street at Madison Street Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps Broad Stree