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. 

New York City’s art scene is in for a dazzling fall season. Most excitingly, two museums—The Studio Museum in Harlem and The New Museum in The Bowery—are set to reopen after significant renovations. Meanwhile, a powerful piece of public art is coming to Roosevelt Island, a trippy 1960s exhibit will open at The Whitney and a collection of rarely exhibit Monets will be shown in Brooklyn. From public art displays to gallery shows to museum presentations, here are 17 art experiences we’re excited about this fall. 

Contrary to its moniker, Oktoberfest—the annual autumnal celebration anchored in Munich, Germany, with satellite festivities all over the globe—kicks off in September. Lucky for you, New York City hosts some of the best boozy, musical sausage fests in the world. This year’s events include weeks-long waterside parties, brewery bashes and even lobster-fueled feasts—all with plenty of German (and local!) beer to start your fall eating and drinking plans out right. Here's where to keep the party going all season long.

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

For New Yorkers, the National Parks of the U.S. may seem far away. But from September 27 until February 22, 2026, Poster House is bringing the parks to us in "Blazing A Trail: Dorothy Waugh’s National Parks Posters." It's the first exhibition dedicated to Waugh's parks campaign. "Blazing A Trail" features 17 travel posters designed between 1934 and 1936 by landscape architect and highly trained artist Dorothy Waugh, created for the National Park Service’s first ever poster campaign. Before Waugh came along, it was actually America’s railroad companies who were the main source of advertising for the National Parks Service in the 1870s. Their posters were, yes, attractive, but very conventional. Waugh was the first to advocate for the bureau to produce its own poster campaign, along with styling and messaging, separate from the railroads. Waugh continued this work for the rest of the 20th century, leaving a legacy that endures today.

When you think of sensuality, artistry and connection, does your mind immediately go to Steve Buscemi? On September 4 at The Red Pavilion in Bushwick, Eros Unbound: Erotic Readings + Confessions is hosting a storytelling of erotic stories–with Steve Buscemi on the lineup. The sultry, Asian Neo-Noir cabaret world of The Red Pavilion is perfect for the kind of seductive storytelling, immersive soundscapes and interactive writing prompts brought by Eros Unbound. Guests are part of the experience as much as the storytellers, from whispered confessions to handwritten love notes.  Running from 8:45-10:45pm, you'll have the opportunity to weave your own passion into the night's tapestry.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a beloved cult-classic is known for its midnight showings and devoted fans—but this show takes it to the next level. Throughout the month of October, the House of Yes in Brooklyn is providing five opportunities to experience Rocky Horror in all of its live, immersive glory in "LIPS: Rocky Horror @ HoY!" Now in its third year of production, LIPS goes above and beyond to deliver a fully theatrical performance with aerial acrobatics, circus, burlesque, live tattooing, water features and boundary-pushing reinterpretations of Rocky’s iconic moments. Directed by Hex Winter and produced by Winter and Kat Lloyd, the progressive and transgressive spirit of Rocky Horror is alive and well in this reimagining for today’s audiences. Beloved by fans and even praised by original cast members (Little Nell herself declared Columbia’s Peter Mercury “too fanbloodytastic”), LIPS has become a must-see for Halloween season in NYC. Show dates are: October 9, 16, 17, 23 and 30.

The Moth, the acclaimed storytelling show, is DARING to be different. For the first time in the organization's 25-plus-year history, its 2025 mainstage season will be dedicated to one theme. From New York to Nairobi, The Moth will be taking their deep and poignant show on the road to 18 cities.  New Yorkers will have three opportunities to see the show. The season opener on September 18 will be at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side. In East Harlem on October 24, El Museo del Barrio will host a Spanish language-centric performance, which happens to be the only one on the whole tour. The last NYC performance will be at St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn on December 5. You've got plenty of opportunities to catch this show and its stories. Learn more here.

In this spooky-seasonal variation on the long-running Drunk Shakespeare, five actors gather to perform a vampire-in-New-York story loosely adapted by Lori Wolter Hudson from Bram Stoker's batty gothic thriller. The twist? One of them gets plastered before the performance and it's up to the four remaining cast members to keep the show from going down for the Count. (Audience members can buy alcoholic drinks of their own to get into the spirit.)        TIME OUT DISCOUNT TICKET OFFER: DRUNK DRACULA The hit theatrical comedy in the heart of Broadway  Use code DRUNKTIME for these exclusive ticket prices: $29 for balcony tickets (regular price $55)$39 for mezzanine tickets (regular price $69)$49 for stage-side tickets (regular price $89)   This October, one actor takes five shots of whiskey and attempts an epic retelling of Transylvania’s thirstiest bachelor…Dracula! When history’s most famous vampire (sorry, Edward) is loosed upon the city, will you try to stop him…or let him have his way The Drunk Shakespeare Society is paying homage to the original drinker, and bringing its brand of mayhem to the spooky season with Drunk Dracula. TO BUY TICKETS: Click here to buy tickets Performance schedule currently varies. Click on ticket link for schedule. Running Time: 1hr 30mins. No intermission. 21 or over only. Photo ID required. Not all seats discounted. Discount code valid for stage-side, mezzanine and balcony seats only. All purchases with credit/debit, including online and phone orde

What are you doing at 10pm on a Thursday night? Sleeping? We have a better idea: Brolesque at Balcon Salon in Hell's Kitchen. This weekly—and did we mention free—strip revue, Fortunes of Love, was created by Lockhart Brownlie (Katy Perry's Super Bowl choreographer) and is a night full of tarot cards, choreography and plenty of skin. Whether you're just looking for an early start to your weekend or you're celebrating a birthday, bachelorette/bachelor party or anniversary, this sip-and-strip is for all. "We created Brolesque to celebrate queer desire, movement and connection without apology," said Brownlie in a press release about the event. “Bringing Fortunes of Love back to Balcon Salon feels like coming home—we’re thrilled to continue building something bold with one of NYC’s most exciting venues.” The current New York cast features Christopher Patterson-Rosso, Felipe Ocampo, Gabriel Reyes and Jason Carroll.

On a cold winter day in 1921, artist Man Ray placed some of his glass equipment on top of an unexposed sheet of photographic paper he found among the prints in his developing tray. This "mistake" produced something the artist would later dub a "rayograph," and was essentially a photo taken without a camera. The works' transformative nature led the Dada poet Tristan Tzara to describe rayographs as capturing the moments "when objects dream," and you can see those pieces on display at The Met from September 14 until February 2026. Drawing from the collections of The Met and more than 50 U.S. and international lenders, the presentation will include more than 60 rayographs and 100 paintings, objects, prints, drawings, films and photographs to highlight the central role of the rayograph in Man Ray’s  practice. The exhibition is made in part with the Lens Media Lab, Yale University, under the direction of Paul Messier and with photography conservators and curators. "As one of the most fascinating and multi-faceted artists in the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century, Man Ray challenged traditional narratives of modernism through his daring experimentation with diverse artistic mediums," Max Hollein, The Met's CEO said in a press release. "Anchored by Man Ray’s innovative and mesmerizing rayographs along with new research and discoveries, this exhibition invites visitors to explore his ground-breaking manipulation of objects, light, and media, which profoundly reframed his

For over 60 years, American artist John Wilson created powerful and poetic works that reflected his life as a Black American artist and his ongoing quest for racial, social and economic justice. Starting on September 20 and going until February 8, 2026, The Met on Fifth Avenue will host his first-ever solo museum show with more than 100 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures and illustrated books. To start, the exhibition showcases work Wilson made while at art school in Boston, where his subjects included the horrors of Nazi Germany and American racial violence, as well as portraits of his family and neighborhood. Wilson happened to be a traveler, and work from his time in Paris, Mexico City and New York will also be on view. Finally, the exhibition concludes with Wilson’s return to Boston and his focus on portraiture. Wilson's sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the United States Capitol and the monumental sculpture Eternal Presence, two of his most celebrated works, will be on display. "Wilson’s art is imbued with compassion and empathy while conveying his anger and distress at the wrenching effects of disenfranchisement, racism and economic inequality. Challenging deep-seated prejudices and omissions within our national history, Wilson centered the experiences of Black Americans to create images that convey strength, resilience and humanity," Jennifer Farrell, exhibition co-curator said in a press release.  The exhibition is included with museum admission.

The hottest collab of fall is coming to The Brooklyn Museum with "Monet and Venice," an exhibition that aims to display Claude Monet's Venetian paintings. From October 11 until Feburary 1, 2026, this will mark the first dedicated exploration of Monet's luminous Venetian works since their debut in 1912. The exhibition places Monet's Venice works in context with other select paintings from key moments throughout his career. Also expect paintings by artists such as Canaletto, John Singer Sargent, J. M. W. Turner and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to create further dialogue. The exhibit will offer further engagement through immersive elements, including an original symphonic score inspired by the artist’s Venice paintings by the Brooklyn Museum’s Composer in Residence, Niles Luther. This sonic experience was created with the purpose to capture the Venetian landscapes Monet was painting. Once visitors make it to the fifth floor, they'll be greeted by a large scale visual immersive that conjures Venice’s unique atmosphere. This unique visual and aural experience sets the tone for the journey. "It’s thrilling to reunite so many of Monet’s radiant paintings of Venice, including Brooklyn's own Doge's Palace, which was acquired in 1920, and is emblematic of the Museum's trailblazing commitment to modern French art," said Lisa Small, Senior Curator of European Art, in a press release about the exhibit. "We are eager for our visitors to 'travel' to Venice and immerse themselves in the unfolding

The Met's first major exhibition of Egyptian art in over a decade is on its way. From October 21 until January 19, 2026, "Divine Egypt" will focus in on images of gods in ancient Egypt. The exhibit considers how these physical tools brought the gods to life for daily worship, offering ancient Egyptians a vital connection between the human and divine worlds. Spanning more than 3,000 years, the Egyptian people's belief system grew to include more than 1,500 gods with many overlapping forms and traits. At the exhibit, expect to see statues and small elegant figurines that represent 25 of ancient Egypt's main deities. Look for subtle visual cues, like what a figure wore, how they posed or the symbols they carried to help identify each one. "The ways in which the ancient Egyptian gods were depicted are vastly different from the divine beings in contemporary religions and therefore are intriguing to modern audiences," said Diana Craig Patch, Lila Acheson Wallace Curator in Charge of Egyptian Art in a press release about the exhibition. "The identity of an ancient Egyptian god may at first seem easy to recognize but looks can be deceiving, as one form can be shared by many deities. Across more than 3,000 years of history, gods, attributes, roles and myths were rarely dropped from use, yet the Egyptians of the time had no difficulty understanding and accepting the resulting multiplicity. Through hundreds of spectacular objects, 'Divine Egypt' will allow visitors to understand the com

Over its 100 years in print, The New Yorker has devoted dozens of its famed covers to some of the coolest residents of New York City: Dogs. A new exhibit, "The New Yorker in Dog Years" exhibition at AKC Museum of the Dog in Murray Hill, features 44 dog-themed New Yorker covers on display in celebration of their centennial anniversary. See works by Peter Arno, James Thurber, Charles Addams, Helen Hokinson and Mark Urliksen and more. Along with admiring the artwork, you can learn the story behind each cover with detailed commentary on each one. Themes such as dog shows, grooming, country life and sports will be featured. 

In a society constantly fearing "fake news" and manipulation by any prominent voice, there is nothing more important than education against persuasion. "The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy" at Poster House will run from September 27 until February 22, 2026 to ensure that powerful history is not forgotten. The exhibition follows the rise of Benito Mussolini's fascist regime—and how art played an important part. See 75 pieces from the world-renowned Fondazione Massimo e Sonia Cirulli in Bologna, Italy. This expansive exhibition chronicles the length of Mussolini’s regime, focusing on the often blurred line between propaganda and art.

Theater fans are nothing if not committed. So when I woke up at 3am to try and secure tickets to The Public's Shakespeare in the Park performance of Twelfth Night at Central Park West and 81st Street, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I was not prepared for, well, how un-easy it would be.  After a year hiatus due to renovations on the infamous Delacorte Theater, Shakespeare in the Park has returned to NYC in all of its free-ticketed star-studded glory through September 14. The combination of "free" and "star-studded" is thrilling and generous, but to what extent are you willing to go to in order to experience this selective engagement? For me, pretty far, clearly. Here's a logged account of my experience—and the fate of the people behind me.  RECOMMENDED: The Complete Guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC 3:45am Saturday, August 30 My journey began on the 1 train. Having had perused many a Reddit thread and TikTok hashtag, I knew that I would be expected to have my Public ID out and ready at some point; I just wasn't sure exactly when. While at the 96th Street stop, I pulled out my phone to get my profile up and ready and noticed a person sitting next to me eyeing my phone. It wasn't until she and her friend stood up after me at the 79th Street stop that I suspected the three of us were in the same boat. Walking in the dark around 81st Street, I overheard one of them singing "We're going to see Shakespeare in the Park!" Though I didn't sing aloud, I definitely understood t

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