Ian is a staff writer at Time Out New York whose passion is nightlife, entertainment and anything that gets people's bodies moving. He has written about culture, entertainment and identity for several places including VICE, CNN, HuffPost, Them, Mic and others.

In his free time, Ian is also a DJ who goes by oyystersauce and founder of Whorechata, a collective for queer and trans people of color.

You can reach him at ian.kumamoto@timeout.com

Ian Kumamoto

Ian Kumamoto

Staff Writer

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Articles (23)

New York State of Fashion: 16 young designers on what to wear out in NYC now

New York State of Fashion: 16 young designers on what to wear out in NYC now

Not everyone agrees that New York is the fashion capital of the world—lowkey, most of Europe. But what no one can deny is that New York City consistently produces some of the most exciting and boundary-defying designers in the world.  What we may lack in refinement and tradition, we more than make up for in attitude. Some might even say that our style is a reflection of how the city constantly shapes us: It’s scrappy, it’s hopelessly eclectic, and more often than not, it’s got zero fucks to give. In a single look, an average New Yorker might mix fabrics, identities and cultural references that span the breadth of time. Our styles tell stories, and that’s what makes New York City fashion great.  Fashion and a sense of it is present in every facet of New Yorkers lives. Samples sales bring lines that wrap around Lower East Side blocks, thrifting in Bushwick has effectively become a competitive sport that requires persistence and aggression, and Soho, the city’s shopping epicenter, has been called the “Gen-Z Times Square.” Bustling independent designers. Sandy Liang, who fully leaned into the coquette aesthetic, Eckahus Latta, Luar, and LEAK NYC, the racy clubwear brand. There are hidden shopping malls like Chinatown Mall and Dover Street Market in Kips Bay.  It seems like every day, new designers spring out of seemingly nowhere, and in a city like New York, there’s room for them all.  Some of them have made it globally. Whether it’s the now-iconic bags from TELFAR, streetwear fr

The 23 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

The 23 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

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. August 2024 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC this summer, including The Beekman, The Ludlow and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. RECOMMENDED: 🇺🇸 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 am

The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: August 2024

The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: August 2024

Whether or not you realize it, New York is undergoing a nightlife renaissance. Communities that were once driven underground and considered "niche" have blossomed and claimed their rightful spot in the city's entertainment ecosystem. Whether it's a new Latin party about to take over one of the biggest club venues in the Lower East Side, a Black-centered festival in Brooklyn's favorite park, or a party celebrating 2001 downtown NYC club culture, there's no shortage of exciting parties happening this month. Here are some of our top picks. RECOMMENDED: Out Late: Empanada Mama's flagship restaurant is the hottest gay bar in the city

The best outdoor art in NYC this summer

The best outdoor art in NYC this summer

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

The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;) ), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now

Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now

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

10 best things to do around Barclays Center in Brooklyn

10 best things to do around Barclays Center in Brooklyn

When it comes to prime real estate, Barclays Center in Brooklyn is uniquely blessed: The iconic venue, home to the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty, sits at the intersection of several of the most dynamic neighborhoods in the entire city, including Park Slope, Propsect Heights and Fort Greene. Within 20 minutes of the venue, you could find yourself dancing to a free outdoor DJ set at a park; at a small independent bookstore near a college campus; at one of the premiere museums in the city; or at a thrift store that donates all its profits to a sexual health clinic.  Whether you're trying to pregame at a bar before a concert or looking to celebrate your favorite basketball team's latest win, you definitely won't be deprived of choices if you find yourself attending an event here. Here is our list of some of the best things to do in the area, all within a 20-minute walk of Brooklyn's favorite arena. 

The best 4th of July events in NYC for 2024

The best 4th of July events in NYC for 2024

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

NYC's best Pride events for 2024, from the marches to concerts

NYC's best Pride events for 2024, from the marches to concerts

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s LGBTQ+ is ready to party, celebrate and stand up for equal rights in all the city’s rainbow-wrapped glory for the NYC Pride March and more. The Pride celebrations continue all month long. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ things to do, we have your back—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

NYC events in June 2024

NYC events in June 2024

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2024 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 2024

NYC’s drag mothers are raising the next generation of icons

NYC’s drag mothers are raising the next generation of icons

Mothers are the vessels from which all life emerges: In Western culture, we refer to the source of all living beings as “Mother Nature,” and before that, the Greeks had Gaia, the ancestral source of all life. In ancient Egypt, there was Isis, and the Incas had Pachamama, or Mother Earth. In modern queer culture, the term “mother” has taken on new meaning: It’s what we use to refer to women who can’t help but be iconic. Mothers are those who serve as markers of confidence and authenticity, traits we strive to embody in our lives every day. When someone is really giving it their all—and succeeding—one can say that Mother is Mothering.  But the meaning of mother extends far beyond slang. As much progress as we’ve seen in the past decade when it comes to queer visibility, we continue to live in a world where queer people are too often alienated from their immediate families. In the absence of support from biological parents, many queer people’s lives become driven by a desire to find their “chosen families”: People who are committed to loving them because of their queerness, and not in spite of it. From my perspective, few communities embody the complexity of chosen families as tenderly as New York City’s drag community.  Drag mother and daughter dynamics are especially important now, when there are people all over the country hellbent on ending the artform altogether. If you know anything about New York drag, then you know that most of your favorite queens have drag mothers. The

The best 4/20 events in NYC

The best 4/20 events in NYC

Celebrating 4/20 is always a buzz, but the holiday in NYC has become an even bigger deal now that cannabis is legal for adult use in New York. Here's the rundown on everything you need to know about marijuana legalization in NYC. If you want to celebrate 4/20 in a big way this month, we know just the places to elevate your roll. You may gain some extra inspiration from watching the best stoner movies and best weed songs. Just remember to mind your manners with these weed etiquette tips from the Emily Post Institute. To keep the buzz going, check out the following 4/20 events in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC events in April

Listings and reviews (187)

Boro Hotel

Boro Hotel

4 out of 5 stars

Long Island City’s best lobby for working and using the free Wi-Fi is at the Boro Hotel. But it’s also the type of lodging ideal for couples and adult friends who might want to come to a space that feels big and airy after a long day of trudging through Manhattan. If you book a stay here, try to book a room with views of Manhattan—the sweeping views of the Queensboro Bridge and the Upper East Side are pretty difficult to match.  The elegant industrial lobby was designed by the firm Grzywinski + Pons (also behind the Hotel on Rivington in the Lower East Side), and has lots of natural light, tables and chairs, modern sofas, a fireplace and bookshelves curated by Strand Books in Union Square. Rooms and suites have a similar minimalist feel, thanks to mid-century modern furniture, stark white linens and hanging edison bulbs. Non-guests can order coffees at the cafe and drinks at the lobby bar, or also check out their new-ish restaurant Beebe's, which serves some pretty solid brick oven pizzas, pastas and a killer ricotta.  Neighborhood: Long Island City is in the middle of a profound shift from a one-time manufacturing district to cultural hub. Cheap rent brought savvy Manhattan- and Brooklynites to the nabe and excellent restaurants, bars and clubs followed shortly thereafter. These days, local institutions like MoMA PS1 (and their accompanying party Warm Up) as well as the Oracle Club have made Long Island City a destination in its own right. Nearby: 1. The Greats Of Craft: For

Climbing watch party for Olympics

Climbing watch party for Olympics

Just because you didn't make it to France for the Paris Olympics, doesn't mean you have to be antisocial and watch the games at home. There's probably no better way to enjoy the Olympic speed climbing finals this weekend than at Movement Gowanus, a rock climbing gym, alongside other climbing enthusiasts on August 9. The viewing itself is free, but if you want to actually get to climbing, you'll need to purchase a day pass for $34. Shoe rentals are available for $7, and harness rentals are available for $5. 

Sing to the Moon at Gallery Particulier

Sing to the Moon at Gallery Particulier

If you've been craving more ways to connect to your body and spirituality, "SING TO THE MOON" will provide a space of gathering and self-expression at Gallery Particulier in Brooklyn. Starting at 7pm on August 15, you can expect a guided group sound bath meditation, a make up and facepaint special, and a self expression workshop. There will be snacks, music and drinks, as well as plenty of opportunities to meet other like-minded and mindful New Yorkers.  

House Fest

House Fest

House Fest is back for its third edition on Governors Island. This three-day festival celebrates the artistic, cultural, educational, and environmental organizations on the iconic island in New York Harbor. More than two dozen cultural partners will come together on August 16-19 in and around the historic former military houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row, featuring free dance shows, musical performances, outdoor installations, interactive workshops, open studios, panel discussions, and more. This year's festivities will include new programs presented by Governors Island Arts, including a Projection Mapping Party curated by Sally Twin, a workshop with NYC-based drumline Fogo Azul, performances from Miriam Elhajli, Zoh Amba, and Eliana Glass and Eli Fola, and an intergenerational social dance party with Dance is Life NYC.

World Photography Day at SUMMIT

World Photography Day at SUMMIT

If you're an early riser—or just someone who loves photgraphy so, so much—get ready to rise and shine on August 19 for the SUMMIT's celebration of World Photography Day. Whether you're a pro or just starting to learn to take pictures, the SUMMIT is opening its doors at 5am for World Phototaphy Day to give you the opportunity to capture the best sunrise pictures anywhere in the city, with complimentary coffee, breakfast and pastries. What makes the SUMMIT a particularily unique place to see the sun rise is its 1,215 mirrors and glass sky boxes, which will reflect the rising sun's powerful yellow and orange rays.  

Peace and Unity Festival

Peace and Unity Festival

It's an election year, which means that things feel particularily tense and chaotic around here. Each community should do what it can to maintain some harmony, and the second annual Peace & Unity Festival in Staten Island seeks to do exactly that by uniting the local community through music. This year, the festival will take place at the iconic Snug Harbor, and you can expect performances by Jim Jones, Julez Santana, Smiff N Wessun, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Connie Diamond, Abby Jasmine, Chey, Freekey Zekey and more, as well as a special appearance by Ghostface Killah & Friends.

Dragon Fest's Panda Day

Dragon Fest's Panda Day

The beloved Dragon Fest is returning with a special day dedicated to all things panda-related on Saturday, August 10 at Washington Square Park North. Expect panda-themed food, including panda shaved ice from Dragon Lulu, panda boba tea from Master Panda, and even panda macarons crafted by MM Cake Studio. The panda-monium doesn't stop there. There will be panda inflatables, a panda press-on nail station, and raffle games that you can play for a chance to earn—you guessed it—panda-themed items. This year's Panda Day coincides with StillShop Market, an outdoor marketplace with more than 60 vendors selling a curated selection of East Asian brands and crafts.  Find the panda-themed party at Washington Square Park North between 5th Ave and MacDougal Street. Events run from 10am-6pm. Dragon Fest is of New York City's largest celebrations of Chinese food, culture and heritage. After Dragon Fest’s successful run in 2023, where it attracted 200,000 attendees across five events, has expanded its lineup for 2024; here's the full calendar of Dragon Fest events.

Telesynth

Telesynth

Curated by legendary DJ, producer and Bubble_T co-founder Tito Vida, Telesynth is a new party that revolves around the nostalgic boops, blips and beats of 80s electronic music, which includes new dark wave and synth pop. The party celebrates the iconic Electroclash era of downtown NYC circa 2001, with soundtracks from Miss Kitten and The Hacker, Chicks on Speed, The Fitness, and others. Catch their much anticipated first function on Friday, August 2 at C'Mon Everybody and expect trippy, balls-to-the-wall sets by Tito, Cubic Zirconia, and Bruno Coviello, as well as performances by Mahal Kita and S1na. Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door. 

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

4 out of 5 stars

Mo'Bay might be known as the party capital of Jamaica, but you'd never know it if you spent time in the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. The resort prides itself on its commitment to providing peak relaxation to its guests, with a full spa and entire sections of the resort reserved for adults only. The biggest draw here is the white sand and idyllic natural bay caressed by water so blue it hardly looks real. If you get up right at sunrise, you might even be lucky enough to enjoy the beach all to yourself. Montego Bay is an ideal escape for anyone with a long weekend who is eager to really disconnect. The Hideaway is its own little town, complete with 352 suites, 11 bars, an entertainment plaza, the Royal Spa and 12 restaurants. The eateries include something for everyone. In my three days there, I got a chance to try the international buffet (my favorite was the local section, which offered jerk chicken as well as acki and saltfish, Jamaica's national dish); a hibachi restaurant called Zen, which was entertaining but not my personal favorite; a more upscale seafood grill called Dorado, where I had ceviche and the catch of the day; and Grazie Italian Trattoria, where I had seafood pasta that I was pretty happy about. Each day, there were also plenty of activity options including sunset yoga, trivia, all-white parties and pool games.  Now for the cons: During my time here, I felt there were some areas of improvement in the organizational department. I was booked to get what wa

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

4 out of 5 stars

Mo'Bay might be known as the party capital of Jamaica, but you'd never know it if you spent time in the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. The resort prides itself on its commitment to providing peak relaxation to its guests, with a full spa and entire sections of the resort reserved for adults only. The biggest draw here is the white sand and idyllic natural bay caressed by water so blue it hardly looks real. If you get up right at sunrise, you might even be lucky enough to enjoy the beach all to yourself. Less than a four-hour flight from NYC, Montego Bay is an ideal escape for anyone with a long weekend who is eager to really disconnect. The Hideaway is its own little town, complete with 352 suites, 11 bars, an entertainment plaza, the Royal Spa and 12 restaurants. The eateries include something for everyone. In my three days there, I got a chance to try the international buffet (my favorite was the local section, which offered jerk chicken as well as acki and saltfish, Jamaica's national dish); a hibachi restaurant called Zen, which was entertaining but not my personal favorite; a more upscale seafood grill called Dorado, where I had ceviche and the catch of the day; and Grazie Italian Trattoria, where I had seafood pasta that I was pretty happy about. Each day, there were also plenty of activity options including sunset yoga, trivia, all-white parties and pool games.  Now for the cons: During my time here, I felt there were some areas of improvement in the organizational

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

4 out of 5 stars

Mo'Bay might be known as the party capital of Jamaica, but you'd never know it if you spent time in the Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. The resort prides itself on its commitment to providing peak relaxation to its guests, with a full spa and entire sections of the resort reserved for adults only. The biggest draw here is the white sand and idyllic natural bay caressed by water so blue it hardly looks real. If you get up right at sunrise, you might even be lucky enough to enjoy the beach all to yourself. Montego Bay is an ideal escape for anyone with a long weekend who is eager to really disconnect. The Hideaway is its own little town, complete with 352 suites, 11 bars, an entertainment plaza, the Royal Spa and 12 restaurants. The eateries include something for everyone. In my three days there, I got a chance to try the international buffet (my favorite was the local section, which offered jerk chicken as well as acki and saltfish, Jamaica's national dish); a hibachi restaurant called Zen, which was entertaining but not my personal favorite; a more upscale seafood grill called Dorado, where I had ceviche and the catch of the day; and Grazie Italian Trattoria, where I had seafood pasta that I was pretty happy about. Each day, there were also plenty of activity options including sunset yoga, trivia, all-white parties and pool games.  Now for the cons: During my time here, I felt there were some areas of improvement in the organizational department. I was booked to get what wa

STAMINA

STAMINA

Gone are the days when a queer party only meant a sweaty circuit party that plays Gaga mixes in Hells Kitchen. Increasingly, POC queer promoters are bringing the music they want to hear to the club, and Out N Bad, a brand that centers queer Caribbean people, is doing just that for three days starting on July 26. Billed as a "3-day Queer Caribbean weekend," STAMINA is a party experience that brings Caribbean music, culture and food two three different venues. The first party will happen at Littlefield on Friday, July 26 from 11pm-4am; the second will happen at Bar Society on Saturday, July 27 from 3-10pm; and the last will be at Roberta's on Sunday, July 28 from 3-10pm. 

News (250)

This new outdoor sculpture in Central Park honors the Puerto Rican community

This new outdoor sculpture in Central Park honors the Puerto Rican community

Puerto Rican artist Edra Soto is known for her larger-than-life sculptures, which challenge the viewer to think about identity, colonialism and social justice.  Her latest installation, now on view at the Doris C. Freedman Plaza in Central Park, does just that: Graft is an eye-catching sculpture based on rejas, the wrought iron screens frequently seen inside homes throughout Puerto Rico.   Made from steel and terrazo, the piece serves as an homage to Puerto Rico's working class communities, with one side representing a home's exterior and the other reflecting the privacy and intimacy of its interior. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Although the rejas are meant to be protective barriers from potential intruders, they've also become decorative statement pieces employing repeating geometric motifs that can be traced back to West Africa's Yoruba symbol systems, according to the Public Art Fund.  Graft actually incorporates shapes and patterns reminiscent of Caribbean palm leaves, a nod to the strong West African influences found throughout Puerto Rican art and culture. The playful shadows created by the work are also meant to evoke the comfort that Puerto Rican locals always call out to despite the fact that the island was colonized several times throughout history, often masking its own Black heritage. “The rejas make perfect sense to me, as an expression of self. They exist and are understood as a formality in art, but they can live in invisibility be

This 10,000-square-foot haunted house is returning to NYC this year

This 10,000-square-foot haunted house is returning to NYC this year

Fans of all things spooky, rejoice: one of the most popular haunted houses in New York, Blood Manor, will reopen later this month on September 28 for its 21st year. The 10,000 square-foot mansion at 359 Broadway in Manhattan boasts plenty of blood-chilling rooms, spooky corridors and a labyrinth filled with surprises that will make you jump in abject horror.  RECOMMENDED: Halloween in NYC 2024: everything you need to know But there's more: a great cast of actors equipped to instill maximum jump scares and state-of-the-art special effects and technology that combine reality with fantasy so that you don't quite know what's real and what isn't.  Some things to keep in mind: the entire journey through Blood Manor is done on foot it is recommended not to wear white or expensive clothing for fear of getting dirty. Groups of six are led in at once to take in the 20-minute-long experience but, if you're too scared, you can exit the shenanigans at any given point. The staff on hand is also trained not to touch guests. People are let into Blood Manor in groups of six, and a typical journey through the entire experience takes about 20 minutes. If you get too scared during the experience, there are exit points throughout the entire space, but if your mind is playing tricks on you and you feel like you might get hurt, don't worry: The staff at Blood Manor is actually trained not to touch its guests. You can snag your timed entry tickets here. If you don't want to commit to a certain time

NYC Parks just unveiled a "smart" basketball hoop in Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan

NYC Parks just unveiled a "smart" basketball hoop in Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan

There's just nothing quite like playing a game of pick up basketball in the city. And, in one part of town, the game just got a little more interesting—courtesy of a brand new "smart hoop" that uses cutting-edge technology to elevate the popular sport. The modern basketball hoop, which was unveiled on August 27, was created by the tech company huupe, which was founded by friends Paul Anton and Lyth Saeed, who wanted to bridge the gap between real life sports and massively popular online versions of the games.  RECOMMENDED:  A first look at the new ‘Only Murders in the Building’ escape room in NYC The smart basketball hoop incorporates several cool features, including a waterproof backboard boasting a video screen that delivers expert training content and a webcam that gives live feedback on shot accuracy, trajectory and court positioning, essentially giving players free live coaching to up their game.  Arguably the coolest feature, though, is one that enables real-time shooting contests with players from around the world, with 99% accuracy in tracking remote competitions so you can engage in a match-up with folks in another country, just as you'd be able to do in a video game. "We're donating this huupe to the city of New York to create opportunities for more kids to fall in love with the game, see a new type of innovation and to bring more people into the family of basketball," said huuper founder Paul Anton in an official statement. "We want to see people, especially kids,

The G train has resumed service after several repair shutdowns and signal upgrades

The G train has resumed service after several repair shutdowns and signal upgrades

If you live along the G train route, your life probably resembled some version of a living hell for the past several weeks. Since June 28, the MTA shut down different sections of the G line and it was us, humble civilians, who had to pay the price of it all.  But at long last, regular service resumed on the G train on Tuesday. Here's everything you need to know about why the G train was shut down to begin with—and what upgrades we can finally expect.  RECOMMENDED: Vintage train rides are coming back to NYC this fall Why did the G train shut down? The city shut down the G train in order to upgrade old signal systems that were nearly a century old. The MTA claimed that shutting down entire portions of the line would allow the changes to be made much faster than if they suspended service overnight or on weekends.  The latest and final portion of the line to reopen was the segment between Bedford-Nostrand Avs and Church Avs.  What did they upgrade on the G train? The old technology—which would break down frequently, causing delays—was replaced with a modern communications-based train control (CBTC) technology, which will hopefully make the G line run faster and more smoothly in the future. All in all, 100 miles of new cable, 17 switches and 6 relay rooms were replaced, according to AMNY. You might also notice that some of the stations along the G line are cleaner than usual: during the line's maintenance work, ten stations were deep cleaned.  This was all part of a larger $368

West Indian Day Parade 2024: All the street closures you should know about

West Indian Day Parade 2024: All the street closures you should know about

The West Indian Day Parade is hands down one of the most lit parties held in New York City each year. On Monday, September 2, thousands of people will march, eat and party along Eastern Parkway and the surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The parade is organized by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association to promote Caribbean culture, also celebrating the strong presence of Trinidadians, Haitians, Jamaicans and other West Indian communities in Crown Heights.  You're just as likely to spot colorful costumes from different Caribbean nations, though, as you are to run into headache-inducing traffic jams. Here's what you should anticipate.  RECOMMENDED: NYC Labor Day traffic: everything you need to know about the best and worst times to travel over the weekend When does the West Indian Day Parade start? The West Indian Day Parade will kick off at 11am on Monday, September 2. However, the pre-parade party J'ouvert, which is French for "daybreak," will begin as early as 6am at Grand Army Plaza on that same day.  What is the West Indian Day Parade's route?  The route moves along Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza for approximately two miles.  What streets will be closed during the West Indian Day Parade?   Many people will be driving back to the city on Monday following Labor Day weekend—so you can expect even more traffic than you previously thought you might encounter.  Here are all the street closures related to the upcoming West Indian Day Parade

A massive free Korean culture festival is happening in NYC next week

A massive free Korean culture festival is happening in NYC next week

Despite the fact that more and more parties in New York play K-pop music and there’s an entire street in midtown where you'll find some of the best Korean restaurants in the East Coast, there has yet to be a festival dedicated to celebrating the culture of that country as a whole (unlike its Eastern neighbor, which enjoys the notoriety of the massive annual JAPAN Fes).  That’s about to change with Korea Fest. Set to debut on Sunday, September 8, from 2pm until 9pm at the Culture Lab in Long Island City, Queens, the event’s mission is to familiarize folks with Korean culture—and they are not just talking about music and food. Korea Fest will highlight Korea’s famous skincare and beauty industries while also looking at the country’s technology offerings, K-dramas and more. Also expect dance performances and a DJ to pin K-pop tunes throughout the event. RECOMMENDED: One of New York’s speakeasies is getting a vibrant Mexican restaurant upstairs "Korea Fest is about highlighting Korean culture [and] promoting diversity and inclusivity," Sarah Choi, one of the event's organizers, said. "We believe that of the few cultural festivals that currently exist, South Korea has a massive global appeal and footprint that hasn’t been properly represented. Food-wise, 20 vendors are scheduled to participate in the festivities, serving Korean favorites like Korean barbecue, Korean fried chicken and less traditional dishes made with a local twist.  Culture Lab LIC is a 12,000 square foot converte

GUのニューヨーク旗艦店が9月19日にオープン

GUのニューヨーク旗艦店が9月19日にオープン

あなたが日本を訪れたことのある幸運なニューヨーカーなら、きっと「GU」という小売店を知っているだろう。ユニクロのヒップな姉妹ブランドで、トレンディーで手頃な価格のファッションに焦点を当てた店だ。 2023年に、ソーホーで行われた同ブランドのロゴを見かけた人もいるかもしれない。小さなポップアップイベントが開催され大盛況となり、レジには長蛇の列ができていた。 そして朗報だ。2024年9月19日(木)、ソーホーのプリンスストリートそばのブロードウェイ578番地に、GUの日本国外では初めてとなる旗艦店がオープンするのだ。 売り場スペースは、2フロアにわたり合計で約950平方メートル。メンズ、レディースの衣料品、靴、バッグ、アクセサリーなどを取り扱うという。 同旗艦店のオープンと同時に、スタイリッシュなストリートウエアとハイファッションを融合させた日本のブランド、アンダーカバーとの新たなコラボレーションも発表。一着でさまざまなシルエットにアレンジできる汎用性の高いユニセックスアイテムが展開される。 オープン日には、シャンテル・マーティンがデザインしたコラボレーショントートバッグ(先着300人)のほか、東京の活気あるカルチャーをここニューヨークで体験できる機会など、たくさんのプレゼントが用意されている。オープニングの週末には、日本のスイーツも振る舞われるそうだ。 GUはまた、Eコマースサイトとアプリをアメリカで立ち上げ、有名なバレルレッグジーンズ、ミニスカート、スーパーワイドカーゴパンツなど、これまで日本でしか手に入らなかったアイテムを販売する。アメリカでもでしか手に入らない新商品やカラーバリエーションも登場する予定だ。 旗艦店のオープニングイベントは、9月19日〜22日(日)の開催。参加申し込みはこのウェブページからできる。。 関連記事 『GU, Uniqlo’s sister brand, will open a flagship store in NYC next month(原文)』 『ニューヨークで全米最大規模の「寿司エキスポ」が開催』 『「アイム ドーナツ?」がニューヨークに出店、2024年10月にオープン』 『ニューヨークで「ナイトメア」にインスパイアされた光の展示が開催』 『デ・ラ・ソウルがニューヨークで観客がチケット価格を決めるライブを開催』 『東京、2024年オープンの訪れてほしいレストラン・カフェ・バー11選』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

What’s going on with the Elizabeth Street Garden?

What’s going on with the Elizabeth Street Garden?

Ask the average Downtown Manhattanite about their favorite NYC garden, and you’re likely to hear about Elizabeth Street Garden, a beautiful green oasis near Soho featuring statues and hedges that look like they were pulled straight out of a British film set.  But if you’ve been on social media at all in recent weeks, then you know that the current green space may disappear: the city, which owns the property on which the garden sits, wants to sell it to a developer to transform it into affordable housing for senior citizens, according NBC New York.   RECOMMENDED: Here is why the famous Cyclone rollercoaster in Coney Island is closed indefinitely Elizabeth Street Garden as we know it today was created in the 1990s, opened to the public in 2016, and has since then hosted community events, including yoga classes and concerts that are free and open to anyone passing by.  New York City actually took over the space in 2012, when it marked the garden for affordable housing. The plan set in motion is for 123 units of affordable housing for seniors, with 50 units set aside for currently homeless seniors and will be developed by Pennrose, RiseBoro Community Partnership and Habitat for Humanity. According to the the Department of Housing Preservation, it is committed to including more than 14,000 square feet of open space for the community to use.  In the years since the project was announced, the garden’s leadership team has taken the city to court and won in the State Supreme Court bu

NYC Labor Day traffic: everything you need to know about the best and worst times to travel over the weekend

NYC Labor Day traffic: everything you need to know about the best and worst times to travel over the weekend

Labor Day weekend travel is always busy, especially as we rush to squeeze out whatever pleasure we can still get from the final days of summer. Whether you're taking a trip upstate or a last-minute flight to Miami, chances are that you're going to run into some traffic. Despite potentially bad weather, this year is set to bring along with it record volumes of travel: the TSA estimates a 8.5% jump in travelers compared to last year, specifically predicting that approximately 17 million folks will make their way through airports this season.  Here's everything you should keep in mind to minimize the headache that traveling on Labor Day weekend will undoubtedly cause:  RECOMMENDED: 9 tips and tricks on how to win an affordable housing lottery in NYC When is the best time to travel in NYC on Labor Day? If you're planning to leave the city today (Thursday), you can expect the highest volume of traffic between 1pm and 7:30pm, according to FOX 5. If you can wait until tomorrow (Friday) to travel, try to do so, but keep in mind that traffic is expected to be heaviest during the morning rush hour and between 2pm and 6pm. On Saturday, you'll want to avoid kicking off your journey earlier in the morning between 8am and 11am.  In sum, the best time to travel from NYC will be on Thursday after 8pm, Friday before 2pm or after 6pm and Saturday after midday.  Can you park in NYC on Labor Day? Parking meters will not be working on Labor Day, which means you won't have to pay when leaving you

Park Avenue was once a park—and it could actually be coming back

Park Avenue was once a park—and it could actually be coming back

If you've ever wondered how Park Avenue got its name, it's actually pretty on the nose: The iconic thoroughfare was once a huge, wide park, instead of a giant avenue with some trees and public art.  At some point during the 1920s, though, both sides of the park were shaved down to make way for more lanes until eventually, the park went from being 56 feet wide to just 20 feet, according to Curbed. According to that same report, city officials Dan Garodnick, who is the director city planning, and Council member Keith Powers have fought to increase the size of the park again, and they might see their wishes come to fruition soon. RECOMMENDED: What’s going on with the Elizabeth Street Garden?  The Department of Transportation (DOT) has put out a request for proposals for partners willing to help them expand the "park" element on Park Avenue again, since the train tunnel that currently sits under it needs a new roof, giving developers an opportunity to rearrange how the Avenue itself looks, per Curbed. A proposed expansion would widen the park to make it 48 feet wide, which is almost as wide as it was in its heyday. Photograph: By Shaye Weaver for Time Out The expansion of Park Avenue’s green space would also add safer crossings for pedestrians and make the area of the city people-first, as opposed to car-first, as so many streets across the city and country became in the 20th century. “We’re putting the ‘park’ back in Park Avenue! This project will transform this iconic stretc

September will bring a deluge of rain to NYC, according to forecasts

September will bring a deluge of rain to NYC, according to forecasts

New York City had an earthquake in April and this summer, we had heat wave after unbearable heat wave. So if you thought mother nature was about to give us a break, you’d be wrong: September is set to usher in lots of rain to the New York City area, according to some forecasts.  In addition to rainy weather, this year's Atlantic hurricane season is set to be more active than normal, according to NOAA, due in part to near-record warm ocean temperatures.  RECOMMENDED: Six stunning photos of this week’s Super Blue Moon in NYC Although August was relatively calm, that’s about to change: A shift in weather patterns means that meteorologists are expecting between six and 10 tropical storm systems in September, matching the record-breaking 2020 season that brought 10, per AccuWeather. It's possible that we'll see multiple storms happening at the same time throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Although in the U.S., the areas most likely to be hit with strong storms and hurricanes will be the Texas coast, Florida and the Carolinas, the impact of severe weather will extend far north, with some of those storms likely to impact the weather here. The uncharacteristically warm waters also make a hurricane hitting New York City next month a possibility, and the New York City Emergency Management urges New Yorkers to be prepared and aware of what to do in the case of a hurricane.  The last devastating hurricane to cause extensive damage throughout NYC was Hurricane Sandy, which hit the city on Octo

The biggest Thai New Year celebration in the world is happening in NYC

The biggest Thai New Year celebration in the world is happening in NYC

If you haven't yet made Labor Day plans and are hoping to enjoy a wild weekend, get ready: S2O, an immersive water music festival and one of Asia's most coveted entertainment events, is coming to the U.S. for the first time ever. The two-day festival will take place at the Brooklyn Mirage from Saturday, August 31 until Sunday, September 1, and will feature a stellar lineup of DJs, including Marshmello, Subtronics, Alan Walker and others.  RECOMMENDED: America’s largest sushi convention is coming to NYC S2O started in Bangkok and is inspired by Thai New Year celebrations, or Songkran, during which water fights break out across cities and towns to symbolically cleanse energy and mark the sun's transition from Pisces to Aries. Although Songkran takes place in April, the festival has thrown events throughout the years across Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Other top acts at the S2O New York festival include The Sky b2b William Black, multi-platinum producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, Borgeous,  Dzeko, v Kaivon, Asian-American duo ARMNHMR, as well as the dubstep icon LEVEL UP. The festival will also feature local Asian-American artists like SENSEI, Zion B2B Jomu, Cyberpunk b2b PSYXTOI and JOKAH. The happening was put together by Pulse Events, an organization that focuses on the Asian-American electronic music fanbase.   Tickets to S2O's New York debut start at $116 and you have to be 21 or older to attend. Snag them here.