Anna Rahmanan

It is absolutely scorching hot outside, so you might want to revisit every single item of clothing you've got in your closet—and there are no better places to go shopping than the best sample sales in NYC, where you can snag quality pieces for a fraction of their original prices. Here's our round up of the sales you absolutely have to check out this week. Happy shopping!

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 on a spring day. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits 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

It is incredibly hard to write about New York, a city defined by its diversity of character and spirit—but that's exactly why we deem the best books set in or about New York to be some of the most incredible additions to the American literary canon, period. From always-referred to classics like The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe and Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to more recent publications like Hanya Yanagihara's soul-crushing A Little Life, this unranked list makes up what we believe to be any New Yorker's essential reading compilation. Although spanning themes and tones, all mentioned books have one thing in common: they celebrate all the tiny things that makes New York so freaking grand. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in NYC

Out of all forms of transportation, biking is arguably the healthiest. Not only can it take you further than walking or running, but it's also gentler on the body while providing the same cardio benefits. Aside from the fitness aspect, biking comes with a lot of other perks: the ability to get outside and enjoy nature, a sense of freedom, and, often, a community of fellow cyclists always game for a group ride. While many U.S. cities are trying to become more bike-friendly, there's still a long way to go to make the roads enjoyable and safer for riders—especially compared to European cities. While American urban centers need some work, one thing America is good at is bike trails. Across the country, countless gorgeous trails weave through charming towns and picturesque landscapes—and we have rounded up some of the more serene. From Big Sur to Miami, the best bike trails in the U.S. are fit for riders ranging from novice to professional, providing serious payoff in stunning views. And if you're looking for more outdoor action, check out the best extreme outdoor adventures in the country.    RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in the U.S.

What epitomizes peak Americana? Apple pie, baseball, hamburgers...and road trips. The Great American Road Trip is iconic for a reason. Across the land of the free, open roads beckon, calling you to explore America's countryside, coastlines, forests and mountain ranges.  On the Western Seaboard, the Pacific Coast Highway will take you along the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. On the East Coast, Route 6 will charm you as you pass through picturesque New England beach towns. In between, journeys both long and short will also help you explore the heart of the country. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a week-long, cross-country adventure, our list of the best road trips in the USA has you covered. So grab your snacks, ready your favorite playlist and roll the windows down. It's time to hit the open road. 

Sometimes you just don’t have the PTO or the budget to go on that two-week vacay. Or maybe a weekend (or long weekend) reprieve is exactly what you need to put the pep back into your step. Luckiky, being in Miami means you have a multitude of worthy travel destinations at your fingertips. A quick drive or flight will get you to the heart of a totally different Florida landscape, sipping a piña colada on a beach in the Caribbean or strolling the cobblestone streets of historic cities. Looking for a quick weekend getaway from the city? We've rounded up our go-to destinations and the hottest seasonal travel deals to bring you this guide to the best weekend trips from Miami. RECOMMENDED: Spring getaways from Miami to escape the chaos of the city

New York is a green city. Back in March of 2021, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law that effectively legalized marijuana in the state. It was a long time coming: lawmakers had been trying to pass the guidelines since back in 2018 but conversations would stall on the topic of tax revenue from sales. Finally, in 2021, the stage budget proposal included the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (more on that later).  RECOMMENDED: Weed 101: Everything to know about cannabis in NYC Fast-forward nearly two years and the legalization of recreational cannabis began to actually take effect and all previous marijuana-related criminal records in the state of New York were given the current legality of the substance. New York State legalized the sale of cannabis for adult recreational use in 2022. That year, thousands of New Yorkers applied for their Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) license and (at the time of publication) over 40 of them went on to open licensed dispensaries, including 16 of them right here in New York City in 2023. There are a lot of questions to be answered: Can weed also be grown at home? Where can New Yorkers buy the stuff and will they be stopped if carrying it around? Can anyone sell marijuana now? Below, check out our extensive guide to marijuana legalization in New York state. Recommended: What to expect in NYC now that weed is legal What’s legal right now in New York? To put it simply, in New York state, folks who are

Television is widely thought to have entered its golden age in the early 2000s, but the road there was paved by the previous decade. In many ways, the ’90s completely changed the idea of what the medium could accomplish. It’s where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld reinvented the sitcom. It’s where David Lynch actually got a spot in primetime. And it’s where HBO set up the revolution of the coming millennium by introducing a crime drama for the ages.  If you weren’t around back then – or ‘didn’t even own a TV’, as Gen X liked to brag – it’s a good time to catch up. The ’90s are everywhere again, in fashion, music and all over streaming platforms. Here are 35 can’t-miss suggestions, along with where to find them. Recommended: 💻 The 40 best Netflix original series to binge🎮 The best 50 ‘90s movies🎶 The 50 best ‘90s songs

The year's most-watched musical performance wasn't at the Grammys; it was the Super Bowl halftime show. 2024 marked the second year Apple Music took the reins of the country's largest musical spectacle, bringing us 13 full minutes of Usher. The halftime show is a long-standing tradition that's featured some of the country's biggest stars, from Madonna to Prince to Lady Gaga. Every year, it brings us a thrilling performance filled with fireworks, splashy entrances, special guests and plenty of surprises to keep you glued to your TV set. It's also what gets many non-sports fans to tune into the big game.  But despite the many hits over the decades, we've also seen our share of halftime show misses. Below, we look back at the Super Bowl halftime shows that got us dancing, singing and discussing at the office the next day.  RECOMMENDED: How to watch the Super Bowl halftime show

Sandwiches are among the world’s most inspirational foods. It would be a Sisyphean task to even begin to enumerate all possible combinations here. They are there at some of life’s happiest moments. Picnics in the park. Half-imaginary tea parties. The big game. When people talk about “sad desk lunches,” they are usually talking about salads. If you’re ever feeling blasé, find motivation in the myriad possibilities of the sandwich. If you can dream it, a sandwich can be it. Unless it’s a hotdog.   RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

In the winter doldrums of February in NYC, after a money-sucking December and a resolution-filled January, it’s time to double down and really enjoy the winter with the best NYC events in February. Our event calendar includes some of the best things to do in winter as well as some epic Valentine’s Day events. This month is also a good excuse to take advantage of our winter getaways list, so plan your escape from the city and keep your fingers crossed for a little bit of snow to add to the winter wonderland aesthetic. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

This luxury hotel by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson opened in 2023 in the NoMad district with over 450 guest rooms, suites and penthouses, plus an outdoor pool club only accessible to guests, event spaces and Everdene, a 4,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor dining and cocktail destination that will also feature nightly entertainment. Brooklyn-based firm MARKZEFF joined architecture gurus at Stantec to design the hotel, which, among other interesting characteristics, features subtle nods to nearby Madison Square Park while paying homage to the sort of bolder elements that the Virgin brand is known for—including the signature red staircase that connects the third and fourth floors of the property.  If you’re going all out or are perhaps looking for an interesting staycation option, consider booking the Sir Richard’s Flat, the 2,800-square-foot suite on the hotel’s 35th and 36th floors. The two-bedroom duplex includes a walk-in bathroom with luxe amenities, a kitchenette, a curated art collection within the space and, perhaps most notably, 24-foot windows with panoramic views of New York.

Angelenos will soon be able to taste one of the most iconic dishes served in New York when Katz’s Delicatessen, perhaps the most recognized deli in all of the East Coast, will open in L.A. for one day only this Saturday, June 29 from 11am to 6pm. Brought to this side of the country by Postmates and West Hollywood spot Bar Next Door, where the activation will be setting up at 9159 Sunset Boulevard, the pop-up will be serving a limited number of Katz’s famous pastrami sandwiches on rye with a side of the legendary house-made mustard and pickles. You can opt for either pickup or delivery on Postmates, and in addition to the app, there’ll be a limited number of sandwiches available at the bar for walk-ups (though you’ll likely need to wait in a standby line). Fair warning: The culinary delight will cost you $25 for half a sandwich and $45 for a full one. But trust us: The food is worth the price tag. Guests will also be able to look through limited-edition branded merch.

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology is a unique new immersive museum created by Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s famous 2016 “Anti” album cover, and his business partner Michael Cayre, a real estate developer.  The 36,000-square-foot space opened in early 2024 at 21 Dey Street, inside the bank building that used to be part of the now-nextdoor Century 21. There are a total of 15 different rooms to explore, each one attacking all the senses upon entrance. Some outstanding installations include the one that the staff refers to as "The Dragon," where a total of 500,000 individual LED lights hung on strings adorn a room and are lit up to created 3D videos, including one of a galloping horse, that will catch your attention. Towards the end of the walkthrough is what can only be described as a cave of beautiful pink flowers (plastic ones), where there will soon be a bar as well. This is perhaps the most Instagrammable space within the museum as a whole, one that will likely come to represent the destination on social media once it officially opens. An installation of a robot will also delight. Dubbed Kuka Robot, the machine is found behind a glass in the middle of a bed of sand. The robot makes sand castles, sketches and more while visitors look on wondering how it's all possible. Taking a tour of the new Mercer Labs is something you might want to consider doing with kids. Not only are the visual elements striking and entertaining but certain rooms are specifically targ

A new public art installation by artist Curry J. Hackett has just taken over The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn, and it's as futuristic as art gets these days: the piece, dubbed Ugly Beauties, features panoramic, AI-generated images of Black folks among various native weeds. According to an official press release, the work, on display through May 2, highlights a “metaphorical connection between society’s perception of these species and its treatment of Black people.” Upon approaching the structure, the viewer will immediately notice the juxtaposition of the various elements depicted, prompting all to think of our perception of what is beautiful and what is part of society at large. “Ugly Beauties expands on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s commitment to activating itsshared spaces with art installations that enliven the public realm and capture the spirit of theneighborhood,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in a statement. “With residents, shoppers, workers, diners, and other visitors rushing around the neighborhood, we hope this piece will impart a moment of reflection and help Brooklynites to realize the beauty all around them. ”

There is something simultaneously spooky and romantic about walking through the Queens Botanical Garden after sunset—especially while participating in this year's Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars. A total of nine different installations are set up throughout the trail, each one capturing your attention in different ways, all embracing the power of light as their medium of choice. If it's an out-of-the-ordinary Christmas-adjacent light experience that you’re after, look no further than Astra Lumina.

If it's an eclectic kind of skating activity that you're after this holiday season, look no further: Sky Skate, the highest skating rink in the city, is officially back at the Edge in Hudson Yards starting November 15 through January 14, 2024.  Make no mistake: although the rink is set up in the indoor portion of the famous sky deck, you're still 1,131 feet in the air, on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. That is all to say: perhaps opt for something a bit different if you're scared of heights?  But if you do decide to partake in the seasonal activity (tickets are available for 30-minute slots right here), make sure to also peruse through the site's other offerings, including City Climb, the highest external skyscraper climb in the world that challenges guests to scale the outside of a 1,200-foot building then lean out from the outdoor platform at the top of structure, according to an official press release.  We are, indeed, shivering with fear.

Always wanted to be a zookeeper? Now you can. The Central Park Zoo is currently offering exclusive early access to those interested in getting hands-on with animal caretaking activities. The first and only adult event of the season will allow you to pretend to actually work on site, interact with the animals before fellow humans start exploring the grounds for the day and just feel cool all around. The program is taking place on Saturday, October 14 from 8:30am to 10:30am but additional dates will open up in December and January as well.  Member tickets cost $80 while regular ones go for $96. You can snag a pass right here.

Talk about a cultural extravaganza: on October 7 and 8, Infatuation is hosting its annual EEEEEATSCON New York food festival, which is actually much more than a traditional celebration of all things gastronomic. In fact, in addition to grabbing treats from some of the nation's most renowned purveyors (Burns Original BBQ from Houston! Tacos Los Cholos from Los Angeles! Caracas Baery from Miami! Panzerotti Bites from New York!), attendees will get to listen in on conversations with some very prominent figures. This year's roster includes New Yorker par excellence Sarah Jessica Parker, The Kid Mero and more. You'll get to devour delectable food while listening to some inspiring talks at Forest Hills Stadium: sounds just like the perfect weekend. Grab your tickets for the festival right here.

Watch the Harlem Globetrotters show off their b-ballin’ skills at the New York stop of their just-announced 2024 world tour. You’ll be mesmerized as the basketball wizards shoot from midcourt, spin balls on their fingers and go head-to-head for two epic games, which are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure to stick around until the very end to snag an autograph, photo and high-five session from your favorite players, plus you can add a legendary Marques Haynes bobblehead to your collection. Snag tickets to the February 18 game against the Washington Generals right here.

It's still Barbie's world and we're all just living in it. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of, according to a press release, "Barbie moving into her very first Dreamhouse," a Barbie Truck Dreamhouse is scheduled to roam through the streets of New York throughout September, offering visitors branded merch that will reignite your love for all things pink. Expect to see the truck at the Shops at Skyview at the main mall entrance on College Point Boulevard in Flushing, Queens, between 10am and 7pm on September 16. Folks in Staten Island will be treated to the experience the week after, on September 23 between 10am and 7pm at the Staten Island Mall near Barnes & Noble.  Merchandise for purchase will include branded totes, blankets, T-shirts, mugs, bottles, coasters, pouches, hats, necklaces and much more.  Although we might be all Barbie-d out following the success of this past summer’s Greta Gerwig movie about the doll, it’s important we give credit where it’s due. In fact, according to the myth, Barbie bought her very first Dreamhouse back in 1962, "before women in the United States could open their own bank accounts and when only 0.1% of young women were independent homeowners," according to a press release. Celebrations are clearly in order.

Next month, iconic music hall The Apollo will host its first ever arts and ideas festival, dubbed [at] The Intersection. The three-day event will kick off on October 6 and it is curated by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, who will be joined by the likes of Kerry Washington, Jelani Cobb, Barry Jenkins, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and more across a variety of panels focusing on different themes. The festival will also feature curated music performances and networking opportunities. Snag passes for the much-anticipated event right here.

The 10th season of the New York Philharmonic's "Art of the Score" series kicks off this week with West Side Story.  As has been the case since its inception in 2013, the program features the legendary orchestra performing scores live alongside film screenings.  This year, for the first time ever, five of the six featured movies will be New York premieres, with soundtracks being performed live for the very first time in town. Those presentations include Black Panther (December 20-23), Vertigo (January 23-26, 2024) and Metropolis (February 6, 2024), among others. We are, however, particularly excited to listen to the May 17-19, 2024's presentation of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Although the orchestra has performed the film's score in the past, there's just something about the music that tickles all of our senses.  Buy tickets to the various events and learn more about them right here. 

This is probably not what you want to hear on a beautiful summer Friday but, alas, we're here to deliver the news: tickets to the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes are officially on sale right here.  As usual, the iconic seasonal production will take over Radio City Music Hall, this year between November 8 and January 5, 2025.  Whether you are wont to catch the legendary show as an annual holiday tradition or are looking into seeing it for the first time, we'd like to remind you that the Rockettes actually deserve all the hype.  The nine numbers they put on throughout their shows are actually, well, spectacular. We'd be remiss not to specifically call out the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which now also features innovative technology and digital projections that make the whole thing that much more special. The production's newest number, dubbed "Dance of the Frost Fairies" and first introduced in 2022, is also worthy of mention. "The Rockettes perform alongside Frost Fairy drones that magically fly above the audience, turning Radio City into a winter wonderland," reads an official press release. Clearly, there's a reason why the Christmas Spectacular has been mounted every year at Radio City since 1933. One more thing, before we let you go back to enjoying the summer: before attending a Rockettes show, you might want to learn all about their secrets right here.  

We're still getting used to the summer but, apparently, some New Yorkers just can't wait for fall to come, perhaps that's why (or because!) bougie "secret" outdoor dinner party Le Dîner en Blanc has announced its return to NYC on September 26.   Photograph: Courtesy of Dîner en Blanc   As usual, thousands of New Yorkers clad in white will migrate to a secret location, where they will indulge in a gourmet picnic complete with fancy food, fine China, silverware and loads of wine.  "No other event generates the kind of passion and excitement of Dîner en Blanc," reads an official press release. "It is the perfect occasion for attendees to express their unique fashion and design style—the elaborate picnic spreads, wildly creative outfits and decorative table settings are always a fabulous spectacle!" In the past, the event has taken over iconic NYC areas like the Meatpacking District, Bryant Park, Lincoln Center and Brookfield Place. Of course, we don't yet know where this year's festivities will take place, but we have a few potential destinations in mind: perhaps somewhere in Brooklyn or Queens? For now, our money is on Industry City, where a ton of new activations have recently been set up.   Photograph: Courtesy of Dîner en Blanc   Clearly, the premise of the massive picnic resonates: this year, the event will take place in over 75 cities across 16 countries. In the U.S. alone, 42 towns have committed to mounting their own iteration of the spectacle. Although tickets aren'

Ladies and gentlemen, not to rush through summer, but we're delighted to report that officials have just dropped the full music and food lineup for this year's Taste of Chicago, which is scheduled to take over Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain between September 6-8—and things are looking awesome.  “For more than four decades, Taste of Chicago has grown into a global institution, inviting Chicagoans and visitors alike to enjoy our city’s expansive culinary and cultural ecosystem,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in an official statement. “In addition to the renowned food experience, I’m thrilled to welcome the performing artists from Chicago and around the world to Grant Park for a must-see weekend of entertainment, cuisine and community unlike any other.” As usual, you can expect vendors and food trucks to be serving top-notch fare that crosses culinary boundaries and cuisine types. Free musical performances—including ones by headliners CeeLo Green, Yahritza y Su Esencia and Atlas Genius—will delight as well.  Taste of Chicago 2024: Food lineup Here is a list of the confirmed food vendors at this year's Taste of Chicago: 90 Miles Cuban CaféAfrican Food Palace Arepa George Arun’s Thai RestaurantBadou Senegalese Cuisine Banato Billy Goat Tavern BJ’s Market & BakeryChicago Eats MarketChicago’s Doghouse Churro Factory (Xurro) Connie’s Pizza Cumin Club Indian Kitchen Donut DudesDoom Street Eats Eli’s Cheesecake Esperanza Kitchen Delights Franco’s Ristorante Frannie’s Café Gaby’s Funn

Here's some news that will get NYC public school students excited about the upcoming year: city officials just announced that they will be distributing sleek new green OMNY cards to eligible pupils, granting them free subway trips throughout the week. Replacing the school-issued MetroCards that have been issued since 1997, the new passes will be valid for 24 hours a day, 365 days a weeks. In total, each card holder will be granted four free trips daily, including weekends.   That's a big change from how things have been handled until now: the older MetroCards offered students three free rides daily between 5:30am and 8:30pm, only when classes were in session.  Authorities are clearly making it easier and more affordable for school-aged children to take public transportation—and we are here for it.  “These expanded student OMNY cards are a game-changer for families across New York City, particularly for working-class families that need just a little more help to afford our city — families where older siblings pick their younger brothers and sisters up from school, or where kids have after-school and summer jobs to help make ends meet,” said Mayor Eric Adams during an official press event regarding the changes. “This builds on the work we’ve done to make our city more accessible, particularly for young people and low-income New Yorkers. From our subways, to our ferries, to our greenways, we’re making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City.” In terms of specif

While everyone is (rightfully!) focusing on the Paris Olympics kickoff tomorrow (and its eventual handoff to L.A. for 2028), we’d like to momentarily turn your attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup match preliminary schedule, which includes a bunch of local games at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.  We know that we’re still two years out from the worldwide sporting event, but—if you’re anything like us, you’re already daydreaming about your upcoming summer vacations and outings—so you’ll want to keep the following schedule handy while organizing your personal calendar.  When are the 2026 World Cup matches in Los Angeles? In total, Inglewood will host eight different games at SoFi Stadium. Most notably: the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match on June 12. Check out the full preliminary program of L.A. matches below: June 12, 2026: U.S. Men’s National Team Opening MatchJune 15, 2026: Group Stage MatchJune 18, 2026: Group Stage MatchJune 21, 2026: Group Stage MatchJune 25, 2026: U.S. Men’s National Team Group Stage MatchJune 28, 2026: Round of 32 Knockout MatchJuly 2, 2026: Round of 32 Knockout MatchJuly 10, 2026: Quarterfinal Match How can I get tickets to the 2026 World Cup soccer games in Los Angeles? Now that you know when the matches are, we can only imagine you might be curious about how to actually snag tickets to each one.  Although we know that tickets to the World Cup will be available through the official FIFA site, we haven’t yet received information regarding when, exactl

Every single Harry Potter devotee knows about Back to Hogwarts Day, an annual celebration created by the franchise's own fans marking the day Harry is due back to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry on September 1.  Although celebrations usually involve a bunch of virtual activations in the United States, for the first time ever, fans on this side of the Atlantic will be able to attend an event marking the occasion in real life: a special Back to Hogwarts pop-up will be held at Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal from August 30 through September 1.  Completely free to attend, the event will feature LEGO building activities, magical performances, an interactive quidditch-related fan experience and, of course, the chance to drink some Butterbeer among fellow aficionados.  On September 1 at 11am, there will also be a "live hosted countdown moment." We're not sure what, exactly, that will entail but we can only imagine it will be super-fun, super-cool and downright magical—just like anything else that concerns the Harry Potter-sphere. Would-be attendees will need to secure a free ticket to access that portion of the activation but no details have yet been released regarding how to snag passes. Just in case you can't make it, worry not: the much talked-about immersive Harry Potter exhibit in Herald Square has yet again announced an extension. It will stay put until August 11 at the very least, so make sure to pay a visit in anticipation of September's Back to Hogwar

Chicago is many things: One of the best cities in the world, home to top-notch steak restaurants and bars, the site of some of the most important attractions in the country and more. Today, we add another notch to our belt: Fortune just voted the suburb of West Chicago one of the best places to live for families in the U.S. The report analyzed over 2,000 cities and towns with approximately 20,000 residents of more throughout 50 states, looking at data that pertains to a number of different categories, including livability, education, resources for aging adults, financial health and general wellness.  "This ranking focused on the best places for families, many of whom are shouldering the responsibilities of raising their own children while caring for aging parents," reads the survey. "Our team gave special consideration to resources for aging adults, livability, and wellness, accounting for the importance of residents’ well-being, the number of quality nursing homes in an area, the number of mental health providers, the safety of a town, as well as its racial and ethnic diversity." With a population of 25,018, West Chicago, which is located roughly 30 miles west of the city, lands on the number 20 spot on the list. The ranking specifically calls out the town's "above-average public schools, many restaurants and a suburban feel" that mostly appeals to families who do not want to live in the hustle-and-bustle that defines the center of the city. Just in case you were contemplati

Tonight marks the end of an era: after over 10 years, the iconic Billy Joel will play his 150th concert at Madison Square Garden, marking the conclusion of his historical residency at the arena. To celebrate his astounding on-site tenure and legendary career, MSG has set up a number of activations that fans are already rushing to. Photograph: Courtesy of MSG The offerings are multifaceted, starting with "Billy Joel 150," a merch-focused pop-up accessible by all, and not just folks with a ticket to tonight's final show. Browse through embroidered varsity jackets, screen prints, tote bags, mugs, hats, posters, T-shirts and more, all emblazoned with Joel's face or some of his most noteworthy lyrics.  Also on site is a "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"-themed concession stand that calls out to one of the artist's most famous tracks. Concert ticket holders can order from a custom menu of Italian specialties that include chicken vodka parm heroes and cannoli.  Photograph: Courtesy of MSG March up to the sixth floor concourse to enjoy photo ops and write Joel a message that he may or may not read (it's worth a shot, though!). Also on the sixth floor starting today and running indefinitely will be a new "Defining Moments" exhibit showcasing memorabilia from the artist's 150 shows—including his signature Ray-Bans, harmonicas, set lists and more—and a signed replica of one of the performance banners featuring Joel that are currently hanging from the arena's rafters. Photograph:

We know this might be a big no-no for many but, apparently, one in three Americans actually enjoys dipping French fries in mayo—at least according to an Instacart survey. Although we’re dubious about the findings, Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, arguably the most recognized mayo brand in the country, is banking big on those culinary preferences, taking over beloved bistro Little Prince at 199 Prince Street in Soho for one day only on July 31 and transforming it into a mayonnaise café that will be completely free to visit and eat at.  RECOMMENDED: A secret Pokémon store is popping up in Soho for a limited time Aptly dubbed Le Café Hellmann, the activation also pays homage to all things France given the imminent kickoff to the Paris Olympics. "With Paris on our minds this summer, we're excited to celebrate the crème de la crème of French fry condiment pairings and treat fans to a unique experience to eat French fries the French way," said Chris Symmes, Head of Marketing, Dressings and Condiments at Unilever North America, in an official statement. "We hope Le Café Hellmann's transports guests to France, even if for a moment, to enjoy the delicious pairing of mayonnaise and French fries." All guests will get to indulge in a single plat du jour—French fries with mayo, of course—plus Kir Royale cocktails and spirit-free French 75 mocktails. Patrons can try three different mayos: Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise, Helmmann's Garlic Aioli and Hellmann's Plant-Based Mayo.  In addition to the themed

When it comes to immersive experiences, this New Yorker has had about enough: how many times can we walk through warehouses illuminated with projections of ancient art pieces? Although engaging interactive landscapes that titillate all our senses through digital and scent-related components certainly excite, there’s something to be said about a straightforward, traditional art exhibit. Photograph: Anna Rahmanan Given my constant laments about the current state of cultural affairs that hinge on the immersive, I was averse to visiting Balloon Story, a "balloon wonderland" that has taken over the Park Avenue Armory with a whopping 600,000 inflatables set up across different exhibit rooms. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now And, yet, a recent excursion to the massive production left me wondering if, perhaps, I should give these sorts of experiences another shot. Photograph: Anna Rahmanan More than anything, the artistry involved in crafting monuments out of balloons (and blowing them up—but more on that later) left me amazed.  On display through August 24 (tickets are available right here), Balloon Story offers patrons interactive activations—a balloon maze, for example, and a jungle ball pit—but it's the actual recreations of iconic landmarks and figures that are the highlight of the production: you'll find yourself staring at each one wondering, how, exactly, they were built. Photograph: Anna Rahmanan The show is split into sections that

One of the most successful Off-Broadway productions of the last few years, Titanique is officially landing in Chicago for an eight-week run at the Broadway Playhouse beginning March 25, 2025 through May 18, 2025. The jukebox musical features the music of Celine Dion and is basically a parody of the 1997 Academy Award winning film Titanic, specifically retelling the movie's story through Dion's fictional perspective. In addition to "My Heart Will Go On," Dion's song that served as the backbone to Titanic's soundtrack, audience members will be treated to hilarious (and very good!) renditions of "I'm Alive," "Beauty and the Beast," "River Deep, Mountain High," "All by Myself" and "The Prayer," among many others. The Chicago production comes courtesy of Porchlight Music Theatre with Broadway in Chicago serving as a commercial presenter.  No word yet on who will star in the new production or when, exactly, tickets will be available, but if the success of the original show is of any indication, Chicagoans should set an alert for whenever the sale will start: Watching Titanique is a true riot, part of a class of New York productions that have been banking on true entertainment value over what Time Out's National Theater and Dance Editor Adam Feldman's calls "Very Important and Life-Changing Events." Bonus points: The original iteration of the show lasts a very manageable and uber enjoyable 90 minutes. Don't tell us, then, that you don't have enough time to spare to catch it when it

Chicago's cultural offerings on the West Side are about to get a major glow-up. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the owners of the United Center are looking to revamp the parking lots surrounding it, turning the area into a giant mixed-use district featuring a music hall, a park, mixed-income housing and much more.  The 1901 Project, as the $7 billion plan is called, would take a decade to come to completion, but it sounds like things are actually happening. The paper reports that construction, set to be completed in seven separate stages, will kick off as early as next year. According to the outlet, the project will be carried out with no government funding, which is actually how the United Center itself was built 30 years ago.  Given the enormity of the project, we're sure things will change but, for now, phase one will apparently include the construction of a parking facility featuring over 10 acres of open green space on its rooftop. "Given United Center’s history of hosting events, it could host events at the park," reports the Chicago Sun-Times.  Also on deck is a 6,000-seat theater-style music hall, a better pedestrian experience complete with bike lanes and new lighting systems and, potentially, a hotel and retail destinations.  In terms of next steps, Chicagoans can expect a whole lot of red tape, including city and community feedback sessions, approvals and more.  That being said, this is clearly going to change everything about the city, benefiting a variety of