Courtesy CC/Flickr/Susan Sermoneta
Courtesy CC/Flickr/Susan Sermoneta

Are people who FaceTime while walking down the street literally insane?

This is what’s driving us bonkers in NYC right now and making us (almost) want to move

Advertising

We live in a walk-and-talk kind of town—I get it. When I’m on my morning commute or running between meetings, you can bet your ass I’m using that precious time to “catch up on calls,” which is code for “calling my mother.” However, I see more and more people roaming the streets while FaceTiming. This behavior is unacceptable.

RECOMMENDED: See more New York rants

Listen, I can understand that the occasional tourist would want to share their trip to the Best City on Earth through the lens of their iPhone for someone back home. But this is not what’s happening here. These distracted lollygaggers are always discussing some meaningless nonsense (personally, my conversations are witty, informative and brief) with some groggy pal in a disheveled bed right here in the tristate area.

While I get the allure of a face-to-face convo, these FaceTimers are pinballing into pedestrians and completely ignoring the flow of traffic. Must I get bumped around so that you can whisper sweet nothings to your boyfriend in Yonkers?

Let’s bring back the days when New Yorkers just obnoxiously shouted into their phones with a robust disregard for others. At least then they would see where they were going.

Not all of NYC is annoying!

  • Music

Uptown Bounce, the popular block party thrown by the Museum of the City of New York and El Museo del Barrio, is back for its 12th year with live performances, arcade games, music and dancing as well as free access to exhibits at the host museums.

This year's free event on Thursday, July 24 will celebrate the golden era of hip-hop and pop. Dance to DJ sets by Grand Wizzard Theodore and DJ Misbehaviour. Other highlights include themed cocktails from MCNY's Park View Bar, free retro arcade games, and gelato by Avrilililly's Creamery.

Plus, be sure to stop by MCNY's exhibition with a dance focus, "Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor."

It's free to attend, just RSVP!

  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals

One of the hottest events of the summer is the aptly named MoMA PS1 Warm Up, and it's back for 2025 with an impressive lineup. This party turns the museum's courtyard into a dancefloor with DJ sets and live performances on six Friday evenings in July and August.

Every year since 1998, the summer-long music festival at this Long Island City art museum explores how music can be a work of art, and this year is no exception. Think Ballroom icons, spoken word artists, dystopian Darkwave producers, and techno legends. The lineup features innovators in electronic music and celebrates new sounds from New York City and around the world. A few can't-miss names include MikeQ, John Glacier, Sarz, OK Williams, Special Request, and DJ Stingray 313; here's the full lineup

Tickets cost $25-$30 for general admission.

Advertising
  • Music

Your Wednesday night plans are set for the month: this July, Manhattan West will host Summer Sounds, an outdoor (and free!) concert series held on the Plaza, for four consecutive Wednesday evenings from July 9 through 30.

"Summer Sounds is a celebration of everything we believe in at Manhattan West—the power of art to bring people together and create unforgettable shared moments," said Courtney Whitelocke, Vice President of Arts & Events at Manhattan West. That means a lineup of top-tier musicians and DJs tied together by a shared heritage in New York’s retro-soul movement, including Los Hacheros, Rogê, Thee Heart Tones, Mickey Pérez and Binky Griptite.

  • Things to do

You already know about Summer Fridays—now get to know Summer Mondays. Yes, Classic Harbor Line is working to brighten up that first workday of the week with its Tides & Tapas Sunset Sail series, running on Monday sunsets from July 14 through September 29 this summer.

Departing from Chelsea Piers, set sail aboard the Schooner America 2.0. for a scenic two-hour cruise around the New York Harbor, during which you'll enjoy a tapas-style tasting menu featuring caviar, smoked trout, ahi tuna, seared scallops and delightful accoutrements. Tickets are priced as $126 per person (for one beverage alongside the tapas menu) or $148 per person to include a pairing flight of three wines.

Advertising
  • Movies

We'll never turn down an opportunity to watch a movie under the stars, especially when it's free and open to the public. You'll enjoy exactly that with the Bond With Brooklyn Movie Series coming to Prospect Heights this July, sponsored by TF Cornerstone.

The first-come, first-served screening series will run for four weeks, from July 7 through 28, on the central lawn between 595 Dean St and 645 Dean St. Among the crowd-pleasing titles is Amanda Bynes comedy She's the Man, animated favorite The Iron Giant, cult classic Ghost World and spy farce Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, with each title beginning at sunset.

  • Movies

Tired of spending hours scrolling Netflix for the perfect movie to watch at night? Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and the Union Square Partnership have you covered with Movies in the Square. On four select Thursday evenings, Union Square Park's North Plaza will turn into a  free cinema. Here's the lineup: 

  • July 24: The Muppets Take Manhattan 
  • July 31: Men in Black
  • August 7: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)
  • August 14: 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Advertising
  • Art

Don't miss out on the return of renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt in a new captivating exhibit this summer, Gustav Klimt: The Immersive Experience. From July 15 until August 31, the Hall Des Lumières in Lower Manhattan will host a rare opportunity to step inside of Gustav Klimt's legendary work brought to life through music, color and intricate visuals.

The show is one-hour long, and tickets start at $29, with an opportunity to buy a family pack for $78, or reduced rates of $19 per ticket for youth, senior, veterans, or those with disabilities. Guests are welcomed daily from 11am to 5pm, except for Mondays.

"This space breathes new life into Klimt's masterpieces, surrounding visitors with history, light, and the bold spirit of artistic revolution," per Harley Hendrix, managing director of Hall des Lumières.

  • Music
  • Jazz

Treat your ears to some free music at Battery Park City every Thursday evening this July. The Battery Park City's River & Blues Concert Series is a celebrated NYC summer tradition celebrating Global and American folk, roots and blues music. Expect to hear renowned artists on the cutting-edge of the jazz and blues scene.

Picturesque Rockefeller Park serves as the an idyllic venue with breathtaking views of Hudson River sunsets, picnic-friendly fairgrounds and refreshing waterfront breezes.

Here's the lineup:

• July 17, Amythyst Kiah: On her latest release Still + Bright, Amythyst Kiah’s storytelling is merged with a twist on rootsy alt-rock, exploring the struggle and joy of self-discovery.

• July 24, Afro Latin Jazz Alliance: The award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill has enamored international audiences with its dynamic performances featuring the music of jazz legends and new compositions from the Latin music scene.

• July 31, Lady Blackbird: Harnessing a mighty voice and fabulous regalia, Lady Blackbird effortlessly portrays heart-rending yearning in her jazz-soul sets.

Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Concerts

Head to Dumbo for live music and interactive art at this weekly summer series on Thursday evenings starting at 6pm. Live at the Archway features a headlining concert, plus an art exhibit on the Art Wall, where anyone can contribute to a collaborative piece—all totally free. While it's free to attend, you can buy drinks and food from pop-up vendors.

If the weather is iffy, don't worry: the event takes place under the cover of the Manhattan Bridge and goes on rain or shine.

Here's the full schedule:

— July 17: A concert by Brooklyn’s Kaleta & Super Yamba Band with art wall by Dumbo artist Cara Lee Sparry
— July 24: A concert by folk, rock and alt soul singer-songwriter Sug Daniels with art wall by Jenn MackSoud

Pizza Party Alert. Blackbird Presents: The F&F Pizza Sessions is throwing the ultimate pizza party all summer long.

Hosted by acclaimed chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli of F&F Pizzeria, the summer-long pizza party will feature US and international talent all trained in the art of sauce and dough. Kicking it off on May 20, the winner of Food Network television series "Food Network Star" and owner of Gabagool Shop, Christian Petroni will be cooking in the kitchen with Mark Iacono of neighboring Carroll Gardens eatery, Lucali. For the evening, F&F's back garden will be transformed into a pizza enthusiast’s dream, featuring an epic lineup of pies alongside specials straight from the restaurant, from salads to their signature arancini. Cocktails, wine and beer are also included. 

Looking to plan your summer? Here's the full lineup:

  • May 20: Christian Petroni (Gabagool Shop) and Mark Iacono (Lucali)
  • June 9: Carola and Victoria Santoro (Ti Amo Pizzeria) and Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco) 
  • July 15: Frank Pinello (Best Pizza) and Ryan Gray (Elena)
  • August 19: Dan Richer (Razza) and Marc Vetri (Pizzeria Salvy)

Tickets are $175 and include food and drinks. Reserve yours here

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising