Rossilynne Skena Culgan

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 Chinatown Night Market, Uptown Bounce, Bierlympics Games, the Off-Broadway debut of "Cellino V. Barnes," a three-day queer Caribbean party, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

New York City’s cultural amenities are many, but none quite match the number, scale and variety of its museums. There is literally an institution for every interest, whether it’s in art, history, science or quirkier subjects. From 5,000 years of art history at The Metropolitan Museum to cutting-edge art at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City is an art lovers' paradise. There are dozens of other types of museums, too, like the encyclopedic American Museum Of Natural History, the classical New-York Historical Society, and the sultry Museum of Sex. Photography fans have to check out the International Center of Photography, architecture buffs should head to the Skyscraper Museum, and transit lovers cant miss the New York Transit Museum. And, of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, even if you don’t count all of the other museums in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Is it a lot to take in? Certainly. But if you want to find a museum with your name on it, look no further than our complete guide to the best museums in NYC, complete with highlights at each one.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museum exhibitions in NYC

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: The Chinatown Night Market, NYC Restaurant Week, Community Healing Day in Bed-Stuy, fencing demos, art on Governors Island, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! 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. 

Manhattan’s magic is that within a tiny island, dozens of micro-communities welcome the hordes of people and cultures that make the city unique—from downtown’s Chinatown, with its pulled noodles and dumpling shops, to uptown’s Little Dominican Republic filled with restaurants serving up island cuisine. Manhattan is also home to Little Italy, Little Brazil, Little Tokyo, Ukrainian Village, Koreatown, El Barrio, and many more.  But until recently, French culture didn’t have a concentrated spot on the map. The founders of the local French language school Coucou, Léa and Marianne Perret, are working to change that. They’ve christened their nook of Nolita with a handpainted sign reading “Little Paris" and are working to officially rename the neighborhood. Even moreso, they're striving to bring together a community of French businesses, Francophiles, and Francophones in Lower Manhattan. Find Little Paris on Centre Street, between Broome and Grand Street. Even the stars of Emily in Paris have hung out in this neighborhood, and if it's Chef Gabriel-endorsed, you know it's legit. Interestingly, the lack of a specified space for Francophiles in Manhattan wasn't always the case. In the late 19th Century, Soho had its own French Quarter, as chronicled in an 1879 issue of Scribner's Monthly: "The people are nearly all French. French too is the language of the signs over the doors and in the windows." Photograph: Courtesy Robert Lester/Coucou Today, more than 60,000 French citizens and o

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

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

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like City Parks SummerStage and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer approaches, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The 100 best things to do in NYC for locals and tourists

Get ready to use our NYC events in August calendar as your guide for ending the summer with a bang! This month is the last to take advantage of New York beaches and pools before they close for swimming in September. There are many more things to do outside this month, like enjoying incredible rooftops, going to the botanical garden and dining at night markets. This is the last full month of summer—make it count! RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

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 on a spring day. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

When the weather is less than ideal, don’t fret—there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in NYC. Start by checking out some of these excellent indoor activities below, or use the inclement weather as an excuse to finally sign up for some of the best classes NYC has to offer. During a quick storm, you can always find refuge inside one of Gotham’s many cozy coffee shops.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in spring in NYC

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;) ), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

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

An island escape exists just a five-minute tram ride from Manhattan. Graduate New York, a hotel situated in the East River between Manhattan and Queens feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of midtown. It’s a place where you can admire the city’s skyline without hearing sirens, a spot where you can feel disconnected and yet connected at the same time.  With 224 rooms, Graduate New York offers a chance to stay overnight on the island and soak up the quiet luxury of this relaxing retreat. I stopped by this summer, and it made the perfect staycation destination. Plus, the hotel also won me over so much, that I'm even recommending it to friends and family visiting from out of town. Graduate New York is just a few steps from the Roosevelt Island Tramway or Roosevelt Island F subway stop, both of which provide easy access to and from Manhattan. Once I stepped inside the hotel, I was warmly greeted at a check-in desk that evoked an old-school library card catalog. Around the lobby and into the ground-floor restaurant, 250,000 books fill massive bookshelves. Towering over the check-in desk is "Flyboy," a 13-foot-tall sculpture by artist Hebru Brantley depicting a boy in aviator goggles holding a lightbulb.  The sculpture with its message of curiousity makes sense considering that Graduate Hotels are situated in towns with universities, each one filled with nods to the local community. In New York, the hotel is located next to the Cornell Tech campus. Upon entering my guestroom

You know the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and at the International Center of Photography Museum is where you should go to immerse yourself in the world visual storytelling. The institution caters to a wide audience—not merely shutterbugs and Instagram-fans.  The library at ICP houses back issues of photography magazines and thousands of biographical and photographic files. Photojournalism is an important part of the center's program, which also includes contemporary photos and video. The two floors of exhibition space often showcase retrospectives devoted to single artists. Plus, if you’re more comfortable holding a camera than picking up a paintbrush, the International Center of Photography is the art school for you. The renowned school offers classes for teens and adults on every aspect of film and digital photography, from shutter speeds to editing your images in Photoshop. There’s even a workshop on iPhone photography.

Find inspiration at no cost at the Museum of Modern Art on select Fridays. UNIQLO NYC Nights offer free admission to New York City residents and extended hours on the first Friday of every month. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, enjoy music and see a film in the theaters. Just be sure to reserve a ticket in advance online. This month's event is on Friday, August 2. Tickets are released on week in advance; same-day film tickets are also free for New York City residents, available on-site, after 4pm. Upcoming dates are on: Fridays, September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6.

As the adage goes: Location, location, location. When you're visiting a major city with as much to do as Toronto, the last thing you want is to waste time traveling between destinations. The Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto delivers with a prime location within walking distance of the CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, Kensington Market and the Hockey Hall of Fame. When you want to go farther afield, that's easy, too, considering there's a streetcar stop right in front of the hotel's door. If Uber is more you're thing, the hotel's doorstep serves as an easy pick-up spot.  Once you're ready to return from the hustle and bustle of Canada's biggest city, Sutton Place offers a calming respite with modern furnishings, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Despite checking in much earlier than my check-in time, the staff greeted me with a warm welcome, offering to store my bags and granting access to the rooftop (indoor) swimming pool as well as the second-floor meeting area so I could catch up on work.  Once in the guest room, I found a thoughtfully designed space with a shocking amount of space. The guestroom included a king bed, a long desk, nightstands, a couch and plenty of storage. The bathroom—also spacious—felt contemporary and fresh with its huge mirror, gray tile floors and intricately tiled shower. My favorite part of the room, however, was the entryway with its perfectly sized table—ideal for dropping my keys, sunglasses and purse. (It also made it easy to remember everythi

Escape the concrete jungle and head to Randall's Island for a waterfront festival packed with family fun. Events include water-themed face painting, glitter tattoos, interactive environmental activities, lawn games, and cooking demonstrations, all along the park's verdant waterfront. Also expect educational activities with Science in the City, storytime with Boogie Down Books, water-based programming, musical performances and free treats for all to enjoy.  The events run from 12-3pm on Saturday, July 20 at the East River Picnic Area on Randall’s Island. It's hsoted by the Randall's Island Park Alliance.   

Hear the best new inventions from local comedians at the delightful show "Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab." It's hosted at Capish?! Club at Lunella in Little Italy, where comedy nights are known for a heartwarming tone with a bit of sass. The show on Wednesday, July 10 is led by Lauren LoGiudice with Kyle Marian, Akudo Ejelonu, Jeff Simmermon, Tom Achillis, Ricky Downes, Jeen Lee, and a secret VIP guest comedian. Expect new jokes, hilarious characters, and a friendly atmosphere whether you're coming solo or with a group. Audience members have said that it feels like a "communal experience" that they "didn't expect it to be so unhinged." Plus, reviewers say, "if a tourist happens to find it they're lucky." Get there early for the pre-show mingle and a screening of Revenge of the Nerds.

At this live show, two comedians will watch Planet Earth, then you can try and stump them with animal trivia. Each time the hosts get a question wrong, they take a shot. Drunk Planet Earth is hosted by comedians Brian Morabito (Comedy Central) and Stephen Buckley (UCB). Find this delightfully nerdy free show in the back room of Easy Lover in Williamsburg on Friday, July 12; reserve your ticket here.

Pilgrims to the two-story house where the great Satchmo lived with his wife Lucille from 1943 until his death in 1971 will find a shrine to the revolutionary trumpet player—as well as his Lucille's passion for interior design. The tour is enhanced by audiotapes of Amstrong that give much insight into the tranquil domesticity he sought in the then-suburban Corona, Queens neighborhood: a far cry from the glamorous life he could have led. Also check out the Louis Armstrong Center, a 14,000-square-foot venue just across the street from the home. It's the permanent home for the 60,000-piece Louis Armstrong Archive (the world’s largest for a jazz musician containing photos, recordings, manuscripts, letters & mementos) and a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, films, and educational experiences.

When sculptor (and landscape architect, and theatrical-set and furniture designer) Isamu Noguchi opened his Queens museum in 1985, he was the first living artist in the U.S. to establish such an institution. It occupies a former photo-engraving plant across the street from the studio he had occupied since the 1960s to be closer to stone and metal suppliers along Vernon Boulevard. The entire building was designed by Noguchi to be a meditative oasis amid its gritty, industrial setting. Twelve galleries and a garden are populated with Noguchi’s sculptures; also on display are drawn, painted and collaged studies, architectural models, and stage and furniture designs.

The New York Hall of Science dates back to the 1964 Worlds Fair. The 100,000-square-foot all-ages science museum truly has something for every type of science nerd. Browse more than 450 exhibits to learn about technology, sports, marine biology and climate change, and don’t miss the surprisingly engaging award-winning display on math. Rotating pop culture exhibits on topics ranging from Angry Birds to female robots in media make every visit unique. A 3-D theater showing an ever-changing roster of documentaries on science-related topics (think: extreme weather, engineering, robotics) offers a well-deserved break during a day of exploring this enormous museum. A throw back to biology class While the museum’s vast range of exhibits are packed with more than enough artifacts and interactive items to keep you engaged during a day’s visit, if you prefer the theater to a museum, consider scheduling your visit around NYSCI’s live demonstrations. Observe the dissection of a cow’s eye, learn what actually makes airplanes fly, watch a dull household item get repurposed into something you probably never imagined and more at these hourly demos. Leave feeling a little more educated and inspired. Additional weekly events allow for hands-on lessons and activities with materials ranging from thread to wires. Shoot into outer space…outdoorsAn additional 60,000 square feet of outdoor space includes exhibits for museumgoers ready to get active, like an interactive science playground and a rocket

The Whitney Museum’s hosting a big party for the late artist Edward Hopper’s birthday weekend, and you’re invited. The party’s on July 20, 2024, close to what would have been Edward Hopper’s 142nd birthday on July 22. Festivities include events at the Whitney, photo ops in Gansevoort Plaza, and activities at the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center. You’ll be able to view Hopper’s incredible works at the Whitney—his art has long been a touchstone for the Meatpacking District museum, which is home to over 3,000 artworks by Hopper, more than any other museum in the world. Then, if you feel inspired, you can make some art of your own and even explore a map showing NYC spots he painted.  For the more athletic art lovers, there's a 60-mile round-trip bike ride from the Whitney Museum to the Hopper House in Nyack. For the bike ride, you'll have to register in advance to get your hands on limited tickets.  

The annual New York City Poetry Festival takes over Colonel's Row on the picturesque Governors Island on July 13 and 14. With more than 100 literary organizations participating, the free festival is much more of an epic than a haiku. Along with readings from many poets, the festival includes visual art, an open mic, clowns, local vendors hawking literary-themed goods and a plethora of delicious food and drink. This year's headiners include Kazim Ali, Katie Farris, Safia Elhillo and Ilya Kaminsky. Whether you're a poetry superfan or new to the genre, this all-ages festival promises to be accessible for all. It's free to attend, be sure to register here; you can add a drink ticket or get VIP access.

To make a theatrical production shine, it's not just about the actors delivering their lines perfectly. The lighting must work just right. The music must pair with each scene. And the costumes must complement each actor, whether they're in a baroque gown, a military uniform or streetwear. The power of costumes will be in the spotlight at a new exhibit by The Public Theater. This free exhibit will be on view from Sunday, July 28, through Friday, August 30 in the theater’s Shiva Theater in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood.  RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—Broadway doesn’t need to be that serious At The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit, see exquisite costumes spanning four decades of acclaimed Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park productions. Expect to can see pieces from iconic shows like A Chorus Line and Hamilton and Delacorte Theater productions of Twelfth Night, Richard III, Mother Courage and On the Town. Admire the intricacies of lacy dresses, fuzzy capes and ornate top hats, among many other incredible outfits.   Photograph: By Martha Swope, 2001 Snowbound | A Chorus Line You'll get a chance to admire costumes worn by legendary performers such as Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Danai Gurira, Kevin Kline, Peter Dinklage and more.  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. Photograph: By Martha Swope

Life in Midtown Manhattan will get a little sweeter as of August 6 when the first-ever Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in New York makes its decadent debut at the Empire State Building. This beloved brand currently operates 16 sweets shops across the nation, mostly in California, and this store will be its northeast debut. Expect the Empire State Building shop to become a go-to spot for milkshakes, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, hot fudge sundaes, and, of course, those classic foil-wrapped chocolate squares. Before it opens in a few weeks (at 10am on Tuesday, August 6 with 102 free sundaes, by the way), here’s a sneak peek at the stunningly beautiful shop.  RECOMMENDED: The 14 best chocolate shops in NYC Photograph: Albert Law, courtesy of Ghirardelli Decadent treats It’s all about the chocolate here—dark chocolate, mint chocolate, milk chocolate caramel, white chocolate, dark chocolate raspberry, the list goes on. Brightly colored chocolate squares in clear bins serve as eye candy upon entering the store. You can grab a bag to fill up with your own pick-and-mix assortment of candies (for $12.95/half-pound) or buy a pre-packed mix to take home. In addition to chocolates, Ghirardelli is known for its hot fudge sundaes, and you'll get to pick from a variety of sundae options here. There's the classic World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, the Chocolate Lover's Hot Fudge Sundae, the Gold Rush Caramel Almond Sundae, and the Mint Bliss Hot Fudge Sundae, just to name a

Every day, thousands of people walk through Times Square, rushing to catch the subway, heading to work, meandering through shops—many of them unaware that they're stepping over a revolutionary art project that's been a part of the city for decades.  Purposely unmarked, it's easy to miss this piece of auditory art because truly experiencing it requires tuning into a specific frequency in the most cacophonous place in America. The late artist Max Neuhaus's installation called "Times Square" sounds like the echo of a bell ringing. It's hard to place this droning tone among all the other noises there, especially because the sound emanates from a typical grate right beneath your feet.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC right now Most people breeze by the Broadway Pedestrian Plaza between 45th and 46th Streets. Every once in a while, a bit of sound might catch someone's attention, resulting in a furrowed brow or a glance around the area. What was that? Is someone listening to music without headphones? Is that the subway? Why does it sound like someone running their finger along the edge of a crystal glass? The sound blends in with the background noise of sirens, horns honking, overheard conversations, and people dressed up like Elmo asking for a picture. That's exactly as the artist intended.  "The work is an invisible unmarked block of sound," the artist described in a brochure about the work. "Its sonority, a rich harmonic sound texture resembling the after ring of large b

The views at Edge, the highest sky deck in the western hemisphere, are always stunning, but now they’re even more beautiful thanks to an eye-catching new activation.  This highly Instagrammable exhibit called “SHADES” features transparent colors in both the indoor and outdoor areas of Edge. On the outdoor deck, see how the perspective changes as you look through the clear glass versus the colorful panels. Inside, peek through colorful panels that make an adorable photo-op. “SHADES” is on view through September and is included with admission. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The exhibition encourages visitors to consider the view more carefully. It shows how changing our vantage point to subtract certain wavelengths of light shows the world saturated in entirely new hues. Even for longtime New Yorkers who have seen the skyline thousands of times, the experience offers a fresh perspective on the city.  Photograph: Courtesy of Edge "These stunning visuals offer a perfect photo opportunity for visitors looking to capture unique and eye-catching moments against the backdrop of the New York City skyline," Edge officials said in a press release. If you haven't visited Edge, expect to be dazzled. The deck rises 1,131 feet in the air and extends out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. Edge features a spectacular outdoor viewing area with its breathtaking glass floor, angled glass walls, and outdoor skyline steps from the 100th to 101

Some paintings have the power to make art come alive, but a new activation this week will truly make brushstrokes jump off the canvas.  In honor of the late American painter Edward Hopper's birthday (he would be 142 years old!), the Meatpacking District is hosting a series of 3-D interactive painting installations that you can become a part of. The free event, titled "Step Into Hopper" pays homage to three of the artist's renowned works from July 19 through July 22 in Gansevoort Plaza (38 Gansevoort St.) RECOMMENDED: Five of the coolest things to see at this year’s Whitney Biennial In this first-of-its-kind event, see life-size re-creations of “Nighthawks,” “Soir Bleu,” and “Early Sunday Morning.” You’ll be able to pose with these recognizable works and create your own interpretations of the art with the help of live performers. Activities begin at 1pm on Friday, July 19, then run all day Saturday-Monday, before wrapping up at 5pm on Monday, July 22. The activation, hosted by Meatpacking BID, was created in partnership with The Whitney Museum of American Art, which is home to the most Edward Hopper works of any museum worldwide. The museum celebrates the artist’s July 22 birthday every year as a tribute to his impact on American art. Hopper was one of the most prominent realist painters of 20th-century America and is widely known for his depictions of the urban and rural American experience.  Here's what to expect this weekend Photograph: Courtesy of Meatpacking BID | Night

“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. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan took on the challenge of trying all the unlimited samples at the Museum of Ice Cream. A lot of New Yorkers like to talk smack about Times Square. I’m not one of them. Sure, I avoid the area during high tourism times when I can’t lose precious minutes trudging through crowds on the sidewalk. Yes, I regularly feel disgusted by the display of capitalism. And I most certainly do not want to be so much as grazed by a costumed character. RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—it’s time to fill the giant, empty Sbarro in Times Square. We have ideas. But I remember the magic of Times Square on my first visit to New York City, an experience so foreign and transformative for a girl who grew up among hayfields, rather than skyscrapers. I adore seeing that same awestruck expression on the faces of tourists—so much that I won't even get that mad if they stop right in front of me on the sidewalk.  Even so, when I traveled to Toronto recently, I didn’t intend to visit the “Times Square of Toronto.” It wasn’t on my carefully planned, absolutely packed itinerary filled with local cafes, renowned restaurants and quirky “non-commercial” experiences. But I ended up there by chance and found out that New York City could l

After a successful debut last year, West Side Fest—a festival celebrating the best of the West Side—is back and bigger than ever with free access to museums, performances, and other all-ages fun. The festival runs from July 12 to 14 along the western side of Manhattan, expanding from one day to three days this year.  Activities include free admission to Dia Chelsea, a block party at Poster House, art-making at The Whitney, a family day at The Rubin, performances at Little Island, and much more. While many organizations are offering free admission to programs and events, advance registration may be required so check here before you go. RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2024 The event's hosted by The West Side Cultural Network—a group of museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions all situated within the same half-mile portion of historic New York. It's intended to celebrate long-established cultural institutions as well as newer cultural powerhouses.  Here are a few West Side Fest highlights  Open Studio for Teens from at the Whitney Museum of American Art Free admission at the Whitney with artmaking activities and more during Free Friday Nights Free admission at Dia Chelsea Free admission at Poster House in celebration of the museum’s fifth anniversary Watercolor painting workshop with Georgie Flores inspired by the horticulture of Little Island Summer Sway at The Shed, a summer kickoff celebration Sound bath with custom synths and mini

Like New Yorkers flocking to patio bars to slurp Aperol spritzes, elephants visit watering holes not just to hydrate but to socialize as well. Also like humans, older members of the herd share knowledge with their offspring. Elephants recognize each other’s voices, grow attached to one another and mourn lost loved ones. They embrace their wrinkles—a lesson we would be wise to adopt. In short, elephants and humans, despite our differences, share a lot in common. Perhaps that's why we're so enamored with these massive mammals. From the stage to museums to sports and pop culture, elephants are having a moment in New York City culture now.  RECOMMENDED: New York Liberty’s Ellie the Elephant on how to have a Hot Girl Summer The city's most notable elephant, Ellie, stomped onto the scene in 2022 as the mascot for the New York Liberty, the women's basketball team in Brooklyn. With her incredible dance moves and love for the team, she won the hearts of New Yorkers and fans across the nation.  Photograph: Miguel McSongwe for Time Out New York She's so beloved, in fact, that the team here at Time Out New York featured her as our July cover star, recognizing her as summer's It Girl.  An elephant may seem like a surprising choice for a mascot in Brooklyn when these giant gray animals don't roam Prospect Park Zoo, let alone the borough's streets. But elephants actually have a fascinating backstory in Brooklyn. Back in 1883, New Yorkers worried about the structural integrity of the Brook

New Yorkers have had a complicated relationship with the sun this summer. Yes, we need the sun for life, but she's been extra fiery this year—overwhelming bridges, delaying trains and turning us all into sticky shells of ourselves. The city practically audibly exhales when the massive star dips beyond the horizon.  That context imbues this year's Manhattanhenge with extra emotion. During the rare phenomenon, the streets of Manhattan line up perfectly with the sunset, making for a stunning sight. In honor of the last Manhattanhenge of 2024, the American Museum of Natural History is throwing a party on Friday, July 12, and everyone's invited.  RECOMMENDED: A Guide to Manhattanhenge 2024 in NYC Manhattanhenge happens four nights per year. The first two already happened back in May, so if you missed it, you won't want to miss the July dates. The full sun will be perched on the grid on Friday, July 12, at 8:20 pm, and the half Sun will be visible on Saturday, July 13, at 8:21pm. If you want to not just see the phenomenon but also learn about it, head to the American Museum of Natural History on Friday, July 12 for a viewing party with special programming. Dr. Jackie Faherty, AMNH's senior scientist and education manager, will lead a ticketed 3D presentation about the science and history behind Manhattanhenge using the museum’s powerful OpenSpace visualization software. Tickets are $20 and for sale here. Photograph: ShutterstockPhotograph: Shutterstock After you learn some cool f

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is now opening its doors for free to New Yorkers during select hours. The newly launched program, called New York First Mondays, will provide free admission exclusively to New Yorkers on the first Monday of each month beginning at 5:30pm. The museum closes at 7pm, so you’ll have an hour and a half to explore when taking advantage of the ticket offer. The program is intended to provide New Yorkers a special opportunity to see the museum with one another and to reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed the city and nation in the wake of 9/11, per museum officials.  RECOMMENDED: All the free museums days in NYC you should know about The 9/11 Memorial Museum has been a fixture in Lower Manhattan since its dedication 10 years ago. It seeks to document the ongoing impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that day. The museum is located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site. In its first decade, the museum welcomed 23 million visitors from all 50 states and more than 175 countries.  Photograph: By Pit Stock / Shutterstock "New York First Mondays creates the space for New Yorkers to return to the World Trade Center site—alone or with family or a friend—and affirm the city's spirit of community and compassion after 9/11," museum President and CEO Elizabeth L. Hillman said in a press release. The program was announced by the museum's Visionary Network Lead

Independence Day is upon us again, and Macy's is helping us all celebrate with a truly dazzling spectacle: A fireworks show featuring 60,000 shells launched from the Hudson River in New York City.  This Fourth of July, you can expect to see fireworks in 30 colors with jaw-dropping effects, including a never-before-seen firework with a kaleidoscopic design. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best 4th of July events in NYC for 2024 What time is the Macy's 4th of July fireworks show? The fireworks show begins around 9:25pm on Thursday, July 4. TV coverage starts earlier, though, at 8pm on NBC and Peacock. Where are the best places to watch NYC's 4th of July fireworks? Fireworks will launch from barges positioned along the Hudson River with multiple viewing opportunities in Manhattan and in New Jersey. It's the first time in more than a decade that the fireworks are being launched on the west side of Manhattan. Here's Macy's list of public viewing locations.  Manhattan Christopher St. & Washington St. W. 11th St & Washington St. W. 12th St. & Washington St. W. 29th St. & 11th Ave. W. 40th St. & 11th Ave. W. 41st St. & 11th Ave. Hoboken Pier A Park Maxwell Place Park Stevens Park Elysian Park Time Out tip: While the fireworks are being launched on the west side of Manhattan, don't assume that anywhere on the west side will have a view. Views will be obstructed from some spots, and some areas will be closed

A grove of citrus trees growing in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District would be unusual enough. But a grove of live citrus trees growing inside a Meatpacking District museum is even more surprising.   Astonishingly, 18 citrus trees are now in bloom inside the Whitney Museum of American Art, and you can walk through the grove on the museum’s eighth floor through January 1, 2025. The exhibition, “Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard,” was conceived in 1972 by Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison. This groundbreaking eco-art project is on view at a museum for the first time since its debut more than 50 years ago. RECOMMENDED: Five of the coolest things to see at this year’s Whitney Biennial Back in 1972, the Harrisons were inspired by the growing awareness of vulnerable ecosystems—systems that feel even more threatened today. In response to that environmental momentum, they created several "Survival Pieces," or installation projects that served as works of art and calls to action. Portable Orchard explores the need for a sustainable food system in an imagined future where natural farming practices are obsolete. The artistic duo imagined the indoor orchard as a survivalist antidote for a potential future devoid of the citrus trees that gave Orange County, California its name.  Photograph: Courtesy of Whitney Museum of American Art They sketched out an instruction manual for “Portable Orchard,” which is a part of the Whitney’s permanent collection. Now the exhibition itself live