Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Admit it, are you a nosy New Yorker? Same here. Then you can't miss Open House New York this year. The annual event opens the doors of typically off-limit spaces during its festival running from October 17 through 19. This year, more than 300 sites are on the roster, including an exclusive rooftop garden in Rockefeller Center, a city compost facility, an Ellis Island boat and a private gallery in the World Trade Center. Even sites that are public, like Wagner Park and Astoria Pool, offer special behind-the-scenes experiences. Nearly half of the festival is fully free and open to the public—no advance registration or tickets are required. But select venues do require tickets, which are released on October 3 at noon (and they typically go fast!). RECOMMENDED: The best NYC events in October 2025 Every year since 2003, Open House New York has tapped architects, engineers, historians and curators to give everyday New Yorkers a glimpse into the spaces they create and work in. The event was founded in the wake of 9/11 by a grassroots group of architects, led by Scott Lauer, on the belief that "the openness of our shared urban fabric is the foundation of civil society," event organizers explained. "Open House New York Weekend is rooted in the simple but radical act of sharing the city," Kristin LaBuz, executive director of Open House New York, said in a press release. "This festival gives curious New Yorkers a hall pass to explore the people, projects, and places that make this...

After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today.  Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see stunning holiday lights in NYC The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. Past displays have featured a Zodiac calendar, a castle and a tree, all festooned with illuminated flowers, icicles and plenty of glitz. The show repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm.  The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree. Additional windows will showcase Your Story in Lights, a visual ode to making the holidays your own, featuring motifs from the luxury store's holiday campaign and this season's fashions. Find it all at 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) right across from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink and wedged between...

Whether we realize it or not, signs not only help us New Yorkers navigate the city, they also tell us something about the place we call home. Our city's signs are "bold and direct and loud but not screaming at you," explains Seamus Seery, collections manager for the New York Sign Museum at Noble Signs. Bold and direct but not (usually) screaming? Seems just like New Yorkers themselves.  This weekend, you can step inside the New York Sign Museum for mini tours with Seery and other experts to peek at New York City's signs of the past and the present as part of Open House New York. The sign shop and museum will open its doors along with dozens of other typically off-limits places for this weekend-long extravaganza celebrating the fascinating nooks and crannies of the five boroughs. Open House events run from October 17-19; here's the full list of places to visit. RECOMMENDED: Open House 2025: 300+ seriously cool NYC sites you can explore that are typically closed to the public Open House New York was founded in the wake of 9/11 by a grassroots group of architects who believed that "the openness of our shared urban fabric is the foundation of civil society," event organizers explained. It officially debuted in 2003 and has run every year since.  Meanwhile, Noble Signs was founded in 2013 and moved into its Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, building in 2018, adding the New York Sign Museum the following year. It first opened its doors for Open House New York just last year, making it...

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

This elegant intersection of streets is anchored by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, which was completed in 1892 and features reliefs of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2025. 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! Peruse handmade jewelry, apparel, skincare products, tableware, artisanal packaged food, and more. Whether you're shopping for you or a friend (or even getting an early on that holiday shopping), there are plenty of local gems to pick up.  Here's the upcoming FAD Market schedule for 2025 August 9-10: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo August 16-17: Governors Island market September 6-7: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo September 21: Market at Open Streets on Montague  October 4-5: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo October 18-19: Market at Brooklyn Brewery October 25-26: Fall pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill November 8-9: Fall pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo December 6-7: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill  December 13-14: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill  December 20-21: Holiday pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo; holiday pop-up at St. Paul in Cobble Hill 

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

Thanks to dry weather over the past few months, the fall foliage around New York City might not be as extravagantly colorful as we're used to. But we happen to think that even muted fall leaves are worth admiring. Plus, some arboreal experts say we should hold onto hope that this year's leaves might still pull off something stunning. That's why we've rounded up all the best fall foliage trackers around the region. The exact dates for peak hues vary by year and by location, so these trackers will help you make the most of your time. Use these to find colorful leaves around your neighborhood or even to venture outside of the city for a leaf-peeping adventure.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC  Photograph: By Photo Spirit / Shutterstock I Love NY How it works: This detailed map covers the entire state, noting when foliage is reaching its peak. Plus, the site provides a weekly report based on reports from observers.  What to see: Exceptionally vivid reds, oranges, golds, and purples, especially in higher elevations in the Catskills around Livingston Manor and Bethel. Meanwhile, the Adirondacks are lighting up in oranges, rusty brown, russets, golden yellows, reds and occasional dark red leaves near Crown Point. Buffalo is about 45% toward peak with golden yellow, plum and red leaves. Where to find them: First peak colors are arriving in Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Hudson Valley and Greater Niagara Regions. Time Out tip: Make a weekend of it and book...

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...

Though not as easily accessible by public transit as most NYC museums, this Queens County treasure is well worth the bus trek or car ride. As the city’s longest continually farmed site in the city (it’s been in operation since 1697), the 47 acres feels like an entirely different world compared to Manhattan. Feed and pet the barnyard animals, including sheep, ponies and goats, hop aboard a hayride and come back during the fall harvest season when you can go pumpkin picking and attempt to find your way through the Amazing Maize Maze (yes, that’s a corn maze). Don’t forget to stop by the store on your way out for fresh fruits and veggies grown on the premises!

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, delicious bagels from Ess-a-bagel 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

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.

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. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

With New York City named as the second-most expensive city in the world, you know we’re on the hunt for deals. While it basically costs $20 just to walk outside here, sometimes it’s worth the splurge if you’re visiting some of the best restaurants in NYC or seeing that hyped-up Broadway show. But more often than not, we have to choose between going out and paying rent, which just freaking sucks. That’s why Time Out New York is dedicated to helping you find cheap eats and happy hour deals as well as plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. The good news is that you don’t have to skip NYC’s top attractions or events at its beautiful parks. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC 

It’s hard to get good food on the cheap, but for ten years, Queens Night Market has prided itself on offering the city’s best eats for just $5-6. Ranked one of the best food festivals in the U.S., the foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.  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 three million visitors, helped launch 450 new businesses in New York and represented more than 95 countries through its vendors and their food. In 2022, the event averaged over 15,000 attendees each Saturday night. 

Most people associate the sari with its South Asian origin. The New York Historical adds another layer to the garment's story by unearthing how the sari—and those who wear it—made New York City its home in a new exhibit opening soon. "The New York Sari: A Journey Through Tradition, Fashion, and Identity" opens September 12 and runs through April 2026. This exhibition traces the path of the sari from the Indian subcontinent to NYC, going from exotic object of trade to a tradition embraced by many communities. The sari holds many different identities; whether it be within consumer empires, dance and performance or explorations of gender and identity, museum officials explained.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now By way of trade, colonialism and migration, the sari has a worldwide history. It is often recognized by its draping style and is customizable in its pattern, fabric and color. The 21st century sari reflects regional tradition, specific cultural identity and personal expression. More often than not, the sari is worn in instances that reflect reinvention, such as rituals, milestones and womanhood. Photograph: By Jagdeep Raina / Courtesy of The New York Historical "'The New York Sari' illuminates how a centuries-old garment continues to shape identity, artistry and community-building across our city," Louise Mirrer, president of The New York Historical, said in a press release. "This exhibition is a celebration of the sari's complexity—not only...

Every time a New Yorker steps onto the subway, it's not just a ride from point A to point B. It's also a data point. And it's also a story.  A transfixing new art installation by designer Giorgia Lupi now tells those stories on 52 digital screens playing at the top of each hour inside Lower Manhattan's Fulton Transit Center. Rendered in black and white, the animation called A Data Love Letter to the Subway illustrates the visual poetry of the infrastructure that keeps the city moving. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this fall Many subway trains meet up at Fulton Center, a fact Lupi renders with black lines with colorful dots representing each train. Some trains, she writes, spent time underground, while others see the sun. The A and C lines travel together for many miles, but then go their own ways through twists and turns, the artwork shares. Though the story is told through black-and-white imagery and text, its descriptions cleverly anthropomorphize the trains and their journeys.  Photograph: Courtesy of Pentagram Design "I wanted to turn the trains we ride every day into living characters, revealing the hidden choreography and small connections we share underground," she tells Time Out. "It's a reminder that even the most familiar system can hold wonder if you look at it differently; it's about seeing the subway, and our daily journeys, with a bit more poetry and wonder."  We're all part of the same story. As for people, they also travel together, then break...

Bouncing back from Hurricane Sandy, Abraham Merchant (Merchant Rivers House) unveiled a beer-focused waterfront bar on the restored Pier 15. On offer are sea-inspired bar bites like lobster rolls, fish-and-chips, crab cakes and shrimp cocktail with heirloom tomato gazpacho. Sip local craft beers like Bluepoint on red bar stools as you watch sports games on seven flatscreens or, better yet, take in scenic skyline views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. During the day, the bar also doles out cones of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt, fit for indulging your inner kid as you soak up rays on the outdoor deck.

For all of New York’s marathoners, there’s a prize beyond the medal this year. The New York Road Runners organization announced today that after trekking 26.2 miles next Sunday, November 3, marathon participants will be offered free and discounted admissions to some of the city’s well-loved attractions. Museums, historical sites, Broadway shows and more all across the city are included in NYRR’s first Beyond the Finish Line program this year.  “Every year, thousands of runners and millions of spectators flock to New York City for the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, the CEO of New York Road Runners. “By collaborating with other iconic New York institutions that are synonymous with the city, we will extend the impact of the marathon long after runners cross the finish line in Central Park.” Most of the action is taking place on Monday, November 4 after marathon runners have rested. If they haven’t caught The Lion King or Aladdin on Broadway yet, New York Road Runners are hosting showings with discounted tickets and a discussion panel afterwards. All runners will also walk away from the stagings with a special commemorative gift! Photograph: Filip Wolak After completing two dozen miles over five boroughs, many marathoners might not want to stand up for a few days. But if they’re feeling up to celebrating their accomplishment, some of the biggest art museums around the city are offering discounts on November 4. By showing a medal when buying tickets,...

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...

The countdown is on for the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will bring 22 balloons, 33 floats, 7 balloonicles, 11 marching bands, 28 clown crews and performers galore to the streets of Manhattan.  The parade kicks off at 8:30am and runs until noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. Whether you're lining up early to get a prime viewing spot or watching at home in your pajamas, here's everything you need to know about this iconic American event.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Thanksgiving in NYC Where is the Thanksgiving parade in New York?  The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over Manhattan on the holiday. It starts at 77th St and Central Park West and heads down to 34th Street to Macy's Herald Square.  Photograph:By Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc. Do you need tickets for Macy’s Thanksgiving parade? Nope! It's free and open to the public. Just be prepared to show up early to claim a spot along the parade route. Where to watch the parade in NYC There are 2.5 miles of public viewing. It kicks off at West 77th Street & Central Park West and flows down Central Park West before winding around Columbus Circle and onto Central Park South and Sixth Avenue. Finally, it files down Sixth Avenue to Macy’s Herald Square. Here's the full route.  Keep in mind that there are some closures to public viewing. For example, there's no public viewing on Central Park West between West 59th & West 60th Streets, nor at West 77th Street & Central Park...

In the shadow of the Empire State Building, a nine-foot-tall gorilla gazes toward the iconic skyscraper. A few steps away, a massive brown bear raises its head curiously, and a polar bear lifts a paw into the air. These gigantic sculptures newly placed along Park Avenue look remarkably lifelike—and incredibly cute.  They also raise important messages about the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, especially endangered species. The sculpture collection by renowned French artist Michel Bassompierre titled "Fragile Giants" is on view along Park Avenue between 34th and 38th Streets. This open-air gallery is free to visit through May 11, 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer The powerful open-air installation features nine monumental animal sculptures, which stand tall as majestic figures among the city's skyscrapers. Many of the sculptures have already toured through Europe, but there's one sculpture that was unveiled exclusively for New York City. Titled "Le Majestueux (The Majestic)," it's Bassompierre's largest gorilla sculpture to date. Find it at the corner of Park Avenue and 34th Street with a serene presence and noble form meant to honor the strength and dignity of its species.  This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it. "We need to create wonder," the artist said in a press release. "This reconnection with the beauty of nature is necessary to make people want to protect it."  Photograph:...

If you need another reason to get outside this summer, NYC street fairs take over various blocks in all five boroughs when the weather gets warmer. While frolicking along the city's sidewalks, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC, score stellar throwback wares, and shop local. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at music festivals to admiring some outdoor art. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, including awesome free things to do, while the streets are full of fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

The name says it all: the sports complex's Toddler Adventure Center is designed exclusively for its littlest patrons. Its safe, open-play environment allows tots (and parents) to roam freely, and the equipment encourages kids to hone their motor and social skills by crawling, jumping, running about and exploring with one another. Ages 6mos–4years.