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

John Mulaney—our hometown boy—will make history this summer by headlining Wrigley Field as part of his Mister Whatever tour. This landmark performance marks the first comedy show ever hosted at the Friendly Confines. Given that Mulaney’s tour already includes venues with capacities ranging from a few hundred to nearly 20,000, announcing a 41,000-seat show in Chicago is a bold leap. But that ambition aligns with his reputation for smart comedy, making the moment feel like a kind of homecoming and a statement.

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?

Harry Styles fans in Miami will have a very specific place to be this weekend—and it isn’t the beach. To celebrate the release of his new album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., the global pop star is launching a series of immersive pop-up shops around the world. One of just 16 locations is landing in Wynwood for a three-day run that’s likely to draw devoted “Harries” from across South Florida. RECOMMENDED: How to find the secret Harry Styles pop-up shop in NYC this week The temporary shop opens today at 2300 North Miami Avenue and will be there through March 8, transforming the space into a mini universe inspired by the new record, which drops today as well. Fans can step inside for themed installations and exclusive merchandise tied to the album’s aesthetic. In other words: come prepared to shop. (And especially if you're an American Express customer; they get a lot of extra deals and offers.) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harry Styles HQ (@hshq) Limited-edition merch will include everything from hoodies, crewnecks and T-shirts to hats, totes and even home goods like mugs, clocks and towels, all designed specifically to celebrate the album’s disco-tinged era. While the pop-up is free and open to the public, there are a few perks for certain fans. Eligible American Express cardholders can get early access each day, along with extras like a dedicated checkout line and a complimentary gift with purchase. The Miami stop is part of a

Vinyl never really left Los Angeles—it just moved from living rooms to milk crates. But for one weekend in March, the city’s collectors, DJs and analog obsessives will all be digging in the same place. VinylCon!, the fast-growing record fair that’s been popping up in cities across the country, returns to L.A. on March 21 and 22 with a two-day celebration of record collecting at the California Market Center in Downtown L.A. The event debuted in Los Angeles last summer and quickly turned into something bigger than organizers expected. More than 2,500 people showed up to browse crates from more than 80 dealers, including sellers who flew in from Japan and the Netherlands. For many collectors, it felt like something the city had been missing. That’s not surprising in a city where vinyl culture still runs deep, from DJs hunting for obscure breakbeats to producers digging for samples. Last year’s event saw plenty of that activity, along with DJ sets from turntable heavyweights like Cut Chemist and Large Professor, turning the market floor into something closer to a daylong block party for crate diggers. “As a collector and enthusiast myself, I felt like the record fair I wanted to attend simply didn’t exist,” founder Kobi Waldenfogel said in an official statement. “VinylCon! is meant to be both accessible to newcomers and respected by veteran collectors. The LA edition will continue to raise the bar.” This year’s edition is expected to be even bigger. Organizers say the March even

Dinosaurs are returning to Chicago—but this time they’re sharing space with giraffes and gorillas. Beginning May 22, prehistoric giants will once again roam the grounds of Brookfield Zoo Chicago, part of a new seasonal attraction called “Dinos!," an immersive outdoor experience that scatters life-size dinosaurs throughout the zoo. RECOMMENDED: Brookfield Zoo Chicago just revealed its most nostalgic summer concert lineup yet The exhibit features 35 full-scale dinosaur installations, including familiar crowd-pleasers like Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as flying reptiles such as a pterodactyl. Instead of being confined to a single gallery, the prehistoric creatures are stationed throughout the zoo, turning an ordinary stroll between animal habitats into something closer to a Jurassic safari. In true family-friendly fashion, the experience leans heavily into hands-on discovery. Visitors can walk through a massive dinosaur rib cage-tunnel, climb on a giant fossil, dig for archaeological treasures in interactive excavation areas and follow a “Dino Trail” dotted with prehistoric photo ops. The zoo will also roll out an “Ultimate T. Rex” virtual-reality adventure, complete with motion chairs and a 360-degree digital journey into a dinosaur-filled landscape. “From awe-inspiring dinosaurs to unforgettable animal encounters, this season offers a dynamic mix of experiences for guests of all ages and interests,” said Andrea Rodgers, Brookfield Zoo Chicago senior vice president of guest expe

Safe to say that Chicago has always had a soft spot for big, symbolic animals. After all, the lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago practically function as unofficial city mascots. Soon, for two days at least, they’ll have some equally imposing company. On March 16 and 17, three bronze bison monuments will make a pit stop outside the Field Museum as part of an unusual cross-country journey that’s equal parts public art tour and historical tribute. RECOMMENDED: A special Pokémon exhibit is opening at a Chicago museum this spring The sculptures are traveling from a foundry in Colorado to Washington, D.C., where they’ll ultimately live on the National Mall in connection with a new exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History titled “Bison: Standing Strong.” The show was created to honor the American bison ahead of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary. (Fun fact: The bison was designated the country’s national mammal in 2016.) But before they settle into their permanent home, the massive bronzes embark on a weeklong “migration” across their former range throughout the Midwest. Their route includes stops in Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, with Chicago serving as one of the most fitting resting points. The Field Museum has displayed bison in its wildlife dioramas for more than a century, while Brookfield Zoo has maintained a herd since 1940. Meanwhile, on the West Side, Humboldt Park features its own pair of bronze bison sculptures, descendants of pla

New York has a way of taking two things it already loves and mashing them together until the result feels inevitable. Cronuts. Everything bagel ice cream. Now, apparently, bread pudding made from babka. The latest hybrid to emerge from the city’s culinary imagination comes from Zabar's. The Upper West Side institution is leaning into its dessert legacy with a new offering that feels both nostalgic and just indulgent enough to justify a spring dinner party: babka bread pudding. RECOMMENDED: Zabar's is Still Top Among New York's Best Jewish Delis The concept is exactly what it sounds like. Thick slices of Zabar’s famously rich babka—arguably the gold standard in a city obsessed with the swirled Eastern European classic—are transformed into a custardy bread pudding. The result is a dessert that doubles down on decadence, with ribbons of chocolate or cinnamon baked into soft, buttery pudding, all topped with a crumbly streusel finish. In other words, it’s what might happen if your grandmother’s bread pudding spent a semester abroad. The new dessert arrives fully baked and ready to heat and serve, which is either convenient or dangerous depending on how much self-control you possess. Available in both chocolate and cinnamon versions, it’s designed to slide seamlessly into the kinds of occasions that define New York entertaining, from weekend brunches to casual holiday gatherings. Even better, the $12.98 dessert is available for shipping nationwide on Zabar's website. For the unini

Two powerhouse chefs with deep New York ties are joining forces for a one-night-only dinner that blurs the line between street-food nostalgia and Michelin-level technique. On March 24, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Yingtao will host a four-course, $90 collaboration with Saigon Social, bringing together chef Emily Yuen of Yingtao and chef Helen Nguyen of Saigon Social for a menu inspired by “Chinese-Vietnamese street food” through a contemporary lens. The event marks part one of a two-part collaboration and highlights female leadership in the kitchen at a moment when both chefs are earning national attention. RECOMMENDED: 12 new NYC restaurants have been added to the Michelin Guide Yuen and Nguyen are James Beard semifinalists and alumni of legendary French chef Daniel Boulud, and that shared fine-dining foundation underpins the evening. But this won’t be a white-tablecloth tasting menu in the traditional sense. Instead, the chefs are leaning into bold, personal flavors that reflect their roots. The concept centers on the cultural and culinary overlap between Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines, two traditions that have long influenced one another yet are often flattened into generic “fusion.” Expect layered broths, punchy herbs, fermented depth and textural contrast—classic street market flavors—reimagined with the refinement of fine-dining kitchens. For Yingtao, the evening represents a deliberate departure from its usual format. The portions will be more generous, th

Madrid is officially coming to Coral Gables. In a move that further cements Miami’s status as a global dining capital, acclaimed Spanish restaurant Quintín Ultramarinos will open at Ponce Park in 2028. The announcement comes from The Allen Morris Company, the developer behind the Mediterranean-inspired luxury condominium project rising in the heart of Coral Gables. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami to book right now If you’ve strolled through Madrid’s Barrio de Salamanca, you likely know Quintín. Founded in 2015 by hospitality power duo Sandro Silva and Marta Seco under the umbrella of Grupo Paraguas, the concept began as a gourmet market before evolving into one of the Spanish capital’s most beloved all-day dining destinations, one allegedly beloved by Dua Lipa.  The Coral Gables outpost will bring that same all-day format alongside a curated wine list spotlighting Spanish and international bottles. According to the developers, the design will channel the warmth of the Madrid flagship while leaning into Miami’s tropical energy, with expansive windows, counter seating and a strong connection to the pedestrian streetscape. “For Quintín, Coral Gables felt like a natural fit,” Sandro Silva and Marta Seco said in a statement. “With its Mediterranean Revival architecture, thoughtfully planned community and old-world charm, the neighborhood embodies a sense of heritage, craftsmanship and warmth that naturally complements our vision.” As for Ponce Park, the 11-story develop

Miami Beach is getting a new reason to linger after dark, but only for a limited time. Opening on March 12 at 820 Alton Road, Stormy Monday is a limited-run cocktail residency taking over the former home of Macchialina and transforming it into an intimate, music-forward bar. The project runs through July, operating Thursday through Monday from 5pm to 1am, positioning itself as equal parts industry hangout and neighborhood living room. RECOMMENDED: The best clubs in Miami to dance the night away The concept comes from Miami bar veteran James MacInnes, a Cutler Bay native who’s shaped beverage programs across the city, including at KYU, Kaori and KLAW. He also sharpened his craft abroad at Melbourne’s Eau De Vie and Dinner by Heston before returning to lead the beverage program at Wynwood’s Shiso.  He’s joined by chef Seth Blumenthal, formerly chef de cuisine at Alter and later at Le Jardinier during its Michelin-starred run, and former MLB All-Star Jason Kipnis as a partner. Together, the trio is aiming for something unpretentious but precise: craft without theatrics. “This project is really about two Miami guys getting to build the bar we always wanted to hang out in,” MacInnes said in a statement. “We’ve worked every shift, closed every kind of bar, and learned from some incredible people. Stormy Monday is serious about drinks but relaxed about everything else. It’s cool without trying too hard.” Named after the blues standard, Stormy Monday leans into a soulful South Flori

Chicago might be edging toward its most chaotic travel season in years. Federal regulators are preparing to intervene at O'Hare International Airport to limit the number of flights this summer after major carriers overscheduled dozens of daily departures, setting the stage for a season of delay anxiety and gridlock. According to CBS News, the Federal Aviation Administration has formally kicked off a scheduling reduction process under its statutory authority and airlines are bracing for cuts that could reshape summer travel plans for millions. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat and drink at O'Hare International Airport The proposed cuts are a response to aggressive schedule expansions by United Airlines and American Airlines, both companies battling for more gates. Future gate access is based on historical usage, so each airline has an incentive to operate as many flights as possible to protect—or grow—their long-term footprint. In other words, both carriers are flooding the schedule to avoid ceding market share to the other. On paper, that kind of competition benefits travelers. More flights typically mean more seats, and more seats can translate to lower fares. The downside, however, is operational strain. Chicago O’Hare is notoriously congested, particularly during taxiway backups. Layer a major surge in departures and arrivals on top of that, and on-time performance was almost certain to suffer. Under the FAA’s calculations, published carrier schedules for the 2026 summer season (

The end of an era has arrived on Seventh Avenue. After 25 years serving late-night suppers, celebrating birthdays, Pride, drag shows and countless neighborhood moments, one of Chelsea’s most cherished restaurants will serve its last meal on March 13. Elmo, a place as familiar to locals as the subway map or Manhattanhenge, announced on March 2 that it will close once reservations through next week have been fulfilled. The news has landed like a punch to the gut across New York, crystallizing a sense that another piece of the city’s social fabric is quietly slipping away. "It was just confirmed to me that our building—home to elmo for 25 years—has been sold," owner Bob Pnotarelli wrote in an Instagram post announcing the closure. "Our lease expires with that sale. The new owners will soon bring a residential building to our neighborhood. "Sadly, all things must come to an end and elmo will serve its last meal on Friday, March 13."With this news I personally will try to embrace all the beautiful memories and wonderful experiences elmo has given me and will move forward with new ventures and philanthropic projects that hopefully will have a wide impact." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elmo Restaurant (@elmorestaurantnyc) Reactions on social media were swift and heartbroken. Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen summed up the mood for many with his reply: “Bob this sucks. What an incredible run. This news is bad for NYC and bad for the neigh

Coral Gables just landed a heavyweight new dining destination. Mottai, a modern Japanese restaurant rooted in technique and tradition, has officially opened at The Plaza Coral Gables, marking the first U.S. concept from Brazil-based Attivo Group, the hospitality powerhouse behind 13 acclaimed restaurants across Brazil. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Miami to book right now In the kitchen, chef Brian Nasajon—whose resumé spans more than a decade in New York and South Florida—leads the culinary development alongside executive chef Moritz Esser and sushi chef Hiroshi Shintaku. The result is a menu that honors Japanese discipline while leaning into Miami’s preference for lighter, shareable, ingredient-driven dishes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mottai Miami (@mottai.miami) Cold small plates set the tone: hamachi with white soy ponzu and citrus oroshi; hirame brightened with spicy pomelo and lemongrass. Hot plates include Japanese eggplant with miso mustard, steamed clams with sake and chive oil and crispy chicken paired with pickled watermelon and chili sauce. Familiar formats are subtly reworked through texture and seasoning tweaks, but never stray too far from tradition. Larger plates spotlight seafood and the grill. There’s a seafood-forward Sugi Katsu made with cobia and ponzu aioli, pork belly glazed in hatcho yakiniku and black garlic chicken with carrot purée and charred scallions. From the grill: American Wagyu rib-eye with shis

Cherry blossom season is about to taste a lot sweeter in Times Square. In Japan, sakura marks the arrival of spring and the fleeting beauty of new beginnings. When the pale pink blossoms start to bloom (usually around March in New York), parks fill with hanami celebrations, where friends gather under flowering trees with food and drinks in hand. This year, you don’t need a picnic blanket in Central Park to get in the spirit. Starting March 1, I’m donut ? in Times Square is rolling out two limited-edition sakura specials inspired by the beloved Japanese tradition. The cult-favorite shop, known for its impossibly soft nama donuts, is channeling cherry blossom season into a pair of pastel-hued treats. RECOMMENDED: One of Tokyo's most popular doughnut shops has landed in NYC The headliner is the sakura raspberry cream donut ($8), which starts with the brand’s signature airy dough. It’s filled with raspberry mousse and raspberry jelly, then dipped in sakura-infused white chocolate for a creamy, floral finish. A dusting of sakura powder and crunchy dried raspberries adds texture, while a fresh raspberry on top delivers a bright, tart pop. The result is equal parts delicate and decadent, like spring in dessert form. Photograph: Courtesy of I'm donut ? “Cherry blossoms are very special in Japan. They remind us to slow down and cherish the present moment, because nature is fleeting,” chef Ryouta Hirako said in a statement. “With these special offerings, we hope to capture the spirit