Ian is the Culture Editor at Time Out New York whose passion is nightlife, entertainment and anything that gets people's bodies moving. He has written about culture, entertainment and identity for several places including VICE, PAPER, Them, Mic and others.

In his free time, Ian is also a DJ who goes by oyystersauce and founder of Whorechata, a collective for queer and trans people of color.

You can reach him at ian.kumamoto@timeout.com

Ian Kumamoto

Ian Kumamoto

Culture Editor

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Articles (39)

NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025

NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, Afropunk and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer approaches, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts in NYC
The best 4/20 events in NYC

The best 4/20 events in NYC

This year, 4/20 falls on the same day as Easter Sunday, so you'll be able to ascend in more ways than one. For years, cannabis was driven underground, but in the past few years since weed was legalized in New York state, 4/20 has become a proper celebratory event. From large outdoor gatherings hosted by some of the coolest new weed brands out there, to a luxurious cannabis lifestyle store that just opened in Chelsea, there's no better time to light up than now. Additionally, here's the rundown on everything you need to know about marijuana legalization in NYC. You may gain some extra inspiration from watching the best stoner movies and best weed songs. Just remember to mind your manners with these weed etiquette tips from the Emily Post Institute. To keep the buzz going, check out the following 4/20 events in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to NYC events in April
The best concerts in NYC in April 2025

The best concerts in NYC in April 2025

April arrives with a batch of killer new concerts, and tickets for the choicest events are already on sale or will be soon. You can catch unmissable acts playing at the city's best live music venues, from next year's biggest popstars on the rise to veteran fringe experimentalists. And if you're looking for some late-night music, be sure to consult our monthly list of New York's best parties as well. RECOMMENDED: See our guide to concerts in NYC
The 11 best weed dispensaries in New York

The 11 best weed dispensaries in New York

Where you buy your weed in New York City is important—it changes how you partake and whether you enjoy your high or feel your mellow. Luckily, New York City is rife with state-licensed cannabis shops that redefine the experience of buying cannabis, some offering a high-end atmosphere next to luxury brands while others offer a sterile experience akin to going to a medical office. Others are rooted in the community and bring in local artists and business owners to collaborate with. We've seen it all. Because there are just too many (over 200, actually) to include here on this list, we've pulled out our top 11 NYC dispensaries we think it's worth buying at. RECOMMENDED: New Yorkers will benefit from higher quality weed and more places to buy from this year, experts say
The 25 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

The 25 best hotels in NYC, from midtown to NoMad and the Upper East Side

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. February 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, the Carlyle. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the best stays.
The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: April 2025

The best parties and club nights in NYC this month: April 2025

Whether or not you realize it, New York is undergoing a nightlife renaissance. Communities that were once driven underground and considered "niche" have blossomed and claimed their rightful spot in the city's entertainment ecosystem—Note the whirlwind success of Charli xcx's BRAT last year.  Whether it's a new Latin party about to take over one of the biggest club venues in the Lower East Side, a Black-centered festival in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, or a party celebrating 2001 downtown NYC club culture, there's no shortage of exciting parties going on this month. Here are some of our top picks. RECOMMENDED: Out Late: Empanada Mama's flagship restaurant is the hottest gay bar in the city
The best thrift stores in New York

The best thrift stores in New York

Sure, you can shop til you drop at New York’s iconic department stores and trendy boutiques, but who wants to go through the process of wearing in a crunchy brand new leather jacket when you can find a soft one with much cooler patches on it? Like the city’s flea markets, vintage stores and consignment shops, the best thrift stores in New York offer great deals and the potential for amazing, unexpected discoveries. Plus, shopping at a thrift store avoids the fast fashion pipeline, because it's always better to reduce, reuse and recycle!  You never know what you’ll find when you browse the aisles at these NYC thrift stores. You might score some gently-used Manolo Blahniks for a tenner, stumble on the perfect mid-mod coffee table or find the old band T-shirt you didn’t know you needed. We've all spent a few washes trying to get a shirt to soften up, and thrifting almost always ensures well worn in fabrics. Some thrift stores focus on a limited range of items, while anything goes at others. Many also offer buy-sell-trade options. Whatever you find, you know you’ll be giving new life to someone else’s castoffs. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC
Strange places New Yorkers are partying at right now

Strange places New Yorkers are partying at right now

It's well documented that New York City goes through major vibe shifts every five years or so, which means we're likely at the cusp of one right now. It makes sense if you think about it: We're at the heels of a recession, we're past COVID-19 but not exactly over it, and we're living in a strange new political reality that's turning every major American institution on its head. Through it all, New Yorkers will keep partying, albeit a bit differently. With less money to spend, even some of the most iconic nightlife venues are shutting their doors, and in their place are a new generation of DIY parties taking place in tattoo studios, Bronx bodegas, and other strange locations like we saw after the 2008 financial crisis. Remember The Night Heron, the party that took place in a Chelsea water tower? That energy is back. In honor of Stranger Things making its Broadway debut, we wanted to highlight other "strange things" around town, so here are five strange places New Yorkers are dancing at right now.
NYC's best Pride events for 2024, from the marches to concerts

NYC's best Pride events for 2024, from the marches to concerts

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s LGBTQ+ is ready to party, celebrate and stand up for equal rights in all the city’s rainbow-wrapped glory for the NYC Pride March and more. The Pride celebrations continue all month long. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ things to do, we have your back—we’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate all year long! RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC
The 12 best sandwiches in NYC

The 12 best sandwiches in NYC

Growing up, the sandwich was in constant rotation. A shelf-stable sandwich was a constant cast member in my brown bag lunch, from the reliable turkey with a squirt of mustard to the simple yet satisfying peanut butter and jelly variety, all of which was prepared by my loving mother. But as I've grown, so has my imagination as to what I can slide between two halves of bread.  The mighty sandwich is really a vehicle for all. Carnivorous appetites call for hunks of brisket and barbecue to pastrami-stacked creations. Yet sandwiches sprouting with veggies and vegetarian-forward ingredients can be just as satisfying if not more. And no matter what, a sandwich beats a sad desk salad, any day. When the hankering calls for a carb-laden lunch (or breakfast or dinner, we don't care), thumb through this list and discover your new favorite sub. Editor's note: We removed Bonafide Delicatessen and Cafe, Ciao, Gloria, Henry Public and Rowdy Rooster. We added Bark Barbecue, Calyer, Daily Provisions, Ends Meat, Ollin, Win Son Bakery and The Bonnie.  RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world
The best St. Patrick’s Day events in NYC

The best St. Patrick’s Day events in NYC

They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, which is all the more reason to celebrate! From the annual St. Paddy's Day parade in Manhattan to pub crawls and live music, the Big Apple is alive with joyful festivities splashed in green. If partying isn't your scene, there's still plenty to do, like trying Irish dancing and participating in Sober St. Patrick's Day activities. Either way, grab your green attire, belt your favorite Irish songs and bust out a limerick—St. Patrick’s Day in NYC is going to be a blast this year! RECOMMENDED: See the full St. Patrick’s Day in NYC guide
The best clubs and lounges in NYC

The best clubs and lounges in NYC

NYC currently is, and we’re confident always will be, one of the best cities in the world for clubbing and nightlife. While trends and tastes have changed over the decades, the best clubs in NYC are always in-demand. Maybe you’re needing to blow off some serious steam with an all-night party, or wanting to impress someone special with a venue that’s a little more discreet and sophisticated. Either way, if you’re looking to dance the night away, check out one of the lively music venues, dance halls, and raucous haunts that populate this list. Back in the day, the majority of the most popular clubs were concentrated in just a few neighborhoods, but now the best clubs can be found from Ridgewood to the Financial District. For more places to get down in venues other than clubs, check out the best places to dance in NYC. If you’re concerned about cover charges and bottle service, remember to pre-party at one of the best dive bars in NYC. So get out there and bust a move, and if you do it right, you can keep the party going by heading straight to one of the best brunch spots in NYC. RECOMMENDED: The best places to dance in NYC

Listings and reviews (303)

NYCxDESIGN Festival

NYCxDESIGN Festival

Celebrate all things design at this annual festival that brings in the city’s top designers, makers, and manufacturers, along with cutting-edge design businesses and districts, and leading cultural and academic institutions. The festival covers all areas of design, from architecture and urban design to product design and entertainment design. The week-long festival from May 15-21 will take place at different venues across the five boroughs, so make sure to check out their website for updates on programming.  For the first time in years, Design Pavilion — New York’s premier public design exhibition — will coincide with NYCxDESIGN, presenting an immersive, interactive experience in partnership with luxury automotive brand Lexus. "Lexus Ambiance" will offer visitors a glimpse into the future of design and interactivity, allowing them to create their own personalized environments using light as their medium.
Asian Comedy Festival

Asian Comedy Festival

Returning for its sixth year, the largest and longest running AAPI comedy festival is back with a star-studded lineup that includes Youngmi Mayer, Usama Siddiquee, Charlene Kaye, Sam Oh, Kathleen Kim, Charlene Kaye, Michael Cruzy Kayne, Mic Nguyen, and Peng Dang. It's not just stand-up, either. Comedians will perform improv comedy and even musical comedy. This year's festival will be held at the Asian-owned Sugar Mouse lounge in the St. Mark's neighborhood (47 3rd Ave.) on May 6, 7 and 8. The charity partner for for this year’s event is the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.       
Gotham Buds 4/20 Celebration

Gotham Buds 4/20 Celebration

Harlem-based and Black-owned dispensary Gotham Buds is spending 4/20 with a community-forward block party that's going to be one for the books. The event will be hosted by comedians Mr. Commodore and Rayyy Rayyy and this will be a full-on celebration: Expect DJ sets, giveaways every hour, and a grand prize that's going to be announced at—when else?—4:20pm on the dot.  If you'd like, come empty-handed: Brands like TICAL, ROVE, To The Moon, and more will be on-site selling their product. The party will end at 6pm, so make sure to show up with plenty of time to enjoy what's sure to be the best 4/20 event uptown. 
Kiva's 4/20 Bagel Brunch

Kiva's 4/20 Bagel Brunch

Cannabis edibles brand Kiva is partnering up with Gotham to offer free bagels at all four Gotham locations (Bowery, Chelsea, Williamsburg and Hudson) on April 19 from 11am until 1pm. In addition to this iconic collab, Kiva is dropping a limited-edition Everything Bagel Seasoning Dark Chocolate Bar, which contains rich dark chocolate, cold water hash, and is sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning for a sweet-and-savory kick.  After you get your bagel fix, make sure to stick around to party—Gotham has a robust slate of 4/20 events all weekend long, from DJ sets to plenty of giveaways. 
The Travel Agency's "High Neighbor" Events

The Travel Agency's "High Neighbor" Events

For The Travel Agency, just one day of 4/20 celebrations isn't enough, so it's celebrating cannabis and the culture around it all week long. Check out any of the dispensary's five locations across New York City, each of which will be transformed into playful "backyard" spaces with with curated brand experiences, parties and pop-ups.  Some examples of the events it has coming up? Head over to the Union Square location on Wednesday, April 16, from 4:20pm to 7pm to get a personalized wire sculpture made in your image. If you're in a dancing mood, head over to the Downtown Brooklyn location on Thursday, April 17, for DJ sets from 4pm till 8pm. Hold out for Sunday if you want to enjoy its biggest event—an all-day celebration that will include free food throughout the day, social giveaways and a "munchie mobile" parked outside the store's Downtown Brooklyn location. For a full slate of its 4/20 events, check out this link. 
Gold Standard 420 Room Package at The Standard NYC

Gold Standard 420 Room Package at The Standard NYC

The Standard Hotels partnered up with Gotham to curate cannabis-centered events and treats from April 17 until April 20, including a Special Munchies menu at The Standard, East Village that includes a doughnut served with bacon and ice cream. The Highline location will also host plenty of weed-themed events, including a special 4/20 spin on Not Your Standard Bingo with Gotham, where you can play to win Gotham goods. If you decide you want to stay at the hotel (or have visitors), you'll get a Gotham Welcome Kit, which includes a curated selection of lifestyle items including Gotham Goods candles and exclusive Gotham-branded 420 accessories, as well as the game of Not Your Standard Bingo: 4/20 with Gotham and at The Living Room.
Misha’s Flower Shop

Misha’s Flower Shop

When Misha's Flower Shop opened in May 2024, it was one of the biggest cannabis dispensaries in Brooklyn. At a staggering 2,500 square feet and with more than 600 products to choose from, this dispensary is conveniently located in the youth culture-forward neighborhood of Bushwick. This dispensary is a reflection of the neighborhood its located in, meaning that it tends to be pretty creative and social. They host fun events year-round like high yoga and sell cool custom merch.   
Terp Bros

Terp Bros

What is it? Terp Bros is located in Astoria, a neighborhood that has become a leader in the city's blossoming cannabis ecosystem.  Why we love it: Walking into Astoria’s Terp Bros, giant, colorful murals depicting Hell Gate Bridge and the lush marijuana flower greet patrons as they make their way toward the back of the new shop. Unlike many licensed recreational cannabis dispensaries these days, Terp Bros doesn’t mimic the sterile vibes of a medical office, a jewelry store or frankly, an Apple store. If you're not into the bells and whistles of the higher-end cannabis lifestyle stores that have been popping up lately, Terp Bros offers a chill experience where you can just go in and out with whatever you need. It’s vibrant and full of friendly and knowledgeable budtenders ready to help you pick the best products for your high. Address: 36-10 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria; a second location is coming to Ozone Park soon! Order online
Good Grades

Good Grades

This family-run dispensary is owned by cousins Extasy James and Michael James Jr., who grew up in Jamaica, Queens and are committed to having a positive impact on their community by providing great weed as well as providing education and financial support. With a unique grading system, Good Grades prides itself on sourcing high quality and locally grown cannabis and its namesake comes from the weekly “report cards” they use to vet the highest quality weed. These grades are developed by the dispensary based on whether the cannabis is locally grown, organic, and of good quality. It also looks at industry-wide standards that are based on a 5A grading system that divides weed into five main categories: AAA, AA, A, and B, per its website. 5A is the highest grade and usually involves pure buds with few leaves and stems. The dispensary only sells weed that they give an "A" and don't consider selling anything that's a "B" or below. 
Sesh Dispensary

Sesh Dispensary

Named after the ancient Egyptian god of knowledge and wisdom, Sesh-at, Sesh NYC is one of the best loved dispensaries in the Bronx, offering a wide selection of cannabis products for pickup or delivery. Like its namesake suggests, this dispensary is all about playfulness and creativity. If you're a weed novice, the friendly staff will help you through their extensive selection of products, whether you're looking for cannabis that will relax you, keep you energized throughout the day, or open your third eye.  The Bronx's dispensaries don't tend to get as much love as the better-known joints in Brooklyn and Manhattan, which is a shame considering that they genuinely do have top-tier shops. She's wide open space with anciet Egyptian-themed decor and i-pads with information about the store's products encourages you to stay, puruse and enjoy yourself. 
Hazy Eyes at Caveat

Hazy Eyes at Caveat

Brandon Collins, the mastermind behind Drunk Black History—one of our favorite comedy shows out there—will be hosting a cannabis-inspired variety show called  "Hazy Eyes, Open Lungs, Can't Lose," on Sunday, April 20 at 4:30pm. Head to Caveat in the Lower East Side to experience performances by comedians, storytellers and actors sharing cool marijuanna facts and "weed-induced observations" about the crowd. Expect appearances by Asad Benbow (Wild 'n Out), Julia Schroeder (Screamboat), Gastor Almonte (Don't Tell Comedy), and others.  
TRENDS Weed Scavenger Hunt

TRENDS Weed Scavenger Hunt

TRENDS is one of NYC's best loved dispensaries, and the Long Island City institution is organizing a scavenger hunt this year that will take participants through six secret, weed-friendly local businesses. TRENDS is one of our favorite dispensaries to support, in part because of the people behind it: Founders Rodney “Hurricane” and Brandon Carter grew up in NYC and fought their way through the legal cannabis licensing process to open the first Black-owned dispensary in Long Island City.  Anyway, back to the game: Whoever completes the hours-long 4/20 scavenger hunt first will receive a goodie bag worth a whopping $5,000. With these tarriffs, we'll take it. 

News (460)

SummerStage just announced its 2025 concert lineup

SummerStage just announced its 2025 concert lineup

Each year, SummerStage is one of the most anticipated free events of the summer, bringing dozens of free, outdoor concerts across different parks to sun-starved New Yorkers from June through October. To celebrate its 39th year, the festival is focusing on diversity and will showcase a mix of established and emerging artists and DJs playing an array of genres that include jazz, hip-hop, indie-rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global, contemporary dance and more. Here’s everything you need to know about SummerStage’s 2025 festival, including the full lineup.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 Where will SummerStage be? This year’s SummerFest will happen across a variety of parks, including Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, Herbert Von King Park and The Coney Island Amphitheater in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, St. Mary’s Park and Crotona Park in the Bronx, Stapleton Waterfront Park on Staten Island and, of course, SummerStage’s flagship venue, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park.  What’s the theme this year? This year’s lineup focuses on diversity, women performers and artists from around the world. When does the season start? The 2025 season will open on Wednesday, June 4, in Central Park with a free show showcasing the best of New Orleans jazz with headliner Marcus Miller. On June 14, The Aussie BBQ is bringing Australian hip-hop duo Flewnt and Inkabee, indie-pop artist Gordi, singer-songwrit
A Japanese minimarket in Greenpoint is opening three new stores

A Japanese minimarket in Greenpoint is opening three new stores

Fifty Norman, the mini Japanese marketplace that opened in Greenpoint in 2022 to massive success, is physically expanding its store and adding a few new businesses and brands under its roof. Starting this week, you’ll find three additional shops on site. A French/Japanese inspired cafe-slash-bar is also scheduled to debut in June.  RECOMMENDED: One of Tokyo's most popular doughnut shops has landed in NYC Currently at 50 Norman, you’ll find Cibone, a Japanese home design store selling ceramics, kitchenware, zen meditation items and art pieces; Dashi Okume, where you can custom order your own blends of dashi packs; and House Brooklyn, a Japanese-French restaurant with a nine-course omakase tasting menu.  The new stores include Balmuda, a Japanese home appliance store; Kama-Asa, a kitchenware purveyor from Tokyo’s kitchen-street Kappabashi that will sell a range of Amane knives; and Cibone O’Te, an artisanal design retailer focusing on homeware and furnishings. The cozy café-resto-bar opening in June is Cafe O’te, which mixes the ambiance of a French wine bar with Japanese flavors. This is just the latest piece of news involving the resurgence of Japanese and Japanese-inspired stores across NYC. From a new food market curated by Muji that opened in Chelsea Market earlier this year to the new Bandai Namco store in Industry City and the resurgence of Japan-inspired claw machine arcades, we are squarely in the midst of a full-blown Japanese cultural renaissance in the city. Want to
A VHS festival is coming to Bushwick this week

A VHS festival is coming to Bushwick this week

If you're a film or camera buff and are looking for a throwback—we're talking early 2000s here—then you're going to want to head to Bushwick this Sunday, April 27 for a one-of-a-kind festival called the NYC Tape Fair, an event that's "dedicated to the revival of physical media in the form of all things VHS, cassettes and the restoration of rare and unique material." If you haven't noticed, camcorders and other forms of early recording devices are making a huge comeback, in part, we think, because of the nostalgia that the products evoke. An old-school video store even opened in Williamsburg earlier this month!  RECOMMENDED: Six places where you can find Dubai Chocolate in NYC right now The NYC Tape Fair will take place at Selva, a record store and cafe/bar in Bushwick, from noon until 6pm. Multiple vendors will be displaying and selling rare, vintage and new tapes throughout the space, including vendor Found Footage Festival, one of the most prestigious collectors of rare "found footage." One of the co-founders of the Tape Festival, Anthony Morton, tells Time Out that the event was born out of a desire to offer a highly curated selection of VHS tapes and cassettes to the public, since, most of the time, the items tend to be stuff that people find laying around in antique stores or family homes. Part of the resurgence of this form of media, Morton says, involves folks' craving to own tangible objects. "It's nice for people to own physical media," he says. You'll find more tha
Out Late: Elle Dee is transforming a chocolate factory into Brooklyn’s new ‘it’ nightclub

Out Late: Elle Dee is transforming a chocolate factory into Brooklyn’s new ‘it’ nightclub

“Out Late” is Time Out’s nightlife and party column by DJ, Whorechata founder and Time Out New York Culture Editor Ian Kumamoto, and is published every other Tuesday. The previous edition was about the biggest challenges facing NYC nightlife right now. Word on the street is that nightclubs are closing, the drinks are no longer flowing and people don’t really dance anymore. The shadow of a changing country is also sending a chilling silence that can be felt through the night. Now, according to the New York Times, New York is turning into a city that sleeps. You’d never know that, though, if you met Elle Dee, a DJ, producer and artist who is overseeing the resurgence of The Chocolate Factory, an East Williamsburg warehouse venue I’d never heard of until last year. As you’d guess by its name, it’s located in an actual chocolate factory on 70 Scott Avenue, just steps from the Bushwick megaclub Elsewhere. One side of the building makes chocolate bars during the day and the other, separated from the factory by a wall, recently started hosting some of the most iconic parties in the city. In Elle’s world, the drinks are flowing, and the parties are going longer than ever—sometimes for 12 hours straight. To understand why The Chocolate Factory is booming, you have to know about Elle Dee’s nightlife career and trajectory as a New York City ‘it’ girl. Her career began in Brazil when she worked queer club called Pix and later Lov.e Club, a São Paulo electric music venue that shaped that
Riverside Park is hosting 400 free events this summer

Riverside Park is hosting 400 free events this summer

One our favorite summer time festivals has just announced its 2025 lineup—and it's looking stacked. Riverside Park Conservancy’s Summer on the Hudson will be the biggest one yet, with a staggering 400 free events as part of the roster, including wellness programming in West Harlem and Washington Heights.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 Summer on the Hudson will kick off on May 1 and will take place along the west side of Manhattan from 59th Street to 181st Streets through October.  There are two major additions to this year's festivities: Vinyl Nights on July 26 and August 23, featuring DJ acts, and a comedy show hosted by Nat Townsend that will inaugurate the Riverside Comedy Club on July 25 and August 29. In addition to the new programming, expect old-time favorites to make grand returns, including the silent disco events, game nights and more. Film screenings will abound as well: from Dirty Dancing to The Grand Budapest Hotel and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, among others.  In August, the "Movies on the Waterfront" series will bring classic films to the 145th Street Lawn every Thursdays, with a special screening of Coco in Spanish on August 14. More nature-driven activities will also be features this year. Riverside Park and Fort Washington Park will host Sweet Water Dance and yoga classes, for example, and, on May 31, those interested can join a birding walk in Fort Washington Park to celebrate Black Birders Week.  Here are some highlights f
Massive video projections are coming to the Manhattan Bridge and Dumbo

Massive video projections are coming to the Manhattan Bridge and Dumbo

If you find yourself strolling through Dumbo in the next month, make sure to stay until sundown. Starting this month and continuing until the end of May, the iconic neighborhood is bringing back its large-scale projection series, which will display huge works of art on the Manhattan Bridge and the BQE, all for free. The Dumbo Projection Project began displaying this season's artwork earlier this month and will continue on through May 25 from dusk til 11pm, Wednesdays through Sundays.  RECOMMENDED: There is a hanging garden inside the Guggenheim Museum’s rotunda If you're looking to find the perfect spot to see the art, make sure you have a clear line of vision towards the Manhattan Bridge on both the Pearl Street and Adams Street sides, as well as along the BQE at Susan Smith McKinney Seward Park.  From now until April 27, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of SPACE, an exhibition that explores space in its many manifestations, including what it means to be in space, to have space, and to be a part of space. If you want to know what you're looking at specifically, here it is: On the Manhattan Bridge, you'll see Runway: From the Mars Desert Research Station and Does it work on Mars? by Juan José Cielo. Then, on the BQE in Susan Smith McKinney Steward Park, you'll catch a glimpse of artwork called Letters to Home II by Leonardo Madriz.  Photo: Noemie Trusty | BQE If you plan to check out the projections from May 1 to May 25, the exhibition on display will be Unexpected Delight
There are over 40 concerts happening at the Rooftop at Pier 17 this summer

There are over 40 concerts happening at the Rooftop at Pier 17 this summer

As we trudge our way out of one of the longest winters we’ve had in recent memory, a lot of us are desperately itching to get back to the outdoors. Luckily, there’s no shortage of open-air activities available to New Yorkers this coming summer, including a ton of summer music festivals. The latest entry on that list comes courtesy of the Rooftop at Pier 17: the destination just announced its summer season lineup, which will kick off on May 1 and 2 with a set by DJ Elderbrook. In addition to the stellar roster of performers, which you can find in full below, this year's extravaganza will feature a couple of enhanced experiences. First up: thew new Patrón Patio, a two-level platform boasting its own bar that rises above the crowd for an even more panoramic view than the already awesome regular view. RECOMMENDED: The best concerts in NYC   Rendering: Patrón Patio If you have a little extra cash to spend, you might also be inclined to join the Liberty Club, which gives you expedited entry into the venue, all-inclusive food options, access to a full-service cash bar and comfortable lounge seating throughout three exclusive areas. You can always hop back and forth between the crowd and the more private sections if you need a breather. This is going to be a huge year for The Rooftop—starting in the winter, the venue will host winter concerts after it builds a giant glass structure that will protect concertgoers from the cold.  Here is the lineup for the Rooftop at Pier 17 concert
All Things Go Music Festival just added a third date to its NYC lineup

All Things Go Music Festival just added a third date to its NYC lineup

Since its humble beginnings at D.C.’s Union Market, All Things Go Music Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of late New York City summers. With lineups that predominantly feature queer artists, the event stands sturdy in its values. Previous iterations of the festival have featured superstars like Billie Eilish, boygenius, Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, Hozier, Lorde and many others.  This year, we have iconic news: the festival just announced that it has added a third date to its schedule at Forest Hills Stadium, and will therefore now take place from September 26 through September 28. RECOMMENDED: Strange places New Yorkers are partying at right now Last year, the festival made headlines when Chappell Roan pulled out of the New York City event, citing mental health concerns. Despite that hiccup, Muna, Reneé Rapp, Ethel Cain and Janelle Monaé still performed to much fanfare. Although this year’s lineup has not been announced yet, the event’s nicknames— “Gaychella” and “Lesbopalooza”—are a great indication of what’s to come.  Photograph: courtesy All Things Go Music Festival | Renee Rapp The hosting venue, Forest Hills Stadium, is pretty iconic, too: the facility used to be the home of the U.S. Open and some of the biggest acts of the 20th century have performed here as well, including The Beatles and Bob Dylan. It might be worth noting that the stadium is currently embroiled in a legal battle with its neighbors over noise complaints and recently got its n
NYC was just named the second-most expensive city in the world

NYC was just named the second-most expensive city in the world

Not a day goes by when we don’t think about how expensive it is to live in New York City, and these head-numbing tariffs are unlikely to relieve us from the burdens of late-stage capitalism anytime soon.  Now, a new report by wealth firm Henley & Partners just confirmed what we already knew: New York City is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire world.  RECOMMENDED: A new affordable housing lottery is now open in Bed-Stuy Specifically, this study looked at the cost of having a home. The researchers analyzed the average square meter price of a “prime 100- to 200-square-meter apartment." At the top of the list was Monaco, where apartments of that size go for $38,800 per square meter. In second place, unfortunately, was New York City, with a whopping $27,500 per square meter. If you were wondering why our city is so dang expensive, the answer is partially because we have a 384,500 millionaires, according to that study.  As always, we’re disappointed but not surprised. The fact that we beat out cities like Hong Kong and London, though, says a lot about how in-demand New York continues to be. Maybe it’s because we have some of the best art in the world, or perhaps people come here for our amazing food festivals. Whatever the reason, we just hope they can be a little more mindful about the rest of us regular tax bracket folk.  Other very expensive cities on the list included Paris, Sydney and several American cities, including L.A., which came in 10th.  Here are th
Here’s why it might be hard to find your favorite beers in NYC starting this week

Here’s why it might be hard to find your favorite beers in NYC starting this week

Beer drinkers, you might want to sit down for this: an active strike by approximately 600 NYC delivery workers might make iconic beverages like Corona, Coors and Angry Orchard harder to find across bodegas, bars and nightclubs in the coming days. Early this morning, unionized workers at Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors walked off the job at four of the company's five locations. The strike started after the company failed to create a new contract for its workers, who are demanding higher wages and more benefits, per News 12. RECOMMENDED: This surreal inflatable wonderland is free to visit in Brooklyn right now According to union workers, the conflict started when the beer distribution company made workers exit their pension plans. Now, they're demanding retirement options, security, fair wages and more respect on the job.  According to its website, Manhattan Beer & Beverage Distributors has over 350 trucks, more than one million square feet of warehouse space across New York City, and the distribution rights to a whopping 300 brands.  Other brands in the business' repertoire include Blue Moon, Modelo, Brooklyn Lager, Coney Island, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Miller Lite, Twisted Tea, Samuel Adams Boston Lager and many others. Here is a list of all the beer brands that the distributor. According to reports, the employees plan to remain on strike for as long as it takes to reach a deal, meaning we might be in for a long dry spell when it comes to these ales. As much as we love b
Paris vient d’être désignée comme l'une des 10 villes les plus chères du monde

Paris vient d’être désignée comme l'une des 10 villes les plus chères du monde

Pas un jour ne passe sans que l’on ne pense au prix délirant de la vie à Paris — et il y a peu de chances que les affres du capitalisme tardif nous laissent souffler de sitôt. Un nouveau rapport du cabinet Henley & Partners vient d’ailleurs confirmer ce que tout le monde soupçonnait déjà : Paris fait partie des villes les plus chères au monde.  Le nerf de la guerre ? L’immobilier L’étude en question s’est penchée sur un critère très précis : le prix moyen au mètre carré d’un appartement « prime » de 100 à 200 m², soit un bien haut de gamme dans les quartiers les plus recherchés. En tête du classement, sans surprise : Monaco, où ce type de bien atteint en moyenne 36 100 € le mètre carré. Juste derrière, en deuxième position, New York, qui frôle les 25 600 € du mètre. Si vous vous demandiez pourquoi la ville est aussi hors de prix, l’une des réponses est simple : selon le rapport, elle abrite 384 500 millionnaires. Une concentration de richesse qui ne cesse de faire grimper la valeur du moindre mètre carré. Comme souvent, la nouvelle déçoit, mais ne surprend pas. Le fait que New York devance des géants comme Hong Kong ou Londres illustre bien l’attractivité toujours aussi brûlante de la ville. Serait-ce l'art, les festivals gastronomiques ou l'aura quasi mythologique de la métropole ? Peut-être un peu de tout ça. En attendant, on espère que ceux qui font grimper les prix penseront un jour à celles et ceux qui vivent dans d’autres tranches d’imposition… Et Paris dans tout ça ?
New Yorkers are hosting a mass funeral for their dead plants to celebrate Earth Day

New Yorkers are hosting a mass funeral for their dead plants to celebrate Earth Day

For those of us who lack the commitment and willpower to keep pets alive, plants are a perfect low-cost and low-maintenance alternative. And yet, somehow, many of us still manage to accidentally kill them. It's not often we're given the space to properly grieve our plants, so one New Yorker is planning a mass plant funeral dubbed “Root in Peace” on April 19. For one day, New Yorkers will be able to say a final “goodbye” to their deceased flora and give them a second shot at life—as compost.  RECOMMENDED: See the new pavilion and plaza that just opened at Brooklyn Bridge Park The mass funeral, which will take place at 16 Orchard Street in a venue called Chinatown Soup, was conceived by Dohyun Lee, a 36-year-old art director at Orchard Creative. The idea for the event came to Lee after he took a long vacation and completely forgot about his snake plant, a species that is notoriously hard to kill. His negligence defied the odds, and his beloved snake plant died. Lee says he was just going to throw the it away, but something about that didn't sit well with him. “It felt weird tossing life out just because I didn’t take care of it,” Lee tells Time Out New York. “I decided to have a proper farewell, like an apology. It was a personal promise not to kill anymore plants in the future.” When you enter the plant funeral, the first thing you’ll do is get one last portrait taken of you and your departed plant. All pictures will be printed, and you’ll write a eulogy. You can compare your