Christina Izzo

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including NYC Summer Streets, an immersive Devil Wears Prada fashion exhibit, the LIC Wellness Fest, a special Central Park screening of the new Flaco doc and more, plus awesome free events in NYC. For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: including  NYC Summer Streets, the 50th anniversary of the Union Square Greenmarket, MoMa Silent Movie Week, a tequila fest, a new Spider-Man flick and much more, plus free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! And start off a great month with our round-up of the best things to do in August.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

NYC's public swimming pools are an oasis for heat-weary New Yorkers every summer, whether they take a dip in the cool waters or just lounge poolside. We certainly have our pick of options as there are more than 60 public swimming pools scattered around New York’s five boroughs. Here's our comprehensive list of the squeaky clean—and totally free—swimming pools in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best hotel and rooftop pools in NYC Since we don't condone sneaking a flask past the locker room, we've suggested some post-sunbathing spots to rehydrate with frozen cocktails while munching on some tasty bar food and snacks. Want to make a splash above ground level? Several of the best hotels in NYC have rooftop pools that allow non-hotel guests to enjoy the facilities (for a price, of course).

Get ready for another summer of fun in the sun! Each summer, New York City beaches open for swimming and sunbathing starting Memorial Day weekend. A visit to one—if not all—of the best beaches NYC has to offer is needed when temperatures become hot and sticky. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways, a camping trip, a stay at an oceanfront Airbnb or just looking for ways to cool off or with friends, these beaches in New York are a quick subway, ferry or bus trip away. If you have a car and want to venture further out, we’ve also included off-the-beaten-track sandy shores that are less than two hours away, and you can check out NYC's hidden beaches here. But first, some answers: RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC What is the best beach in NYC? That depends on what makes a beach worth visiting. Want pristine sand and fewer crowds? The best beach is Fort Tilden Beach. If you like a more iconic beach experience with some crowds, the best beach for you is Rockaway Beach. Or for a classic Americana experience with a Boardwalk and amusement park, Coney Island is your spot. What are the best non-crowded beaches in NYC? Fort Tilden is still less crowded than other beaches in NYC.

Get ready to use our NYC events in August calendar as your guide for ending the summer with a bang. This month is the last to take advantage of New York beaches and pools before they close for swimming in September. There are many more things to do outside this month, like enjoying incredible rooftops, going to the botanical garden and dining at night markets. This is the last full month of summer—make it count! RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Trends come and go, whether they illustrate a seemingly organic zeitgeist like 2022's influx of speakeasy-style bars, or they’re the product of a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign like the Aperol spritz blitz of 2018. Summer is particularly conducive to the form: A season that somehow feels more ephemeral than the others, making abstract promises of love and holidays, all hazy with the patina of heat.  But while some food-and-drink fads have exited as swiftly as they arrived, the frozen cocktail remains an enduring favorite. It's the ideal icy canvas to spin anything into, with unending possibilities limited only by the imagination. Deliciously, new frozens have joined our old favorites all over town. And, while the occasional zag to something shiny and new can be cute, frozens are the drink of forever summer in NYC—and here are our favorites. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in NYC right now Updated July 2026: We've certainly had a stretch of heatwaves across NYC as of late (coupled with a tornado warning, because why not). However, we've found the best way to combat that bead of sweat running down your back is with a good ol' fashioned frozen drink. New to the list are actual newcomers themselves, as Williamsburg's Kinda Nice and Dumbo's Titán have been added. We also added Brooklyn Crab's rotating frozen, the Tabasco-tinged drink at Bar Snack and the boozy milkshake at Frita Batido. And we couldn't forget the viral soft-serve margarita, only served at Colima Taqueria. W

A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2026 with a dazzling show. It's one of the best events to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC. What time is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? On Friday, July 4 at 8pm. Where are the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? The Macy's July 4 Fireworks Show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2026. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. What is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? Every year, the spectacular show launches 80,000 shells off of barges in the river. The extravaganza typically lasts 25 minutes and features numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes. What are the best places to watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks?  As for viewing locations, any anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River should do the trick. Macy's says that prime public viewing will be available along elevated portions of the FDR Drive with the following access points managed by NYPD: Montgomery Street at Madison Street Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps Broad Street at Water Street. ADA viewing will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street.  Just a heads up that those viewing points will get very busy, and you'll want to show up early. As crowds build at these areas, some of these locat

It’s America’s big day and we're here for it. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red-white-and-blue treats and drinks, head out for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC

Some of the best things to do in NYC this summer happen in July. Even after all the 4th of July events simmer down, the fun doesn't end. Post-Independence Day, there's still plenty to do outside of seasonal regulars like hitting up one of the city’s many scenic rooftops and working on your tan at the best beaches in NYC. From music festivals to outdoor movie series, new museum exhibitions to World Cup mania, here are 60+ great things to do in NYC this July.  RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s queer community is ready to party and—more than ever this year—stand up for their rights. At a time when the trans community is under attack across the country and even in our forward-looking city, displays of joy, resistance and community are more essential than ever. Whether you're looking to show your support by joining the NYC Pride March or looking for a place to dance your worries away, Pride celebrations continue all month long. We’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate all year long! RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2026 are things to do outside. When you’re not spending all your free time soaking up the sun at the best beaches or drinking atop the city’s finest rooftop bars, you'll be rocking your rainbow during the Pride March and catching Tribeca Festival screeners. Get your tickets now for the best happenings of the month and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for good weather. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2026

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, and the all-Brooklyn BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer progresses, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer

Hugging the rugged, rocky coastline of Mallorca’s Colònia de Sant Jordi village, the Iberostar Selection Es Trenc hotel rises high above the resort town, offering unobstructed views of the nearby famous Es Trenc beach and the transparent turquoise waters surrounding the property.  Opened in April 2025, the 11-floor property underwent an extensive multimillion-dollar transformation, replacing the old THB Sur Mallorca with a five-star, sustainability-focused luxury hotel that marks the Iberostar brand’s 16th property in its native Mallorca. And if it’s a chic and tranquil Mediterranean stay you’re after, this is the beachfront resort for you.  What are the rooms like at Iberostar Selection Es Trenc?  First and foremost, yes, every single one of the 198 bedrooms and suites are decked out with expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows and private, furnished balconies overlooking that stunning seaside. But the breezy, modern lodgings are just as lovely inside as they are out, echoing the hotel’s marine setting with relaxing shades of sand and sage throughout, as well as stone surfaces and bleached wood that give the space a fresh, minimalist feel.  Thoughtful touches abound in each guestroom, including beach bags, yoga mats, hair tools (straighteners, hair dyers) and clothes steamers to use at your leisure. And if you opt for one of the higher-tier rooms, you can also personalize your sleep with a complimentary pillow menu, should you want to upgrade to a cloud-like feather, moldable me

Some tourists come to New York for the food, some for the fashion, others for the nightlife. But if your NYC trip itinerary is littered with planned visits to the Great White Way, the LUMA Hotel Times Square is the boutique hotel for your Broadway-loving heart. Conveniently located in midtown near Times Square and Bryant Park, it’s just a ticket stub’s throw from the glittering playhouses of the city’s Theater District and that love for the stage is felt throughout the property and its amenities.  The LUMA has its own “Broadway Concierge” on hand: Guests can book a 30-minute consultation with theater aficionado Laura Heywood, who will curate the personalized show selection and offer expert guidance to the world of plays and musicals. The specialty package also includes a three-course pre-theater dinner at AperiBar by Charlie Palmer—the “Italianesque” restaurant and cocktail bar located right off the lobby, which occasionally hosts its own live programming like drag bingo—as well as a 20-percent ticket discount for Roundabout Theatre Company, home to popular productions like The Rocky Horror Show, Fallen Angels, and upcoming works like The Imaginary Invalid.  But even if you don’t know your Frankenfurter from your Fanny Price, the LUMA Hotel is a solid midtown option for any Manhattan visitor: The 130-room lodging has all of the usual creature comforts you want, with rooms thoughtfully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows, calmingly neutral color schemes and plush Frette li

Rooftop Cinema Club, the open-air theater perched atop The Emily Hotel, is back for another season. Guests can catch showings of hand-picked classics, cult films and recent releases while also enjoying sweeping views of the skyline and craft beverages.  Running from May through early November, this season is packed with fresh programming, from curated film collections to immersive themed events like a Singles Night featuring a 90-minute mixer followed by a screening of There’s Something About Mary. 

Here at Time Out, we love a name that throws you off. Whatever you think Swingers is going to be, we promise you that’s not it. This Swingers club is of the crazy golf kind (get it?). If you’re no more enlightened, crazy golf is a British term for mini-golf with a little more edge—think wild routes, obstacles, windmills and more. Swingers opened its first club in London, and is now a hit in D.C.  Swingers NoMad is located beneath the Virgin Hotel at 29th Street and Broadway. But it’s not just the golf that will make you say, ‘Oh yeah!’—the venue serves authentic cocktails, premium spirits, beers and wine, as well as a whole array of street food. Choose from Tacos by Fonda’s punchy Mexican, and Emmy Squared Pizza which includes there famous Detroit-style pizza, burgers and exclusive menu items. Either show up and see where the night takes you or choose from one of Swingers’ crazy golf packages, from the humble two-person golf-and-drinks for $55 a person to the premium for $116, including crazy golf, drinks, street food, dessert, your own table and your own tee off time. General admission is $28 a person for nine rounds!

Inspired by the bathing traditions of ancient Greece, Rome and Ottoman civilizations, AIRE Ancient Baths first debuted in New York back in 2012, one of the first businesses to jump-start the city's obsession with all things wellness. Back in the day, public bathhouses were large, extravagant places where people would lounge in various water pools to clean themselves and cure their ailments. This Spanish import elegantly brings that traditional wellness experience to New York with the first overseas location of its luxury bathhouse minichain. (Along with this Tribeca flagship, there's also a sister spot on the Upper East Side.) The basement level of the gigantic three-story space houses the spacious, open room of baths, which consist of hot, cold, saltwater and multijet pools alongside steam and hot-stone rooms where you can lounge. Enjoy serene, candlelit thermal baths, massages, and signature treatments; right now, a thorough, two-hour Ancient Relaxing Massage 45' costs $225 per person. 

In the case of some NYC landmarks, you have to take their golden-age greatness for granted. Not so with the Village Vanguard, a West Village jazz club that's hosted countless legendary gigs, documented on albums by giants such as Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and Bill Evans. To this day, the Vanguard retains every bit of its cachet.  After 90 years, this basement club’s stage still hosts the crème de la crème of mainstream jazz talent. Plenty of history has been made here—John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Bill Evans have grooved in this hallowed hall—and the 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been the Monday-night regular since 1966. Thanks to the venue's strict no cell phone policy, seeing a show here feels like stepping back and time. It's just you and the music. 

The first floor of this respected thrift shop is devoted to jewelry cases, vintage furniture, and such curios as an old cash register and used sewing machine (both in working order). Head to the clean basement room to scour the racks for coats, skirts and jeans, with general apparel priced between $30 and $50 and vintage numbers from $150 to $800; or plop down on a cushioned bench to try on the shoes, organized on red bookshelves. The well-edited stock is in impeccable condition and sourced solely by donation—Cure donates all its proceeds to the Diabetes Research Institute. Check back twice a year for the shop’s whatever-you-can-fit-in-this-bag-that-costs-just-$15 sales.  

Set in the lovely Fort Tryon Park overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters houses the Met’s medieval art and architecture collections, America's only museum dedicated exclusively to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. A path winds through the peaceful grounds to a castle that seems to have survived from the Middle Ages. (It was built less than 100 years ago, using material from five medieval French cloisters.) Be sure to check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries, the 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel and the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin. And if you want to make a full day of it, grab lunch or a coffee at The Bonnefont restaurant, located right next to the museum. RECOMMENDED: 50 best New York attractions  

To honor and remeber those who lost their lives in defense of the nation, Brookyn's annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25. This year is the 159th parade, making it one of the oldest parades in Brooklyn. The patriotic festivities kick off at 11am from 78th Street and Third Avenue in Bay Ridge, then proceeds down to Marine Avenue, up to Fourth Avenue and over to John Paul Jones Park for a memorial service that includes bab pipes, flag raising, wreath laying by veteran service organizations and a 21-gun salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery.

In recognition of the men and women in uniform, the Intrepid Museum has an entire weekend of patriotic programming to celebrate Memorial Day. The weekend’s activities kick off Friday, May 22, with a free screening of Top Gun on the flight deck. On Saturday, May 23, the Museum hosts Battle of the Big Bands, celebrating the music, dance, and style of the swing era. There will also be a vintage pinup showcase, barbershop quartet, fashion contest, and swing dance performances and lessons throughout the evening.  Throughout the weekend, explore a variety of displays and activities on Pier 86 from participants including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, antique military vehicles from the Military Transport Association and many more. And on Monday, May 25, a solemn ceremony take place to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have given their lives in defense of our nation.  Civic and military leaders will offer remarks and join in a special wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen; the ceremony concludes with a flyover by Navy fighter jets.

Honor fallen members of the United States Armed Forces at the largest of the city’s Memorial Day parades. Bring your handheld Old Glory and cheer on local members of the military, veterans, marching bands, Brownie troops and Boy Scouts as they march westward along Northern Boulevard in Queens from Great Neck to Douglaston. Go to lndmemorialday.com for more information.

The flagship venue for midtown’s jazz resurgence, Birdland takes its place among the neon lights of Times Square seriously. And it should: It’s named after the legendary Charlie "Bird" Parker and boasts a rich history stretching back to the late 1940s. That means the intimate-yet-lively a haven for great jazz musicians (Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling) as well as performers like John Pizzarelli and Aaron Neville, with a mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. The club is also notable for its roster of bands in residence. Sundays belong to the Birdland Latin Jazz Orchestra with David DeJesus.

We don't know about you, but summer heat always gives us a hankering for Thai food and, helpfully, a massive free festival spotlighting all of Thailand's culinary goodness is returning to Manhattan next week. On Tuesday, July 21, the Thai SELECT Festival—presented by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce—is taking over Grand Central Terminal and it's bringing some of New York's best Thai restaurants with it.  RECOMMENDED: NYC Summer Streets returns in just a few weeks—here’s everything you need to know. From 11am to 2pm, Vanderbilt Hall will be transformed into a culinary destination courtesy of 15 acclaimed local Thai spots—including Wayla, Chalong, Soothr, Nuar, Phranakhon, Untable and Lalyn—each of which has earned an official Thai SELECT designation, "a mark of certification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce The Royal Thai Government to guarantee the authentic Thai taste of Thai food products and Thai restaurants in Thailand and overseas." Basically, these kitchens know their shit, and their cooking is delicious proof.  Along with samples of great grub, the afternoon event will also feature live performances, hands-on cultural experiences and interactive exhibitions celebrating Thailand’s culinary heritage, including a special Thai-themed BINGO activity. There will also be splashy guest appearances by superstar Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong (Shine, Jet Lag) and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat (KinnPorsche, Man

We’ve had a pretty great summer so far, New York, but we’re happy to report that the good vibes will be extending through fall—that is, if the good folks at the New York Comedy Festival have any say in the matter. The laugh-filled showcase, which is the largest and longest-running annual comedy festival in the entire United States, will be making its annual return this November, with over 200 established and emerging comedians performing at 100-plus venues across all five boroughs from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15. And what a lineup it is: This year’s headliners include major genre names like Marc Maron, Ilana Glazer, Ziwe, Ben Bankas, Matt Rogers, Sarah Sherman, Daniel Sloss, Adam Friedland, Mojo Brookzz and more.  RECOMMENDED: The best comedy clubs for improv, stand-up and sketch comedy guaranteed to make you crack a smile The events, which range from traditional stand-up gigs to live podcast recordings to sketch and improv showcases and beyond, will take place at such iconic haunts as Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, Town Hall and Kings Theatre. (You can find the current schedule below but do note that details are subject to change and additional events and performers may be added in the coming months.)  “Each year, the New York Comedy Festival serves as both a celebration of comedy’s biggest voices and a showcase for the talent shaping its future,” said Caroline Hirsch, founder of the New York Comedy Festival. “This year’s lineup brings together establ

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off and with eight games total set for the NY-NJ area—including the big final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ—the roads leading to and from the city are going to get messy. Already, New Yorkers have spent weeks on the receiving end of advisories from Governor Sherril, Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani's offices about the gridlock days, work-from-home warnings and general transportation nightmares that await Tri-State football fans. So when I scored a ticket to this Tuesday's match-up between France and Senegal, my first thought was: "How the hell are we getting there?" RECOMMENDED: 10 best ways to celebrate the World Cup in NYC this summer I, like any good MetroCard-holding New Yorker, haven't driven a car in a solid 15 years. Public transit and my too-short legs are my primary modes of transportation. However, for my first-ever World Cup experience—hell, my first soccer experience in North America, full stop—I found myself going against my usual train-taking proclivities and opted instead for the bougie black-car route. Let's break it down. Photograph: Christina IzzoMetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup The price Chauffeured charters from midtown NYC to MetLife can cost $200 to $400 per hour, depending on the vehicle type and number of people riding. There's also the cost of parking; stadium lots are closed to the public, but you can pre-purchase an off-site parking pass (for de

We've got a year until we're reunited with Shane Hollander, Ilya Rozanov and the pop-cultural phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry, the Crave/HBO adaptation of Rachel Reid's popular Game Changers novels. But if you really can't wait for more secret hotel trysts, t.A.T.u. needle drops and rink-melting sexual tension, then Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody will help you scratch that itch.  "By rights, Dylan MarcAurele’s raunchy musical spoof should not be nearly as funny as it is," said Time Out theater critic Adam Feldman in his rave review of the show. "But as directed by Alan Kliffer in a sixth-floor space at the Culture Club, the Chelsea complex that used to house Sleep No More’s McKittrick Hotel, this scrappy show is an unexpected delight in the irreverent camp tradition of Silence! The Musical! and the original Asylum production of Titaníque."  We enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we just had to pick the brain of the man behind the musical: Dylan MarcAurele, whose previous works have spoofed everything from Michelangelo to MEG4N. The New York–based playwright and composer spoke with us about the parody's crazy-quick origin story, its cut plot lines and whether there's a Heated Rivalry Broadway show in our collective future.  Photograph: Courtesy Matthew MurphyHeated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody You have plenty of experience with pop-culture parodies. What was it about Heated Rivalry that made you feel it was right for a musical treatment?  I just

If you haven't heard, America is turning the big 2-5-0 this summer and celebrations are already underway throughout the city. And fittingly, the New York Historical—the oldest museum in New York and one of the earliest cultural institutions in the United States as a whole—is leading the charge in commemorating this historic moment with the unveiling of a brand-new wing that will serve "as a beacon for democracy education, a powerhouse of inclusive history, and a home for history enthusiasts of all backgrounds and perspectives." RECOMMENDED: 12 Revolutionary War artworks take over Lower Manhattan ahead of the country's 250 birthday Today, June 18, the uptown museum opens its doors to the Tang Wing for American Democracy after three years and $175 million in renovations, a 71,000-square-foot expansion designed by RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects) that not only adds gallery space to the UWS campus but also immersive classrooms, a state-of-the-art conservation studio, a sculpture garden and a roof deck with views of Central Park West and beyond.  Photograph: Christina IzzoThe New York Historical Photograph: Christina IzzoThe New York Historical The Stuart and Jane Weitzman Shoe Museum, a permanent gallery, ushers you into the landmark building's new wing, showcasing more than 100 pairs of historic shoes, from the suffragettes of the 19th-century to the Beyoncés of now. From there, the first-floor main gallery uses its triple-height ceilings to display a variety of artifact

If the graciously rising temperatures have given you a little pep in your step, we've got good news: One of New York's hottest dance parties is making its much-awaited return next month, and with a seriously impressive lineup to boot. Kicking off on Friday, July 24, the MoMA PS1 Warm Up series turns the museum's courtyard into a dancefloor with DJ sets and live performances on six Friday evenings in July and August. The summer-long music festival has been bringing good vibes to the Long Island City art museum since 1998 and, with its 28th season upon us, it's showing no signs of slowing down. "As an integral part of MoMA PS1’s curatorial program for more than 20 years, Warm Up seeks to elevate innovative and underrepresented voices: emerging and established, local and global, and across genres," says organizers. And the 2026 lineup is certainly all that and more, spotlighting innovators in electronic music hailing from here in New York City and around the world: think post-rave hardcore techno, jungle-house DJs, Detroit machine funk outfits, experimental electro tunes and much more. Keep scrolling for the full summer 2026 lineup below.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to NYC's best summer music festivals Photograph: Courtesy MoMA PS 1MoMA PS 1 Warm Up shows MoMA PS1 2026 Warm Up lineup  Friday, July 24 Carlos Souffront / The Bunker NY + Interdimensional Transmissions (San Francisco) Wackies Showcase with Lloyd "Bullwackie" Barnes / New York & Mark Ernestus / Ndagga, Basic 

From East Village grocery stores to iconic transit hubs to Lower Manhattan thoroughfares, New Yorkers are used to great art popping up in unexpected places—add vending machines to the list. Yes, Mystry Mart, "part gallery, part art installation and entirely a mystery" that dispenses blind-bagged original works by local emerging artists, bringing its interactive playfulness to colorful Coney Island for the summer. Founded by Victoria Orlovskaya and Gene Bell, the vending machine-turned-art gallery has set up installations at the Brooklyn Museum, PowerHouse Arts and House of Yes over the years, with its latest edition located at Margarita Island off the Surf Avenue strip. The installation works with over 120 artists, with 20 revolving creatives featured at any given time per machine. Collectors can find anything from fine-art prints and paintings to ceramics—fun highlights include miniature paintings on MetroCards by artist Zhang Zheyi, and paintings on epoxied bread by artist BreadSlug. RECOMMENDED: 10 NYC art exhibitions we’re most excited about in spring 2026  Photograph: Courtesy Mystry MartMystry Mart With prices ranging from $10 to $100, each piece is wrapped up blind bag-style, with a single QR code on each packaging. That digital portal gives more information on not only the work itself but the artists behind them, along with ways to support the local art community.  The Mystry Mart machines were "designed to spotlight and celebrate emerging creative talent in the mos

After months of anticipation, the biggest sports event of the year is nearly here. No, not that Knicks championship win (though our fingers are very much crossed), but the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And after more than three decades, the international soccer tournament will return to the United States this summer for 39 days of competitions between national teams from across the globe. The games will be held from June 11 to July 19 in a record 104 matches staged across Mexico, Canada and the United States (that’s 16 North American cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia and Seattle), marking the first time ever that three countries have hosted the event together. And, of course, the Tri-State area is playing a big role in this year’s tournament, with a whopping eight games taking place at the NYC-adjacent MetLife Stadium. But the World Cup fever will extend far beyond those stadium walls. Here are 10 sporty-cool ways to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup in NYC this summer. 1. Cheer on Portugal at Time Out Market, Brooklyn Starting this Saturday, June 13, Time Out Market, Brooklyn will be transformed into the multi-sensory Portugal House where you’ll be able to not only watch the thrilling games live on June 17, 23 and 27 but also take in the best that Portuguese culture has to offer.  Stop by the Market’s fifth floor pop-up, to experience a range of Portuguese wines, try delicious food specialties, pose for memorable photo ops, enjoy entertainment on the stunning terrac

It's officially summer music festival season in NYC and one of our favorite early traditions of the outdoor era is returning to the boroughs this weekend: yes, The Governors Ball is back beginning this Friday for three full days of top-notch live music taking over Queens' largest park. And with headliners like Lorde, A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, Stray Kids, Jennie and more, you can expect upwards of 150,000 music fans descending upon festival grounds to check out one of June's most hotly anticipated events. Here's your guide to all things Gov Ball 2026, including who will be taking the stage, how to get to the fest and how to score last-minute tickets.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer Everything you need to know about Gov Ball 2026 When is Governors Ball 2026? Governors Ball 2026 takes place from Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7. Festival gates open at 11:30am daily, with live music concluding at 10pm each night. Where will Governors Ball 2026 be held? As with last year's edition, the 2026 Gov Ball will again be held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The main entrance will be located between the Unisphere and Astronaut Court. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Governors Ball (@govballnyc) What’s the best way to get to Governors Ball 2026? This is New York City, so obviously public transit is the way to go when it comes to a major event like Gov Ball. There are multiple transit options available, including taking the

Want to get the Wimbledon experience without dropping major flight money? You don't have to travel across the pond to get a taste of the famous British tennis tournament: Wimbledon is coming right to Wollman Rink later this month. From Friday, June 26 through Monday, June 29, a four-day immersive activation dubbed “The Wimbledon Court in Central Park” will bring a playable, full-scale tennis court (made from the tournament’s iconic grass and maintained by Wimbledon’s expert grounds staff) right there on the rink. Headlining the sporty event is "The Wimbledon Court Invitational" on Friday at 2pm, an exhibition match that will see two pairs of tennis icons—Andre Agassi and Genie Bouchard taking on James Blake and Caroline Wozniacki—go head-to-head in a friendly doubles match. (You can apply for free tickets to the match here.) RECOMMENDED: You can play pickleball in Central Park again this summer But they're not the only one allowed to get in on the serve-and-volley fun: On Saturday and Sunday, a number of lucky attendees will get the chance to flex their own tennis skills with free slots to play on the pop-up court. (You can enter the public ballot for those slots here.) Rendering: Courtesy The Experiential GroupThe Wimbledon Court in Central Park A variety of tennis-themed programming will be on offer throughout all four days, including free tennis clinics with coaches, quintessential Wimbledon fare (like strawberries and cream, Scotch eggs and sausage rolls washed down wit

Do you feel that, New York? That long-awaited seventies-and-sunny forecast has things really feeling like summer in NYC these days and that's got us in the mood for an open-air movie. Thankfully, outdoor movie season is nearly here and one of the best settings for an al fresco flick is back hosting a fresh slate of free movies for summer 2026. Beginning next month, Seaport Cinema outdoor movies will again be taking place on the Heineken Riverdeck at Pier 17 (89 South Street), running every Tuesday night at sundown around 8 p.m. with stunning waterfront views of the Brooklyn Bridge and movie-themed concessions. The seasonal tradition kicks off on Tuesday, July 21 with the Nicolas Cage-led caper National Treasure, followed by a string of beloved comedies including She's The Man (July 28), Legally Blonde (August 4) and 13 Going on 30 (August 11). RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC in June 2026 Photograph: Courtesy The SeaportSeaport Cinema Things get romantic later in August with screenings of Crazy Rich Asians (August 18) and Dirty Dancing (August 25), before the summertime series finishes off on September 8 with the sporty biopic King Richard, starring an Oscar-winning Will Smith as Serena and Venus Williams' father-slash-coach Richard Williams.  As usual, every screening will be free and open to the public, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. And given the outdoor nature of the series, attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets to sit on. You ar

The Big Apple is turning into Il Bel Paese this week for its first-ever Ciao Day, a one-day-only Italian celebration taking over Madison Square Park in observance of Festa della Repubblica, the national holiday commemorating the founding of the Italian Republic in 1946. Taking place on Tuesday, June 2 from noon to 4pm, the free and open-to-the-public festival will transform the public plaza with cheery café tables dressed in flowers and lemons, live brass bands, caricature drawings, children's activities (face-painting and storytime sessions hosted by Sullaluna) and, of course, plenty of food. (Because really, it wouldn't be an Italian party without it!) RECOMMENDED: The 22 best Italian restaurants in NYC, from red sauce joints to fine-dining favorites Speaking of il cibo, the "Mercato Italiano" food-and-drink spread will include free tastings from popular Italian restaurants like Eataly, Café Carmellini, Scarpetta, DiMarco and Piadi, as well as a special on-site partnership between New York's own Rosetta Bakery and Ferrarini (the historic Italian cured meat producer founded in Reggio Emilia in 1956), and the new U.S. gelato lineup from Sammontana Gelati all'Italiana, Italy's leading gelato brand and Ciao Day's main sponsor. Attendees can get an early taste ten of the brand's new products, including gelato bars, gelato sandwiches and gelato cones, in a nice bit of brand synergy: Sammontana was founded in 1946, the very same year as the Italian Republic. View this