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?

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

Florida is gearing up to build a road project that sounds like it came straight out of a science-fiction movie—that is, if they made sci-fi movies about technology that didn't want to kill us. The State Road 516 Lake/Orange Expressway, a 4.4-mile stretch of toll road between US 27 and SR 429 in Central Florida, is currently under construction and set to become one of the most innovative pieces of transport infrastructure in the state, one that could charge electric vehicles while they’re in motion. The project, led by the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), is being built in three segments designed to improve connectivity between Lake and Orange counties while preparing for future growth. When finished, SR 516 will provide a vital link between residential, commercial and medical hubs, help relieve congestion and offer safer, more efficient travel options for everyone, according to CFX. Here’s the part that will have tech enthusiasts and EV advocates especially excited: a charging lane. A roughly three-quarter-mile section of the first segment will be outfitted with wireless charging technology embedded in the pavement. Specially equipped electric vehicles will be able to draw power at highway speeds, testing whether dynamic charging can work in real-world conditions. This isn’t just about convenience. Running out of battery while far from a charger remains a major hurdle for many EV owners and prospective buyers. A system that charges cars while they drive could one d

New Yorkers planning to ring in 2026 outdoors should get ready for a very different kind of New Year’s Eve this year. According to AccuWeather, colder air is settling over the Northeast just in time for the city’s biggest celebrations, with flurries and biting temperatures possible as the clock counts down in Times Square. RECOMMENDED: The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball is dropping twice to ring in 2026. Here’s why. After a stormy stretch of post-Christmas weather across parts of the Midwest and Northeast, conditions are expected to improve overall heading into the holiday. Still, forecasters say New Year’s Eve itself could bring some lingering wintry trouble, especially for travelers moving through the Great Lakes and Northeast. Snow showers and brief periods of heavier downfall could slow things down, even as much of the country sees calmer conditions following back-to-back winter systems. For New York City specifically, the forecast points to a cold, blustery night for the iconic ball drop. AccuWeather meteorologists say flurries may be in the air before midnight, adding a festive (if frosty) atmosphere to Times Square. Temperatures will be the bigger story. The "real feel" is expected to dip into the teens before the ball drops, with winds gusting up to around 15 miles per hour, making it feel even colder for revelers standing outside for hours. Photograph: Courtesy of AccuWeather “People heading out to the ball drop or other outdoor celebrations should bundle up. Flu

Midtown might be putting away its holiday decorations, but that doesn't mean the neighborhood is going to lose any of its additional sparkle in January. Certainly not when hundreds of theater kids are set to descend upon Manhattan for the 2026 BroadwayCon, the ultimate fan-centric celebration of musical theater and Broadway culture. High-kicking across three days of panels, performances, sing-alongs, workshops and industry insights, it’s part convention, part festival and all about the joy of live theater. BroadwayCon brings the Broadway community together to perform, discuss, debate and celebrate everything from classic hits to the newest shows. Here's what you need to know about this year's edition. When is BroadwayCon 2026? BroadwayCon 2026 runs January 23 through January 25, 2026, in New York City. Where is BroadwayCon 2026? Mainstage programming will be held at Palladium Times Square and additional events, including the marketplace and panels, will be held at The New York Westin at Times Square. Each day's events begin at 9am. What to expect from BroadwayCon 2026 BroadwayCon’s daily schedule is packed with theater-centric programming. Expect panels and discussions with Broadway performers, creative teams and industry pros; autograph and selfie experiences with stars from current and past productions; live performances and sneak peeks from shows; workshops and interactive sessions for aspiring performers and superfans alike; and marketplace shopping featuring Broadway-t

Los Angeles is getting a serious dose of wonder this December as Xavier Mortimer, the world’s most followed magician, brings his hit show "Master of Magic" to Beverly Hills for two performances only. The viral illusionist takes over the Saban Theatre on Saturday, December 27, with afternoon and evening shows that promise big spectacle, playful humor and jaw-dropping moments. RECOMMENDED: All of L.A.’s outdoor movies in one calendar Mortimer isn’t just Internet-famous. With more than 15 billion video views and a global fan base that spans every platform, he’s become a modern ambassador for magic, translating classic illusions into a visual language that feels perfectly in sync with the TikTok era. Mortimer made history as the first Cirque du Soleil performer to headline his own Las Vegas residency. That leap paid off: his Vegas production was named best magic show two years in a row, cementing his reputation as one of the most inventive magicians working today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Xavier Mortimer (@xaviermortimer) "Master of Magic" is directed by Alex Goude, Michael Goudeau and David Ottone, blending sleek visuals with laugh-out-loud comedy moments that make the performance feel accessible for all ages. The Los Angeles run will be followed by five performances at San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts Theatre on January 2–4, 2026. Part of what sets Mortimer apart is his sense of joy. There’s a lightness to his work that invites audi

Los Angeles nightlife and history fans have something to buzz about this winter as one of downtown’s most iconic venues is poised for a bold new chapter. The historic Mayan Theatre, the ornate 1927 movie palace known for its Mayan revival architecture and dramatic interior, is set to reopen early in 2026. According to a new Instagram account for the venue, expect a "revamped and reimagined" nightlife venue, one that will hopefully breathe fresh life into a space that’s been central to DTLA culture for nearly a century. RECOMMENDED: 23 of the best things to do in Downtown Los Angeles Located on South Hill Street in the Broadway Theatre District, the Mayan has worn many hats over the decades, from vaudeville and musical comedies to Spanish-language films and, most recently, a beloved nightclub and music venue that hosted DJs and concerts for 35 years before closing in late 2025. The impending revival isn’t just about preserving brick and mortar. For locals who remember packed dance floors, late-night sets and the glowing ambience of its Mayan-inspired decor, this signals a rare chance to experience downtown heritage and modern nightlife entwined in a single space once again.  That’s significant in a city where historic theaters often disappear or get repurposed beyond recognition. The Mayan’s ornate lobby, known as the Hall of Feathered Serpents, and its lavish auditorium filled with exotic motifs and grand details make it one of the most striking remnants of Los Angeles’s gold