Rossilynne Skena Culgan

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’re 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

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Whether your Christmas queen is Mariah or Sabrina, it's time to begin celebrating the holiday season! We've gathered the best things to do for Christmas and the holidays in NYC. From uptown to downtown, the city boasts holiday offerings like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, festive light displays, and the best holiday markets NYC has to offer. Whether you channel your inner grinch or cheery elf during NYC's most wonderful season, we've got you covered with memorable activities. As locals, we've been to many of these events and are including some of our favorites right here. Check back for updates as we'll continue adding to the list as the holidays approach.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best Christmas hotels in NYC Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  Check out our Winter Village video: 

Since New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with millions of holiday lights right after Thanksgiving, it's helpful to know where to find the best Christmas lights in NYC. Expect to see over-the-top inflatable Santas at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn and iconic displays at Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Take it all in and get ready to “ooh” and “ahh” at these landmarks, holiday markets and neighborhoods that create the most picturesque holiday light displays during the holiday season.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas 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. 

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 the Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park, Le Bal Macabre, Melanin Madness at The Apollo, lots of excellent Halloween parties, 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. 

We're throwing the spookiness into high gear with events for Halloween in NYC. October is filled with costume parties, haunted houses, corn mazes, parades and even dog parades — and we're so ready! Don't bother breaking out your sewing kit, New York's greatest Halloween stores have plenty of options to make you look really spooky. Make sure to check out our NYC events in October too for even more activities to finish off the month in killer spirits.  Bookmark this link because we'll be updating this guide all autumn long. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYCThe 40 best Halloween songs of all timeThe best Halloween movies of all timeThe best Halloween events in the U.S.The best Halloween costume ideas in the U.S. for 2025The best Halloween theater in 2025

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: Barktoberfest, the Bronx Night Market, a scary movie night at the Gowanus Canal, Wollman Rink's reopening, and several fun Halloween parties—plus 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 October.  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. 

Finding free things to do in New York City is like striking gold. NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world, but holy cow, is it pricey. Seeing Broadway shows or dining at one of the city’s most buzzed about restaurants will cost you a pretty penny. Luckily for us, the city also offers a prime list of free museum days, walking tours, exhibits, comedy shows and more. Read on for our list of NYC's best gratis activities. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to our best things to do in NYC

It's officiall fall, y'all! Make the most of it by getting outside (when it's not raining, at least) to enjoy the autumnal air and admire the colorful leaves (yes, you can go leaf-peeping without leaving NYC!). It’s rare to be in the greatest city on earth and not have plans, but if you’re stumped for things to do in NYC today, consider us your entertainment saviors. Daily, there are awesome events to stream and new attractions to see, but if you’re searching for something really specific like new happenings at the city’s top destinations or something low-budget—like free things to do—we have everything you need listed right here. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

As much as New Yorkers love their city, they want to be transported to another space and time — at least that's the trend museums, companies and artists are capitalizing on. Immersive exhibits, events and experiences are popping up all over NYC these days. From theatrical experiences to trippy digital art taking over massive spaces, there's no shortage of ways to be immersed in a different reality. With so many ways to be immersed, we decided it was high time to round up all the cool, immersive events, exhibits and experiences happening in NYC now and coming up soon so you won't miss the chance to experience something new and potentially mind-blowing. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

Just being in NYC in the fall is an experience in itself—for a few brief months, we all channel Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail and breathe in the crisp air filled with the smell of leaves and pretend we're in the middle of a love story for the ages (maybe we are). It's true that NYC is one of the most sought-after places to experience the best that fall offers, from delightfully spooky Halloween events to gorgeous leaf-peeping opportunities and haunted houses to scare you silly. Autumn in NYC is tough to match! Keep scrolling to find out how to make this the best one yet.

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

Take a break from Christmas shopping and check out the state-of-the-art holiday light display at The Shops at Columbus Circle. This year, the seasonal spectacle has been pumped up with 300,000 shimmering lights and 44 floating stars illuminating the entire complex in holiday cheer. Holiday Under the Stars runs from November 10 to January 3, 2026. You’ll be so moved, you won’t even care that you maxed out your MasterCard getting Aunt Judy that back massager she’s been wanting. Color-changing stars will perform choreographed light shows every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight, casting a kaleidoscope of color across the shopping center. Also look for illuminated stars at the 58th Street and 60th Street entrances and sparkling photo moments throughout the complex.   It's free to visit, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to stop by along the way.     

In New York Botanical Garden's wildly popular diorama, more than a dozen model railway trains traverse an incredibly detailed New York City scene with 200 tiny buildings, including landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries. Each year, artist Laura Busse Dolan and her team at Applied Imagination work on the awe-inspiring structures using plant materials to build "botanical architecture." It's been a beloved tradition since 1992. This year's model adds a botanical replica of the new Delacorte Theater in Central Park, surrounded by other park landmarks. As if a miniature plant-based New York City wasn't cool enough, 25 tiny trains will snake along the entire space, including some on overhead towering bridges. Don't expect them to look like your standard subway car, either: the tiny modes of transportation include replicas of American steam engines and streetcars from the 1800s, so there's something for fans of every commute era.  This year's holiday train show will take place from November 15 through January 11, 2026 at the Bronx destination. Also check out Holiday Train Nights, lively after-dark celebrations with seasonal cocktails and mocktails.

Sure, you're brave enough to watch a scary movie at home on the comfort of your couch. But are you brave enough to watch a scary movie after dark ON THE GOWANUS CANAL? That takes real guts.  This weekend, brave cinema lovers can enjoy a Creature Feature paddle-in movie series with Gowanus Dredgers. Yes, that means you'll get to watch a movie while floating in a canoe for $23/person (or from the shore for free, if you prefer).   The lineup features two iconic creature classics:  — Friday, October 24: Creature From the Black Lagoon— Saturday, October 25: The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms Whether you're going to watch from the water or the shore, you'll need to book your spot in advance. Get your tickets here. On-shore guests should bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating. Costumes are encouraged, so have some fun with it. 

This annual cans-for-a-cause competition pits architecture teams against each other to create larger-than-life art installations using thousands upon thousands of cans of food, all in the name of ending hunger (every can is donated to City Harvest to help feed those in need). Head to Brookfield Place in Manhattan (230 Vesey Street) from October 30-November 10 (10am-7pm) to see the unveiling of these engineering spectacles, all built after months of planning. Then check back to see if your favorite takes home any titles in judges’ categories like Best Use of Labels, Best Meal and Structural Ingenuity. You can even vote for your favorite sculpture once the sculptures are unveiled.  Every year, teams go all out with creativity. Expect to be wowed by 23 differents sculptures. Past sculptures have included a hot air balloon, a bodega cat, baby Yoda, Winnie the Pooh, Mario, Buckingham Palace, a pigeon sipping a coffee, and lots more. This the 33rd year for Canstruction. Each year, the event results in the largest annual single donation of canned food to City Harvest. This year's donations will help reach the organization's goal of rescuing and delivering more than 86 million pounds of food to pantries and soup kitchens across New York City. Admission is free, but do your part by donating some canned goods to the cause.

Spend your Halloween night immersed in the world of The Phantom of the Opera. Masquerade, the immersive Phantom performance, is hosting a Halloween soiree called Le Bal Macabre following its regular evening showing. The party promises a chance to revel after-hours beneath the glittering chandelier, marvel at live performances provided by The Box and dance to the music of the night all night long. For ticket options, you can go to the show first, then hit the party. Or just buy party-only tickets. Prices range from $95-$345 depending on what you choose. Extravagant and macabre attire in black, silver or white is requested. Masquerade masks are, as ever, required.

At this Irish Halloween celebration, kids can learn about the spooky traditions indigenous to the Emerald Isle. Irish Arts Center's Oíche Shamhna (that's EE-huh how-nah) promises spooky shows, creepy crafts and magical music. This year's event will explore the similarities and differences between the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and the Latin American celebrations of Día de los Muertos, with performances from Darrah Carr Dance and Mazarte Dance Company, storytelling in Spanish, Irish, and English, and a visual arts project by Chilean artist Niktalope.   The fun takes place on Sunday, November 2 at the Irish Arts Center in Hell's Kitchen. It's recommended for ages 4–8, but kids of all ages are welcome. Be sure to buy tickets in advance.

Experience an evening of eerie elegance with the Moonlight Masquerade Ball at Nubeluz by José Andrés at The Ritz-Carlton New York. This spellbinding party on Halloween night, October 31, features bewitching cocktails, skyline views and, live music performances and a headline set by DJ Vada. Enjoy seasonal Bacardi cocktails and elevated bites such as shrimp cocktail, truffled grilled cheese and s’mores cones.  Costumes, masks, and refined revelry are encouraged. The Moonlight Masquerade is priced from $45-65 per guest, with food and drink charged separately. Standard admission (standing room only) tickets can be secured via OpenTable here. For seated admission, tickets can be secured via OpenTable here.

Step into a world of undead cowboys and biker gangs at Desert 5 Spot in Brooklyn during its two-day Halloween party on October 30 and 31. The venue is transforming its honky tonk setting into a gritty Vampire Saloon, inspired by cult classics like From Dusk Till Dawn. Expect live music nightly and a costume contest decided by crowd applause. The two-night affair features special guests on Thursday and a headlining performance by The Whiskey Biscuits on Halloween itself.

Dance the night away at Recreation Bar in FiDi for this Midnight Masquerade on Halloween night, October 31. All are invited to dress in their sharpest look—with a mask—for an evening of drink specials, bottle service and a fun crowd. NYC DJs will spin house and hip-hop all night to keep the energy up.  The party runs from 9pm–1am, but get there early for a complimentary open bar on select cocktails between 8–9pm.

Party for a great cause at the returning Gotham Gala, which this year will benefit Almost Home, a New York-based non-profit dedicated to rescuing and re-homing unwanted and abandoned animals. Along with the worthy charitable component, the special event—taking place on Saturday, November 22 at Eden in Midtown—promises live music, performers, red carpet photo ops, opportunities to network, raffles and plenty of dancing. Plus, it's a fabulous excuse to get dressed up for a fun night out.

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 October 20 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including the following improvisers and actors: Jeff Hiller, James Chen, Gabriella Piazza, Neal Bledsoe, Connor Ratliff, Karan Brar, and Brian Morabito. Can't make it to this one? Upcoming shows are on November 17 and December 15. 

Your family pup can join in the Halloween spirit, too, thanks to this annual event. Grab a doggie costume and enter Fido in the annual Halloween Howl, where more than 200 dogs will strut their stuff in front of a coven of judges. This year's Halloween Howl is on Sunday, October 19. The event takes play on the hockey/basketball court and John Finley Walk at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side. May the best pup win!   

"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 why cemeteries are hosting the coolest events in NYC right now. After becoming pregnant this spring, I quickly realized this wouldn’t just be a journey of my body and emotions—it would also be a journey of stuff. Well-meaning loved ones sent me long lists of my must-have items and shared strong opinions about what brands I needed for my baby to live her best life. As an eco-conscious, minimalist New Yorker living on a tight budget in a tiny Manhattan apartment, this freaked me out almost as much as the prospect of birth itself.  That’s why when I heard about the new exhibit “Designing Motherhood: Things that Make and Break Our Births” at Museum of Arts and Design in Columbus Circle, I knew I had to go see it. The fascinating exhibition covers 150 years of how design has affected everything from menstruation to motherhood to menopause—and how all of these phases interact with products, programs and policies. “Designing Motherhood” goes beyond biology and gender to explore that while being born is a universal human experience, the designs that shape that experience are not. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now The exhibition, which is part of the Designing Motherhood project and co-organized by Elizabeth Koehn and Alexandra S

This new kid-friendly playspace coming to Dumbo sounds like a thing of dreams. It features trampolines, a massive bead pit, a Magna-Tile building zone, scarf-blowing machines, a bedazzling room and a three-level playground with slides. When the new multisensory indoor playground opens in early November, it will be the third iteration of Space Club, joining two fellow Space Clubs in Greenpoint and Fort Greene. Find it at 256 Plymouth Street as of November 1 (Space Club members get early access starting October 27). A pass, which covers one adult and one child, costs $39 for two hours of fun.   RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now Space Club promises that its Dumbo location will "elevate the play experience with a variety of immersive installations and family-friendly amenities." In addition to the immersive activities for climbing, jumping, bedazzling and exploring, the Dumbo venue will also feature multiple party rooms and a café. A rooftop greenhouse is set to open in 2026. Photograph: Courtesy of Space Club Also launching in 2026: Space Club Dumbo's after-school program, which offers structured time for homework, open play and enriching classes like arts and crafts. It's designed for kids ages Pre-K through 6th and even includes school pick-up options. "Our mission has always been to provide 'space'—both literal and imaginative—for children to explore, express, and be free in an urban setting," Max Friedman, co-founder and president of Spac

Getting around New York City isn't necessarily cheap or easy. A quick cross-town Uber ride can cost over $30. A cross-town bus ride is a fraction of the price but will take you a lot longer. And getting from borough to borough can prove to be even more of a feat.  When we chose this year's coolest neighborhood in NYC, we knew that getting there could be a challenge. In some ways, that semi-remoteness is what makes Red Hook so alluring, after all. The bus is an option, bike share works and the NYC Ferry will get you there (no subway service, unfortunately!). Believe it or not, though, there's an even more direct, totally free option that comes way of the kind merchants of Sweden: the IKEA Ferry. Never heard of it? Allow us to explain.  RECOMMENDED: This vibrant Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood is officially the coolest in NYC for 2025 What is the IKEA Ferry? The IKEA Ferry, operated by NY Waterway, offers boat transportation from two points in Manhattan to IKEA along the waterfront on the southwestern edge of Brooklyn.  Photograph: By yuriyt / Shutterstock Where does it pick up and drop off? The IKEA Ferry has two Manhattan stops. The first is in Midtown West at 39th Street's Pier 79 (that's 459 12th Avenue). The second is in Lower Manhattan at Pier 11/Wall Street (that's Pier 11 at South Street). In Brooklyn, it stops at IKEA (1 Beard Street).  When does it run? The IKEA Ferry runs on the weekends from morning until early evening approximately every hour-and-a-half. You can

Leave the gray of the city behind and step into a colorful world of Korean folktales at Genesis House in the Meatpacking District. The venue just launched its latest immersive installation, this one called CHROMA: Tales Between Hues. The exhibition was inspired by the Obangsaek color spectrum, Korea's traditional palette representing the five cardinal directions, elements and cosmic balance—and it's an absolutely transfixing sight to see. The team at Genesis collaborated with actress and singer Ashley Park who brought her own Korean heritage and her passion for storytelling to the exhibition. See CHROMA: Tales Between Hues for free at Genesis House (40A 10th Ave. in the Meatpacking District) through December 14.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The experience will walk you through six vivid worlds, beginning with a sandy path in dappled white light meant to evoke vulnerability and resilience. As you continue, you'll step into an area with logs and wheat to learn about a folktale telling the story of a woodcutter in the forest who was rewarded for his honesty. As the exhibition writes, "The decisions we make in silence, when no eyes are upon us, often speak more deeply about who we are than those made for the world to see."  Photograph: By Zach Hilty/BFA.com / Courtesy of Genesis House Next, follow the birds mounted along the ceiling to a vibrant red-lit space as your explore the story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl—celestial lovers who reuni

In a city filled with buses, subways, cabs and pedicabs, there's a new kind of transit in town—but you can't ride this one, just admire it. A 30-foot pink carriage drawn by white plastic horses carrying Hello Kitty backpacks now sits in the middle of Times Square as part of an art installation by Yvette Mayorga called Magic Grasshopper. The striking piece—decked out with smiley face designs, pink suitcases and lowrider gold rims—also includes painterly scenes of migration as a way to challenge European art historical tropes. The artwork isn't pink just for aesthetics; it's "an act of resistance, a sugary shield and a portal to a hopeful future," Times Square Arts officials explained. See Magic Grasshopper for free 24/7 through December 2 near the Red Steps (Broadway and 47th Street). RECOMMENDED: You can pop the question on a massive billboard or say 'I do' in the middle of Times Square—here’s how Part float, part fantastical vessel, Mayorga's work intends to transports viewers across borders and historical eras. The piece offers a tribute to the physical and personal journeys humans have historically undertaken in pursuit of the American Dream. And it offers a layered critique of the systems that shape that dream. Photograph: By Michael Hull Photo Drawing on her mother's background as a baker, the Chicago-based Mexican-American artist applied thickened acrylic through pastry bags making the trim on the carriage look more like the detail on a wedding cake. A charming visual

It's time to give your Instagram feed an autumnal glow-up, and there's a picture-perfect backdrop opening in the Seaport to help you do just that. The annual Pumpkin Arch returns to Pier 17 from October 22–November 17 offering a charming seasonal photo spot.  The arch is crafted from hundreds of pumpkins and draped in vibrant fall leaves, but it's not just about the decor. The views of the glittering Lower Manhattan skyline and the stately Brooklyn Bridge take this photo spot to the next level.  RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2025 in NYC Find the Pumpkin Arch on the Heineken Riverdeck, that's the north side of Pier 17 at 89 South Street. Trust us, you can't miss it. Though it's on view 24/7, we recommend visiting at golden hour (that's right after sunrise or just before sunset) for the dreamiest lighting. That's when the illuminated arch will start twinkling, but you'll still have enough natural light to keep your subject's face visible.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Seaport (@theseaportnyc) "Perfect by day, even more magical by night," as Seaport officials said. "This limited-time installation is your cue to plan a fall outing, camera in hand."  It's one of the only places in Manhattan where you can snap a photo surrounded by gorgeous gourds without journeying to the outer boroughs or upstate. The Pumpkin Arch is just one of the fun fall activities happening in the Seaport. Also check out a dog Halloween costume con

Glittering ball gowns, tailored skirts and ornate jewelry usually fill most fashion exhibitions—but not this show at The Met. Instead, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute's fashion exhibition this year focuses on menswear, featuring sumptuous suits, perfectly tailored pants and patterned outerwear.  For the past six months, the sprawling exhibition has drawn crowds to the Upper East Side museum, but now the show is nearing its finale. It's your last week to see "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" before it closes on Sunday, October 26.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Expect to explore more than 300 years of Black style through the concept of dandyism. The exhibition begins with a grounding in the 18th-century Atlantic world where a new culture of consumption (fueled by the slave trade, colonialism and imperialism) enabled access to clothing that indicated wealth, distinction and taste. Photograph: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Superfine: Tailoring Black Style It then digs into how Black dandyism began and evolved—"both an aesthetic and a strategy that allowed for new social and political possibilities," as the Met explained.  While there's a lot of history and art history to learn, there's also plenty of incredible fashion to admire. You'll get to walk through 12 sections, each representing a different characteristic of the style, such as champion, respectability, heritage, beauty and cosmopolitanism. Some mannequins and

Whether we realize it or not, signs not only help us New Yorkers navigate the city, they also tell us something about the place we call home. Our city's signs are "bold and direct and loud but not screaming at you," explains Seamus Seery, collections manager for the New York Sign Museum at Noble Signs. Bold and direct but not (usually) screaming? Seems just like New Yorkers themselves.  This weekend, you can step inside the New York Sign Museum for mini tours with Seery and other experts to peek at New York City's signs of the past and the present as part of Open House New York. The sign shop and museum will open its doors along with dozens of other typically off-limits places for this weekend-long extravaganza celebrating the fascinating nooks and crannies of the five boroughs. Open House events run from October 17-19; here's the full list of places to visit. RECOMMENDED: Open House 2025: 300+ seriously cool NYC sites you can explore that are typically closed to the public Open House New York was founded in the wake of 9/11 by a grassroots group of architects who believed that "the openness of our shared urban fabric is the foundation of civil society," event organizers explained. It officially debuted in 2003 and has run every year since.  Meanwhile, Noble Signs was founded in 2013 and moved into its Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, building in 2018, adding the New York Sign Museum the following year. It first opened its doors for Open House New York just last year, making it one

Admit it, are you a nosy New Yorker? Same here. Then you can't miss Open House New York this year. The annual event opens the doors of typically off-limit spaces during its festival running from October 17 through 19. This year, more than 300 sites are on the roster, including an exclusive rooftop garden in Rockefeller Center, a city compost facility, an Ellis Island boat and a private gallery in the World Trade Center. Even sites that are public, like Wagner Park and Astoria Pool, offer special behind-the-scenes experiences. Nearly half of the festival is fully free and open to the public—no advance registration or tickets are required. But select venues do require tickets, which are released on October 3 at noon (and they typically go fast!). RECOMMENDED: The best NYC events in October 2025 Every year since 2003, Open House New York has tapped architects, engineers, historians and curators to give everyday New Yorkers a glimpse into the spaces they create and work in. The event was founded in the wake of 9/11 by a grassroots group of architects, led by Scott Lauer, on the belief that "the openness of our shared urban fabric is the foundation of civil society," event organizers explained. "Open House New York Weekend is rooted in the simple but radical act of sharing the city," Kristin LaBuz, executive director of Open House New York, said in a press release. "This festival gives curious New Yorkers a hall pass to explore the people, projects, and places that make this the g

Thanks to dry weather over the past few months, the fall foliage around New York City might not be as extravagantly colorful as we're used to. But we happen to think that even muted fall leaves are worth admiring. Plus, some arboreal experts say we should hold onto hope that this year's leaves might still pull off something stunning. That's why we've rounded up all the best fall foliage trackers around the region. The exact dates for peak hues vary by year and by location, so these trackers will help you make the most of your time. Use these to find colorful leaves around your neighborhood or even to venture outside of the city for a leaf-peeping adventure.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see fall foliage in NYC  Photograph: By Photo Spirit / Shutterstock I Love NY How it works: This detailed map covers the entire state, noting when foliage is reaching its peak. Plus, the site provides a weekly report based on reports from observers.  What to see: Exceptionally vivid reds, oranges, golds, and purples, especially in higher elevations in the Catskills around Livingston Manor and Bethel. Meanwhile, the Adirondacks are lighting up in oranges, rusty brown, russets, golden yellows, reds and occasional dark red leaves near Crown Point. Buffalo is about 45% toward peak with golden yellow, plum and red leaves. Where to find them: First peak colors are arriving in Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, Hudson Valley and Greater Niagara Regions. Time Out tip: Make a weekend of it and book one o

After a hiatus in 2024, the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue New York holiday light show will return with a reimagined spectacle this holiday season. Expect a dazzling state-of-the-art show where "the lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound," Saks announced today.  Though the lights dimmed last year amid financial uncertainty, the show is back this year as of November 24. It will run through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, lighting up each night for all to enjoy for free.  RECOMMENDED: Where to see stunning holiday lights in NYC The light show projects thousands of synchronized lights across the building's façade in time with festive music. Past displays have featured a Zodiac calendar, a castle and a tree, all festooned with illuminated flowers, icicles and plenty of glitz. The show repeats every few minutes after sunset until about 11pm.  The light-and-sound experience complements the store's six windows along Fifth Avenue. Each window display will bring enchanting New York City moments to life, from a snowy Central Park boat scene to a resplendent holiday tree. Additional windows will showcase Your Story in Lights, a visual ode to making the holidays your own, featuring motifs from the luxury store's holiday campaign and this season's fashions. Find it all at 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th Streets) right across from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink and wedged between an a

For the past 50 years, the Queens County Farm Museum has served as a rural oasis within the New York City limits. And what better way to celebrate an anniversary than by creating a complex corn maze for New Yorkers to get delightfully lost in? The Amazing Maize Maze is back this fall with a sunburst design celebrating five decades of the museum's existence. Expect plenty of twists, turns and tricks inside this three-acre living labyrinth. It's available to visit on select days through October 26.   RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2025 in NYC The corn maze adventure begins with a Stalk Talk to prepare you for the challenge of finding clues, solving puzzles and mazing your way to Victory Bridge. With corn stalks towering far overhead, it can become easy to get turned around inside the maze and struggle to find the exit—but that's the fun of it after all. Just prepare to persevere as this maze is tricky!  Photograph: Courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum Finally, upon reaching the Victory Bridge, you'll be able to see the stunning vista of this three-acre living labyrinth is revealed. Among sunburst-shaped designs, there's even a 50 carved into the path of this year's installation. "Like the sun, this farm is a beacon of light shining brightly at the intersection between food, history, and culture," museum officials said in a statement. "For five decades, we've connected New Yorkers to the land beneath their feet and to agricultural traditions that continue to shape