Christina Izzo

Looking for fun activities to fill your weekend? We're here to help! You've got plenty of entertaining options this week, from a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) to the dazzling annual cherry blossom viewing at Jackson Park to the return of yearly festivals like the Doc10 Film Fest, the Chicago Rum Festival and EXPO Chicago. And, as always, there are plenty of cool museum exhibitions and theater performances to take advantage of, too. So ready to make the most of your time off? Check out the rest of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Time Out Market Chicago, the culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market, is your one-stop destination for the city's best bites, drinks and programming. The 50,000-square-foot space houses more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. You can enjoy delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, creative burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird, irresistible desserts from Molly's Cupcakes and much more under one roof. But the fun doesn't stop there: The Market hosts a variety of events each week, from concerts to art showcases to comedy nights. We're always keeping the calendar packed with exciting things to do, and here's what you can expect in the coming weeks.

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com. When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place the weekend after. How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as events come in.

Philadelphia’s ever-impressive culinary scene is getting major love from gourmands everywhere lately—and it’s about damn time. Publications have declared it one of the top food cities to visit last year, and the 2023 James Beard Awards put a few fan-favorite eateries in the spotlight. So, the City of Brotherly Love’s Michelin-caliber restaurants, timeless mom-and-pop joints, and mouthwatering newcomers alike are no longer a well-kept secret. If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining here before, don’t let the tourists’ generalizations deter you: There’s way more to sink your teeth into than hoagies, cheesesteaks, and water ice, regardless of your budget or tastes. Here, you’ll find 25 of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that every food lover should add to their to-visit list. Some of my picks have been cornerstones of tight-knit neighborhoods for years, while others are newer to the city’s culinary tapestry. What they have in common, though, is that they’re all consistently and memorably delicious. And most importantly, they all have the locals’ stamp of approval. My top choices range from a Korean-French tasting menu in Society Hill to a one-of-a-kind sandwich and brunch spot in Fishtown to a longtime adored Chinatown resto that’s home to what are arguably the tastiest hand-drawn noodles in the city. Whether you’re craving something sophisticated, affordable, cozy, hyper-unique, or just plain scrumptious, these essential Philly establishments are bound to impress every p

The only places that offer even better views than New York City’s best waterfront restaurants are our water-top restaurants: yes, we're talking about those scenic boat bars and floating eateries that give off that breezy yachting lifestyle—but without the high price and pesky barnacles that stow away on an actual watercraft. Mostly only open seasonally, they’re peak spring and summer destinations with the warm-weather menus to match, all with a side of real-deal seafaring. So ahoy! New York's best boat bars will rise the tide for all your going-out plans this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 27 best outdoor bars in NYC Updated May 2025: We removed North River Lobster Company and La Barca as the company permanently closed in 2024. We also removed Pilot as the boat is currently undergoing renovations. 

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays.

Looking for fun activities to do this week? You've come to the right place! This week is a movie-lover's dream, with the return of Doc10 Fest, One Earth Film Festival and MUBI Fest Chicago as well as a 40th anniversary screening of The Goonies (complete with a live score!) and a Miss Congeniality-themed bar crawl. And art buffs will get their fill at the annual EXPO Chicago back at Navy Pier. There's also plenty to do outside, including the city's much-anticipated cherry blossom viewing and the annual spring flower show at the Garfield Park Conservatory. There’s even more on our list below, so scroll through the roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this week and start planning your calendar. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in April 2025

Sure, there's nothing stopping you from frequenting the best outdoor bars in NYC year-round, but spring and summer are prime time for open-air imbibing. Those sunny days are longer, the temperatures are warmer and fun-loving frozen drinks reenter the mix all around town. With scenic appearances by floating boat bars, cloud-skimming rooftops and bloom-filled secret gardens, these are our favorite places to sip beer, wine, cocktails and all manner of boozy consumables outside in NYC this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in NYC right now Updated April 2025: We added TALEA Beer Co. and Frog Wine Bar. We removed Bandits and Parklife. We also temporarily removed Frying Pan, Grand Banks, Gowanus Yacht Club and Tacoaway Beach since they are still closed for the season. Lastly, we removed Gran Electrica, Island Oyster and Leyenda as they are now closed. 

A New York summer is often a hot one, and prime outdoor dining season is sizzling, too. Throughout NYC, rooftop bars, restaurants with amazing views and lovely waterfront destinations are shining in their annual turn in the sun. And the best outdoor setups at these all-day cafes, Michelin-starred stunners, cozy dives, neighborhood favorites and city newcomers all have picturesque settings to get your attention, and great food and drinks to keep you coming back from now through next fall.      RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Once May rolls around, we know summer in Chicago is just around the corner. Need evidence? Look no further than the slate of summer festivals coming up this month—including returning favorites like Mole de Mexico in Pilsen and Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park—or the throngs of people hanging out at Chicago rooftop bars and outdoor restaurants every weekend. Plus, don't forget to plan out holidays like Mother's Day (we bet your mom would love brunch reservations) and Memorial Day weekend in Chicago this month. So enjoy spring to the fullest and start getting ready for another glorious summer with our May 2025 events calendar for Chicago.RECOMMENDED: Our complete events calendar for Chicago in 2025

Some cities have more sprawl, sure, but we’re partial to the ones that surge upward. And thankfully for all of us, New York City stretches sky-high, from elevated parks like the High Line, to rooftop bars that pair tasty drinks with dizzying views, to beautiful buildings that skim the clouds. But instead of just serving up some of the best views in NYC, the city’s best rooftop restaurants do all that as well as offering some of the finest food and drink options at any elevation. So ready your Instagram filters and get ready for your most scenic foodie snap yet—these spots are your ticket to the top.  RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in NYC right now

The Korean spa market is getting rough—new spas are opening left and right, and not all of them are as gentle as your skin is after a full-body exfoliation. But these standout Korean spas offer a range of experiences, from affordable spa treatments to skin-boosting Korean beauty products to elaborate saunas or tubs reminiscent of water parks where you can spend the whole day eating and lounging by the pool. Head to the best Korean spas in NYC and get ready for a physical, emotional and spiritual workout. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best spas in NYC

Sound those sirens! The annual Big Truck Day celebration is back at Randall's Island Park on Saturday, May 17 and as usual, it's bringing with it a full day of free fun for the whole family. Head to the Asphalt Pad next to Icahn Stadium to get a close-up view of the large vehicles that keep New York City clean and safe—you'll learn how garbage truck drivers, police officers, farmers, and other big truck operators use these vehicles to drive our city forward. And if you're lucky, your kiddo (or, hey, you!) will get the chance to sit in the front seat of one of these impressive automobiles and pose for a photo! There will also be story time, snacks, games, and other truck-related activities.  

The Human Race—a pseudo road rally-slash-scavenger hunt that's like a hyper-local The Amazing Race, only far more cerebral than physical—has traveled around the tristate area for over 30 years and will next take place in Manhattan's Times Square. On Saturday, May 31 beginning at noon, participating teams will race around New York collecting and dicephering various locally-minded clues, walking, running and hopping on public transportation to get to the next phase of the rally. All of the proceeds will go to benefit the Smile Train charity in the name of the winning team. Interested people can register via the website.

The New York Indian Film Festival, North America’s oldest and most prestigious festival that celebrates alternative, independent cinema from the global Indian community, is back for its big 25th anniversary.  The 2025 lineup includes a dynamic slate of 22 feature-length films—18 narratives and 4 documentaries—spanning more than a dozen languages and regions. Notable titles include the East Coast premiere of Berlinale winner The Fable as well as the closing-night selection Little Thomas, a coming-of-age dramedy set in 1990s Goa, marking the directorial debut of Kaushal Oza. Screenings will take place from June 20 to 22 at Manhattan’s Village East by Angelika. There will also be tributes to such cinematic legends as Shyam Benegal and James Ivory. 

Adults 21 years old and older can experience the iconic Bronx Zoo during after hours during this sudsy, super-fun adults-only party. Between 6pm and 11pm on Friday, June 13 for one night only, attendees can enjoy pouring stations with 100-plus drink varieties, as well as live music, lawn games, inflattable axe throwing, animal trivia, a Retro Zone spinning 1980s and '90s hits, a Glow Party, photo opps and the chance to stroll through the historic zoo grounds and see animals from giraffes to grizzly bears. Party animals (see what we did there?), unite! This will be a night to remember.

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the artist’s death, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibition "Sargent and Paris" features approximately 100 works of art from the titular creator John Singer Sargent. It's the largest international exhibition of Sargent’s work since 1998. The sprawling exhibition spans his arrival in Paris in 1874 as a talented 18-year-old art student through the mid-1880s, when his infamous portrait Madame X (1883-1884) scandalized Parisian salons. On view through August 2, the retrospective will include paintings, watercolors, drawings and numerous preparatory sketches, which will be displayed alongside select portraits of Parisiennes by Sargent’s contemporaries.“This magnificent exhibition will shed new light on a transformative period in the life and career of one of America’s most important painters,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s CEO said in a press release. “By situating Sargent’s work within the context of the city that formed and inspired him, Sargent and Paris will illuminate this influential artist’s meteoric rise, providing new insights into his unique talent and skill in capturing the vibrant society he inhabited.”

You could stay at home watching yet another episode of the same sitcom you've been watching for years (guilty!), or you can watch a group of talented actors perform two never-before-seen comedy pilots live, written by some of New York's most hilarious storytellers. On Saturday, May 17 at 9:30pm, head to the Peoples Improv Theater to watch scripts by Ruby Mainieri and Myles Hewette get interpreted during a live, staged reading by a cast of actors including Brian Morabito, Mick Szal, Omar Evans, Grant Cleaveland, Jeremy Moulton, Jeffery Kitt and Jetta Juriansz, among others. The 90-minute, 18-and-over show will be presented by Peter Clark-Deutsch.

The Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix will be cruising into New York's waters—Governor's Island, to be exact—on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 as the final American stop of the 2025 Season. Experience the thrill of high-speed sailing as 10 national teams race in identical $4 million F50 catamarans, with six 12-minute races held throughout the weekend and intense sprints up to 62 mph getting your pulse pumping in the audience. Speaking of, there will be stadium seating conveniently along the water as well as a selection of food and beverage available for purchase within the race stadium.

To commemorate the new home of experimental gallery The Locker Room (253 Church Street), the space is hosting its inaugural show titled Inflation through Sunday, June 1. And as the name suggests, the group exhibition will feature works centered around the concept of a balloon— inflatable and air-filled works that "collectively probe themes of value, spectacle, fragility, and collapse," per organizers. Among the artists on view are balloon sculptor DJ Morrow, inflatable architecture collective Pneuhaus, Robert Moy of Brooklyn Balloon Company and Penique Productions, a Barcelona-based inflatables collective.  

Back for its tenth year, FUERZAfest by the Hispanic Federation, highlights queer Latine artists and talent for an entire week of panels, dancing, and networking. This year's events, which fall under the theme of “Force of Change," include a queer short-films screening featuring local and international Latinx LGBTQ-produced films on May 18; the world premiere of Rise of a King, a solo show featuring Puerto Rican nonbinary actor-advocate Vico Ortiz, on May 22; and a comedy night hosted by Gabe Ortiz featuring hilarious Latine comedians on May 30.

The beloved Memorial Day Weekend tradition is back: the 38th Annual Loisaida Festival will again be parading along Avenue C (between East 5th and East 12th Streets) on Sunday, May 25, with an afternoon full of live music, dance, artisan crafts, food vendors and more. Celebrating the vibrant spirit and diverse heritage of the Lower East Side, the festival is presented in by the  Loisaida Center, one of the last remaining Puerto Rican-led and founded community-based organizations of Lower Manhattan,in partership with the Acacia Network, the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in NY State. The parade kicks off at 11am, with mainstage performances from the likes of Sonido Consteño, Joe Bataan, Anissa Gathers, Ana Macho, Alma Moyo and Legacy Women stretching until 5pm. 

Several famous French and French-speaking artists are coming together for a music festival in Central Park in honor of Bastille Day. Hear from Bob Sinclar, Big Flo & Oli, Patrick Bruel and ESTL on Sunday, July 13 from 5pm to 10pm during this free celebration at Rumsey Playfield.  Last year, over 12,000 New Yorkers gathered to enjoy the free al fresco performances of such talented artists, so you can definitely expect a fun-loving crowd at this seasonal soiree. No registration's needed; just show up! The event's hosted by the Consulate General of France in New York, in association with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and the Committee of French Speaking Societies. 

"In Scena! Italian Theater Festival NY," New York City’s premiere festival of Italian theater, is back. Held in all five boroughs of NYC now through Monday, May 19, the festival features full—and free!—productions that have already toured around their native Italy, as well as readings of Italian plays in translation, lectures, and exchanges between Italian and International artists. (Yes, the bulk of events are in Italian with English subtitles.) Among the calendar of shows, you’ll find MATER FAMILIAS by Pier Lorenzo Pisano (the winner of the 2025 In Scena! Playwright Award); LAMPEDUSA BEACH written and directed by Lina Prosa (a solo show on migration performed by Nadia Kibout); and IN THE NAME OF MARY (NEL NOME DI MARIA), a show inspired by an old mafia story set in early-1980s Palermo that involved the death of a young Sicilian policeman. The 12th anniversary season of the festival is hosted by The New York City-based Kairos Italy Theater along with Italy’s KIT Italia and Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimò at NYU.  

Along with being a hub for world-class theater, opera, ballet and more, the campus of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is also one of New York's most stunning spaces. And as part of a $335 million capital campaign, there will be even more beauty to come—the west side of the cultural institution's campus along Amsterdam Avenue will get a dramatic facelift in the coming months, with plans for a new outdoor performance venue, community park spaces, new welcome entrances and more. RECOMMENDED: Lincoln Center is throwing a free summer festival with hundreds of events Designed by Hood Design Studio (Landscape Architect), WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism (Design Architect) and Moody Nolan (Architect of Record), the new campus will see the removal of a separating wall at Damrosch Park, which will open up the plaza to outdoor spaces for public enjoyment. (Per Lincoln Center, the project design incorporated extensive community feedback from uptown residents, community groups, students and more.) New community spaces (renderings of which you can see below) will include an expansive lawn space surrounded by flowering trees, centered on a water feature animated by mist, water jets, and reflection, "which will be a community resource for relaxation and kids’ play." Tree groves will add extra shade and seating, including fixed benches and movable chairs, while an open terrace and performance area will allow for smaller-scale community performances and family programming.

It's no secret the Windy City draws millions of visitors every year, but our world-class culinary scene and pristine parks are apparently convincing some to stick around. For the second year in a row, Chicago has expanded its population and reversed a downward trend from previous years. RECOMMENDED: These are the best Chicago neighborhoods to buy a home in this year According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Second City added 22,164 residents between mid-2023 and mid-2024, a slight increase Mayor Brandon Johnson attributes to Chicago's "remarkable resilience," reports The Chicago Tribune.  Sitting pretty at a population of 2,721,308—up from 2023's 2,664,452—Chicago preserves its stronghold as the third-largest city in the nation, behind New York (pop. 8,478,072) and Los Angeles (pop. 3,878,704). However, Houston, Texas is just 330,000 residents from usurping that third-place finish. (According to the Census, Houston grew to 2,390,125 as of July 1, 2024, up from 2023's 2,314,157.) Giving Greater Chicago a population boost, though, are the surrounding suburbs, which are also reportedly experiencing an influx as of late: Plainfield leads the region with nearly 4,000 new arrivals since 2020, followed by Naperville, Warrenville, Montgomery, McHenry, and Joliet. Plainfield Village President Jon Argoudelis credits the area's growth to holistic tactics and a 10-year plan to spend $160 million on infrastructure.  “It’s not just things like economics, traffic and taxes," h

In case you haven't heard yet, the new pope is a Chicago boy—yes, the freshly minted Pope Leo XIV—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope the papal conclave earlier this month, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland pretty amped. (Chicago-based chain Portillo's even made a Pope-themed sandwich to celebrate). And now the White Sox are getting in on all of the holy fun, with a special event honoring Pope Leo next month. RECOMMENDED: This is apparently Pope Leo's favorite Chicago pizza joint—get it before it closes On Saturday, June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a citywide Catholic mass and special program to be held at Rate Field (333 W. 35th Street) to celebrate Pope Leo's election and inauguration. The event will feature music, film, speakers and prayers at the ballpark, which has capacity for 40,000 participants. More information, including a start time for the event and how to purchase tickets, is still to come. “The Archdiocese of Chicago invites media and the public to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area,” the archdiocese said in a release. “Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe. This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our own.”

As the saying goes, when one bookstore closes, another one opens—or something like that. While we were sad to hear that Shakespeare & Co. would be shuttering its Upper West Side location, we are relieved to report that the uptown neighborhood would soon be gaining another bookstore, courtesy of The Strand. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in NYC, including specialty and used shops Yes, The Strand will officially take ownership of the Shakespeare & Co. location at 2020 Broadway, between 69th and 70th Streets, near Lincoln Center. After moving into the space on June 1 to restock and complete minor renovations, the 2,500-square-foot new outpost of The Strand—a beloved NYC chain that already has locations at 828 Broadway and 450 Columbus Avenue, as well as kiosks in Central Park and LaGuardia Airport—will open to the public in early July, per owners.  “Shakespeare & Co. has been an invaluable and treasured resource on the West Side since the 1980s and in 2018 opened a store near Lincoln Center to build on this tradition. The Strand Book Store aims to honor and continue this legacy as we expand our presence on the Upper West Side with the addition of this new store. And of course, all current Shakespeare & Co. booksellers and baristas will retain their employment with us,” said The Strand's owner Nancy Bass Wyden, whose family has owned the legendary bookstore for three generations. “We cannot wait to deepen our commitment to the Upper West Side by offering all the great things Th

The world of dinks and drives is expanding in New York City, as CityPickle has unveiled plans to open a 60,000-square-foot pickleball hub in Dumbo's Anchorage Plaza beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The new sports-and-recreation site in Brooklyn will continue the brand's commitment to spreading the gospel of pickleball in NYC—CityPickle already operates indoor courts in Long Island City and outdoor courts at Central Park's Wollman Rink, with another site set to open at Hudson Yards on June 1. (CityPickle's outposts at Industry City, Atlantic Terminal and Union Square Park are currently closed for the season.) RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York, in parks, at beaches and more The area spanning the Old Fulton Street Yard, Washington Old Street Yard and Ash Alley will be transformed into "CityPickle Brooklyn Bridge," with 11 pickleball courts for dedicated dinkers, as food trucks, shade structures, bike racks, comfortable seating, games including chess, green space with planters aplenty and room for community programming, reports 6sqft. CityPickle's proposal to revitalize the underused space was chosen by NYC Department of Parks last June for a three-year contract. It's reportedly the first time in more than 15 years that the plaza will be open to the public, with the pickleball hub set to operate from March through November of each year.  “By transforming this fenced-off lot into a dynamic public plaza, we’re giving New Yorkers and visitors a safe and accessible pla

After quite a long wait—Time Out Miami first reported on the news back in 2022—Eataly is finally coming to the Sunshine State. Yes, the NYC-born Italian food emporium, which has more than 50 global locations spread across the United States, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, South Korea and more, is opening its first location in Florida at Miami's Aventura Mall in spring 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Italian restaurants in Miami, the new Little Italy of America On Thursday, June 12 at 3pm, Eataly will debut a two-level store at the luxury shopping mall, on the Third Level near Nordstrom. As at other Eataly outposts, the Miami edition will celebrate Italian culture through markets, counters, cafés, restaurants, and educational offerings "that explore the best food and beverage options Italy’s 20 regions and the world has to offer," per the brand. As one of the premier shopping destinations in the country, we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Aventura Mall and the team at Turnberry on our first location in the state of Florida,” said Tommaso Brusò, CEO of Eataly North America. “Our mission with Eataly Aventura is to transport guests to Italy without ever having to leave Miami-Dade County, and we are very much looking forward to bringing Eataly’s one-of-a-kind experience to the community here.” The 30,000-square-foot space will feature two sit-down restaurants, a caffè with several quick-service counters, a retail section with house-made and made-in-Italy products, a wine store

The season of free outdoor movies is happily upon us and along with all of the gratis screenings that Paramount will be hosting at Bryant Park this summer, the streamer will also be back at four of Brooklyn’s most iconic outdoor spaces with a whole lineup of free entertainment all summer long.  RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York, from parks to beaches and more Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn is back for the 2025 season, co-hosted by Brooklyn Magazine, and it's bringing with it 16 free weekly screenings in four prized public spaces across the borough: McCarren Park, Fort Greene Park, Coney Island and Prospect Park. Running from June 13 through August 27, this year's free movie lineup includes beloved high-school flicks like Clueless and Mean Girls, animated favorites like The Smurfs and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and action-packed adrenaline pumpers like Gladiator II and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.  All films will begin shortly after sundown, and there will be complimentary popcorn and candy provided for RSVP holders at screenings (first come, first served while supplies last). Due to their al fresco nature, movies may be cancelled in the case of inclement weather, so definitely check BKMag's social media before attending.  What's the full lineup for Brooklyn's Paramount+ Movie Nights? See the full schedule of free film screenings below, as well as how to RSVP to each event. McCarren Park  June 13: Shutter IslandJune 20: American HustleJune 2

Those free movie nights at Bryant Park aren't just a beloved annual tradition for attendees, but for spectators, too. (Seriously, who doesn't love watching the weekly scramble of everyone trying to plop their picnic blanket in the ideal spot to watch Jaws for the 1,000th time? It's a movie in and of itself!) And we're gloriously getting yet another season of the summertime favorite when Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park returns with a bold lineup of celebrated films and crowd-pleasing favorites next month. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York, from parks to beaches and more Bryant Park’s big screen will light up summer nights in Midtown beginning on June 9 with an 8pm showing of the 1980s Molly Ringwald classic, Pretty in Pink. And there are plenty more great flicks where that came from—the free series will run weekly on Monday nights through August 11, with everything from Francis Ford Coppola's Oscar-winning masterpiece The Godfather to Christopher Nolan's sci-fi weeper Interstellar all ready to be enjoyed under the stars in midtown Manhattan. “Each summer, we see strangers become neighbors on the lawn,” said Dan Biederman, president of Bryant Park Corporation. “Movie Nights remind us how powerful simple moments, like watching a great film outdoors, can be in bringing people together.” What's the full lineup for Bryant Park Movie Nights? Check out all of the top-notch titles you'll be able to watch for free this summer at Bryant Park: June 9: Pretty in Pi

The 2024-2025 Broadway season has been an especially A-list one, what with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello, Succession siblings Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook in Glengarry Glen Ross and The Picture of Dorian Gray, respectively, and George Clooney making his Broadway debut with the stage adaptation of his 2005 movie Good Night, and Good Luck, which the actor also directed. That kind of Hollywood gleam normally doesn’t come for free—until now. RECOMMENDED: New and upcoming Broadway shows headed to NYC in 2025 A ticket to see Clooney (and his polarizing dye job) as veteran journalist Edward R. Murrow in the McCarthy-era drama has easily been clocking in at the three-figure range, with admission to some performances reaching $800-per-person price heights. (It is currently the highest-grossing show on Broadway, with a record-breaking weekly take of $4 million as of this month.) But next month, you’ll be able to get a front-row view of Good Night, and Good Luck for free when a televised version of the five-time Tony-nominated production airs on CNN. Marking the first time that a live Broadway play on has ever been televised, the airing will take place on CNN and CNN International on Saturday, June 7 at 7pm Eastern Time, during the show’s penultimate performance at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. (It will also be available to stream live on CNN.com.) “I can’t tell you how exciting it is to do something that’s never been done,” said Clooney—who is nominated fo

Ever since we first heard intel about Dominique Ansel's upcoming French-Asian bakery in downtown Manhattan, the anticipation has been high for the sweet new concept—and now we've got a delicious first look. RECOMMENDED: Dominique Ansel and Kith Treats are debuting a collab Mystery Cronut this weekend Ansel—king of the Cronut and founder of one of the best bakeries in New York City—will expand his NYC dessert empire with a brand-new bakeshop called Papa d'Amour, debuting at 64 University Place (between East 10th and 11th Streets) next Thursday, May 22. Named for the sweet sobriquet his two young children call him, the bakery pays tribute to his kids' Taiwanese and French heritage with a spotlight on Asian bread culture—think fluffy shokupan and pillowy milkbreads, steamed buns, rich egg tarts, flaky layered pastries, and more.And this being an Ansel property, of course there will be plenty of playful inventiveness on the menu, too. There will be mochi doughnuts inspired by the chef's favorite dim-sum dish, the taro puff: vanilla mochi and strawberry guava jam center surrounded by creamy taro and that flaky crispy lace batter crust that shatters with each and every bite. A Danish gets a savory twist in honor of Ansel's favorite late-night meals, filling flaky laminated brioche with a center of sticky rice (nuo mi fan) seasoned with shallot oil, soy-glazed Kurobuta pork hot dogs, furikake, and nori. And a classic, silky egg tart gets a nostalgic nod to New York with pretzel salt

Get a taste of the Caribbean without leaving South Florida at the annual (and all-inclusive!) Food, Wine & Fête festival, which returns to Miami's Historic Virginia Key Beach Park this Saturday, May 17. The culinary and cultural extravaganza will celebrate the feel and flavors of the islands, with signature dishes and cooking demonstrations from renowned Caribbean chefs and culinary creatives, as well as Soca music, rum-splashed cocktails and good vibes aplenty. RECOMMENDED: A new low-cost Caribbean airline just launched in Miami Among this year's featured tastemakers are Emmy Award-winning chef Simeon Hall, Jr., Troy Tingling, Kimesha Chong, Myriam Charles, Paul Griffith and Christian Barruos-Brens. From 5pm to 11pm on Saturday, attendees can feast their way down "Foodie Avenue", lined with local vendors offering authentic Caribbean specialties; sip and savor handcrafted cocktails and fine Caribbean spirits from the fest's spirits partners and signature bars; and potentially take home exclusive getaways to your favorite Caribbean islands from the event's partnering tourism boards. The festivities will cap off with a one-of-a-kind drone show, powered by LunaLite Drone Show Technologies, for an epic and illuminating finale. General admission tickets will get you all of the above but if you really want to splash out, you can opt for a VIP experience which will include a live chef sampling and tasting from South Florida restaurateurs, a private bar, a Prosecco pop-up with free-f

We're used to hijinks happening along the Chicago riverfront—remember those gigantic beans floating by a few weeks ago?—and one of the most joyful oddities is making its seasonal return under the Belmont Avenue bridge: the "Secret River" concert series. RECOMMENDED: Chicago Jazz Fest announces headliners for summer 2025, including Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding Humbly taking place on a concrete pillar in the Chicago River with audiences "seated" atop the bridge, beneath the overpass or, most excellently, in kayaks bobbing along the waterway, the yearly DIY gigs are the brainchild of local musician Ben Kinsinger—the self-proclaimed "River King"—and his band Lawrence Tome, who have been holding the performances in the unexpected "venue" since 2022. And Kinsinger and Co. are officially back for the 2025 season, which kicked off last Saturday, May 10 with live waterfront numbers by Lawrence Tome as well as NÜDE (the Chicago-based duo of Ruby Lucinda & Luke Clohisy) and singer-songwriter Jennifer Femme. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕹¨𝕯𝕰 (@bloodygulch) And there are more editions of the one-of-a-kind music experience coming to the riverfront, with future Secret River shows already scheduled for Sunday, May 18—the lineup will include Duck, Beauty and the Bard, Ian McKinley, Girly Pants and Kyle Paul, reports Block Club Chicago—and Monday, May 26. The performances will start a high noon and keep the music flowing (get it?) until sunset, per o