Sophia Rubino

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and you may be looking for events around NYC to memorialize this solemn day. Over the past two decades, NYC has remembered those we lost in the attacks through music, somber ceremonies, art installations and incredible symbols like the Tower Lights. In 2025, events include vigils, memorials and tribute runs. Here are some ways to mark the significant date. 

A three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to summer. While we’re sad for summer to end, Labor Day gives us a chance to celebrate with one last hurrah. It’s never too soon to start planning an amazing Labor Day getaway from NYC, so check out these options, from relaxing to adventurous. While there are plenty of day trips from NYC that can scratch the itch, the long weekend is enough time to squeeze in a weekend getaway. Looking for some culture? Head to the Hamptons. Partial to the outdoors? The Adirondacks are for you. If you’re more of a shorebird, consider Wildwood or Fire Island or a lakeside adventure. Sure, you could hit up the best beaches in NYC or salute the summer at an outdoor bar or beer garden, but to squeeze every last drop out of summer, start planning one of these Labor Day getaways from NYC today. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Labor Day in NYC

Some of the best comedians in the world call NYC home, and whether you're seeing them in Manhattan clubs or Bushwick dive bars, you're guaranteed to be blown away by NYC's talent. Here's our rundown of the venues where you can see the best comedy in NYC. A few tips for those new to NYC's comedy scene: Expect to sit close to strangers, often in basement surrounds. Many venues require a two-drink minimum, so check for that when you buy tickets. (Pro-tip: Comedy club cocktails aren't always the most appetizing drinks, so we tend to stick to bottled or canned beverages like beer or White Claw.) Overall, remember to have fun and enjoy a good laugh.RECOMMENDED: See all of the best comedy shows in NYC

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

There's nothing more "summer in NYC" than taking in a movie in the great outdoors, under the hardly-seen stars and set to the humming soundtrack of the city. Even better, all of the screenings listed here are free to attend. New Yorkers love to take in films on the nicest rooftops, on the best beaches, and in our city's greatest parks (preferably with a drink or popcorn in hand). Luckily, NYC has no shortage of movies in the park you can attend in the warmer months. Prefer to watch your favorite films indoors in the A/C? Check out the best movie theaters in NYC. And for some at-home inspiration, you can always catch up on the best NYC movies of all time. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC 

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about summer in the city, but when you need to beat the heat, why not give free kayaking in NYC a try? We’ve got plenty of water, from the Hudson River to the East River Estuary, and these waterways offer some of the best views of many of New York’s attractions. If you own your own kayak, you’re all set to paddle. For the rest of us, there are many organizations around the city that aim to reconnect urbanites to nature and the aquatic ecosystems that surround us. Groups of boaters and paddling enthusiasts lead small groups around New York’s waterways, offering a cool, relaxing and educational adventure. Best of all? It’s free! NYC Parks also hosts one-off free kayaking and canoeing events throughout the summer!  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island all have boating opportunities for you this summer. Most are first-come-first-served or by reservation only, so be sure to check before you head out. After all that paddling, treat yourself to a hearty NYC brunch. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

Choreographer Jacqulyn Buglisi returns to Lincoln Center for the annual Table of Silence Project 9/11, a free performance ritual and call to action for piece. More than 150 dancers will circle the iconic Revson Fountain to create an ancient Peace Labyrinth. The sounds of electric violin, flute, bass drums, trumpet, bells and a chorus will fill the air. "Together, through a timeless universal language of the body, we transcend all boundaries, recognizing the imperative for human connection and the miracle that is human existence," Buglisi previously said in a press release. The event begins at 8am on Thursday, September 11. It will also be livestreamed for those at home.

Tribute in Light is a commemorative public art installation presented yearly from dusk to dawn on the night of September 11. It has become an iconic symbol that both honors those killed and celebrates the unbreakable spirit of New York. Beams of blue light arranged in the shape of the Twin Towers are visible for 60 miles on a clear night. For the best views, head to Washington Square and Union Square parks in Manhattan, Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

Sprint, jog, or walk to honor the heroes of 9/11 and those who've served the nation. The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K team welcomes everyone of all ages and all fitness levels to join them in empowering local veterans, active duty, first responders, and families of the fallen.  The event's on Saturday, September 7 at Randall's Island. Registration is available online. 

Summer might be coming to a close, but Electric Brew at the Bronx Brewery is prolonging the feeling. On September 6, this collaborative dance/music festival from the founders of Bronx Summer Jam is closing the summer with a bang. Launched in 2022, Bronx Summer Jam was the first major music initiative created by Fernando Michael of The Fox & King and DJ Mike Nickerson of Sounds & Sirens with a goal to produce a free annual music festival for all ages within The Bronx. This latest festival is a full day of EDM, house, soca and perreo music to showcase a wide variety of genres and artists. Feel free to stay for the duration of the festival (2-11pm) as you'll be surrounded by anything you'd need in one place: food, local vendors, Latin flare, boiler room beats and ice-cold beers. Tickets are available now and start at $23.

Colombian American artist Kat Geng-Caraballo wants you to reconsider what a "nose job" really is. Her new project, "By Word of Nose" in partnership with "A Puppering" is an interactive art event inviting adults to explore how noses shape, the breath they carry and the smells they sense are deeply tied to identity, belonging and shared experience. This event, taking place on August 23 from 4-6pm at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, is perfume-free. “In my thirties when I first met two new-to-me family members — who donned the same nose as me — my perception of my nose changed," Kat said in the press release about the event. "The shame I held from an elementary school taunt was replaced with a deep sense of belonging and pride. I like to say that these two women gave me my first nose job.” The afternoon begins with a nose puppet welcome, where storyteller Rae De Vine will facilitate the event in nose form, and transitions into a “nose-first” breath reset led by Hanfei Tu, a third-year Alexander Technique trainee. The highlight of the event centers on bringing a large-scale Nose Tree sculpture to life, allowing guests to animate it through puppetry and perhaps their own scripts.  This event is free to the public—come open-minded and open-nosed.

Finding a place to sing comfortable in NYC can be hard. The Sing Easy in Chelsea makes, well, singing easy. On August 26, this queer- and trans-led harmony workshop guided by Australian musician Jess McAvoy is aiming to create a joyful and affirming singing community. Throughout the night, you'll pick your vocal part and learn an original song which will result in a gorgeous a capella sound-bath. The event is donation-based and is open to all. This night of original music, queer joy and community singing is located at True Voice Studios in Chelsea.

Ever felt like stand-up comedy is missing an element of competition? The Stand Comedy Club is celebrating 10 years of their Sunday night Comedy Fight Club, and on September 7, you can get all that competition you were looking for. Plus, this fight club is one you can actually talk about. For this month's show, Amanda Vasco and Gabby Jordan Brown will face off in a night of comedic competition. Tickets are $15 at this Flatiron comedy club and are on sale now. 

All-Asian, female-presenting cabaret group The Dynasties wants you to do more than just watch them dance. On August 31, the group's one-hour variety show New Asia is set to "both tantalize the audience and encourage reflection and confrontation of false narratives, boldly challenging stereotypes and dismantling the fetishization of Asian women," event organizers say.  Taking place at Sleepwalk in Bushwick, The Dynasties have crafted their show around themes such as cultural pride and resistance. Their artistry aims to showcase empowered sensuality, cheeky comedy and unwavering dance ability. The show stars Annika Wong, Emma Stricker, Manatsu Aminaga, Miku Hirayama, Tomo Ishikawa and Youlmae Kim and features Drag Queen Lady Celestina and her sidekick, Ji Jeon. Tickets are $50.

Can you spell F-U-N? The Upright Citizen's Brigade is combining their typical comedy with the high-pressure gaming format of a spelling bee in "Spell Checc: A Spelling Bee Gameshow!" on Sunday, August 24 at 8:30pm. Featuring Ceara Jane O'Sullivan, Alex Kagy, Austin Nasso, Chicken Big, Michael Sanky, Jorge Oyola, and more, these comedians will compete to spell tough words with the possibility of gaining or losing them if they make other contestants or the announcer laugh. Each round will increase in difficulty and hilarity. Be sure to stop by The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theater on 242 E 14th St. in the East Village to cheer on New York's funniest spellers.

It's the question on everyone's lips: What will be crowned as 2025's offical "Song of the Summer"? Luckily, The Foundation comedy team is doing the work for you in their show this weekend.Either in person at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in the East Village or via livestream, for just $17.94, an hour of characters, sketches and music will put an end to this cutthroat competition. On Friday, August 22 at 7pm, join Tristan Griffin, Erin Bartley, Laura Canty-Samuel, Ariel Gitlin, Dennis Flynn, Davy Gardner, Erin Fenton, Donald Chang, Jacklyn Uweh, Michelle Chan Bennett, Mike Smith Rivera and Shem Pennant to solidify just exactly what should be that NEW "Espresso."  

The only thing better than the Bronx Zoo is the Bronx Zoo at night. The famed zoo's annual family-friendly celebration, Harvest Glow, is back and at its best.  Every Thursday-Sunday from September 25 until October 31, families are invited to explore this immersive jack-o'-lantern trail with its own spin: the 5,000 pumpkins are animal themed, of course! Senses will be heightened as you explore "creatures of the darkness" through the use of music, special effects and dramatic lighting to make sure that you really feel the spookiness.  And if that wasn't enough, visitors will have the opportunity live in the Mesozeric Era while walking amongst over 60 animatronic dinosaurs and pterosaurs at the event's Dinosaur Safari. Paired with the darkness, this prehistoric adventure is not to be missed. Also expect pumpkin carving demos, games, face panting and tons of photo opps.

To celebrate the 105th birthday of legendary poet Charles Bukowski at NYC’siconic Bitter End, this tribute reading—which features hosts Kat Georges and Peter Carlaftes as well as artists Penny Arcade, Jennifer Blowdryer, Frank Messina, Puma Perl, Michael Puzzo, Danny Shot, Richard Vetere, and more special guests—aims to provide solace for the city's outcasts. All performers, be they poets, playwrights or monologuists, will talk about Charles Bukowski's place in contemporary culture. This annual literary performance on August 20 features poetry, oral history, rare videos and live readings that capture Bukowski’s wit, grit and timeless relevance. Attendees will also have the chance to win Bukowski books, recordings and other prizes. Tickets are $10 and the event runs from 6-8pm.

Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is coming to theaters in sing-along form to highlight the message of the movie: a band is nothing without its fans. On August 23 and 24, select movie theaters in NYC will show Netflix’s most-watched animated film where you can sing along to the Billboard Global 200 chart-topping hit, "Golden." In case that wasn't enough of an indication how big this song is, the Empire State Building will even light up to celebrate the occasion. RECOMMENDED: The best NYC movie theaters Theaters hosting sing-along events include Alamo Drafthouse in Lower Manhattan, Village East by Angelika, Regal Union Square, Williamsburg Cinemas, Paris Theater, LOOK Dine-In Cinema and Regal Battery Park. Photograph: Courtesy of Sue Warde-Pichaeli In case you aren't familiar, KPop Demon Hunters follows K-pop girl band Huntr/x, the next generation of girl group/demon hunters who must protect the Honmoon barrier—a.k.a. the intersection between peaceful life and a hell-ish demon world. Huntr/x is able to defend the universe due to the powers they receive only from their fanbase, so when head demon Gwi-ma plans to infiltrate the space between the barrier, his solution in to create a demonic boy band called the Saja Boys and take Huntr/x’s powers away. The cast includes Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, Liza Koshy, with Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong and Byung Hun Lee. During the show, you'll get to hear an original song by Jeongyeon, Jihyo an

The average bar crawl, with its beer pitchers and long bathroom lines, has become a bit boring. Why not add some sparkle at NY Fabulous Drag Night Out? A local drag hosts the ultimate LGBTQ+ night out for locals and visitors alike at this high-energy bar crawl through Hell's Kitchen. Included in your $49 ticket, you'll be treated to a complimentary drink, then get front-stage access to one of the best drag shows in the city. If that wasn't enough, there's also a post-show dance party and meet-and-greet with the queens.  RECOMMENDED: The best gay bars in NYC and LGBTQ+ hot spots for a fun night out "With this tour, we're not just going to the show," CEO of Drag Experiences Justin Dorsen said in a press release about the event. "We're giving guests an authentic taste of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife, past and present, with all the sparkle and spirit you'd expect from New York." The night starts off slow—at a laid-back Hell's Kitchen dive bar where guests meet the host and fellow partygoers—and then picks up with a tour of Hell's Kitchen and all the fabulous history that comes with it. From there, you'll gain entry into one of the neighborhood's most legendary drag venues for a front-row drag show extravaganza. Get ready for expert choreography, talent and maybe even some stars from "RuPaul's Drag Race." This vibrant tour runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The experience runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes and plan accordingly! Remember to

Ah, William Shakespeare. You know—he's that guy who wrote that play you didn't read in the ninth grade and watched the Leonardo DiCaprio/Claire Danes movie instead because that's basically the same thing. Or, maybe you're completely offended by that previous statement and have spent your life studying the Bard's work. No matter. If you're over the age of 21 and find yourself in New York (or Chicago, D.C., Phoenix or Houston), watching Shakespeare's tragic work get remade into a farce is for everyone. Trust me. Drunk Shakespeare co-creator/producer David Hudson acknowledges that the idea of this show is not necessarily "new." The show's origins date back to 2014 when the show was being performed at a now-closed Midtown bar, making for an impressive run in NYC, especially at a time when some Broadway shows can't last a year. But Shakespeare's works have been performed under the influence since, like, forever. Currently running at the Ruby Theatre in Midtown, Drunk Romeo & Juliet makes sure that a potion and poison aren't the only drinks consumed throughout the play. Tickets start at $55. Time Out New York readers can use code DRUNKTIME for discounted tickets. RECOMMENDED: Off Broadway shows, reviews, tickets and listings Romeo—er, Sam Adams, that is, describes the show as a "rock concert." "I think Shakespeare is best done with a healthy amount of irreverence," Adams told Time Out New York. "If it's put up on the shelf and it's kept very pristine, it kind of loses all the juic

When William Shakespeare penned all 38 of his plays, people were dressing a bit differently than they do now, to say the least. In order to capture the complete essence of what The Bard was going for, costumes are an integral part of the puzzle that is a production. A collection of the costumes featured in Shakespearean performances at The Delacorte Theater or Public Theater over the theater institution's 60+ year history are on view in a free exhibit through August 31 at the Shiva Theater in Manhattan's Noho neighborhood. RECOMMENDED: The complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC Expect to see costumes worn by legendary performers such as Meryl Streep, Raul Julia, Al Pacino, Patrick Stewart, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Redgrave, Danny DeVito, Allison Janney and more. The intricately designed costumes have been cut, stitched, dyed, beaded and altered to their respective actors for the 63 years since Shakespeare in the Park began. With the fine netting of tulle, the hard exterior of metal and expert embroidery, these costumes become more complex the more you stare. So, make sure to look, but don't touch. Photograph: By Joan Marcus / Courtesy of The Public This exhibit was curated by former Director of Costumes Luke McDonough with assistance from current Director of Costumes Vanessa Watters and Associate Director Melinda Basaca. To plan your visit, opening times are: Tuesday-Sunday: 11am-2pm and 5-8pm. Heads up that the exhibi

Getting tickets to Hamilton just became as fun as seeing the show. In celebration of the show’s ten-year anniversary, a three-week scavenger hunt is underway through August 24. Three winners will receive a pair of tickets to Hamilton on Broadway during a block from January-March 2026. Presented in partnership with New York City Tourism + Conventions as part of the Founded by NYC initiative, participants get to see the iconic landmarks tied to the show and the city’s rich history and possibly get some free tickets out of it. After downloading the free HamApp and checking the official Hamilton and NYC Tourism + Conventions social channels, clues will become available for the search and participants will unlock special filters to share photos from the locations using #HamiltenNYC. RECOMMENDED: A new Hamilton-themed walking tour has debuted in NYC For a chance to win tickets to Hamilton on Broadway, you must visit at least three locations and use the in-app #HamCam for special filters paired with each spot. Then, share photos on Instagram, Twitter/X or Facebook with the #HamiltenNYC tag. Winners will be selected on August 11, 18 and 25, so there’s plenty of time to see the city where it all began for Alexander Hamilton. Here's the full list of rules. If you’re looking for clues and wish you knew the history behind some of these landmarks, Vibe Tours NYC is offering a new Hamilton-themed walking tour that's as informative as it is fun. Explore locations such as Castle Clinton, Tri

As an audience member and a mercifully no-longer actor, I've been asked to do a lot of things in a theatre space. But something I was not expecting while attending Punchdrunk's newest immersive theater creation, Viola's Room, was being asked to remove my shoes and socks and sanitize my feet before seeing the show. The titular room, equipped with six beds, is merely the starting point for this sensory journey directed by Felix Barrett, of Sleep No More fame.  Led by light and sound, I felt my way through a labyrinthine installation as this gothic tale unfolded before my very eyes—except, of course, for the pitch darkness. Over the course of an hour at The Shed in Hudson Yards, our small group learned the story of Viola through over-ear headphone narration, which is based on the short story "The Moon-Slave" by Barry Pain. Writer Daisy Johnson adapted this short story into a thrilling and surprising adventure with themes of innocence and obsession—and did so without a single actor in the room. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The experience began with my designated group of six strangers inside a dimly lit room. Before you make it to Viola's Room, make sure to arrive at The Shed at least 20 minutes before the allotted time, as this experience operates on a shift schedule; one group cannot begin until another ends. Not only that, but there is no late entry allowed—Viola has many guests!  Photograph: Courtesy Julian Abrams Once inside, a membe

With the renowned Broadway musical Hamilton celebrating 10 years, New Yorkers can now explore the namesake character's life outside of theater district. A new walking tour called The Hamilton (Unofficial) Musical Walking Tour explores the landmarks of Alexander Hamilton's everyday life, all while being accompanied by the corresponding songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash hit musical. Dana Tamuccio—founder of Vibe Tours, tour guide and Hamilton super-fan—leads a well-informed and jam-packed tour through Lower Manhattan that's perfect for anyone looking to experience NYC history and a little musical theater, too. The tour maps out the scope of Hamilton's impressive NYC life in just 90 minutes. RECOMMENDED: The 7 coolest walking tours in NYC The tour starts at Castle Clinton where Hamilton would've first arrived in NYC and ends at Trinity Church where he and his relatives were buried. Other tour highlights include: Federal Hall (where Washington was sworn in), Fraunces Tavern (haunt of the revolutionaries), Hamilton's Wall Street financial empire and The Custom House. You'll even learn about some of Hamilton's, shall we say, associates, including Aaron Burr, Angelica Schuyler and King George III.  Photograph: Hamilton Australia/Facebook The path of the tour is an incredibly easy walk, with many shady spots to combat even the highest of temperatures—or shield from the heaviest rainfall, which Tamuccio expertly navigated on my tour this month. Each member of the tour is given

Most people associate the sari with its South Asian origin. The New York Historical adds another layer to the garment's story by unearthing how the sari—and those who wear it—made New York City its home in a new exhibit opening soon. "The New York Sari: A Journey Through Tradition, Fashion, and Identity" opens September 12 and runs through April 2026. This exhibition traces the path of the sari from the Indian subcontinent to NYC, going from exotic object of trade to a tradition embraced by many communities. The sari holds many different identities; whether it be within consumer empires, dance and performance or explorations of gender and identity, museum officials explained.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now By way of trade, colonialism and migration, the sari has a worldwide history. It is often recognized by its draping style and is customizable in its pattern, fabric and color. The 21st century sari reflects regional tradition, specific cultural identity and personal expression. More often than not, the sari is worn in instances that reflect reinvention, such as rituals, milestones and womanhood. Photograph: By Jagdeep Raina / Courtesy of The New York Historical "'The New York Sari' illuminates how a centuries-old garment continues to shape identity, artistry and community-building across our city," Louise Mirrer, president of The New York Historical, said in a press release. "This exhibition is a celebration of the sari's complexity—not only as

When slavery is taught in an educational setting, perspectives are often erased or overlooked. Marcus Brown, a New Orleans-based artist with enslaved African ancestors, aims to share the stories of enslaved people with four free Augmented Reality (AR) exhibitions across New York City opening July 25 and running through July 2026. As part of the city's Arts in the Park initiative, Brown's "Slavery Trails" takes historical sites that are tied to slavery and crafts them into digital memorials using sculpture and AR that visitors may access via mobile device. Manhattan will house two exhibitions while Brooklyn and Queens will showcase one; "merging technology, music and history into public memory spaces that honor the enslaved and challenge contemporary narratives," according to a press release about the exhibition. Recommended: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer Manhattan's two sculptures are titled "The Slave Market: Wall Street" and "New York Slave Conspiracy of 1741. Brooklyn and Queens work together to tell "American Gold III" and "American Gold IV," respectively.  In Manhattan, "The Slave Market: Wall Street" makes visible the enslaved Africans and Native Americans who were bought and sold during the 1711 New York slave market. The second installation in Manhattan, titled "New York Slave Conspiracy of 1741," brings attention to the mass hysteria in response to mysterious fires which led to the execution and exile of primarily Black and enslaved New Yorkers. Both are lo

More than a century ago, an elephant named Alice embarked on an epic adventure, escaping her enclosure in Coney Island and swimming about five miles to Staten Island. After having heard this unlikely story, local artist Diane Matyas felt hope, buoyancy, endurance—and artistic inspiration. The tale led her to create The Luna Park Elephant, a larger-than-life exhibition capturing Alice's story. The public artwork is on display in Maker Park on the eastern edge of Staten Island through June 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this summer Photograph by Diane Matyas In Matyas’s sculpture, Alice the colorful elephant perches on the side of a metal shipping container painted in blue hues evoking the Narrows she swam through 121 years ago. Visitors are invited to move Alice's legs, helping her to "swim" the very path she did in real life. Her massive body extends to 10 feet when visitors stretch her legs as if she's a shadow puppet.   Unlike a typical gray elephant, Alice is decorated in ornate orange, blue and pink designs inspired by Sri Lankan prints. In real life, Alice was owned by Frederick Thompson of Luna Park in Coney Island. Just a year before Alice's escape, Thompson became known for his public display of animal cruelty when he electrocuted one of his other elephants, Topsy, according to Untapped Cities. Alice's journey can be framed as more of an escape in this light, especially when her demeanor went from "meek and friendly, perhaps a bit hungry, but not at