Mark Peikert

Getting seats to the best Broadway shows usually requires quite a bit of advance planning. But what if you haven't planned, and you urgently need to see a show tomorrow or even tonight? Don't panic: There are plenty of options for last-minute tickets, especially if you’re willing to put in some legwork. It partly depends on what you're willing to pay and how much risk you're willing to take—and, of course, on plain old luck. If everything goes your way, you might even luck into cheap Broadway tickets, great seats or a chance to see hit shows that you would never have been able to get into earlier. Here is our insider guide to buying last-minute Broadway tickets. The day before the show: Enter the digital lottery Many Broadway shows—including Aladdin, The Book of Mormon and Hadestown—conduct digital lotteries for cheap tickets on the day before each performance. In most cases, you enter the lottery online, then wait until later the same day to find out by email if you've won; if you do, you'll need to reply to the ticket offer within an hour or you'll lose your chance. A few shows, such as Wicked, do their drawings on the morning of the show itself; others have drawings once a week, notably the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child $40 ticket lottery and the $10 Hamilton lottery, both of which happen on Fridays and cover the week ahead. For a full list of shows that offer lotteries, consult Broadway on a Budget or Playbill's Broadway and Off Broadway listings. The morning of the s

Ariana Grande will finally tour again next year, and fans in Los Angeles are in for something special: The Oscar-nominated Wicked star is bringing her Eternal Sunshine Tour to L.A. for five nights of arena magic—split between the Crypto.com Arena and Kia Forum—that promise to feel both intimate and gigantic.  This is her first tour since the 2019 Sweetener World Tour, and it’s in support of her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine, and its deluxe edition, Brighter Days Ahead. The tour kicks off June 6, 2026, in Oakland before Los Angeles gets a five-night run that feels like a homecoming. Is it too early to call it the highlight of the summer?

If you've always thought of golf as the most boring sport, here's a new twist that organizers are hoping will get you more interested: The tech-driven TGL golf league has announced a women's-only version for the 2026-2027 winter season, and it’s something even casual golf watchers might want to indulge in.  RECOMMENDED: A bougie indoor golf experience opens in Miami with high tech and hospitable vibes Dubbed WTGL, the new league comes courtesy of a partnership between the LPGA Tour and TMRW Sports, the tech-centric sports company co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. It’s set to launch in winter 2026-27, bringing elite women golfers into a team-based indoor competition that blends real swings with cutting-edge simulation technology. Unlike traditional golf tournaments that stretch out for days on sprawling courses, the WTGL format will take place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where players compete in fast-paced matches featuring innovative tech elements, dynamic shot analytics and a live arena experience. The concept mimics its male counterpart, which debuted last year and offers shorter, more media-friendly matches designed to engage new sports fans. Matches will feature teams of LPGA stars going head-to-head in front of live crowds and broadcast audiences, with each event designed around a format that emphasizes athletic skill and personality. The WTGL is pitched as a strategic step to expand visibility for women’s golf and build new audiences by

If New Yorkers are known for anything, it’s our intensity. Which means this time of year is a real push-pull between the ways we all deal with city life and our perpetual quest for self-improvement (for at least the first few weeks of every new year). And that energy is clearly carrying over into our resolutions, according to a new analysis of Google Search Trends by BetMGM Casino.  RECOMMENDED: These are the 10 most in-demand NYC neighborhoods according to StreetEasy Per the analysis, New Yorkers are more focused on breaking bad habits in 2026 than any other state in the country by a wide margin, signaling a reset that goes beyond “new year, new me” intentions. New Yorkers' searches included reducing screen time, social media detoxes, Dry January, procrastination and cutting back on junk food, showing nearly three times higher combined interest than the national average for that category. Beyond bad habits, New Yorkers just can't get off of Google, leading the entire country in searches tied to health and fitness, career advancement and financial goals, pointing to a broader focus on both personal well-being and professional growth. Travel ranks second among the state’s top resolution categories, suggesting that, alongside self-improvement, many residents are already planning their next escape. Rounding out the list of New York’s most searched New Year’s resolutions are hobbies and social and relationship goals, showing we're as interested in balance as we are in ambition. I

Chicago’s culinary community is coming together this month to support immigrant families facing rising food insecurity. Over 40 restaurants will participate in the January 19 event Todos Ponen: Una Noche de Pueblos y Platillos at the Ramova Theatre. The large-scale fundraising event is in response to growing hardship in Latino neighborhoods, as recent ICE activity has led to job loss, fear and reduced access to everyday essentials, including groceries. RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s best winter fest is finally here. Here’s the scoop on Tomorrow Never Knows. Founded in 2020 by chef Diana Dávila and the team behind Mi Tocaya Antojería, Todos Ponen began as an emergency response during the height of the pandemic. But what started off as short-term food relief quickly exposed deeper, systemic challenges for immigrant families navigating crises without adequate support. In 2026, organizers say those challenges have only intensified, with deportations, disrupted income and anxiety making it harder for families to safely shop for food or meet basic needs. Rather than relying on one-time meal distributions, Todos Ponen focuses on longer-term dignity and choice. Funds raised will provide families with $800 grocery gift certificates that can be used at local Latino-owned markets such as La Chiquita, El Güero and Jimenez Supermercado. The approach allows households to buy food that fits their needs while also supporting neighborhood businesses. Local nonprofits will discreetly coordinate delive

Amtrak’s latest fare promotion could change the way Bostonians think about winter travel up and down the East Coast this year. The railroad just launched its "Big City Savings" sale, a limited-time offer that knocks up to 30 percent off regularly priced coach fares on trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., opening up cheaper opportunities to explore cities like Providence, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia and beyond. RECOMMENDED: The best travel ideas, day trips, getaway from Boston  Of course, a deal this good is short-lived: you only have until January 9 to reserve your tickets for travel between January 20 and February 12, so this is the time for quick decisions and spontaneity. For anyone who’s always craving a reason to ride the rails to New York City for a day of great food and a Broadway matinee or escape to Philadelphia for a Philly cheesesteak, the "Big City Savings" sale makes those plans a lot more realistic and affordable. Just keep in mind that the discounts are only for seats in coach and subject to availability, so the best prices will disappear fast.  The Northeast Corridor is one of the busiest and most strategic rail routes in the country, linking major metropolitan centers in quick succession and offering downtown-to-downtown travel without the hassle of out-of-the-way airports. For Bostonians, that means hopping on Amtrak from South Station or Back Bay and being in New York in a few hours, or continuing further south to Philadelphia or even Washingto

Chicago Theatre Week 2026 returns this February, offering Chicagoans one of the best excuses to get out on a cold night and experience live performance at a fraction of the usual price. R unning February 5–15, the annual event invites audiences to explore the city's extraordinary theatre scene, from major downtown institutions to intimate storefront stages. With tickets priced at $30, $15 or less, this is the chance to sample a wide range of productions without committing to full-price seats, a winter ritual for seasoned theatre-goers and first-timers alike. What is Chicago Theater Week? Now in its 14th year, Chicago Theatre Week spans more than 30 neighborhoods and nearby suburbs, reflecting the city’s reputation as one of the country's most dynamic theatre towns. Participating productions cover just about every genre you can imagine: classic plays, new works, musicals, comedy, improv, dance, cabaret and family-friendly shows. How to get tickets to Chicago Theatre Week Tickets are available through Hot Tix and the discounted prices are typically built right into the listings, no special code required. Inventory is limited and popular productions sell out quickly, so flexibility helps. Some performances may redirect buyers to other ticketing platforms, where a dedicated Theatre Week code unlocks the reduced pricing. All sales are final, so it’s worth double-checking dates and times before committing. What shows are participating in Chicago Theatre Week? This year’s lineup mix

After years of waitlists, social media frenzy and scandal, Horses went out with a surprisingly quiet whinny. The Sunset Strip hot spot, once one of the hardest reservations in town, closed in late December, canceling all upcoming reservations. The restaurant has remained closed since, with no availability on Resy. L.A. influencer Seth on the Scene posted a video about the closure on January 4, pointing out that one Yelp user left a review regarding their abruptly canceled New Year's Eve reservation, while a sign on the door has remained in place for over a week. "Unfortunately, Horses is closed this evening due to necessary repairs. We are so sorry for the inconvenience and truly appreciate you stopping by. We look forward to welcoming you back soon," the sign reads, and that's all the comment that Horses management has made. (Time Out has reached out to Horses for comment, but did not hear back before publication.) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Seth B. (@sethonthescene) A second video on January 5 offered more details. According to staff members who reached out to Seth B., employees were allegedly told two days before Christmas that the restaurant would not be able to stay open. A week later, another update to staff allegedly shared that the general manager and the executive chef both resigned. There were also complaints about bounced paychecks from anonymous sources. No timeline was given for a possible reopening. When Horses opened

We all have our favorite Girl Scout Cookie (shoutout to Thin Mints kept in the freezer!) but that doesn't mean we're not willing to try new things. And the 2026 season brings with it a brand-new treat designed to whet our appetites before it ever hits our doorsteps. Meet the Rocky Road–inspired sandwich cookie Exploremores, the latest addition to the iconic Girl Scout Cookie lineup. Think chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème layered together to channel the joy of digging into a bowl of ice cream, but without the risk of brain freeze. Photograph: Courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USA The launch of Exploremores marks the national kickoff of the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season, which runs from January through April, with timing varying by region. While longtime favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas (aka Caramel deLites), Tagalongs, Adventurefuls and more are all returning, Exploremores is the headliner: a new flavor meant to reflect the spirit of curiosity and discovery at the heart of the Girl Scout mission. That mission goes far beyond satisfying a sweet tooth. The Girl Scout Cookie Program remains the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, giving millions of girls hands-on experience in running a business. Through cookie sales, Girl Scouts learn goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics, all skills that can prepare them for careers and leadership roles. Every box sold helps fund experiences like summer camp

Chicago’s bookstore scene is getting a major boost. According to NBC Chicago, Barnes & Noble plans to open four new locations across the city of Chicago and its suburbs, signaling a continued revival of brick-and-mortar book shopping and physical media. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in Chicago The most buzzed-about opening will land in Oak Park, where Barnes & Noble is moving into a former Borders location. For longtime readers, that detail alone is enough to spark memories of weekend browsing sessions, café pit stops and stacks of paperbacks hauled home under one arm. Borders shuttered more than a decade ago, so bringing a bookstore back to that exact space feels like a small but meaningful reset. Inside Chicago proper, the company is also planning a large new store in the Loop, taking over a former Old Navy space at 150 N. State St. At roughly 30,000 square feet, it’s expected to be one of the biggest Barnes & Noble locations in the region, which is a notable vote of confidence in downtown retail at a time when many major chains have scaled back or moved online. A bookstore of that size suggests the kind of location that rewards not just shopping but browsing and rediscovering the joy of getting lost in the shelves. Hyde Park is also getting a new Barnes & Noble at 1524 E. 55th St. While independent bookstores remain central to Hyde Park’s identity, the new store is expected to offer a wide selection along with a café, making it as much a casual gathering spot as a retai

All eyes are on hockey these days (thanks, Heated Rivalry!), but just in case you needed an extra push to attend a game IRL, the LA Kings have several upcoming themed nights that might sway you. RECOMMENDED: The best sports bars in L.A. to watch the big game Chief among them is the February 4 Hello Kitty Night, a crossover so perfectly calibrated to this moment in hockey and pop culture that it feels inevitable. That night, when the Kings take on the Seattle Kraken at Crypto.com Arena, the first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a Hello Kitty paper crown, while ticket-pack buyers can score an exclusive LA Kings x Hello Kitty plush. Cute-meets-competitive has always been an L.A. sweet spot, and Hello Kitty Night feels destined to draw both diehard hockey fans and newcomers who might be there as much for the merch as the matchup. While Hello Kitty Night is likely to dominate social feeds, it’s just one night in a packed slate of themed games that reflect the city’s many identities. The next specialty night arrives on January 14 with Dodgers Night, when the Kings host the Vegas Golden Knights. The ongoing partnership between two of L.A.’s most recognizable sports franchises continues with ticket packs offering an exclusive Dodgers x LA Kings crewneck sweatshirt. Last season saw Dodgers players join the celebration in person, and the crossover energy is expected to return. A few nights later, on January 20, the Kings welcome the New York Rangers for K-Town Night. Followi

We've had our PSLs and our gingerbread lattes. Now, Starbucks has decreed that the time for seasonal beverages has ended by boldly announcing that its winter 2026 menu will feature a blast from the past: Dubai-inspired hot chocolate. RECOMMENDED: Here are all 20+ Starbucks locations that are closing in Los Angeles—is your coffee shop on the list? Yes, we're still not escaping the viral flavor, as the ultra-decadent Middle Eastern dessert takes a victory lap with two new iced drinks that bring pistachio, chocolate and texture into the Starbucks universe in a big way. The iced Dubai chocolate mocha and iced Dubai chocolate matcha are inspired by viral customer hacks, combining milk chocolate, pistachio cream cold foam and a brown-butter flavored crunch topping that gives each sip a dessert-like finish. Photograph: Courtesy of Starbucks Dubai hot chocolate may be the headline, but it’s far from the only thing on Starbucks’ winter menu. Pistachio, which has quietly become one of the brand’s most popular seasonal flavors, is back in force, with the pistachio latte and pistachio cream cold brew returning to offer familiar comfort for longtime fans, while a pistachio cortado gives espresso purists a more restrained way to enjoy the flavor without layers of milk and foam. Photograph: Courtesy of Starbucks The Dubai chocolate bandwagon isn't the only one Starbucks is leaping upon this season, either. Look for new protein-centric beverages caramel protein latte and caramel protein

Chicago holiday lovers, don’t pack away your seasonal plans just yet! While two of the city’s three Christkindlmarket locations have closed for the year, one is still serving up glühwein, German goodies and holiday cheer through the final days of 2025. After opening at Daley Plaza, Gallagher Way and in suburban Aurora this season, the Christkindlmarkets at Daley Plaza and in Aurora have wrapped up on Christmas Eve, signaling the end of their traditional seasonal runs. But there’s good news for anyone still craving that old-world market vibe. The Christkindlmarket at Gallagher Way remains open through 4pm on New Year’s Eve, giving Chicagoans and visitors one last chance to experience the city’s holiday tradition before winter truly settles in. (Especially if you were steering clear after the city imposed a capacity limit earlier in the season.) RECOMMENDED: The best New Year’s Eve events and parties in Chicago to ring in 2026 At Gallagher Way, the market keeps the festive spirit alive with seasonal crafts, international treats and warm drinks like steins of traditional glühwein that are perfect for combating the start of the post-holiday blues. The outdoor market’s extended run makes it a great stop if you missed the earlier holiday rush or want to squeeze in one more dose of cheer before 2026 arrives. The Wrigleyville location will be open December 30 from 11am to 9pm and December 31 from 11am to 4pm. It’s nestled right by the ice skating and Winterland attractions at Gallagh

Los Angeles drivers, get ready to rethink your routes this January. Whether you’re commuting, trying to enjoy your weekend or heading out of town, a series of significant road closures and lane reductions are set to reshape travel at the start of the year. RECOMMENDED: The 7 best scenic drives in L.A. One of the biggest disruptions comes on Interstate 405 through Sepulveda Pass, where extended lane reductions and ramp closures will be in place from the evening of Friday, January 9 through Monday, January 12, as part of a major $143.7 million pavement rehabilitation project. Drivers heading northbound should expect narrowed lanes between just south of Getty Center Drive and north of Bel Air Crest Road, and the Getty Center Drive/Sepulveda Boulevard off-ramp will be shut. Southbound, three lanes will remain between the Skirball Center Drive/Mulholland Drive area and Sepulveda Boulevard, with key ramps closed. The closures will be repeated over about 25 weekends through the duration of the project, so Angelenos who regularly traverse the Sepulveda Pass should factor extra travel time into plans, especially on nights and mornings around those dates. Using Sepulveda Boulevard and Skirball Center Drive as alternative connectors to the 405 can help avoid snarls, and keeping an eye on Caltrans QuickMap for real-time updates is recommended. It’s not just the 405 affected this month. Malibu Canyon Road, a key connector for drivers heading between Malibu and inland valleys, has been clo