Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Every summer, Hudson Yards hosts a slate of free community programs that undoubtedly turns even the biggest area skeptic into a curious wanderer—and for good reason: the lineup is usually great. This year, for example, Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo is bringing outdoor fitness classes to the masses alongside Lululemon; hard-hitting concerts; kid-friendly activations; and even pet adoption days. Sure, the whole thing might be sponsored by a mega-bank, but your glutes won’t notice as you're getting that free workout in. Below, we highlight some of the most exciting offered programming: RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 For fitness-related programming, which will include pickleball and run clubs, you can check out Hudson Yard’s website. Here is a comprehensive list of this summer's programming. Concerts The free concerts will take place between June 25 and August 13 on the Wells Fargo Stage from 6pm until 8pm. June 25: Marc Scibilia July 2: The Knocks July 9: Cian Ducrot July 16: Paul Russell  July 23: Alex Sampson July 30: Brittney Spencer August 6: MXMTOON August 13: TBA Check for updates on concerts here.   Movies Movie nights will take place from 5pm to 7pm. May 9: Freaky Friday May 16: Wicked May 30: Ben and Jerry September 12: Grease September 19: Clueless September 26: Ferris Bueller's Day Off  October 3: Grown Ups October 10: Rent October 17: Legally Blonde October 24: Top Gun Maverick See the latest movie and sports...

At long last, New York City is in bloom. Fragrant lilacs, colorful tulips and perfectly pink cherry blossoms have burst forth after a brutal winter. To celebrate the season, expert florists have wrangled spring blooms into incredible displays across the city. From outdoor flower gardens to indoor floral installations, here are all the free flower shows to see in New York City right now, along with tips to make the most of each experience. RECOMMENDED: Best free things to do in NYC Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes 1. Fleurs de Villes' tribute to Downton Abbey When: Through May 4 Where: Hudson Yards  Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downtown Abbey. More than a dozen local florists showcased their creativity by crafting stunning floral mannequins for the latest Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards. Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." Time Out tip: To highlight the show, Hudson Yards is offering special deals, floral-themed tastings and bouquet workshops. Here's the full list of activations.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for...

An iconic artwork by the elusive street artist Banksy is now on display in Lower Manhattan, and you've got until May 21 to go see it.  The 7,500-pound piece, titled "Battle to Survive a Broken Heart," features a bandaged heart-shaped balloon. Banksy created the artwork during 2013 in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. It's the only known piece that the enigmatic artist came back and retouched. Find it in the The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street.  RECOMMENDED: First look: NYC's new Banksy Museum is a love letter to the artist The tagged wall has been in a climate-controlled warehouse in Long Island City since 2014—until now. It is on public display until it is auctioned by Guernsey's on May 21, with a portion of the sale supporting The American Heart Association. Photograph: By Brian Hatton / Courtesy of Brookfield Place The artwork has a particularly interesting origin story.  In the fall of 2013, 59-year-old Vassilios Georgiadis offered helpful advice to a passing van driver. That van driver turned out to be Banksy, who returned in the middle of the night to create the floating Mylar balloon mural on Georgiadis' warehouse wall. Shortly after its creation, rival artist "Omar NYC" defaced the piece by spray-painting over the heart and scrawling his own name in front of a live crowd. Countering that—and the only time he has ever been known to re-work his art—Banksy revisited the wall at the corner of King and Van Brunt streets and embellished it...

The next time you commute through the 42 St-Grand Central Station subway station, make sure to head through the 7 train entrance at 42nd Street/3rd Avenue to see a new, incredibly intricate and colorful glass mural that will take your breath away. “Abstract Futures” by Hilma’s Ghost (artist duo Sharmistha Ray and Dannielle Tegeder) and fabricated by Miotto Mosaic Art Studios is a 600-square-foot glass mosaic that is inspired by artist Hilma af Klint. Using abstract motifs and color symbolism, the mural takes a cue from Klint and plays with the idea of “portals” and “journeys” as a metaphor for an individual’s transformation and spiritual development in the city, according to MTA Arts & Design. RECOMMENDED: A new Ai Weiwei installation will cover Roosevelt Island in camouflage netting The duo's first project as part of Hilma's Ghost collective was actually a tarot deck also named "Abstract Futures." Roughly 1,500 decks of the kind are still in circulation today, as part of a third edition of the project. As a mural, the re-imagined deck tells New York’s future through symbols that span three segments. In the first portal, “The Fool” goes to NYC in search of something bigger than itself. In the image, you'll notice the concept of passion represented with reds, oranges and pinks, while a funnel conveys the idea of an upward thrust of energy. “The mural’s imagery emphasizes the harnessing of creativity, vitality and intuition as they tap into their inner wisdom and drive,” the...

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

Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downton Abbey. More than a dozen local florists exercised their creativity to create these impressive floral mannequins as part of a new Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards.  Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." RECOMMENDED: The Macy’s Flower Show in NYC guide 2025 Find the displays inside on the main floor of the Hudson Yards shopping complex and be sure to grab a ballot to vote for your favorite (and enter for a chance to win a $500 Hudson Yards gift card). It's pretty tough to choose a favorite, though, as each one exudes its own charm.  Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes For example, the team behind Polycarp Flowers designed an homage to Lady Mary Crawley riding on horseback. They even depicted her riding sidesaddle, just as she did on the show. Hydrangeas, roses, delphinium and leucadendron make up this exquisite display.  In another installation, you'll notice a stunning depiction of the show's character Matthew Crawley created by Dana Baron of Baron Floral. With a WWI military uniform as her...

These days, it might feel like there’s not much reason to dance, which is why it’s more important that we do, actually. Luckily, we live in a city that makes small displays of joy pretty accessible, and Bryant Park is hosting a slate of dance parties to keep our spirits (and heartbeats) up all spring.  Every Wednesday from April 30 to May 15, you'll find dance classes happening near Bryant Park's iconic fountain starting at 6pm, followed by dance parties from 7pm till 8:30pm. RECOMMENDED: Little Island just announced its summer programming, and it looks pretty great Hosted by dance curator and producer Talia Castro-Pozo, this year's dance series will feature music from all over the world, including salsa, Motown and more. The best part? There's no reservation needed, and walk-ups are welcome.  @timeoutnewyork This free, outdoor dance party at @Bryant Park NYC is a great way to blow off stream after-work activity. #nyc #thingstodoinnyc #newyorkcity #fyp ♬ SALSA HABANERO - MICHAEL WAYNE JONES It’s not everyday that you get the chance to take free dance classes and actually get to practice your dance moves in a crowd of people who won’t judge. If you get winded and need a break, though, there will be plenty of food and drink vendors curated by the Hester Street Fair, as well as a selection of beers, wine, themed cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages from Stout NYC.  The celebrations will kick off on April 30 with Cuban violinist Alfredo de la Fe and his band, who will play...

Fragrant lilies, puffy hydrangeas and vibrant mums have combined to create a dreamy floral escape inside Macy's Herald Square location. An annual rite of spring, this year's Macy's Flower Show, titled "Floral Dreams Unfold," is now on view through May 18.  The show begins outside the store with the retailer's signature windows. Each one features lush floral displays, alongside this season's fashions. Then, the journey continues inside, where you'll be met with swirling floral spirals, a shimmery beanstalk decoration and topiary chameleons. As you continue through the store, look for a dragonfly display, a tribute to bees and a cool digital installation. Find the show at 151 W 34th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The destination is free to visit, so be prepared for crowds. Here's a sneak peek at some of the most beautiful installations. RECOMMENDED: The Macy’s Flower Show in NYC guide 2025 Macy's Flower Show 2025 in photos Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York       Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York   Photograph: By Rossilynne...

Each year, SummerStage is one of the most anticipated free events of the summer, bringing dozens of free, outdoor concerts across different parks to sun-starved New Yorkers from June through October. To celebrate its 39th year, the festival is focusing on diversity and will showcase a mix of established and emerging artists and DJs playing an array of genres that include jazz, hip-hop, indie-rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance and more. Here’s everything you need to know about SummerStage’s 2025 festival, including the full lineup.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 Where will SummerStage be? This year’s SummerFest will happen across a variety of parks, including Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, St. Mary’s Park and Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park on Staten Island and, of course, SummerStage’s flagship venue, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.  What’s the theme this year? This year’s lineup focuses on diversity, women performers and artists from around the world. When does the season start? The 2025 season will open on Wednesday, June 4, in Central Park with a free show showcasing the best of New Orleans jazz with headliner Marcus Miller. On June 14, The Aussie BBQ is bringing Australian hip-hop duo Flewnt and Inkabee, indie-pop artist Gordi,...

When in need of a mental break, get yourself to Madison Square Park to walk along a new meditative spiral pathway aptly dubbed Gardens of Renewal. Located across the park’s Redbud and Sparrow Lawns, the new path is a beautifully landscaped spiral that invites reflection while highlighting the political urgency of the climate crisis. As visitors walk through, they’ll encounter a planting palette made up of increasingly rare—and nearly disappearing—native species. Artist Lily Kwong (you may remember her from her gorgeous orchid show a few years ago) collaborated with the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create the destination, which will be accessible through Labor Day.  RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York Photograph: By Rashmi Gill / Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy On Redbud Lawn, the spiral pathway of the Meditation Garden is meant to evoke ancient labyrinths. It's packed with pollinators, herbs and other plants native to the New York region. Several stone benches offer a chance to reflect and to connect with fellow visitors. If you take a moment to sit, you'll likely spot butterflies and bees buzzing around the garden.  There's even a QR code you can scan to hear a meditation designed by sound practitioner Sandra Sears meant to unfold over the duration of your perusal of the spiral. Also check out the customized playlist by DJ Fly Hendrix. "Though meant to provide an important oasis for rest and reflection within the dense urban landscape of...

What's better than a walking tour of New York City? A free walking tour of New York City—and more than 200 of them will be available this May as part of Jane's Walk NYC festival hosted by the Municipal Art Society. This beloved annual event, named after famed activist Jane Jacobs, invites New Yorkers to lead walks that celebrate urban life, culture, hidden gems, street art and more. Any New Yorker can lead a walk—and anyone can attend. The key is registering quickly because the popular events fill up quickly. We're breaking the news on the full list of walks happening this, also shouting out a few of our favorites. Pro tip: register ASAP.  RECOMMENDED: NYC has some cool secrets, so I wrote a book all about them Photograph: By Cameron Blaylock About Jane's Walk This year's Jane's Walk will be held on the weekend of May 2–4, rain or shine, across the five boroughs. Events include guided in-person walks, self-guided and virtual walks. For capacity reasons, RSVPs are required here for in-person walks guided by volunteers.  During the event, New Yorkers of all types—from trained tour leaders to students and passionate community members—share the places and stories that make their neighborhoods unique, explore the hidden aspects of the city and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbors. Walks explore the immigrant experience in the East Village, architecture in Cobble Hill, secrets of Lower Manhattan and more.  "Jane's Walk NYC is a celebration of the vibrancy,...

It’s actually spring in New York now (you can tell by the park benches filled with office workers on their lunch breaks, for starters), which means that we’re keeping an extra eye out for all outdoor activities happening in the next few weeks. A great way to kick off the outdoor season will be right under the Brooklyn Bridge at Gotham Park’s free community block party on Saturday, May 3. Whether you're itching to watch a drum line performance or craving some local bites, there will be loads to do on site next weekend.  RECOMMENDED: SummerStage just announced its 2025 concert lineup The block party will take place on Park Row and Rose Street beneath the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side and it will be Gotham Park's third annual event of the sort. Expect over 3,500 visitors to stop by over the span of six hours: a fun-filled and people-filled happening indeed! You can read through the day's full lineup below but we'd be remiss not to mention some highlights, including live music performances by local drum line Fogo Azul and Church Street School for Music and Art, plus a slew of kid-friendly educational activities organized by the New York Public Library. Here's a full rundown of day: 12pm-1pm: Skateboarding lessons 12pm-12:30pm: Fogo Azul Opening Performance  12pm-6pm: Mural Painting 12:30pm-1pm: Brooklyn Banks Yoga 1pm-1:30pm: Teatro Grattacielo Opera 2pm-2:45pm: 72 Church St Bands 3pm-5:30pm: Skate Jam You can RSVP for your free tickets right here. 

Cherry blossoms tend to steal the spotlight this time of year—and deservedly so. But another pastel flower is worthy of our attention, too: the tulip. These colorful flowers are about to make their seasonal debut, emerging from bulbs deep underground that have survived the winter freeze. One of the best spots to see these botanical marvels is at the West Side Community Garden, a hidden oasis of springtime splendor that is home to more than 10,000 tulips. The volunteer-run garden will host its 47th annual tulip festival from April 12–April 27. Best of all, the massive festival is free and open to all. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC Enter through a wrought iron gate on West 89th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues to find the secret garden, open daily from dawn 'til dusk. Inside, weave through paths packed with plants. How many exactly? Well, volunteers plant about 13,000 tulip bulbs every year!  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out You'll see tulips in every color and variety imaginable. Pink, yellow, red, purple and orange tulips—plus a few cool multi-color  blooms—fill the garden's raised beds. As for varieties, see if you can spot the differences between parrots, darwins and triumphs—all different types of tulips. Adding to the scene are pink cherry blossom petals dropping from the trees, the sweet smell of hyacinths in the air and the vibrant pop of color from azaleas.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for...

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. The Delacorte was closed for much-needed renovations in 2024, but Shakeapeare in the Park is set to return in grand form in the summer of 2025. The popularity of the series means that tickets aren’t always easy to come by—but if you persevere, you can get seats. What is Shakespeare in the Park? Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington. What is being performed this season? Shakespeare in the Park seasons sometimes include two productions. There is only one show in 2025, but it's one of the Bard's best: Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's ever-popular comedy of cross-dressing, cross-purposes and cross-gartered socks. Public Theater resident director Saheem Ali directs a starry cast:...

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...

Did you know that you don’t really have to go to the best museums in New York to see some incredible art? Christie’s New York at 20 Rockefeller Plaza regularly holds public exhibits during set hours to showcase its incredible holdings before they go to auction. This May, in fact, the destination will be chock-full of masterpieces that you can gaze, including works by Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among others. RECOMMENDED: A meditative garden by Lily Kwong has taken root in Madison Square Park Specifically, Christie's 20/21 Spring Marquee Week will feature potential sales by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Expect 39 pieces by the likes of Picasso, Mondrian, Alberto Giacometti and René Magritte, for example, plus a 1982 tripe portrait by Basquiat and selected works by Tiqui Atencio, Ago Demirdjian, Cecily Brown, Ed Ruscha, Simone Leigh, Lisa Brice, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Jenny Saville and others. In addition to the auction times, Christie's will be hosting exhibition hours of the above-mentioned art creations during the following dates:  May 3: 10am–5pm May 4: 1–5pm May 5–14: 10am–5pm May 15: 10am–2pm Photograph: courtesy of Christie’s New York | PIET MONDRIAN, Composition with Large Red Plane, Bluish Gray, Yellow, Black and Blue If you’re rolling in the dough and can afford to bid on art, you’ll want to check out the auctions, which start on May 12: Leonard & Louise Riggio...

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 festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. While the free festival officially kicks off on Saturday, April 26, the event is selling a limited number of tickets for a sneak preview on April 12 and April 19.  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. 

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

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

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.

Every summer, people flock to Central Park in New York to score Shakespeare in the Park tickets. This beloved free annual tradition is produced by the Public Theater at the open-air Delacorte Theater. Sure, you could stay at home and stream Shakespeare movies, but the live outdoor theater experience is unique—and certainly one of the best free things to do in NYC. As has been the case since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, the Public distributes free tickets, but it takes some dedication to get your hands on them. After two years in which distribution shifted largely to a digital lottery, the traditional in-person lineup in Central Park has returned as one of six different ways to get tickets. RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park 1. In Central Park at the Delacorte Tickets are distributed in front of the Delacorte Theater on a first-come, first-served basis at 12pm on the day of the show, so you’ll have to wait in line—likely for a long time—if you want to get in. But it's worth it. Before you go, you'll need to register for a Public Theater Patron ID. Click here do that. Central Park doesn’t open until 6am, and although the Public Theater doesn’t condone it, it is legal to camp out before then by the park entrance at Central Park West and 81st Street. A line monitor from the Public will escort any early birds in when the park opens. We recommend this option only for the very desperate; otherwise, arrive no later than 10am—though we recommend much...

This new immersive art exhibit is like a playground on steroids—and you can visit, climb on it and snap some incredible photos for free. In a tongue-in-cheek nod to Jeff Koons' iconic balloon animal sculptures, the exhibition by artist Cj Hendry is titled "Keff Joons."  Imagine if a tangled mess of balloon animals expanded in size to fill a warehouse. That's what Hendry has created with "Keff Joons." It's a wild sight to see—and experience—and you can see it for yourself from April 11–20 at 50 Gold Street in Brooklyn's Vinegar Hill neighborhood from 10am-5pm daily. Just be prepared to wait in line.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now As an artist, Hendry is known for her playfulness and sense of humor in creating truly immersive exhibits. In this exhibition, long, oversized balloons in pink, red, yellow, green and yellow hues fill the warehouse from floor to ceiling. They look almost like giant sprinkles or wiggly worms. When climbing through the colorful display, you'll feel the squish of balloons under your feet and notice that nostalgic, rubber-like aroma of a bounce house. It's impossible not to smile as you get your bearings, climb and explore. Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York "Balloons are so simple, yet they carry this enormous emotional weight—joy, nostalgia, fragility. I love that they float so effortlessly, but at any moment, they can pop," Hendry said in a statement.  In this adaptation of...

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 April 5-6: Brooklyn Creates at Empire Stores in Dumbo April 26-27: Earth Month pop-up at Center for Brooklyn History in Brooklyn Heights May 10-11: Mother's Day Pop-up at Empire Stores in Dumbo May 17-18: NYCxDESIGN at St. Paul in Cobble Hill May 31-June 1: Brooklyn Brewery Pop-up at Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg

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

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. Even better, all of the screenings listed here are free to attend. 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 movies in the park you can attend in the warmer months. Prefer to watch your favorite films indoors in the A/C? 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