Amy Ellison

Want to cheer on your loved one in the biggest race of the year, the TCS New York City Marathon? The route is huge at 26.2 miles, so you need to plan on where you’ll watch them run. The 2025 NYC Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 2, starting at 8am.  The entire city turns into a party to cheer on our the incredible runners. Below, find the full NYC Marathon route, its starting and stopping points and how to watch it live on TV. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC Marathon 2025 Where does the NYC Marathon route start? The route typically begins on Staten Island and exits Staten Island via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It takes runners through Brooklyn and then into Queens before entering Manhattan.  Where does the NYC Marathon route end? After a trip up into the Bronx, runners head back down into Manhattan and enter Central Park, where they finish. You can see the full route map here. What does the route look like? Here's a preview of the course, courtesy of New York Road Runners. Where can I watch the race? You can watch runners finish from the East Side Grandstand Seating (you’ll need a ticket) or you can see them go by from the sidewalks at the following points: Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn (Miles 2-4): Catch runners as they exit the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and move along Fourth Avenue. Subway: R Fourth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue (Mile 8): Subway: B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5 Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Miles 10-13): Claim sidewalk space along streets li

We're throwing the spookiness into high gear with events for Halloween in NYC. October is filled with costume parties, haunted houses, corn mazes, parades and even dog parades — and we're so ready! Don't bother breaking out your sewing kit, New York's greatest Halloween stores have plenty of options to make you look really spooky. Make sure to check out our NYC events in October too for even more activities to finish off the month in killer spirits.  Bookmark this link because we'll be updating this guide all autumn long. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

While some of us spend fall dreaming of hot apple cider, hayrides and picking apples and pumpkins, others are eagerly planning for the upcoming terror-fest that is Halloween in NYC. In addition to finding a costume (check out the best Halloween stores in the city) and choosing which Halloween events to attend, it’s time to start thinking about all the haunted houses in NYC to hit up. These haunted houses are intense with thrills and chills that will shake you to your core. You’ll experience ghouls, gore and plenty of undead action, but don’t we all love a good scream around Halloween? If you’re looking for a real-life creep-out, there are plenty of haunted places and spooky spots in the city that will give you the willies any time of year, but these haunted houses in NYC offer peak terror that’s perfect for the Halloween season. So take in a few of the best horror movies and head out to celebrate the scariest time of year.

Autumn in New York just might be one of the best seasons of the year. We’re no longer melting from the summer heat, leisurely strolls become pleasurable again, thoughts turn to outdoor dining and spending time in NYC’s parks like our beloved Central Park, and best of all the leaves start to turn. The brilliant colors of fall can add a pep to your step as you breathe in the crisp cool air. So if you’re wondering where to see fall foliage in NYC, look no further. These spots around the city will be bursting with the reds, yellows and oranges of fall. You might think leaf-peeping is primarily for New Englanders, but New Yorkers have plenty of options for viewing the foliage in and around the city. From a stroll through a park to a train ride through the Adirondacks, natural beauty is definitely within reach. When planning your fall viewing, be sure to check out some apple-picking spots near NYC. And if New York City fall foliage is not enough, check out our guide to all the other great spots where you can see fall foliage in the US. Recommended: The best things to do this fall in NYC

In the city that never sleeps, there are haunted places in NYC whose inhabitants might keep you up at night or heading home early. From historic haunted houses to long-time taverns, the tenants at these venues might give off an eerie feeling or prompt a sudden urge to change your plans. Fact or fiction, these personas of paranormal activity will put you on high alert if you’re brave enough to pay a visit or take ghost tours. So keep your eyes wide open while reading about some of the spookiest places in NYC and deciding what to do for Halloween. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

Halloween enthusiasts start prepping for the holiday even before the first leaves start to turn. There’s so much to plan, from picking a pumpkin to finding the perfect costume and decorations. To really get in the mood for Halloween, these NYC ghost tours should be on the checklist, too. The city is full of legit spooky spots and haunted places, from cemeteries and haunted mansions to a crumbling hospital and tragedy-prone island. These NYC ghost tours will take you through all the nooks and crannies where real-life horrors and paranormal sightings happened right in our own backyard. Be warned, however: you may never look the same way at certain neighborhoods ever again. After uncovering local frights on an NYC ghost tour, you can opt for a more interactive screamfest at a haunted house, or just stay safely indoors with some popcorn and one of the best horror movies. RECOMMENDED:Cheap things to do in NYCThe best outdoor art in NYCThe best NYC night markets This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

At the end of summer every year, the tennis world’s eyes turn to NYC, home to the U.S. Open, which is one of four major annual tennis tournaments. You might be hankering to get courtside to see the matches live, but find yourself having to settle for the next best thing—watching topspins and backhands while sipping something cold from the comfort of the city’s best neighborhood sports bars. But where should you go to watch them? In some places, you can watch for free and first-come, first-served, while others suggest reservations or require minimum spending. Here are nine great options for local sports bars, patios, restaurants and more that are offering a chance to catch the 2024 U.S. Open, which is happening from August 26 to September 8. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the U.S. Open in NYC

As much as New Yorkers love their city, they want to be transported to another space and time — at least that's the trend museums, companies and artists are capitalizing on. Immersive exhibits, events and experiences are popping up all over NYC these days. From theatrical experiences to trippy digital art taking over massive spaces, there's no shortage of ways to be immersed in a different reality. With so many ways to be immersed, we decided it was high time to round up all the cool, immersive events, exhibits and experiences happening in NYC now and coming up soon so you won't miss the chance to experience something new and potentially mind-blowing. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

Dumbo, Brooklyn is home to arguably one of NYC's greatest glow-ups. The neighborhood, once dominated by aging warehouses, has been reimagined with upscale shops, apartment buildings, and offices that offer some of the best waterfront views of Manhattan (including the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge).  Aside from top-notch restaurants and renewed public spaces, the area draws awesome events throughout the year while the Dumbo Business Improvement District hosts community gatherings and weekend flea markets beneath the Manhattan Bridge. Speaking of markets, Time Out Market New York, a marketplace-style dining experience by yours truly, rounds out the flourishing food scene—treat yourself to meals from some of the top chefs in the city, order drinks from the venue’s various bars, and catch top-tier entertainment curated by Time Out New York's editors.  How to get to Dumbo, Brooklyn Take the 2/3 train to Clark Street, the A/C to High Street or the F train to York Street.

Despite the "mall-ification" of the neighborhood (and consequent slow-moving foot traffic), this quintessential retail-rich area is an intoxicating consumer playground. You can shop in Soho for everything from cheap street fashion to upscale designer garb and stylish items from home decor stores. We've selected the best shops in the area, from faves to little-known gems. When shopping fatigue sets in, retire to one of the best bars in Soho for a pick-me-up. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Soho, New York

Looking for the best things to do in Brooklyn? There's no shortage. Kings County is chock-full of stellar Brooklyn attractions, fantastic restaurants and bars, and fun things to do. The ever-beautiful and lush Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden definitely earn the right to be included here. But we made sure to highlight a few hidden gems amid the well-known haunts. From Williamsburg to Red Hook and Dumbo to Crown Heights, here are the best things to do in the borough. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Brooklyn, NYRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Brooklyn RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in Brooklyn

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! Locations such as the High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and other NYC locales all have a wide variety of pieces awaiting you, from massive sculptures to eye-popping murals and graffiti. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit. Below, find the best outdoor art in NYC to stroll by for a DIY walking tour. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

Need some plans for Halloween? Queens' iconic Bohemian Hall Beer Garden will play host to Quiet Events Silent Scream Halloween Extravaganza, a silent disco experience from 9pm to 1am on October 31.  Upon arrival, every guest will receive glow sticks and a pair of glowing wireless headphones to wear for the night, which will play three different live DJs, spinning different genres all night. Pick from the red channel to hear '80s and '90s throwbacks; the blue channel will have hip-hop and R&B; green will have EDM and a top 40 playlist.  The night promises costumes, craft brews, a full bar and a historic beer garden as the backdrop. Tickets are $25 if purchased early online, or $35 at the door. 

On Halloween night, step into the shadows of the Financial District for a night of cinematic mischief and Halloween heat at NYC's very own crimson Continental Club, A.K.A., the iconic spot where they filmed some scenes from the John Wick movies.  The doors open at 8pm (arrive before 10:30 at least), and start off with some drink specials until 9pm to fuel up before the mayhem begins. The rest of the night will have DJs, dancing and of course, wicked costumes. The night doesn't end until 1am so you can keep the dance floor alive all night long.  Expect a night that feels like a scene out of a movie (literally) and you're the star. Earlybird tickets are on sale now for $25, or you can get in for $40 at the door. 

Calling all real life supermen! Are you and/or a friend searching for love? Head to House Watch in the East Village on Friday, October 24 for the "Rescue Me Halloween Party" dedicated to men that are first responders and women of all professions.  Whether your a firefighter, EMS/paramedic, cop or military personnel, this event promises thrills, chills and maybe some mouth-to-mouth resucitation. Come in your uniform/gear or wear a costume—ladies, costumes are highly recommended. Mix and mingle with NYC's finest and bravest from 8pm to 1am (arrive before 10:30pm to get in).  Heads up that this part is open ONLY to men who are legitimate and active/retired first responders. However, their civilian guy friends can tag along, too. First responders with valid agency ID get to drink for free from 8-9pm.  Get tickets early now for $25 or at the door for $30. 

Get outside for the fourth annual City of Forest Day on October 4 with over 100 events across all five boroughs. City of Forest Day is an annual day offering activities across the city to raise awareness for the importance of the NYC urban forest. The goal is for New Yorkers to understand the essential role they play every day in caring for the "lungs" of the city.  Venues for the day include dozens of outdoor and indoor spots over the city including parks, libraries, community gardens and more. The free events run from 8am to 8pm. It's presented by Forest for All NYC in partnership with the Parks and Open Space Partners coalition and NYC Parks. The full schedule for the day is live now on their site here. 

Being single on Halloween doesn't have to be scary. Find your "boo" at the Halloween Singles Soiree happening on Halloween night hosted by Single and the City at House Watch in the East Village.  Things will kick off around 8pm with a "Scary Movie" icebreaker designed to get conversations flowing. The rest of the night will be full of dancing, with a DJ spinning hip-hop, R&B and top 40. Costumes are also highly recommended, as there will be a costume contest voted on by all attendees. The night ends around 2am—plenty of time to find your person for life (or just the night).  Earlybird tickets are $25 if purchased online beforehand, otherwise they're $40 at the door (they might sell out, so booook early). 

Word lovers and comedy fans, you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind game show on Septmeber 24 at Caveat NYC. Fightin Words! is a live, language-based show where three comedians try to introduce a new word of their invention to the PEOPLE'S LEXICON by competing in original word games. The show is a spin off from Vocabaret, a monthly Caveat staple since 2019. The show's performers are Dan Rosen, Gary Simons, Brittany Carned, and it's hosted by Ally Spier. 

The Village Trip kicks off its seventh year on September 19, aiming to break through the cloud of uncertainty that hovers over our city and nation with 10 days of music, talks, tours, art, comedy and fun. The festival celebrates culture and community in Greenwich Village and the East Village/Lower East Side.  Some key events include the "Bernstein Remix!," a lineup of performers organized by Jamie Bernstein made to rethink and re-interpret her father's music and words. There's also the "Village Voices" with baritone James Martin and pianist Lynn Raley performing the world premieres of work by David Amram, Carman Moore and Maria Thompson Corley. Be sure to catch "It's Complicated: New York's 400-year Relationship with its Waterfront," a panel discussion with critic Michael Kimmelman, Dutch architect Matthijs Bouw, Hudson River Park Trust president Noreen Doyle and oyster entrepreneur Moody Harney.  Click here for tickets and the full schedule. 

The Six Foot Platform immersive public art experiences are back in Dumbo for seven Saturdays from September 6 to October 18 on one of New York City's most iconic blocks, the car-free Washington Street. Seven Brooklyn based artists will present experimental art and performances on a six foot by six foot platform from 12pm to 6pm. Upcoming events include "Bark Tarot," an audience-participatory installation where pieces of bark incorporate a cut-out word from newspapers distributed in New York; "Face to Face Toilets (Revisited)," a public performance and sculptural installation exploring intimacy, vulnerability and absurdity in shared spaces; and "Dumbo Dreams," which invites the public to play with three giant, hand-painted fortune tellers. 

In the middle of New York Fashion Week chaos and what is bound to be a wild NYC election season, there will be bridging of both: a bipartisan group of NYC elected officials will strut the runway in the name of fashion.  Style Across the Aisle will return on September 10 at New York County Surrogate's Court with its signature runway show where NYC politicians become models with local designers dressing them. The show benefits both local designers and small businesses, as well as the non-profit Witness to Mass Incarceration which helps justice system impacted individuals. Plus, some of the program's participants will be designing looks for the runway.  General admission for the show is $300 and you can purchase your ticket here. 

Got a wall to fill? This walk-around expo unites thousands of contemporary artworks under one roof, spotlighting painting, sculpture, photography and other artistic media. See artwork from over 400 local, national and international artists. The fair runs from September 17-21 at the Starrett-Lehigh Building.  Don’t let the name fool you: If you’re coming to buy, you should be prepared to spend in the range of three or four digits; to qualify as "affordable," the original artworks must be priced below $12,000. The least expensive works start at $100. Even if you can’t find something within your budget, you'll still get to check out pieces by a bunch of amazing artists. This year's fair will present Brazilian artist Fabiana Preti in her New York debut. Based in São Paulo, Preti's practice explores the interplay of line, shape, texture and color through painting, ceramics and sculpture.  Passes cost around $30-$85. 

Grab your dancing shoes and head to Manhattan West for a series of Works & Process performances this September. Every Wednesday this month at 5pm, the free outdoor series will transform Manhattan West Plaza into a stage for New York City's top dancers and choreographers, with performances and open dance parties celebrating salsa, swing, Latin hustle and more.  Here's the lineup:   — September 10: Enjoy swing music with Gaby Cook and Eyal Vilner Big Band— September 17: Get into the salsa spirit with Sekou McMiller & Friends with the Palladium Mambo Band— September 24: Try out queer line dancing and two-stepping with Stud Country 

There’s no spookier way to welcome the Halloween season than to visit Blood Manor, the popular 10,000-square-foot haunted house that’s actually deemed too scary for children under 14 years of age. Visitors will confront their deepest fears as they journey through dark, sinister corridors filled with twisted characters and scares at every turn. Incorporating state-of-the-art special effects, BloodManor brings unparalleled realism to the haunting experience.  This year features all new costumes from Abracadabra, NYC's ultimate Halloween store, plus a terrifyingly talented team of trained actors, set designers, make-up artists and more. Expect an unprecedented level of horror and excitement, spanning three new rooms—from cursed mansions to abandoned asylums, every theme promises to invoke terror and adrenaline.  Blood Manor is open every weekend and some weekdays from October 3 to November 8 at 359 Broadway in downtown Manhattan. General admission starts at $50 per ticket. You can purchase tickets for a timed entry here.

Experience the artistry of ballet in completely new way at this immersive photography exhibit by Brad Walls. Set within a monochromatic red environment, the new exhibit "PASSÉ" celebrates movement, stillness and symmetry—showcasing ballet in a minimalist, yet intimate perspective. It makes for a beautifully choreographed dance that seems to leap from the walls. "PASSÉ" is on view September 12–14 from 10am to 6pm at 347 Broome Street in Nolita.  RECOMMENDED: 17 NYC art exhibitions we're most excited about in fall 2025 During viewings, guests will enter through The Red Room, walking a full-length red carpet originally used during the shoot itself. Life-sized prints will line the space at eye level, placing viewers face-to-face with the dancers in intense detail. Walls invites viewers to not just observe the beauty of ballet, but to step into the lives and stories of the dancers themselves.  Walls is an Australian visual artist known for transforming everyday subjects into art that contains compositions of symmetry, space and form. Now based in New York, Walls rose to fame with his signature minimalist birds-eye perspective, capturing everything from synchronized swimmers to ballet dancers.  Photograph: Courtesy of PASSÉ   The catalyst for the project started with a moment of vulnerability during Walls' first ballet shoot in 2021 featuring dancer Montana Rubin when a group of young triplets approached Rubin and were visibly moved. "It reminded me that ballet, while celebrated

The most recognizable cocktail in history is finally being celebrated this month, and it is all going down in Brooklyn.  The first-ever Martini Expo will be held on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, 13 at Sunset Park's Industry City. The weekend will be full of seminars, presentations, tastings, guest bartender appearances and events, all dedicated to the greatest cocktail ever. The expo is hosted by journalist Robert Simonson, who has written extensively about cocktails, spirit and bars for The New York Times and is also behind the Substack newsletter, "The Mix with Robert Simonson."  RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—there are only two ways to enjoy a martini in NYC The weekend kicks off with the "Ultimate Martini Dinner"—a multi-course dinner at Brooklyn's most exciting new restaurant, Confidant. Enjoy some light canapes, starting with steak tartare crackers and seasonal vegetable tarts alongside welcome aperitifs.  Later, you can indulge in a four-course family-style dinner, with options like dry-aged steak, crown of Duck or Caraflex cabbage, plus banana cream pie for dessert. A different Ford Gin martini will accompany each course and the brand's founder, Simon Ford, will also be co-hosting the dinner.  On Saturday, the expo continues with a lineup of different seminars from notable bartenders, industry experts, historians and spirit producers. Panels include "Signature in a Glass: Creating the House Martini" where New York's hottest cocktail spots will discuss what goes int

Forget your typical running club or book club. New York's newest way to mingle and network isn't at cocktail hour—it's at the sauna.  Opening this fall in downtown Manhattan, Lore is NYC's newest bathhouse and promises a new experience to add to your weekly wellness routine. The bathing club will feature a large Finnish sauna, an intimate infrared sauna and a generous cold pool room with hammam-style benches.  RECOMMENDED: The best spas in NYC to visit for some R&R Co-founders James O'Reilly and Adam Elzer created the space with a goal of reimagining the culture around bathhouses and bathing clubs. The intention for Lore is as a neutral and mainstream "third space" to go and spend copious amounts of time at, while also building community and connections from it in the long run. For example, instead of meeting a colleague over dinner, why not meet up over a sauna session?  Photograph: Courtesy of Lore Bathing Club The sauna and cold plunge practice, also known as the Nordic Cycle or contrast therapy, has been around for thousands of years. The reason behind the name Lore (besides current cultural zeitgeist relevance) is to honor this history, and embody the idea of the principle that "the longer something has been around, the greater its remaining life expectancy." The neighborhood-based, 6,200-square-foot space has been developed in partnership with Ilse Crawford of Studioilse and brought to life by Ringo Studio. The intentional use of materials in the space—travertine,

Whether you're sober, sober-curious or just looking for a fun wellness experience for the weekend—you won't want to miss this one-of-a-kind festival taking over Chelsea this month.  New York's first zero proof festival, Drinks with Benefits, is coming to The Altman Building on Saturday, September 27. Over 50 of the finest non-alcoholic brands will be partaking in the Tasting Gallery, a curated corridor of discovery that invites you to sip, savor and explore. Guests can sample the best elixirs and bubbly spirits in the alternative drinking world while connecting with the innovators who are shaping the future of beverage culture. The one-day event will also be hosting a mixology lab as well, demoing next-level zero-proof cocktail making next to guided tasting flights. Participants can learn how to make their own mocktails at home alongside experts and top brands like Fluere, The Alchemist's Kitchen, The Pathfinder and more.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's 10 best mocktails and where to find them But this festival goes way beyond just beverages—the Drinks with Benefits food hall will host three omakase style courses curated by top chefs from Spring Cafe Aspen, The Butcher's Daughter, Adoro Lei and Seatopia. And don't miss the Cipriani Cafe as their chefs will be serving up complimentary pasta tastings, paired with their original boozy-free Bellini mocktail, Bellini Zero.  There will also be a Drink Rhythms Lounge—a bohemian-inspired space where curated non-alcoholic pours meet all-day DJ se

All aboard, train enthusiasts and history buffs. This fall, the New York Transit Museum and MTA New York City Transit invite New Yorkers and visitors to go back in time and experience the city's history of transit with two unforgettable Nostalgia Rides on October 4 and November 8.   The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history with dedication to preserving the subway cars that once carried millions of passengers through the five boroughs. Starting in October, the museum is giving New Yorkers the rare opportunity to ride in these vintage trains once again.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now On Saturday, October 4 you can take a historic ride uptown to Woodlawn Cemetery on their WWI-era IRT Lo-V (Low Voltage) subway cars. More than 1,600 of these train cars were built for New York's first subway line company, which featured safer electrical systems and durable steel construction. The cars also appeared in classic films like King Kong and The Incident. The trains were retired by 1969—and fewer than 10 survive today, with six preserved in the Transit Museum's fleet. Photograph: Courtesy of New York Transit Museum   Photograph: Courtesy of New York Transit Museum After the 60-90 minute ride on the IRT Lo-V, explore the Gilded Age Mausoleums and Monuments of Woodlawn Cemetery with a guided tour. Discover Woodlawn's art, architecture, stained glass and gravesites of some of the most

In 2020, during the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter, the murder of George Floyd and a surge of Confederate statue removals, discussions about monuments became frequent in teacher David Felsen's New York City high school history class.  The discussions struck up a series of questions—like who was the first Black American to have a monument in NYC, the total number of Black monuments in the city, or how many Black women have statues dedicated to them. But Felsen came up with nothing. "I couldn't find easy answers to my questions," he said. "I started thinking more and more about how Black Americans are represented, how they are represented nationwide, but specifically here in New York City."  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer  So he set out to find more answers, and, over the course of two years, he visited and did extensive research on 30 monuments to Black Americans throughout the city. His new book, New York City Monuments of Black Americans: A History and Guide, is a result of this work. In the book, Felsen reveals the stories behind each monument that has endured throughout the years. Photographs and essays tell the story of each person honored, along with how the statue came to be. For example, Ralph Ellison is honored not only in Harlem's Ralph Ellison Plaza, but a statue that resides there is also dedicated to Ellison's novel Invisible Man. After his death, his Beaumont neighbor, Anne Dobson, launched a campaign to get the statue made

Cirque du Soleil, famous for defying reality (and gravity), is returning to New York City this holiday season. Due to overwhelming success, their special first and only holiday show, "Twas the Night Before..." will return to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for just a few weeks in December.  Inspired by the classic poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, Cirque's story follows a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. Directed by James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater, "Twas the Night Before..." combines classic Christmas spirit with jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts.  RECOMMENDED: Celebrate 100 years of the Rockettes with the 2025 Christmas Spectacular Performed by a cast of 26 artists from all over the world, the family-friendly show features lovable characters, Christmas cheer and a Cirque du Soleil soundtrack of re-invented Christmas favorites. Plus, expect Cirque's iconic acrobatics, from a mesmerizing aerial straps duo and daring hoop diving, to gravity-defying hair suspension and high-energy dancing. You'll see tricks so surprising—from a dance performance featuring a high-flying bellhop cart to a fast-paced roller-skating performance—that you might mistake them for visions of sugar plums dancing in your head.  Photograph: Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil "There's nothing like NYC during the holiday season and bringing Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before...' back to The Theater at MSG truly fee

Many New Yorkers know about the Harlem Renaissance, but a new exhibit opening this fall explores a more unknown facet of the era—the Gay Harlem Renaissance. The New York Historical will host a new exhibit examining the Black LGBTQ+ artists, writers and performers vital to the Harlem Renaissance and everyday Black gay life in the early 20th century.  "The Gay Harlem Renaissance," will open on October 10 and run until March 8, 2026. This unique exhibit traces queer creativity, friendship circles and mentorships that once flourished in Harlem's salons, social clubs and thriving nightlight. The show also highlights specific Harlem Renaissance poets, novelists and artists—many of whom were gay or bisexual.   RECOMMENDED: The best gay bars in NYC and LGBTQ+ hot spots for a fun night out After the First World War, Black Southern and Caribbean migrants, activists and creatives transformed Harlem into a nexus of political activism, creative expression and community life. Many of Harlem's artists were gay or bisexual (some discreetly, some openly), and many singers and performers in nightclubs or speakeasies were lesbian, bisexual, or transmasculine. LGBTQ+ artists, on-stage and off, helped shape the culture and art of the era. Queer and straight artists were said to have formed close-knit circles, mentorships and collaborated on ideas that shaped Black art and culture. Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people

This online beauty brand is officially going offline. For the first time ever, the digital platform NAILCON is celebrating nail culture with a two-day immersive event on October 18 and 19 in NYC's Meatpacking District.  In celebration of nail art consumers, beauty professionals and creators, NAILCON 2025 will host a number of events related to the world of nails including panels, live demos, musical performances, masterclasses and interactive experiences—and it's open to all.  RECOMMENDED: The best spas in NYC to visit for some R&R Since its founding in 2019, NAILCON has built a loyal digital audience of over 330,000 beauty lovers, pros and brands. The brand's goal has been to create a community that celebrates nails and consciously addresses social issues and community causes, while educating and informing those who appreciate the beauty of nails and the art's culturally-based history. "I strive to highlight women and artists alike who respect the art as well as the craft; to always speak of nails in a positive and accepting light," NAILCON founder Jazmin Celine Greshman wrote on the website. She also credits her motivation in creating NAILCON: making nail culture acceptable and celebrated, even in professional work environments.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nailcon™️ (@nailcon) This first live festival marks a new chapter for the brand, poised to become a defining event for the nail and beauty community.  "It's more than a beaut

Next time you're sitting in traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (knock on wood), take a glance out the window and you may spot this new addition to the neighborhood. The Atlantic Avenue BID, in collaboration with Thrive Collective and NYC DOT Art, has transformed 1.5 miles of the BQE underpass between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street. The open-air mural is one of the most ambitious street art projects in NYC right now, as seven massive works now line the streets connecting Atlantic Avenue with the Brooklyn waterfront.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer The mural features bright, colorful and eye-catching paintings of iconic NYC culture—pizza, pigeons, coffee (in a traditional bodega cup, of course), the Staten Island Ferry and a smiling cartoon version of the Statue of Liberty. Most importantly, the people of NYC and Brooklyn are heavily featured, with themes ranging from immigration and industry to biodiversity and community healing.  Photograph: Courtesy of Atlantic Avenue BID For the south wall, seven artists were selected by Thrive Collective to build the six art pieces and interpret the complicated past of the thoroughfare, while still celebrating the future. The pieces were each given individual titles: "Dockyards" by Will Power, "Industrious" by Vince Ballentine, "Restore" by Jodi Dareal, "Biodiverse" by Peach Tao, "Recreate" by Miki Mu, and "Reframe" by Christian Penn. In his piece, Will Power (William Richardson Jr.) featured Brooklyn's d

This summer in New York City, experience the unbelievable beauty of nature—without actually having to go outside. Head over to ARTECHOUSE in Chelsea Market now until Labor Day and immerse yourself in a new botanically inspired multi-sensory exhibition, "Blooming Wonders." This pixelated ever-moving landscape featuring psychedelic pink daises, fluttering butterflies and some abstract surpises is accompanied by calming, dreamlike ambient music.  The new 40-minute experience lets you hang out inside the 270-degree, floor-to-ceiling 18K-resolution digital canvas inside of the historic market's 100-year-old boiler room, while experiencing the fleeting beauty of spring and summer blooms come to life with immersive, interactive technology. While you're there, don't forget to grab a "Blooming"-inspired drink from the bar upstairs, like their take on an Aperol Spritz (think less Aperol and more "peachy" flavors). After drinks, head downstairs into the main room, find a floor cushion or open bench, enjoy some air-conditioning and get lost in the rich florals.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now Once you've finished the experience in the main gallery, you can head back upstairs past the bar to the small gallery on display, where you can find two different video games set up for you to mess around with. You can also get a bird's-eye view of the main room over the balcony while you're up there. Plus, it's a great excuse to partake in some shameless peopl

Step into the memories of iconic football player Lionel Messi—literally. The famous digital artist Refik Anadol has teamed up with Messi and the non-profit UNICEF to create his latest work, "Living Memory: Messi-A Goal in Life," a fully immersive experience showcasing the moment of Messi's (and football's) most iconic moment—his header in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.  The exhibit is presented through a Christie's sale that will be open for bidding July 8 to 22, with the free immersive experience at Christie's New York in Rockefeller Center July 12 to 22. Tickets are available on-site at Christie's each day, while supplies last. RECOMMENDED: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 guide This unprecedented artwork from Anadol isn't simply a visual experience, but a multi-sensory memory for the audience and Messi. To create the installation, Anadol used data-driven artificial intelligence and open-source motion-tracking framework to map 17 points of Messi's body to reconstruct his body and expressions. Layered with biometric voice data, breathing rhythms and heartbeats, the tone and tempo is set for connecting with Messi in revisiting the goal. The experience is an eight-minute long, captivating "memory temple" according to Anadol.  "This isn't about nostalgia," Anadol said in a press release, as the reason for creating this art is to relive the depth of that split-second moment with Messi and to feel what the crowd and the world felt. Anadol has figured out how to c