Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

One of the best perks of living in New York City is having access to innumerable free events in our gorgeous parks. That’s why when Bryant Park Picnic Performances, presented by Bank of America announces its line-up, we get excited! Today, Picnic Performances released a list of 25 live music, dance, and theater events that’ll occur May 31 to September 13, and it includes The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Louis Cato; trumpeter Steven Bernstein playing the music of James Bond with Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra; the NYC premiere of Ghanaian highlife band Gyedu-Bly Ambolley; Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE dance company; South African world pop star Thandiswa Mazwai and many more! “The 2024 season of Picnic Performances is our most ambitious yet,” Dan Fishman, Bryant Park’s vice president of public programming, tells Time Out New York. “Bryant Park will host internationally renowned dance companies, Grammy-winning musicians, a fully staged production of Tosca, a centennial celebration for jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, and a grand finale featuring an all-star lineup of musicians performing the music of James Bond.  “This year we present our first performance curated specifically for kids, a bilingual celebration of Broadway show tunes, the New York City debut of a Ghanaian music legend, and a concert that honors the incredible composer, Tania León. We are thrilled to bring such exciting free music, theater, and dance events to the center of New York City,

Hudson Yards may have some of the most exclusive brands in its Shops and Restaurants—Cartier, Dior, BVLGARI—but it puts on a great series of free events for everyone, every summer! This summer series called “Backyard at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo” is curated by The Bowery Presents and returns May 3 with huge acts like Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Brynn Cartelli, Chayce Beckham, Ray Bull, and more. It’ll also host outdoor screenings of blockbuster movies and live sports watch parties on its 30-foot big screen from Verizon. RECOMMENDED: 60+ concerts are coming to The Rooftop at Pier 17; here's what to see “Backyard at Hudson Yards has become a true gathering place for the community as one of the most vibrant public spaces in the city, and we are committed to providing an exciting range of free events and programming that everyone can enjoy throughout the summer,” said Stephanie Fink, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Partnerships & Events for Hudson Yards. “This year, we have partnered with some of the most esteemed institutions in New York City to continue to elevate our line-up of events with outstanding talent for our free concert series, contemporary performances of a Shakespearean classic by the renowned Public Theater, engaging family-friendly activities in collaboration with the New York Public Library, and more. We’d love to welcome you into our Backyard this summer.” Below is the lineup for the Backyard at Hudson Yards series: Outdoor Entertainment Summer

There are plenty of things to see and do by Lincoln Center, but a new installation at Damrosch Park dubbed "Daedalum" might very well be the coolest. The piece is basically a giant inflatable labyrinth stationed at the 2.4-acre park now through April 21. Folks are encouraged to walk inside of it (shoes off, though!) for free to explore all its different pieces. Photograph: Eric Schrijver “Daedalum” is made of 19 egg-shaped domes connected by a bunch of tunnels—a setup that gives birth to a sort of maze in which two original features are hidden, including “an incredibly intricate rainbow-colored tree and a cavernous dome,” according to a press release. The latter section is composed of 600 pieces that are set up in a pattern that was “loosely inspired” by the Pantheon in Rome “with its radiant oculus mimicking the sun and the Gustave Doré drawing of angels circling heavenward in Dante’s paradise.”  Photograph: Lawrence Sumulong Think of the entire project as a massive immersive experience filled with rainbow-hued lights and bouncy castle-like vibes that you can walk into and experience on your own for free daily from 11am to 6pm.  As the weather turns warmer (sort of, finally), "Daedalum" joins an already crowded roster of outdoor art that runs the gamut in terms of scope, message and materials. Among them is a giant garbage sculpture on the High Line, "Single Use Reflections" that encourages viewers to play closer attention to the trash that humanity creates and "City Eco

"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. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan suggested ideas for the long-vacant Times Square Sbarro.  In a borough where rents soar, sirens wail, and tall buildings eclipse the sun, finding a meditative moment in Manhattan can feel nearly impossible. Dedicating time for wellness often feels like an indulgence reserved only for the ultra-rich (ahem). But I experienced three completely free experiences over the past week that left me feeling a lightness without lightening my wallet. Allow me to share, and I hope you'll head out to these spots for a piece of peace.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out | Field of Light 1. Field of Light at Freedom Plaza On the far east edge of Manhattan, 18,750 glowing orbs of light sprout from the ground. They gleam in green, blue, pink, and purple tones, each one emerging from the Earth like an avant-garde flower. The fiber optic lights are part of an otherworldly experience called Field of Light.  The 6-acre installation was installed by British artist Bruce Munro who’s known for using light to create an emotional response. For me, his intention definitely worked. I reveled in the quiet walk along winding paths, watching as the color of the orbs evolved. Instead of my typical hurried

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about, whether you live here or are planning a visit. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

Let’s face it: NYC is expensive, both for visitors and locals. For those of us living here in the city, we’re constantly choosing between going out and, say, paying rent. While it’s certainly nice to splurge on one of the best restaurants in NYC, the reality is that we mostly have to focus on cheap eats and happy hour deals. We’re here to help: when it comes to going out in the city, you can still have fun without facing a hefty price tag. There are plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. Simply walking the streets of New York can make for an entertaining day out, but if you look closely you can find fabulous things to without paying a fortune. Did you know that some of NYC’s top attractions are also affordable? Or how about comedy — a good laugh doesn’t have to cost much. Manhattan and Brooklyn have beautiful parks to stroll, and for a small fee you can get around on a bike or a boat. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Entertainment in NYC can be cheap, or even free, so get out there and have some fun! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

The city’s most beloved free summer concert series is back with a stellar line-up! Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage 2024, New York City’s annual concert series that takes over Central Park every summer, just released its official line-up with artists like T-Pain, Snail Mail, Madison Cunningham, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Metropolitan Opera, Trixie Mattel and Amanda Lepore, Counting Crows, Ghostface Killah, The Gaslight Anthem and more. RECOMMENDED: SummerStage 2024 Guide This year, SummerStage will bring New Yorkers nearly 85 free and benefit shows to Central Park and 13 neighborhood parks across the five boroughs, including at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy and The Coney Island Amphitheater on the boardwalk in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park in Staten Island, and SummerStage’s flagship venue at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. This season is all about celebrating incredible music from around the world with artists like The Aussie BBQ, Colombian music star Fonseca and Spain’s captivating new flamenco singer Israel Fernández, Sidonie and the Balkan Paradise Orchestra.  “We are thrilled to once again celebrate the vibrant diversity of New York City’s cultures and communities across all five boroughs,” said Erika Elliott, Executive Artistic Director of SummerStage. “Our lineup will shine a bright spotlight on some of music’

It’s hard to get good food on the cheap, but for seven years, Queens Night Market has prided itself on offering the city’s best eats for just $5-6. The foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, starting on April 13. New this year: The event will open at 4pm, an hour earlier than it has in the past and will include even more vendors than usual. There will also be other items sale besides food, including vintage apparel, handmade jewelry, ceramic products, locally produced art pieces, crochet toys, stationery, and much more. In its existence, the market has attracted over 2 million visitors, helped launch 350 new businesses in New York and represented more than 90 countries through its vendors and their food. In 2022, the event averaged over 15,000 attendees each Saturday night. 

Giant puppets will parade through the Lower East Side on Saturday, May 11, to raise awareness for a giant issue: Climate solutions. "Ecological City: Procession for Climate Solutions" is described as "an urban ecological pilgrimage." Marchers will stop at more than a dozen gardens throughout the neighborhood showcasing visual art, music, dance, theater, and poetry. Expect to see 500 people in spectacular costumes during this theatrical pageant, along with mobile sculptures and larger-than-life puppets. RECOMMENDED: The best Earth Day events in NYC Though the event falls after Earth Month, it keeps alive the important conversations about sustainability, climate change, and climate solutions.  Photograph: Courtesy of Rachel Elkind The event’s organizers highlight community gardens on the march as a way to show the importance of these green spaces within the city. Not only are these green spaces beautiful, but they also offer pollinator gardens, solar gazebos, permeable paths, and trees that improve air quality.  "The gardens provide a myriad of solutions including sequestering carbon, filtering air pollution and run-off, as well as absorbing flood water from storm surges and sea level rise," event organizers said in a press release. "Visionary green infrastructure projects throughout the neighborhood include bio-swales, rain and pollinator gardens, solar gazebos, permeable pathways, vertical farming, green roofs, CSA-community supported agriculture/urban farming/environmental

Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in the most expensive city in the world, it’s hard to imagine how anything in this town could be gratis. But guess what? Every event on this list is free and actually awesome! That’s right, we found the free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and NYC park activities, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for fun date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff.RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

Groups! Can’t live with ‘em, can’t try almost everything on the menu in one sitting without 'em! Ok, maybe some can, but many will, at one point, still need to find restaurants perfect for large parties celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, big promotions, belated or pre-lated holidays and general getting the band back together events.  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island each have options for your next fête, and these are our favorites for those expanded occasions. Most allow you to book space for up to six via conventional platforms, save for noted exceptions that go up to about ten, and all have room for more when you connect via email or phone. RECOMMENDED: See all of the best restaurants in NYC

If you’re looking for the best public art in the city right now, a giant, 35-foot sculpture made of deconstructed rubber tires might just take the cake. The monstrous—or playful, depending on your perspective—new abstract sculpture in Manhattan bends towards itself in symmetrical loops, ascending into the sky and back down again.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this spring The colossus, which was created by world renowned artist Chakaia Booker, is located between 39th and 40th Streets in Manhattan’s Garment District, and was unveiled to the public yesterday. It will remain on display until November 1.  Booker is an artist from Newark best known for creating huge works made primarily from rubber tires and meant to capture people’s attention. Her art has been exhibited across four continents and she also exhibited her work at the 2000 Whitney Biennial.   Photograph: By Alexandre Ayer   Photograph: By Alexandre Ayer   Photograph: By Alexandre Ayer Her newest sculpture, Shaved Portions, is meant to evoke a sense of beauty, rhythm and common humanity that pulses through the city itself. It’s the latest installation from the year-round public art program Garment District Art on the Plazas, which seeks to make the Garment District more pleasant and liveable through several initiatives that include installing public art.  We’ve seen our share of great public art displays in recent months, from a colorful exhibit inspired by Korean basketry to a sculpture of an A-train

New York is a hotbed of artistic expression. The city’s art museums—including The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum—display some of the best artists spanning centuries. And with more than 1,000 galleries, you can check out the latest and greatest artists at any time, in all mediums from painting to sculpture. You’ll find the best galleries in NYC concentrated in Chelsea, but also Brooklyn and Queens to the Upper and Lower East Sides of Manhattan. Visit NYC’s legendary art galleries and you’ll see some of the best artists from around the world.

Believe it or not, it’s already cherry blossom season in New York, and in some parts of the city, you can go see trees that are headed toward peak bloom right now.  The best part is that you don’t have to wander around aimlessly for hours to find the trees that are blooming. In fact, you can plan your cherry blossoms field trip ahead of time thanks to some up-to-date maps by The Central Park conservancy and The Brooklyn Botanical Garden that tell you exactly where you can see the beautiful once-a-year display by mother nature. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC Just like last year, the blooms are happening earlier this year than they have in the past because of climate change, but peak bloom season still tends to happen closer to the end of March and early April and can continue through May. But in Central Park, you can head to the Great Lawn right now to see cherry blossoms. The trees at Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, and Sheep Meadow are still in their pre-peak stage, according to Central Park’s website.  In contrast, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden’s map still shows that most of its cherry blossoms are in the pre-bloom stage at the moment. One of the most emblematic spots to see the cherry blossom’s anywhere in New York is at the garden’s Cherry Esplanade, a big lawn that is surrounded by cherry and red oak trees, so make sure to check in on the park’s map for the latest updates on their bloom.  The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx also has gradient

Even if you've been just about everywhere in New York City, you likely haven't been to Floyd Bennett Field in the far reaches of Brooklyn. This once historic airport played an important part in aviation history, but its now-dilapidated airplane hangars fade away as relics from another era. To artists, though, these worn-out facades in a dark, unspoiled stretch of land make for a perfect canvas. As part of the first-ever Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival, artists will showcase massive video artworks on the side of the hangars, making for a truly dazzling spectacle. Other events during the free festival, which runs April 19-21, include a silent disco, live music, lawn games, and hangar tours. RECOMMENDED: This giant sculpture in the Garment District is made of rubber tires The weekend-long celebration merges art, architecture, and history, showcasing the talent of 24 exceptional artists, including Derrick Adams, Peter Burr, Eto Otitigbe, and Ryan Hartley Smith. Each artist will unveil original works, creatively video mapped onto the 11,000-square-foot facade of two monumental airplane hangars. The video mapping is so detailed that it blurs the line between real life and the theoretical.   Each artist put their own spin on the digital projects. Adams' work, for example, highlights topographies and waterways of the region through an aerial adventure. Burr's piece evokes a labyrinth, while Smith created a love letter to the Rockaways, especially the historically queer sect

Under the sticky heat of the afternoon sun yesterday, dozens of fully nude models and artists (some of them nude, as well), gathered in Union Square for the final NYC Bodypainting Day. Each painter brought their artistic vision to life on the exquisite canvas of the human body, with some designs featuring intricate patterns and others with bold sweeping decorations.  Artist Andy Golub founded the annual event a decade ago and said this year would be the last for NYC Bodypainting Day in this form. It's likely that the news of the last hurrah attracted some of the throngs of onlookers who gathered around to watch the painters at work. Other attendees stumbled upon the event as they passed through the park, some suppressing surprised gasps or nervous giggles.  RECOMMENDED: This NYC vegan dinner party requires you to have dinner naked The event celebrates the human body in all of its beautiful shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities and ages (ranging from the 20s to the 80s at the event). Artists carefully wield paintbrushes to cover their subjects from head to toe in theatrical makeup.  "I wanted people to take a moment and really celebrate humanity," Golub told Time Out New York. "I think the event is really about spreading joy and feeling joy." When thinking back on the first bodypainting day, Golub describes it as "magical" with "this incredible feeling of positivity."  Ten years later, that energy imbued this year's event as well. While this is farewell to NYC Bodypainting Day

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, inventive ice cream flavors from Sugar Hill Creamery and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

Grand Bazaar is one of NYC’s oldest and largest marketplaces where you can buy vintage treasures, antiques, clothing and more goodies from more than 100 local merchants. Photographers, jewelers and furniture designers sell their best on Sundays between 10am and 5pm on the Upper West Side (77th Street at Columbus Avenue).  Each week offers a different theme, from featuring women-owned businesses to focusing on handmade items to spotlighting international wares. The market runs both indoors and outdoors each week all year long.

Sadly, seeing trash on New York City's streets is nothing new. Candy wrappers, cigarette butts, latex gloves, random clothing, and single-use cups litter sidewalks and roadways.  In honor of Earth Month, a new sculpture aptly titled "Single Use Reflections" encourages viewers to pay closer attention to the trash we create—and how we can change that both systemically and individually. Over the weekend, beauty brand Kiehl's unveiled a sculptural installation by artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong. The artwork is on view at the High Line through April 17. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this spring A mountain of single-use household items and beauty products, all doused in silver paint, form the foundation for "Single Use Reflections." Laundry detergent jugs, body wash containers, and lotion pump bottles combine to create a visual spectacle with menacing tentacle-like arms. Though the artwork can feel a bit overwhelming, it also helps people understand how they can be a small part of the solution. Mirrors decorated with phrases like "I am a refill warrior" jut out of the sculpture, encouraging visitors to rethink their reliance on single-use products.  Photograph: Courtesy of Kiehl's "Everyone knows that New York has a big trash problem and this sculpture beautifully embodies both the problem and one piece of the solution—using refillables," Von Wong said in a statement.  Everyone knows that New York has a big trash problem and this sculpture beautifully embodies bo

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is — with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars — it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. When was the last time you treated yourself? We think now is the time to get that affordable spa treatment. If you’re looking for more affordable ways to unwind, take a calming stroll through one of New York’s parks, or get a scoop of sweet, refreshing ice cream and tune out for a while before getting back to the hustle and bustle. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered. There’s always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there’s still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look. From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now. RECOMMENDED: Secret NYC: 26 speakeasies, underground gigs and more 1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village) Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices.  2. Doyers Street (Chinatown) Photograph: Shutterstock Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of the deadliest streets. Sure, it’s full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site of numerous ki

Looking for some classic summer fun? Roller coasters and thrill rides are not just for kids, and there are a slew of amusement parks near NYC where you can chase those heart-palpitating plunges and scream-inducing twists that take you back to your carefree days. Hitting up an amusement park can be as easy as taking the subway to Coney Island, but go a little further—say, New Jersey or Pennsylvania—and you’re in for even more thrills. You might encounter hordes of teens or families during peak times, but that’s all part of the fun. If you’re not into the jaw-dropping speeds and dizzying heights of an amusement park, there are plenty of thrilling day trips from NYC that don’t involve near-death feelings. If you need a little down time after getting jazzed up with all that amusement park stimulation, check out one of NYC’s hotel pools open to the public.

Update March 18, 2024: Related Companies/Oxford Properties Group and Wynn Resort released new renderings of the design and said the proposal will feature a 5.6-acre park, similar in size to Bryant Park. This story has been updated to reflect those new details. Some might say that Hudson Yards has enough massive dystopian glass structures (I'm looking at you, Vessel), but there’s a real estate firm that would absolutely disagree. A proposal for Phase Two of Hudson Yards' development includes a call for a $12 billion complex that would consist of multiple buildings with apartments, office space, and a hotel with a casino. The new development would be built over the West Side Rails, located right next to the current cluster of Hudson Yards buildings, which is currently an open yard that consists of 30 tracks owned by the MTA between 30th and 33rd Street.  RECOMMENDED: Midtown Manhattan’s proposed Freedom Plaza may completely change the skyline   Photograph: Courtesy of Related Companies   Photograph: Courtesy of Related Companies The plan was proposed by real estate giant Related Companies and Wynn Resorts. It includes 1,500 apartments, a public school, and a hotel and casino. “As the state’s parallel process moves forward, we look forward to unveiling our full proposed plan, which will provide thousands of jobs, billions in revenue and community benefits, a new park, affordable housing, a school, and more,” Jon Weinstein, executive VP of corporate communications at Related

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2024. Expect to see your favorite makers plus brand new creatives to help you live smarter, gift better and support local businesses.  FAD—which stands for Fashion, Art and Design—takes over different venues with a horde of independent vendors and creators. Admission is free and dogs are welcome! Here's the upcoming FAD Market schedule for 2024 Spring April 13-14: Earth Month Market at The Invisible Dog Art CenterMay 4-5: Brooklyn Brewery Market at Brooklyn BreweryMay 11-12: Mother's Day and Made in NYC Market at Empire Stores in DumboMay 18-19: NYCxDesign Market at The Invisible Dog Art CenterJune 1-2: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo Summer June-October (third weekend of the month): Governors Island MarketJuly 13-14: Summer Market at Empire Stores in DumboJune 22-23: Summer Market at The Invisible Dog Art CenterJuly 27-28: Summer Market at The Invisible Dog Art CenterAugust 10-11: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo  

There's nothing more "summer in NYC" than taking in a movie in the great outdoors, under the hardly-seen stars and set to the humming soundtrack of the city. New Yorkers love to take in films on the nicest rooftops, on the best beaches, and in our city's greatest parks (preferably with a drink or popcorn in hand). Luckily, NYC has no shortage of places to catch outdoor movie screenings you can attend in the warmer months. Looking to see a new movie any night of the week? Check out the best movie theaters in NYC. And for some at-home inspiration, you can always catch up on the best NYC movies of all time. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC