Rossilynne Skena Culgan

It’s Tuesday, y’all. Instead of booking a plane ticket, transport yourself to a Nordic landscape at Scandinavia House. Their new exhibition, “Nordic Echoes–Tradition in Contemporary Art,” is worth a visit. Read on for more. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com. When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place the weekend after. How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as events come in.

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: FUERZAfest, Sacred Sites Open House, a Texas chili cook-off, Vitamin String Quartet, NYCxDESIGN, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in May.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including Fleet Week events, a Nordic art exhibit, And Scene comedy show, "Sargent and Paris" at The Met, the return of outdoor movie nights, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

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 for a DIY walking tour. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

Memorial Day is about remembering service members who gave their lives in defense of our country, and there are several parades and special events to honor their lives. The holiday weekend also serves as the unofficial kick-off to summer. Whether it’s heading to a massive barbecue, hanging out at the beach, or taking a brunch cruise around Manhattan, there are plenty of memorable ways to spend your three-day weekend. If you want even more ideas, check out our best things to do in NYC this weekend guide. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Memorial Day in NYC What to do in NYC on Memorial Day weekend? There are a ton of activities in NYC for Memorial Day Weekend, from outdoor parties on rooftops and at parks to parades, tours of Naval ships and more. Read below for what's going on. Is NYC busy on Memorial Day? Between the parties and cookouts, NYC is pretty chill on Memorial Day unless you head to one of NYC's parades. Where is the Memorial Day parade? There are two parades, actually. Both are held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade kicks off in Bay Ridge at 11am on Monday, May 26 from 78th Street and Third Avenue. The route contiunes along Third Avenue to Marine Avenue up Fourth Avenue and over to John Paul Jones Park. The Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade steps off at 2pm on Monday, May 26 from Jayson Avenue and Northern Boulevard; here's a map of the route. Event organizers say it's the largest continuously-held Memorial Day parade in the na

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of trying to see as much of New York as possible in a short time, the solution might be one of Gotham's best walking tours. NYC is one of the easiest cities to navigate on foot, and there's certainly no shortage of interesting sights around every corner, from awesome outdoor art to the most haunted places in NYC to beautiful NYC buildings to the most awe-inspiring New York attractions. New York natives and first-time tourists alike will discover parts of the city they’ve never seen before on the best walking tours in NYC. RECOMMENDED: 🗽See our full guide to New York City tours🚨Check out the best crime tours in NYC🏨Stay in the best hotels in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

This summer in NYC promises to be an unforgettable one. The city has a boundless energy once the heat cranks up, so it's time to start checking off our sensational list of things to do in summer in NYC. Some of the most popular New York attractions provide an endless list of things to do outside from rooftop movies and free dance parties to can’t-miss music festivals and more. Here’s how to make the absolute most of these steamy summer nights. Tip: You may want to request off for a few staycation days too so you can spend some time relaxing at a few rooftop pools during the week when they’re less crowded. RECOMMENDED: NYC events calendar for 2025

There are plenty of things to do outside in New York year-round, but when the weather gets to be just right and you want to spend as much time outside as possible, the city has some amazing options for a fresh air hang.  NYC parks are beautiful urban oases where you can picnic, play or just relax. Come spring, you can even spot cherry blossoms. All around the city you can find outdoor restaurants, bars and beer gardens to whet your whistle. When temps really rise, head further out to cool off at NYC beaches. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in New York, and after a long winter, it’s a dream to get out, feel the breeze and soak up some sun. Read on for the best things to do outside in the city, but if you need a little more nature with your outdoor adventures, check out the best places to go camping near NYC and the best hikes near NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in spring in NYC thE best things to do in summer in NYCThe best New York City architecture tours

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

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

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

Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch is turning Stone Street into the smokiest, peatiest party around. On Saturday, May 31, the brand will host Ardbeg Day, complete with immersive experiences, cocktail tastings and savory bites. It's all in celebration of the brand's newest release: Smokiverse.  Multiple area bars will participate in the event's activities including Ulysses', Harry's Side Bar, Route 66, The Bedford, and the Dead Rabbit. The event is free to attend but only guests with 'Pre-Register' tickets will receive a drink token upon entry, transferable for featured Ardbeg Smokiverse cocktails as you venture through the experience.

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. The May 19 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including: Josh Sharp (Search Party, Dicks! The Musical), Marisa Brau  (Billions, Law & Order SVU), Connor Ratliff (Mean Girls, Dead Eyes), Anthony Atamanuik (What We Do in the Shadows), Andrew O'Shanick (The Office, FBI), Billy Hepfinger (Outsiders), Philippa Coulthard (Annabelle: Creation), Shaina Schrooten (Chicago Med), Brian Morabito (Dropout, Queens Of The Dead), and Alex Dickson (The Stepfathers). It's hosted by Mick Szal (Joker). Upcoming shows are on June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15.   

Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week. Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20 through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and typically launch from the beach at West 12th Street, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.

The iconic HOT 97 Summer Jam music festival is back for 2025 with a stellar lineup of acts.  When is the HOT 97 Summer Jam? It's scheduled to take over Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, June 20. Who's headlining this year's Summer Jam?  This year's stacked lineup is led by chart-topping stars A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Ja Rule and Friends-A Tribute to Irv Gotti. Also see performances from Kash Doll, Bobby Konders & Jabba ft. Masicka, Jim Jones & Friends, Cash Cobain, 41 (Kyle Rich, Jenn Carter, Tata), and more. Why is this show such a big deal? HOT 97 calls the event "the largest live hip-hop music and culture celebration in America," adding that "many consider it the most iconic hip-hop show in the world." Summer Jam has featured some of the biggest names in hip-hop at the peak of their fame: Wu-Tang in ’94, Biggie in ’95, Fugees in ’96—and the list goes on. The event is celebrating 31 years in 2025. When do tickets go on sale and how much do they cost? Tickets are on sale now starting at $102. 

Tap your toes and enjoy the music at the 14th Annual Blue Note Jazz Festival, with performances running from May 27 through July 2. The festival pops up at major venues across NYC including Sony Hall, Town Hall, National Sawdust, and SummerStage in Central Park.  This year's performances include: Santigold, Rosali, Brandee Younger, Emily King, Saba, Mohini Dey, Willie Nile, Jesus Molina, and The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir. Also hear tributes to the Buena Vista Social Club, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and much more. Here's the full lineup with ticketing info. 

Bryant Park is getting into the patriotic spirit for Fleet Week with musical performances and celebrations to honor our troops. Here's what's on the claendar:  — Wednesday, May 21, 3:30-5pm: Midtown Music with Triad BrassWeekly Midtown Music pop-up performances on the Upper Terrace will turn red, white, and blue to commemorate the start of Fleet Week. Bryant Park favorite Triad Brass will offer service members a jubilant New York welcome. — Thursday, May 22, 12:30-2:30pm: USO Tap-A-Long hosted by Toes Tiranoff and Jon WeberHost Toes Tiranoff and his repertoire of featured dancers will showcase swinging tunes and patriotic tributes that are bound to make your toes tap. Tap-A-Long will be held on the Upper Terrace at the base of the William Cullen Bryant Statue behind the New York Public Library. — Monday, May 26, 12:30-2:30pm: Hooray for the Red, White, & Blue with Isaac ben AyalaThis special piano performance celebrates our troops and those who have served. Notable composer and band leader Isaac ben Ayala will feature through traditional Americana favorites, as well as modern classics. Hooray for the Red, White, & Blue will be held on the Upper Terrace at the base of the William Cullen Bryant Statue behind the New York Public Library. — Monday, May 26, 3:30-5pm: Marine and Navy Band PerformanceAn annual performance of the Marine and Navy brass bands will commemorate Memorial Day and the tail end of Fleet Week. This performance will be held on the Upper Terrace following the p

Sure, you've heard of wine pairings. But what about books and burlesque pairings? During this show at Caveat on Saturday, June 14, award-winning authors will read excerpts from their new books. Then, a burlesque or drag performer will present a spectacular new act they created that was inspired by the book pairing. For Pride Month, the show is extra special with an impressive cast of "wildly queer and spectacular burlesque and drag performers." The lineup features: Sierra Greer reading from her debut novel Annie Bot, paired with a performance by Tabby Twitch. Then there's the book Dyke Delusions: Essays and Observations by Samantha Mann, which Nina Divina will interpret through movement. Next up is a novel called I Leave It Up To You by Jinwoo Chong paired with a Fortune Cookie performance. See Antonio Amour's exploration of Milo Todd's debut novel The Lilac People. Finally, there's Paul Lisicky's book Song So Wild and Blue: A Life with the Music of Joni Mitchell paired with a Diva LaMarr performance. The show's produced and hosted by Fortune Cookie. Local bookstore Book Club Bar (197 East 3rd Street) will sell signed copies of all the books featured at the show. Time Out tip: Tickets go fast for this show, but if it sells out, there will be a waitlist at the door. There's also a livestream option.

Even if you’re not a godly guy or gal, New York Landmarks Conservancy offers a great chance to take a peek at gorgeous houses of worship across all five boroughs—from Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn to Bowne House Historical Society in Queens to Hebrew Tabernacle in Washington Heights—with its annual Sacred Sites Open House Weekend. Taking place on May 17 and 18, this year's tours are organized around the theme “Building for Eternity: Religious Architecture and Artisans." Participating congregations will showcase their buildings, histories and community programs through lectures, musical performances, and special guided tours. It's free to attend. Righteous!

Get a front-row seat to witness ships from the US Navy, Coast Guard, and more on Memorial Day weekend. As an expert guide narrates, the 2.5-hour tour will visit historic military sites, monuments, and fortification. Plus, you'll get to see historic and modern fighting Navy ships up close as part of Fleet Week. On this tour from Classic Harbor Line and Turnstile Tours, you'll hear stories from the Revolutionary War to today, with special emphasis on the role of the port in World War II.  The Classic Harbor Line Military History Tour of New York Harbor will be held on Friday, May 23 and Monday, May 26. Tickets cost $106/person.

The borough’s more-manageable LGBTQ+ celebration—several weeks before the big to-do in Manhattan—includes a movie night, performances, a 5K run and a parade. The parade, known as the city's only twilight parade, runs along 5th Avenue in Park Slope between Lincoln Place and 9th Street on Saturday, June 14. Expect floats and thousands of marchers. 

This free outdoor French film festival is back with a fashion-focused lineup. The festival is hosted by Villa Albertine, and this year's edition features three French films with English subtitles across several Manhattan parks.  "This summer, cinephiles visiting local parks will be captivated by the glamour of French fashion through Films on the Green," event organizers said. "Held at three iconic locations in Manhattan, this year's selection of films is curated around the theme 'Fashion in Film.'" Here's the 2025 schedule: — Friday, May 30 – Central Park, Cedar Hill: Coco Before Chanel by Anne Fontaine — Friday, June 13 – Washington Square Park, Garibaldi Plaza: The Young Girls of Rochefort by Jacques Demy — Friday, June 27 – Riverside Park South, 70th Street Pier Plaza: Falbalas by Jacques Becker All screenings will be subtitled in English, free and open to the public. Screenings begin at sunset. Here's more about each film and exact show locations.

Many free outdoor movie screenings are taking place all over town this summer, but none boast an ambiance quite like that of the Intrepid Museum's Summer Movie Series. After all, you get to watch some awesome movies while hanging out on the aircraft carrier's flight deck at sunset. How cool! This year's films dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean, inspired by the museum's newest exhibition, Mysteries From the Deep: Underwater Archaeology. From high-seas adventures to underwater discoveries, each movie explores humanity's fascination with the deep. Here is the upcoming schedule: — May 23 – Top Gun— June 27 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest— July 25 – The Abyss— August 22 – Atlantis: The Lost Empire The movie will be played on a huge inflatable screen, so there's not a bad seat in the house. Doors open at 5pm and the movie starts at sunset. Fair warning: the spots fill up fast, so make sure to get there pretty early! Make sure to bring some blankets and lawn chairs along. You can also bring your own food and drinks (alcohol is not permitted, though), and light snacks will be sold at the event.  As an extra bonus, screenings in June, July, and August, also include special activities where you can learn some cool science and history while you're onboard.

A massive mural stretching 150-feet in the air has taken over the side of a building in the Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood. Artist Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez titled the piece "Brownsville King of Love" and said on Instagram that it's "a call to spread love and honor our ancestors by celebrating our cultures, and lifting each other as a community." Marka27 created the piece in partnership with ArtBridge, a New York City-based nonprofit that empowers local artists to transform construction fencing, scaffolding and other underused public spaces into large-scale public art. You can find Brownsville King of Love at 326 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this spring The larger-than-life artwork features an image of a local Brooklyn youth wearing a golden crown and holding up a custom jean jacket with the message "Spread Love." The jacket is emblazoned with several patches and pins representing Brownsville's diverse culture and notable hip-hop legacy, such as M.O.P. and Duck Down Records. You'll also notice references to the area's Caribbean heritage, such as palm leaves and a Jamaican flag. Photograph: By Gary Judkins @garypivot "A pair of boxing gloves hanging from the youth's neck with Brownsville written on them symbolizes the strength and resilience of Brownsville and its legacy of champion boxers like Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, and Riddick Bowe, to name a few," Marka27 explained on Instagram. Photograph: By Gary Judkins

"Let Me Tell You" is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored a new study about the best neighborhoods in NYC—including her own!  On a typical tour of Manhattan, the big tourist attractions—Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park—get all the attention. But on these off-the-beaten-path walking tours, you'll see fascinating historical sites that you won't find in a typical guidebook.  Even if you're a born-and-raised New Yorker, these walking tours will show you a side of the city you've never seen before. Since the weather is finally pleasant again, it's the perfect time to get outside for a stroll while learning something along the way. As a certified New York City tour guide who has taken almost all of these tours, I can vouch for them—and even have a tour of my own to share. So lace up your sneakers, and let's get out there.  ShutterstockStreet rat digging through garbage bags Garbage and Rats walking tour Sure, this one is a little gross, but it's also engrossing. You'll learn about the history of garbage in New York City dating back to its days as Dutch New Amsterdam. Plus, you'll get a crash course on the life of rats, from their sex life to their tastebuds to their teeth. It's led by a certified rat pro, tour guide Suzanne Reisman, who is a graduate of the city’s Rat Academy and a me

As Suzanne Reisman explains on her Garbage and Rats in NYC walking tour, “If you are in New York or any major city, you are probably standing near rats having sex at any given time.” Considering rats can mate 20 times per day, that’s part of the reason why it’s so hard to get rid of these ubiquitous rodents—and why our city’s “War on Rats” is a complicated battle. Those are just a few of the “fun” facts you’ll learn on the guide’s new walking tour of Lower Manhattan’s dirtier subjects. Garbage and rats are as much a part of New York City as the Empire State Building or Central Park, but a tour dedicated to creepy critters is the new novelty we never knew we needed. You can book this two-hour tour here for $40 per person.  RECOMMENDED: The 6 coolest walking tours in NYC As a graduate of the city’s Rat Academy and a member of the NYC Rat Pack, Reisman knows her stuff when it comes to rats. She combines that knowledge with vast historical research to weave a fascinating tail—ahem, tale—of rats and garbage dating back to the days of Dutch New Amsterdam.  Long before the rats we know today scurried about New York City’s streets, there was garbage: Human waste, animal waste, carcasses, blacksmithing byproducts and tannery trash filled the city’s streets in the 1600s. “People say, ‘New York is so disgusting,’” she explains about the complaints of some people today. “No, you have no idea.”  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Off the Beaten Subway Track

At last, night market season has arrived. The annual crop of night markets seem to reward us for trudging through cold days all winter—and now enduring sweltering days not quite perfect for dining outdoors.  A bevy of open-air night markets will pop up around town this summer, from the upper reaches of the Bronx to Queens. We've rounded up details on all of them, so grab some cash and make plans to eat locally—and deliciously.  Photograph: Courtesy Gillian Todd Bronx Night Market First day April 26; Last day October 25; Runs on the last Saturday of the month Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen.  Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to. Photograph: Courtesy of Uptown Night Market Uptown Night Market First day April 10; Last day October 9; Runs on the second Thursday of the month The massive foodie f

What does it mean to be American? That's the question a new immersive art exhibition in Manhattan seeks to answer.  Called "Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US," this installation takes over 6 acres in Midtown East with massive screens sharing the voices of 50 Americans from across the nation. You'll hear their thoughts on democracy, liberty, freedom and unity. Path of Liberty is free to visit starting on May 15 with reservations available here. The exhibition opens as America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, which will be celebrated in 2026.   RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC right now The exhibition, hosted by the Soloviev Foundation, reflects a diversity of voices, each with their own backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. Even so, organizers said, one central theme emerged in interviews across the country: Being American is not defined by birthplace, religion or heritage, but by a shared commitment to freedom, equality and the pursuit of a better future. Photograph: Courtesy Path of Liberty "Though the journey has not always been easy, history shows that each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America," a press release from the Soloviev Foundation said. "This exhibition is a celebration—of who we are, how far we've come and the boundless potential of what we can achieve together." “Each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America.” At Path of Liberty, you'll be able to walk through winding paths dotted w

An iconic artwork by the elusive street artist Banksy is now on display in Lower Manhattan, and you've got until May 21 to go see it.  The 7,500-pound piece, titled "Battle to Survive a Broken Heart," features a bandaged heart-shaped balloon. Banksy created the artwork during 2013 in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. It's the only known piece that the enigmatic artist came back and retouched. Find it in The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street.  RECOMMENDED: First look: NYC's new Banksy Museum is a love letter to the artist The tagged wall has been in a climate-controlled warehouse in Long Island City since 2014—until now. It is on public display until it is auctioned by Guernsey's on May 21, with a portion of the sale supporting The American Heart Association. Photograph: By Brian Hatton / Courtesy of Brookfield Place The artwork has a particularly interesting origin story.  In the fall of 2013, 59-year-old Vassilios Georgiadis offered helpful advice to a passing van driver. That van driver turned out to be Banksy, who returned in the middle of the night to create the floating Mylar balloon mural on Georgiadis' warehouse wall. Shortly after its creation, rival artist "Omar NYC" defaced the piece by spray-painting over the heart and scrawling his own name in front of a live crowd. Countering that—and the only time he has ever been known to re-work his art—Banksy revisited the wall at the corner of King and Van Brunt streets and embellished it further. Even

A lush Korean forest is now growing in the Meatpacking District—figuratively at least. "The Forest Within," an immersive exhibition, is open for free at Genesis House through June 29.  With a focus on wellness, none other than wellness guru and goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow put her personal stamp on the experience. She helped to design and develop the exhibition with renowned floral designer Jeff Leatham. Paltrow even narrates the journey, which follows a tiger through a flourishing sanctuary reminiscent of the Sobaek Mountains. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now Paltrow reimagined the basement-level space as a holistic, immersive environment meant to ground and heal guests through nature. "The Forest Within" aims to slow the senses and balance the mind—something we could all likely use a little more of these days.  You'll get a chance to walk through a scaled interpretation of a Korean forest filled with greenery and natural elements. Then, with Paltrow's voice as your guide, you'll head through a maze of rocky formations and lush greenery. The adventure concludes with a meditation meadow where guests can reflect and practice mindfulness around a reflection pool.  Expect digital visuals, sounds, smells and textures to help make the experience truly immersive.  Photograph: By Aysia Marotta / Courtesy of Genesis House Keep an eye out for the use of peonies throughout the space. Not only are they in season right about now, they're also Paltro

Within a predominantly Ukrainian neighborhood in the East Village, a corner of Mexico exists. Inside a petite footprint on Third Street, Mexican folk art store La Sirena is packed with hand-crafted treasures ranging from Frida Kahlo pendants to embroidered clothing to Dia de Los Muertos tributes.  For 27 years, this transportive spot has welcomed New Yorkers to explore a bevy of goods sourced directly from Mexico by store owner Dina Leor. Now, the store has fallen on hard times and is at risk of closing—but you can help by shopping. Leor is currently liquidating her wares with deep discounts. As she says, "depending how it all goes, [we] will be closing or continuing on." RECOMMENDED: Meet the mariachi using music to uplift New York's Mexican community A native Manhattanite, Leor accompanied her mother on a trip to Mexico as a child and was immediately captivated. "There's something about Mexico. I was enamored, and I still am today. It's my passion, everything about it," she told Time Out. Though she doesn't have Mexican heritage, Leor speaks fluent Spanish because her mother is from Argentina. She describes herself as "Argentine American with a Mexican heart." Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York Once Mexico took hold of her, it didn't let go. She returned to the country as an adult, sometimes using it as an escape from her challenging job in art therapy at Bellevue Hospital. On her vacations, Leor would watch artisans in the market with great fasc

At long last, New York City is in bloom. Fragrant lilacs, colorful tulips and perfectly pink cherry blossoms have burst forth after a brutal winter. To celebrate the season, expert florists have wrangled spring blooms into incredible displays across the city. From outdoor flower gardens to indoor floral installations, here are all the free flower shows to see in New York City right now, along with tips to make the most of each experience. RECOMMENDED: Best free things to do in NYC Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes 1. Fleurs de Villes' tribute to Downton Abbey When: Through May 4 Where: Hudson Yards  Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downtown Abbey. More than a dozen local florists showcased their creativity by crafting stunning floral mannequins for the latest Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards. Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." Time Out tip: To highlight the show, Hudson Yards is offering special deals, floral-themed tastings and bouquet workshops. Here's the full list of activations.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Tim

When in need of a mental break, get yourself to Madison Square Park to walk along a new meditative spiral pathway aptly dubbed Gardens of Renewal. Located across the park’s Redbud and Sparrow Lawns, the new path is a beautifully landscaped spiral that invites reflection while highlighting the political urgency of the climate crisis. As visitors walk through, they’ll encounter a planting palette made up of increasingly rare—and nearly disappearing—native species. Artist Lily Kwong (you may remember her from her gorgeous orchid show a few years ago) collaborated with the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create the destination, which will be accessible through Labor Day.  RECOMMENDED: Best things to do outside in New York Photograph: By Rashmi Gill / Courtesy of Madison Square Park Conservancy On Redbud Lawn, the spiral pathway of the Meditation Garden is meant to evoke ancient labyrinths. It's packed with pollinators, herbs and other plants native to the New York region. Several stone benches offer a chance to reflect and to connect with fellow visitors. If you take a moment to sit, you'll likely spot butterflies and bees buzzing around the garden.  There's even a QR code you can scan to hear a meditation designed by sound practitioner Sandra Sears meant to unfold over the duration of your perusal of the spiral. Also check out the customized playlist by DJ Fly Hendrix. "Though meant to provide an important oasis for rest and reflection within the dense urban landscape of Ne

Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downton Abbey. More than a dozen local florists exercised their creativity to create these impressive floral mannequins as part of a new Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards.  Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art." RECOMMENDED: The Macy’s Flower Show in NYC guide 2025 Find the displays inside on the main floor of the Hudson Yards shopping complex and be sure to grab a ballot to vote for your favorite (and enter for a chance to win a $500 Hudson Yards gift card). It's pretty tough to choose a favorite, though, as each one exudes its own charm.  Photograph: By Veronica Castillo / Courtesy of Fleurs de Villes For example, the team behind Polycarp Flowers designed an homage to Lady Mary Crawley riding on horseback. They even depicted her riding sidesaddle, just as she did on the show. Hydrangeas, roses, delphinium and leucadendron make up this exquisite display.  In another installation, you'll notice a stunning depiction of the show's character Matthew Crawley created by Dana Baron of Baron Floral. With a WWI military uniform as her guide,

Admiring the pink petals of cherry blossom trees is a treat in itself, but now you can take that spring splendor to the next level with pink macarons and cherry blossom lattes at Ladurée in Soho. The patio of the French bakery and cafe on West Broadway is packed with cherry blossom trees, which are currently in full bloom.  To get in on the pretty pink experience, book a table in the cafe's outdoor garden. Fair warning that reservations tend to go quickly, though there are still a few available in the coming days. If you miss it this year, set a calendar alert for next April now.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC What's magical about the garden is that you can't see it from the street. Even if you've walked through Soho hundreds of times, you might have missed this charming spot. To find it, you'll enter the pistachio green doors of Ladurée, then head past the patisserie counter and through the dining area to the hidden back garden.  Photograph: By Journey Photo Group Once in the garden, you'll find a collection of marble-topped cafe tables with cushioned green chairs. Look up to gaze at the pink blooms above—if you're really lucky, a gust of wind might even blow some pink petals into your hair. It's all very Instagrammable, so you might just want to wear a pink outfit to match the trees. Whether you're visiting for brunch, lunch, afternoon teatime or just a sweet treat, the menu is packed with French favorites, like the croque-monsieur, vol-au-ven