blossom trees in brooklyn botanical garden
Photograph: Caroline Voagen NelsonBrooklyn Botanic Garden
Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

Looking for a cool thing to do that won’t break the bank? Discover the best affordable events in New York.

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Huzzah! Find hundreds of great events in New York in our ever-updated list of inexpensive things to do. We’ve compiled concerts, parties, festivals, comedy and theater shows, tastings and more that won’t be a strain on your wallet.

RECOMMENDED: Full list of cheap things to do in NYC

  • Sports and fitness
  • Sports & Fitness
The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon is nearly upon us. The barricades are going up around Central Park. The gel packs are being readied in apartments across the city. The carb-loading has begun in the city's best restaurants. More than 50,000 runners from New York City and across the globe will hit the streets on Sunday, November 3, to raise money for charities, chase personal goals, and have a ton of fun as the city turns into a party. Among the crowd, expect to see a few familiar faces. These stars, from TV, film, sports, and entertainment will test their personal mettle to the test as they try to earn a medal for running 26.2 miles across all five boroughs. If you want to cheer them on, here’s our guide to the best places to watch. You can also follow along with their times on the NYC Marathon app.  RECOMMENDED: The NYC Marathon 2024 guide Which celebrities are running the NYC Marathon 2024?  Jack Coyne The brain behind Public Opinion, the delightful street-side trivia gameshow, is running the marathon this weekend. Coyne, who is our cover star this month, described his preparation to Time Out New York as "a very life affirming thing."   Jaeki Cho Content creator Jaeki Cho of Righteous Eats is running the marathon, and obviously he complied a great video of his favorite places to carb load. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Righteous Eats (@righteouseats) Amy Robach She's used to running interviews on 20/20 and Good Morning America,
  • Art
  • Art
If you're a fan of precarious art, then you're definitely going to appreciate Canstruction, an annual competition featuring a series of larger-than-life sculptures created by architects using thousands of cans.  This year, you'll get to browse through 23 can-tastic works of art at Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street in downtown Manhattan until November 11. The best part? It's all for a great cause.  RECOMMENDED: The A train will not run in the Rockaways for five months next year Once the exhibition is over, all of the canned foods used in the sculptures will be donated to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that aims to tackle food insecurity throughout New York City by distributing millions of pounds of fare each year. Since its 1982 founding, the organization has salvaged more than a billion pounds of fresh food and redistributed it to pantries, soup kitchens and more. Anyone can join in on this fun for a cause: this year, visitors can drop off their owned canned donations at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. Once you see the sculptures for yourself, you can also vote for your favorite one here.  Canstruction has been mounted for 32 years across many different cities but, each time, the sculptures in New York City end up being just a little better than the rest (okay, we're a little biased). Past entries have depicted a MetroCard, Buckingham Palace, Yoda, a bodega cat and more. This year, there will be guides who will tell visitors more about how the sculptures w
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  • Things to do
  • City Life
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, marathon
  • Things to do
  • City Life
Soon, we'll know who the next president of the United States will be and, needless to say, this is one of the most contentious and anxiety-inducing elections in recent memory—especially since recent polls have shown that the two candidates are currently neck-and-neck.  Even though we're all biting our nails, there is one silver lining for New Yorkers: businesses all over the city are offering free stuff and discounts to those who vote.  Here are some items you can enjoy gratis, as long as you present your "I voted" sticker!  RECOMMENDED: You can grab a limited-edition Olivia Rodrigo MetroCard starting on Monday 1. Free beer One bar, the East Harlem Bottling Co, located at 1711 Lexington Avenue, in the part of Harlem known as El Barrio, is hosting a watch party during which they will gift a free beer to anyone who shows up with an "I voted" sticker on Election Day (that would be Tuesday, November 5).  You might want to consider ordering some fare off the menu while there as well. Perhaps the Bottling Co burger, made with a house-blend patty, sharp cheddar, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and bacon aioli served on a brioche bun.  2. Bagels—gratis Violife, the dairy-free cheese brand, is setting up Election Day pop-up breakfast trucks where you can get free Utopia bagels slathered in, of course, Violife's dairy free cream cheese. Utopia is often considered one of the city's top bagel destinations so, if you've never had one, next Tuesday would be the perfect time to do so. The t
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  • Things to do
  • City Life
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing the TCS New York City Marathon, then you know that gawking at the athletes sprinting across town is just half the fun. For some of us, the main event is actually watching thousands of New Yorkers gather along the 26.2 mile-long route to cheer on the runners in ridiculous costumes and hilariously creative signs that are meant to get the marathoners’ attentions and help them crack a smile during an experience we can only imagine is beyond grueling.  Thankfully this year, New Yorkers came through with their iconic signs once more. Here are some of our favorites that were found along the marathon's route this year.  RECOMMENDED: 20 quick, to-go services in NYC that won't slow you down 1. Fierce & Moist like Moo Deng Some of the best signs at the marathon had a way of capturing the specificity of this moment in history, and 2024's It Girl was Moo Deng. If you're not chronically online, Moo Deng is a baby pygmy hippo at a zoo in Thailand that broke the Internet for being adorably rambunctious, and we could only hope to be as fierce and moist as her.   Photograph: Delia Barth for Time Out 2. Run! Eric Adams is behind you. Our disgraced Mayor, who was indicted last month on corruption charges, has been the butt of every joke recently—and he deserves it.  Photograph: Delia Barth for Time Out 3. Pain is just French for bread I mean, this is just an objective fact.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chafi
  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
One of the most anticipated and festive events of the year is nearly here: the massive Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony that takes place after Thanksgiving and is accompanied by a celebrity host, performances and other super duper cheerful activities.  If you're planning to attend the event this year, we already have some of the details, including who's hosting, where the tree is coming from and more. Here's everything we know so far about this year's celebration. RECOMMENDED: NYC events in November 2024 When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony this year?  The 2024 tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4. The festivities start at 8pm and the tree lighting itself will happen at 10pm.  Who is hosting the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in 2024?  Earlier this week, the incomparable Kelly Clarkson announced that she will be hosting the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony for a second year in a row. "I don't know why, but it's so beautiful when you're standing there and I just, I don't know, I was all the sudden in a Charlie Brown movie and it was magical," Kelly Clarkson said on The Kelly Clarkson Show, referring to how much she loved playing host to the happening last year. Honestly, we can't think of anyone better to be on the mic this year. Who is performing at this year's lighting ceremony? Although performers for this year's ceremony haven't been announced yet, Clarkson promised "the best music (and) star-studded surp
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  • Museums
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
  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Battery Park City
Canstruction
Canstruction
This annual cans-for-a-cause competition pits architecture teams against each other to create larger-than-life art installations using thousands upon thousands of cans of food, all in the name of ending hunger (every can is donated to City Harvest). Head to Brookfield Place in Manhattan (230 Vesey Street) from October 31-November 11 (10am-7pm) to see the unveiling of these engineering spectacles, all built after months of planning. Then check back to see if your favorite takes home any titles in judges’ categories like Best Use of Labels, Best Meal and Structural Ingenuity. You can even vote for your favorite sculpture once the sculptures are unveiled.  Every year, teams go all out with creativity. Expect to be wowed by 23 differents sculptures. Past sculptures have included a hot air balloon, a bodega cat, baby Yoda, Winnie the Pooh, Mario, Buckingham Palace, a pigeon sipping a coffee, and lots more. This the 32nd year for Canstruction. Each year, the event results in the largest annual single donation of canned food to City Harvest. This year's donations will help reach the organization's goal of rescuing and delivering more than 81 million pounds of food to pantries and soup kitchens across New York City. Admission is free, but do your part by donating some canned goods to the cause.
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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
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  • Art
  • Art
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
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  • Things to do
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
  • Art
  • Art
Dia de Los Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday that honors the dead, entered the American cultural zeitgeist in the past decade in large part thanks to Hollywood movies like Coco. This fall, our continued fascination with the Day of the Dead will go beyond TV screens and be in full, tactile display at Grand Central Terminal, thanks to a huge floral display that will stand smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s busiest train stations.  RECOMMENDED: Grand Central Terminal gains a massive French brasserie This won’t be just any floral display—it’s going to be an interpretation of an ofrenda, which means “offering” in Spanish. Traditionally, ofrendas are crafted during Dia de los Muertos and created out of flowers, candles, paper, and other materials and are accompanied with food and water that people leave out for their ancestors.  The massive ofrenda will be built by Raúl Àvila, the iconic florist mastermind behind Met Gala decor, who is using thousands of marigolds to create the stunning display. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to check out the ofrenda—New Yorkers will be able to enjoy his creation for two days only, starting on Tuesday, October 29, and ending on Wednesday, October 30.  The giant offering, which will be called "Living Ofrenda," will be supported by Espolòn Tequila, which means that there will some booze options on deck, obviously. Guests who are over 21 will be able to sample the brand's newest liquor, Flor de Oro, which is inspired by the mari
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  • Art
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.
  • Eating
Did you know that iconic New York business Magnolia Bakery has been testing a new line of frozen-to-thaw banana pudding products for the past three years? Well, the wait is now over: the company has announced that the novel items will be available on DoorDash, Amazon Fresh and more starting November 18. To celebrate the occasion, Magnolia Bakery is actually setting up a free banana pudding vending machine in Brooklyn from November 15 through 17. RECOMMENDED: A Mariah Carey holiday pop-up bar is taking over NYC this month New Yorkers will get to grab the iconic dessert at Cafe Balearica at 44 Berry Street by North 11th Street in Williamsburg throughout the weekend from 5pm to 4am on Friday and from 2pm to 4am on Saturday and Sunday. Cafe Balearica will also be serving a banana daiquiri to go along with the free treat, making the whole experience that much sweeter—both literally and figuratively. Photograph: Courtesy of Magnolia Bakery The new frozen banana pudding packages, which look just like ice cream cartons, comes in three different flavors: wafer cookie bits, chocolatey hazelnut swirl and red velvet cookie bits. As delicious as all three of them sound, they are certainly a step away from the classic banana pudding that has earned the bakery part of its legendary reputation since first setting up shop in NYC back in 1996. Alas, Magnolia Bakery is diversifying its business model while staying true to its roots: just last week, the company announced that it is now selling
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  • Things to do
  • City Life
New Yorkers are used to the many public art sculptures that decorate NYC’s vibrant streets and parks. But a new set of statues have come to the Meatpacking District that are setting a whole new bar for the city’s public art scene.  One hundred life-size elephants have appeared in the Meatpacking District and will be on view through October 2024 as part of “The Great Migration,” a global fundraising effort to uplift Indigenous voices and motivate the human race to share space with their animal neighbors. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer “The Great Migration” relies on the collaboration between Indigenous artisans, contemporary artists, and cultural institutions, all of whom work together to raise money to fund human-wildlife coexistence projects. The funds are also used in biodiversity conservation and protection efforts of migratory animals that traverse land, skies, oceans and seas.  Each elephant is created by The Coexistence Collective, a group of 200 indigenous artists from the Bettakurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan and Soliga communities of India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu. Over the past five years, the collective has made sure each elephant is perfectly detailed to give life to each animal sculpture, drawing from both their own experience and generational knowledge of nature and wildlife.  Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York The elephants are made from lantana camara, a flowering plant and one of the world’s most invasi
  • Things to do
  • price 1 of 4
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 
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  • Things to do
  • City Life
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
  • Food court
  • DUMBO
  • price 1 of 4
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
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  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
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! 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 2024 August-October (third weekend of the month): Governors Island MarketOctober 5-6: Fall Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo (next to Time Out Market!)  October 26-27: Fall Market at The Invisible Dog Art Center in Boerum Hill November 2-3: Fall Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo (next toTime Out Market!)  December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: Holiday Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo (next toTime Out Market!)  December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: Holiday Market at St. Paul’s in Cobble Hill December 7-8, 14-15, 21-22: Holiday Market at The Invisible Dog Art Center in Boerum Hill
  • Health and beauty
  • price 1 of 4
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
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  • Things to do
  • Events & Festivals
Believe it or not, the holidays are around the corner already, which means Bryant Park's iconic Winter Village is about to come back.  Although the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park doesn't open until October 25, you can actually make your reservations online now to avoid missing out on some of the most popular activities. Here's how. RECOMMENDED: This new immersive exhibit at Mercer Labs is literal nightmare fuel First thing's first: You don't need to make a reservation to actually attend the market and enjoy the more than 170 small businesses that will be selling holiday-related wares at the Village. But you do need to reserve tickets for ice skating, booking an igloo, or snatching your spot at the coveted Curling Café, where for $338 dollars you can play iceless curling, eat and drink with three other people and then cozy up in your own private heated dome. Ice skating at the rink with rental equipment will cost you anywhere between $18-$55—or free if you bring your own skates. Meanwhile, the igloos, which are heated and perfect for intimate gatherings like small birthday parties, will cost you $242.69 per group of 4, or $485.36 for a group of 5 to 8 people. You can reserve your spot for any of those activities here.  Next to the famous 17,000-square-foot skating rink, The Lodge, a big food hall and bar, will offer seasonal food and beverages like apple cider. The Lodge will also have two full-service bars with festive cocktails and major holidays vibes next to
  • Things to do
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 sidwalks, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC and score stellar throwback wares and antiques as you would find at our city’s finest vintage clothing stores. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at outdoor concerts to peeping at some street 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
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  • Attractions
  • Arcades and amusements
  • price 1 of 4
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.
  • Things to do
Organizations that help the homeless in NYC
Organizations that help the homeless in NYC
Homelessness is a serious issue around the country, especially in NYC. As temperatures drop, the situation becomes even more dire. Fortunately there are organizations working tirelessly to help the homeless, and you can get involved. Whether you want to give back through a holiday volunteer opportunity or, even better, commit to volunteering regularly, here are some amazing non-profit organizations that help the homeless in NYC. These organizations offer shelter and counseling, advocate for fair housing, provide job training, serve meals and more, all to benefit the homeless. Contact each organization directly to find out what kind of volunteer work they need most. Some may need people with a particular skill set, others just need donations, and others need hands-on help. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding thing to do, and helping the homeless is an urgent and constant need. If you wish to include homeless animals in your volunteer search, check out these pet adoption organizations in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Where to volunteer in NYC
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  • Sex and dating
  • price 1 of 4
BDSM
BDSM
PaddlesIn search of public options for curious newbies, I visit NYC's holdout nonprivate dungeon. The simple setup, found behind a marked door under an inconspicuous Chelsea awning, isn't intimidating. There's a bar selling soft drinks and a few rooms full of contraptions catering to individual interests—such as a chair to help fetishists get a faceful of a partner's feet. Unadorned corridors of cages and Saint Andrew's crosses are scattered around. My friend and I arrive just before 3am on a Saturday, as the space was converting from a well-lit coed atmosphere to the darker men-only party. Still, a half-dozen suburban types linger on a stage with a giant mirror behind it, setting up one last "scene" (a fantasy scenario). Everyone I meet is helpful, down-to-earth and eager to talk, including the Brit who'd arrived in town with a mind to getting caned. He met a German couple outside the club, took them for a drink and convinced the woman to do the honors. There's no pressure here; everything that you do or have done to you is consensual. Quietly watching is permissible; if you witness an act between two people who intrigue you, etiquette dictates you wait until they're through to approach them. There's no penetration or booze—stipulations that have helped the club avoid being shut down—so it's about leaving your street clothes at the door ($2) to reveal your leather skivvies; purchasing a cat-o'-nine-tails ($50--$70) from a spread of switches, whips and paddles on a lighted di
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