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Time Out is inviting New Yorkers to slow down, look closer and rediscover the city around them this August, as Merrell transforms the terrace at Time Out Market Union Square (124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States) into a destination that celebrates creativity, connection and exploration.
Inspired by Merrell's It Starts Outside campaign, the month-long takeover will reimagine the Market's outdoor terrace as a vibrant urban oasis featuring a custom mural by New York artist Bianca Romero, a Flower Installation by Mr. Flower Fantastic, curated programming, exclusive food and drink offerings and community events designed to encourage guests to experience the city through a fresh perspective.
The activation reflects both brands' shared belief that cities are best experienced, not simply observed.
The campaign launches on August 1 with The Art of Noticing Walk, a guided neighborhood experience led by Bianca Romero in partnership with Peak and Pace, a New York community connecting individuals who love to move and explore. Guests will explore Union Square through the artist's eyes, discovering hidden details, public art and local inspiration before returning to Time Out Market to experience the newly unveiled terrace installation.
Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy a series of weekly activations alongside a limited-edition food and cocktail menu inspired by Merrell's colors, summer flavors and the It Starts Outside campaign.
The transformed terrace will feature:
- A bespoke 52 ft. x 20 ft. mural created by Bianca Romero
- Lush planting and floral installations
- Merrell-inspired lounge spaces and branded design elements
- Community events and experiences
- Limited-edition food and cocktail offerings
The collaboration reflects Time Out's continued expansion beyond publishing, creating experiences that help people discover and connect with cities in memorable new ways.
Estee Cross, Managing Director (North America) at Time Out Media, said:
"At Time Out, we're always looking for new ways to help people experience the very best of cities. This collaboration with Merrell brings together everything we love about New York—its creativity, culture, food and community—in one space.
Whether you're joining a neighborhood walk, discovering Bianca's incredible artwork or simply spending an afternoon on the terrace, we hope people leave seeing the city a little differently."
Richard McLeod, Chief Marketing Officer at Merrell said:
"At Merrell, we believe the outside isn’t defined by where you go, it’s defined by how you choose to experience the world around you. Partnering with Time Out allows us to bring that belief to life in one of the world’s most iconic cities, inviting people to slow down, look closer and rediscover New York through a new perspective. It’s a reminder that ‘It Starts Outside’ can happen anywhere.”
Bianca Romero, artist, said:
“New York City is such an exploration city. Some of the best experiences here come from stepping out, going on a walk with no plan, and seeing where the city takes you.
The inspiration behind “City in Bloom,” my mural on the Time Out Market Union Square terrace, came from walking through the city, especially Union Square Park. As an artist and a New Yorker from the Union Square neighborhood, I’m constantly exploring the city on foot — whether it’s to get outside, clear my head, or find inspiration. Many of my ideas for my paintings “bloom” from these walks.
The mural is meant to be experienced. The Time Out Market Union Square terrace is a space to relax, immerse yourself, and take in the energy of the city. The more you slow down and take a moment, the more details you’ll discover within the artwork. It’s a sort of “stop and smell the roses” NYC art experience.”
The Art of Noticing takeover runs throughout August 2026 at Time Out Market Union Square, with experiences open to both New Yorkers and visitors alike.
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Notes to editors
Please contact pr@timeout.com for further information.
About Time Out Group
Time Out Group is a global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city.
Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the best of the city - today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to Do, See and Eat across over 350 cities in over 50 countries and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels.
Time Out Market is the world's first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a city's best chefs, restaurateurs and unique cultural experiences together under one roof. There are currently Markets in 13 cities including Lisbon, New York and Dubai, with several new locations expected to open in 2026 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions. Time Out Group PLC, listed on AIM, is headquartered in London (UK).
About Time Out Market New York, Union Square
Time Out Market New York, Union Square is a food and cultural market located on the ground floor of Zero Irving (124 E. 14th Street New York, NY 10003). The Market offers a curated mix of some of the city’s best food, drinks and cultural experiences – with a focus on up-and-coming talents. Across 10,000 sq ft, there are seven kitchens and one a bar as well as a terrace.
Time Out Market is part of Time Out Group PLC (AIM: TMO), a global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city through Time Out Media and Time Out Market. Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over the city and came to New York in 1995 – today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life. Local experts curate and create content about the best things to do, see and eat across over 350 cities in over 50 countries, and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels.
Time Out Market is the world’s first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing the best of the city together under one roof: the city’s best chefs, restaurateurs, drinks and cultural experiences. From award-winning chefs to much-loved local gems, from live music to installations from local artists – Time Out Market captures and celebrates the best of the city. The first Time Out Market opened in 2014 in Lisbon, quickly turning into one of the most popular destinations in the city. The success of Lisbon brought further expansion and there are currently 13 Markets in cities such as New York (Brooklyn and Manhattan), Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town and Osaka, with several new sites in development, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions – all offering a curated mix of the city’s best culinary and cultural experiences.
For more information, please visit our website at timeout.com/time-out-market-union-square, and for the latest company news, visit our Press Office. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram @timeoutmarketunionsquare, and on TikTok @timeoutny.
About Merrell
Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside and is committed to building an inclusive and more sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. As the global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to explore the outdoors confidently.
The brand was named Footwear News' 2022 Brand of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social @Merrell. Merrell is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), one of the world's leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's, and uniform footwear and apparel.
About Bianca Romero
Bianca is a New York City-based contemporary mixed media artist, muralist, and Creative Director. She’s known for her bold and colorful murals and paintings made of hand-cut collaged street posters layered with spray paint, and acrylic. Her work is inspired by human emotion, identity, women's empowerment, and New York City. Bianca uses mixed media collage as a visual interpretation for exploring personal identity and the collective pieces that make us unique.
She's heavily influenced by NYC’s vibrant energy, urban textures & street art, and diversity. Romero’s unique collaged art style is a reflection of her mixed South Korean and Spanish background and growing up in New York City. As a first-generation American, the mix of cultures significantly impacted her perspectives, and collage art has helped her navigate her mixed identity, allowing her the creative outlet to explore the multifaceted human experience and identity through her artwork. You can find out more about Bianca’s art on her socials @biancadoesnyc and website www.biancaromero.com.