Amy Ellison

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

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

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

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

If you want fantastic fresh fruits, veggies, meats and cheeses, NYC's close proximity to sustainable, family-run farms in the tri-state area has got you covered. The city's farmers markets are teeming with just-picked fruits and vegetables, along with freshly made bread and other artisanal products. Whether you’re on a mission to find the perfect premade picnic baskets to take to your favorite NYC parks or just simply looking for fun things to do outside, these seasonal or year-round farmers’ markets are sure to showcase the best our fertile Eastern Seaboard has to offer. With so many excellent alfresco options like these, you won’t be stepping foot in those garden-variety grocery stores anytime soon. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

Francophiles can celebrate Bastille Day—NYC’s annual celebration that usually includes street fairs, dance events, live music, and performances (the cancan!)—through a number fun events this year. There are two major Bastille Day events you won't want to miss, and we've got the rundown on all the details below. So don your beret and red, white, and blue outfit and settle in for some French-themed fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC When is Bastille Day? The holiday is always held on July 14 to celebrate French National Day (July 14, 1789). This year, many celebrations are on Sunday, July 13. What is Bastille Day? Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is a holiday celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution and the Storming of the Bastille. Where is Bastille Day? There are two major Bastille Day celebrations to bookmark this year, one on Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side and the other in Central Park. Keep scrolling for the full details. 

If you find pleasure in mocking terrible movies, comedian Brandon Collins is hosting a new monthly comedy series titled, "What the Film?! (WTF)," a show celebrating cinema's wildest and most beautiful disasters. The show promises to dole out the love these filmes deserve (and the roast they need). Each month, the show will tackle a different film era or genre, starting with the wonderfully weird world of '90s movies—from big-budget blockbusters to straight-to-video gems. The format mixes live comedy, interactive elements (karaoke, trivia) and guest performers. As an audience member, you can also win special prizes for participation throughout the show.  The first line up includes Ophira Eisenberg, Justin Brown, Mike Feeney, Tatiana King, DJ BenHameen and more.  The first show kicks off on Thursday, September 4 at 7:30pm at the Littlefield in Brooklyn. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 the day of.  

Conspiracy theorists come together in the name of comedy at this show hosted by Nikolai Vanyo at Caveat on the Lower East Side on August 27.  The show consists of five comedians who will present their own unique conspiracy theories while connecting dots you never knew existed. After each presentation, their findings will be peer reviewed as they answer questions from the audience and their fellow panelists. The "winner" of the show will take home the title of "Most Fringe Conspiracy Theorists" and will be crowned with a beautiful handmade tin-foil hat.  Tickets for the show can be purchased online in advance for $15, or for $20 at the door. If you can't make the August show, there's a livestream you can join for $10. Plus, there's another show happening on November 10.   

The pups are going on parade, as the 4th Annual Rockaway Dog Parade returns on Sunday, September 7. This fun afternoon for dog lovers features creative costumes and community spirit in support of ARF-ARF (Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness).  Organized by Dana Humphrey, "The Pet Lady," the event invites dogs of all sizes, breeds and personalities to strut their stuff along the scenic Rockaway boardwalk.  Parade highlights include a costume contest (this year's theme is Rockstars), music and entertainment for the whole family, adoptable dogs looking for their forever home, raffles and giveaways supporting ARF-ARF (and the chance to win prizes), plus local treats from vendors—both for you and your pet.  "This parade is a celebration of our love for animals and more importantly, it supports ARF-ARF's mission to help people and pets live more active lives," Humphrey said in a statement.  The festivities begin at 2pm at Shorefront Dog Run (Shorefront Parkway and Beach 90th Street). Tickets are $5 per dog to benefit ARF-ARF. Participants are encouraged to register in advance, but day-of sign-ups will be available. 

The annual Ferragosto Festival is returning once again to the Bronx Little Italy on Sunday, September 7, with delicious food and live entertainment.  Going back centuries, the Ferragosto tradition recognizes the end of the harvest season and enjoying the fruits of those labors. Over 25 years ago, the merchants of Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street decided to bring the Italian celebration to the Bronx. Since then, the festival continues to grow every year, attracting thousands of guests, many who travel a long way to make it part of their family tradition. Bronx Little Italy is home to numerous family-owned small businesses, many still owned and operated by the same families that founded them over a century ago. Visitors to the festival can enjoy the small-town charm, authenticity and preservation of Italian culture.  The Ferragosto Festival goes from 12pm-6pm rain or shine on Arthur Avenue between East 187th Street and Crescent Avenue. The stage featuring live entertainment is located on East 186th Street between Arthur Avenue and Hughes Avenue. The festivities are hosted by the Belmont Business Improvement District.

Believe it or not, New Yorkers, you may actually want to visit Times Square soon.  The Times Square Alliance, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Jazz at Lincoln Center, has put together a solid line-up for this year's TSQ LIVE to bring NYC's jazz scene to Broadway. Expect good music, good vibes and some of the city's most talented artists in the most iconic area of New York. The series takes the stage at 46th and Broadway every Thursday in August and September at 5pm.  TSQ LIVE is one of New York's largest free outdoor event series, which serves hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors every summer. Here is the lineup for August and September:  — August 7: Ginita y La Orquesta Esa Big Band — August 14: King Solomon— August 21: Antonio Hart Quartet co-presented with the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival— August 28: Miki Hayama— September 4: Tony Rosa— September 11: The Empress— September 18: Natu Camara— September 25: Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band

Formerly a tobacco depot, St. Ann’s Warehouse—the adventurous theatergoer’s alternative to BAM—puts on an exciting slate of envelope-pushing theater and music performances. Not long ago, a thrilling production of Oklahoma! made the leap from St. Ann’s to Broadway, so watch this space for more rising stars.

Check out A.I.R (Artists in Residence, Inc.), which has deep roots in the New York contemporary gallery scene. Not only was it one of Soho’s very first galleries when it opened in 1972, but it was also one of the first artist-run, nonprofit dedicated to women artists in the United States. A.I.R has moved numerous times over the years—from Soho to Chelsea to its current Dumbo home—but it’s always kept its feminist focus. 

Feel posh as hell while listening to a chamber concert on a former coffee-bean barge. Bargemusic’s Masterworks Series presents performances of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, and other greats while you bask in glittering panoramic city views. Grab a drink and make a pit stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s restrooms before hopping aboard—the barge has no bathrooms, and no food or drink is permitted. Here's the full schedule.

RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions This beautiful section of the Brooklyn waterfront is an 85-acre expanse with several unique attractions such as Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1920s merry-go-round, and riverside esplanades with gorgeous Manhattan views. Check out Pier 2, a three-acre site designed specifically for "active recreation" (sporting leagues, picnics and roller skating) with a 6,300-square-foot lawn and a water play area, and the new Squibb Bridge. Also, don’t miss out on new art installations that pop up frequently!

Known for hawking gorgeous, glossy photo books, powerHouse Arena’s airy, gallery-like atmosphere also makes it a worthy stop for browsing beach-season reads. If you visit the store on the regular, you’ll hear guest authors (think Gary Indiana and Jenny Zhang) and see new, eclectic art exhibitions created by big-name brands and local stars.

Calling all thrifters and Facebook Marketplace connoisseurs: Head to the Caveat on the Lower East Side on Thursday, August 14, and get the chance to win free stuff (and laugh) at this hilarious game show inspired by all the best wacky and wild Facebook finds.    Facebook Marketplace Live! is a one of a kind game that pits NYC's funniest improvisers against each other in a battle for the title of King Sh*t. Think "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" meets "Stooping NYC." And the best part: the loser is sent to Allen Wrench Jail and will be forced to build Ikea furniture on stage.    Audience members also have the chance to win prizes—like, really good prizes. Past prizes have included a mannequin head, a VHS of Fantasia 2000 and a rice cooker. You can also take home as much free stuff from the Buy Nothing Table as your heart desires (or your apartment can fit).    Artist headliners and openers include Amanda Melhuish, Virginia Dickens, Sunny LaPrade, Divya Gunasekaran, Brandon Follick, Andy Vega, Chrissie Gruebel, Bridgette Rizkalla and Aakash Kesavarapu.   Doors open at 9pm. Buy a ticket now for $18 online (get $5 off with code TIMEOUT) or pay $20 at the door. 

Join NYC's Summer Beer Wine and Spirits Fest in Hell's Kitchen's Intrepid Museum this Friday, August 8, for a special event that explores the world of wine and mixology. With over 100 samples available, this is a great event to gather friends while enjoying your favorite libations.  Sample a range of beverages throughout the evening while enjoying live entertainment, interactive games and delicious food. Local vendors will be on-site, serving mouthwatering dishes (for an additional charge) that will pair perfectly with your drinks. You also have the opportunity to chat with brewery representatives, sommeliers and master distillers to learn more about your favorite drinks and the craft of making them.  The event is from 6:30-10pm, and general admission tickets are currently $80 (includes the drink samples and a souvenir sample glass). If you're the designated driver, you can get a ticket for $18. 

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