Ian Kumamoto

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

Even as the recording industry struggles, the five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, even Queens—remain packed with live-music venues, from hole-in-the-wall dives to resplendent uptown theaters. On any given night, there's a daunting array of world-class acts performing around town. (Plan accordingly and you might be able to double up.) Here's a list of our favorite venues, which are a good starting point if you're looking for a gig to see. RECOMMENDED: 100 best things to do in NYC

While some of us spend fall dreaming of hot apple cider, hayrides and picking apples and pumpkins, others are eagerly planning for the upcoming terror-fest that is Halloween in NYC. In addition to finding a costume (check out the best Halloween stores in the city) and choosing which Halloween events to attend, it’s time to start thinking about all the haunted houses in NYC to hit up. These haunted houses are intense with thrills and chills that will shake you to your core. You’ll experience ghouls, gore and plenty of undead action, but don’t we all love a good scream around Halloween? If you’re looking for a real-life creep-out, there are plenty of haunted places and spooky spots in the city that will give you the willies any time of year, but these haunted houses in NYC offer peak terror that’s perfect for the Halloween season. So take in a few of the best horror movies and head out to celebrate the scariest time of year.

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

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. 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 favorite park, or a party celebrating 2001 downtown NYC club culture, there's no shortage of exciting parties happening 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

Halloween 2024 is nearly here, which means it's time to get into the spirit (or spirits, depending on how you like to get down). Instead of breaking out your sewing kit, New York's greatest Halloween stores have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're planning to attend the beloved Village Halloween Parade, a haunted house that will probably leave behind some emotional scars, or if you're the type to prefer to watch pups dress up in freaky costumes, you'll definitely want to know where the after party will be. If you go out on actual Halloween, which is a Thursday this year, be prepared to spend that Friday like a zombie at work. It’ll be so worth it, though... These events are all about the nightlife, presented chronologically for pro party planning. Here's a list of even more Halloween events, including family-friendly festivities.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

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

The city is just beginning to warm up and thaw out from its winter slumber with some incredible NYC events in March, including St. Patrick's Day and Women’s History Month. For sure, we'll all be heading to the best Irish pubs in the city, but there's more to do from the powerful Harlem Renaissance exhibit at the Met to the fashion-forward Orchid Show at NYBG. And finally, we can start fantasizing about packing away that puffy coat and gearing up best things to do in spring. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

In the winter doldrums of February in NYC, after a money-sucking December and a resolution-filled January, it’s time to double down and really enjoy the winter with the best NYC events in February. Our event calendar includes some of the best things to do in winter as well as some epic Valentine’s Day events. This month is also a good excuse to take advantage of our winter getaways list, so plan your escape from the city and keep your fingers crossed for a little bit of snow to add to the winter wonderland aesthetic. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2025 are things to do outside. When you’re not spending all your free time soaking up the sun at the best beaches or drinking atop the city’s finest rooftop bars, you'll be rocking your rainbow during the Pride March and catching Tribeca Festival screeners. Get your tickets now for the best happenings of the month and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for good weather. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

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. October 2024 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC this year, including The Beekman, The Ludlow, The FiDi Hotel and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. RECOMMENDED: 🇺🇸 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 re

Not everyone agrees that New York is the fashion capital of the world—lowkey, most of Europe. But what no one can deny is that New York City consistently produces some of the most exciting and boundary-defying designers in the world.  What we may lack in refinement and tradition, we more than make up for in attitude. Some might even say that our style is a reflection of how the city constantly shapes us: It’s scrappy, it’s hopelessly eclectic, and more often than not, it’s got zero fucks to give. In a single look, an average New Yorker might mix fabrics, identities and cultural references that span the breadth of time. Our styles tell stories, and that’s what makes New York City fashion great.  Fashion and a sense of it is present in every facet of New Yorkers lives. Samples sales bring lines that wrap around Lower East Side blocks, thrifting in Bushwick has effectively become a competitive sport that requires persistence and aggression, and Soho, the city’s shopping epicenter, has been called the “Gen-Z Times Square.” Bustling independent designers. Sandy Liang, who fully leaned into the coquette aesthetic, Eckahus Latta, Luar, and LEAK NYC, the racy clubwear brand. There are hidden shopping malls like Chinatown Mall and Dover Street Market in Kips Bay.  It seems like every day, new designers spring out of seemingly nowhere, and in a city like New York, there’s room for them all.  Some of them have made it globally. Whether it’s the now-iconic bags from TELFAR, streetwear fr

For a Wild, Wild, West-themed Halloween, head to New York's favorite themed bar and one of the newest additions to Williamsburg's bustling bar scene, Desert 5 Spot. Don't expect a tame Halloween night here, though: There will be awe-inspiring lasso tricks from The Temptress Lilin; sword swallowing from La Reine The Thrill; burlesque from Velvetina Taylor; and more. Music will be spun by DJ duo The Muses. Come dressed up if you want to take part in the costume contest, which will win you a much-deserved bottle of Dos Hombres mezcal. 

The New York nightlife legend and icon Susanne Bartsch is hosting an impressive Halloween party at MoMA PS1 on October 25, Night at the Museum: The Return of Halloqueens. Prepare for a night of sweaty dancing, performances, and a costume contest judged by the DuPont twins. Also expect an impressive slate of celebrity hosts, including Julio Torres, SNL's Bowen Yang, Eartheater, and more. Booty shaking beats will be provided by Amber Valentine, Jeremy Kost, Tommie Sunshine, and Charlene.

If a queer Halloween rave with drag queens sounds like your speed, then you'll definitely want to check out Brooklyn Horror Story on Thursday, October 31 at the powerhouse, multi-room Bushwick venue 3 Dollar Bill. The theme, of course, is the infamous and beloved Ryan Murphy series American Horror Story and will include an impressive lineup of well-known drag queens from Drag Race and Dragula, including Yvie Oddly, Marcia Marcia Marcia, and Jay Kay. 

Starting on November 1, the Standard East Village's NO BAR at 25 Cooper Square will host loteria—also known as "Mexican bingo"—just in time for Dia de los Muertos. Hosted by Iranipapi, the high-energy loteria games will include prizes from The Standard as well as cocktails and small bites from its beloved bar. Make sure to RSVP on Resy before you go, though, if you want to secure your spot.

Mexico City's emerging fashion scene is unlike any other, and one of the most exciting independent designers coming out the Mexican capital is Paloma Lira. Founded in 2012, Paloma Lira's fashion draws inspirations from the '60s, '70s and '80s, but it's unmistakably on the pulse of what's trending now. The brand also prides itself in its timeless pieces that boldly embrace gender expression and bold identities. Think of it as coquette sensibilities meeting Bushwick grunge. Paloma Lira's clothes have been worn by the likes of Avril Lavigne, Lana del Rey and most recently, Reneé Rapp at the All Things Go Festival. Make sure you take the opportunity to shop the brand in person at Tótem Tienda, located on 168 Ludlow St in the Lower East Side. The pop-up is on site from October 3-11. 

From October 24 through November 1, Somewhere Nowhere's rooftop and bar will be transformed into a world of eerie, mutated creatures for a series of Halloween parties featuring some of the best views anywhere. On October 25, the Annual Villain's Ball will bring headling rapper Sheck Wes; October 27 will bring a Creatures of the Forest party presented by Forest Döwn Under with Oscar G; and on Halloween Night, the venue will welcome Tech House Star Claptone. For the first time ever, Somewhere Nowhwere will also have a Dia de Los Muertos celebration on November 1, which will feature performances and sets by Latin DJs. Visit their Dice page to check out individual events.

For a multi-sensory silent disco Halloween party experience, the Silent Scream Halloween Bash is returning to House Watch in the East Village on October 25. This particular Halloween silent disco is great not just because you can dance in your most dazzling costume, but also because you can move sonically across different sounds simply by switching channels. Transport yourself to an EDM set; rock out to 80s, 90s and 2000s hits; or vibe out to hip-hop, all in the exact same room. 

The Upper West Side’s intimate speakeasy dinner theater from Joe Germanotta—yes, that's Lady Gaga's father—is bringing a twist to their weekly Drag Me To Joanne’s drag and dinner show on October 30, when they'll host their second-annual Monster Ball. Expect a drag dinner extravaganza where Jupiter Genesis will be joined by NXTHING and where attendees will be encouraged to arrive to dinner dressed up in their favorite Gaga-inspired attire. Reserve your spot on OpenTable to make sure you get a seat.

Native New Yorker and hip-hop legend Joey Bada$$ is performing at Revelery Festival, a weed-centric music and cultural event taking place at Pier 36 in Manhattan. Joey will be performing on Saturday alongside other legends, including Odalys and Kota the Friend. Aside from music, beloved graffitti artist Hektad will be painting a live mural that will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to a non-profit. Ultimately, the purpose of this festival is to unite folks in the weed industry, with multiple cannabis brands selling their products and panels discussing the state of the industry throughout the chill two day event. 

For a more exclusive Halloween experience, the members-only social club Ned's Club NoMad is collaborating with the team behind the infamous and very iconic nightlife venue The Box for an event that is open to the public. The party—yes, there will be DJ sets—is based on the theme Carnevil, which will begin with a journey through Ned's Club Downstairs before leading into the Haunted Hotel on the second floor where performances and spooky surprises are sure to abound. The experience will begin at 10pm on Otober 26 and continue till late into the night. 

Event organizers promise "drag and freaky stuff" at this Monday night event, so we're sold.  The iconic Hells Kitchen bar Balcon Salon is hosting a free immersive live show that blends drag, vocals, theater, and nightlife with a dark cabaret twist every Monday in October. The show will include performances by the show's lead Andrew Barret Cox accompanied by Haley Moir and Dani Lu, who will be performing season-appropriate hits like "I Put A Spell on You" from Hocus Pocus and "There Will Be Blood/Bloody Valentine" by Kim Petras. "We want to create a space that celebrates a community for everyone, not just gay cis men," said Andrew Barret Cox, executive producer and lead performer of Apocalypse Noir. "I want audiences to leave feeling like they just saw a show worth paying for."

On Halloween night, The Jazz Club at Aman New York is hosting a masquerade soirée where attendees can show off the most ingenious costumes they can find. What's even better is that the music will still take center stage—the night will include soulful rhythms and music by DJ Frank Delour, who will be on the decks all night.  At $2,000 per table, this experience is anything but cheap, but keep in mind that the club has a sound system from Meyer Sound Laboratories that adapts to different performances and design by Jean-Michel Gathy that captures the underground NYC vibe with moody tones and luxe finishes. Costumes and reservations are required, and guests should email reservations@thejazzclub.com to secure their tickets. 

If you find yourself in Union Square these days, you'd be remiss not to do a double-take: that's because there are currently two pink chairs facing each other while soaring 15 feet into the sky smack-dab in the middle of the park as part of a new public art installation. Dubbed "The Space Between Us," the project is by artist, composer and sculptor Risha Gorig, and it has a deep meaning behind it. RECOMMENDED: See iconic NYC buildings made of gingerbread in this beautiful exhibition The two soaring chairs are meant to represent the act of public discourse, elevating conversation far above the chaos of the city. If the chairs look vaguely familiar, that's because they were installed at the Fulton Ferry Landing at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2000. Back then, they served as commentary on the gap between the working class and folks just across the river, managing Wall Street. Photograph: Courtesy of Risha GorigThe original sculpture from 2000 Once again, the location of the artwork is imperative to its meaning, but this time it's more about cohesion than division. "It brings me great excitement to unveil 'The Space Between Us' in Union Square, particularly with the neighborhood's legacy as a vibrant hub where people from all walks of life converge," said Gorig in an official statement. "From the Climate Clock directly behind TSBU to the chess matches that take place daily, New York City embodies a noticeable, consistent cycle of give-and-take that extends beyond its boundaries. Whe

It's no secret that, ever since the pandemic, rents throughout New York City have been rising at astronomical rates. To put things in perspective, the current median asking rent for a one bedroom apartment has reached a whopping $3,676 per month.  Finally, though, we're getting some positive rent related news: according to new data gathered by StreetEasy, there are five New York City neighborhoods where asking prices have actually gone down, and you might be surprised to find out which areas are getting cheaper.  RECOMMENDED: Telfar is opening its first-ever store in SoHo Brooklyn's Prospect Lefferts Garden takes the top spot, with the median asking rent there down by an impressive 5% year on year. In second place is Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, where the median asking rent decreased by 4.2% year on year. Midtown Manhattan comes in third place, followed by the Upper East Side in fourth and Hamilton Heights in fifth, boasting a 1.8% drop in rent prices compared to last year. Turns out that prohibitively expensive rents and astronomical upfront costs have finally dampened demand for NYC apartments across some previously hot neighborhoods. It's also worth noting that said areas happen to be Brooklyn and Manhattan, the two most saturated rental markets throughout the past few years.  Queens, on the other hand, has seen the greatest overall hike in rent prices throughout the boroughs, with the most in-demand neighborhoods there being Forest Hills, Jamaica, Astoria, Long Island City and

On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought warning across New York City and 10 other New York counties, the first time the alert has been applied in 22 years.  Before Monday, New York was under a drought watch, which simply meant that the possibility of a drought was there but not fully actualized. Now that we've moved up a level, here's what to expect. RECOMMENDED: A new portion of the public park beneath the Brooklyn Bridge has just opened What is a drought warning? A drought warning is the second of four levels of state drought advisories, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.   In the case of a drought warning, public water suppliers implement local drought contingency plans and prepare in case there's an actual drought emergency declaration. At this level, there are typically no water conservation mandates yet. Mayor Eric Adams suggested that residents do their part in curtailing their water use for the time being.  "Our city vehicles may look a bit dirtier and our subways may look a bit dustier, but it's what we have to do to delay or stave off a more serious drought emergency," Adams said, referring to the need to refrain from washing our cars (or the subway), in an official statement. "We need New Yorkers to continue to save water too, so we can water our parks and fill our pools this coming summer." The next level up would be a drought emergency, which comes with mandatory water restrictions. The last time New York was under

Throughout the past several years, there have been few luxury labels with as much cultural pull as Telfar, the Black-owned brand lauded by Beyoncé, beloved for its relative affordability and coveted for its signature vegan leather shopping bag affectionately dubbed the "Bushwick Birkin."  But if you're a fan of Telfar, you've probably also been frustrated with the scarce quantity of its products: online bag drops tend to run out of stock within minutes.  Good news is on the horizon: New Yorkers will not longer have to play the online shopping game to get their hands on the bags as Telfar will be opening its first-ever brick-and-mortar shop this Saturday, November 23, at 408 Broadway on the corner of Canal Street in SoHo. RECOMMENDED: I went to the Mariah Carey holiday bar and surprised myself with seasonal cheer The flagship store will take over a 10,000 square foot space boasting plenty of touches from the brand's creative director, Babak Radboy. At the center of the shop, for example, patrons will find a TV studio where they will be able to shoot their own content, which will be displayed throughout the store's screens. Perhaps most excitingly, the flagship store will also include "off menu" items, or bags that haven't been released yet, per Hypebeast, in addition to all of their widely marketed products. If you're planning on attending the opening event, though, be prepared: on its social media announcement, Telfar warned that the wait to get in will likely be a minimum o

Congestion pricing has been one of the most hotly contested topics in the New York City news circuit this year, and the debate on whether the controversial policy will be good or bad for New Yorkers feels like it'll continue to dominate our conversations in the foreseeable future. Now, the debate will heat up a few degrees: the MTA just announced that congestion pricing fees will go up to $15 from the currently established $9 in 2031.  RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets in NYC Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul declared an indefinite pause on the plan... until last week, when she gave the MTA the go-ahead to start implementing the toll on all drivers who enter Manhattan south of 60th Street unless they stay on FDR Drive, the West Side Highway or the Battery Park Underpass, as explained by Gothamist. The congestion pricing fee, officially set at $9, will officially go into effect on January 5, 2025.  Believe it or not, that's a significant reduction from the pre-established $15 toll, a change that Governor Hochul attributed to the high cost of living. "As I said from the start, a $15 toll was just too high in this economic climate. That’s why our plan cuts the daytime toll to $9 for cars," she said in a statement. "By getting congestion pricing underway and fully supporting the MTA capital plan, we’ll unclog our streets, reduce pollution and deliver better public transit for millions of New Yorkers." The re-implementation of congestion pricing arrived just a week af

On a regular day, driving through New York City is an activity that requires aggression, persistence and a heavy dose of patience. Unfortunately, taking your car out around town during the holidays requires extra amounts of all of the above. We're here to help: New York City's Department of Transportation (DOT) released a list of gridlock days, predicting the sorts of traffic jams that affect networks of intersecting streets and will make you mad when trying to get anywhere with your car.   RECOMMENDED: This massive Coney Island winter holiday extravaganza reopens this week Here are the remaining dates of the year when motorists can expect gridlock, according to the DOT. To put it simply: here are the days you'll want to stay off the road and opt for public transportation methods instead. You are welcome.  Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Thursday, November 21, 2024 Friday, November 22, 2024 Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Thursday, December 5, 2024 Friday, December 6, 2024 Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Thursday, December 12, 2024 Friday, December 13, 2024 Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Thursday, December 19, 2024 Just in case you were wondering, there are a few reasons why the city's traffic patterns are mostly affected during these specific days, including the thousands of out of town visitors that stop by during the holidays and the various city-wide events mounted around the

One of the most anticipated and festive events of the year is nearly here: the massive Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony that takes place after Thanksgiving and is accompanied by a celebrity host, performances and other super duper cheerful activities.  If you're planning to attend the event this year, we already have some of the details, including who's hosting, where the tree is coming from and more. Here's everything we know so far about this year's celebration. RECOMMENDED: NYC events in November 2024 When is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony this year?  The 2024 tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 4. The festivities start at 8pm and the tree lighting itself will happen at 10pm.  Who is hosting the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in 2024?  Earlier this week, the incomparable Kelly Clarkson announced that she will be hosting the Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony for a second year in a row. "I don't know why, but it's so beautiful when you're standing there and I just, I don't know, I was all the sudden in a Charlie Brown movie and it was magical," Kelly Clarkson said on The Kelly Clarkson Show, referring to how much she loved playing host to the happening last year. Honestly, we can't think of anyone better to be on the mic this year. Who is performing at this year's lighting ceremony? Although performers for this year's ceremony haven't been announced yet, Clarkson promised "the best music (and) star-studded surp

Beach lovers and commuters living in the Rockaways, brace yourselves: The MTA just announced that the A train will suspend service to the neighborhood for four months starting in January.  Beginning on January 17, the A train will not be running between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue or the Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street stations, which are the last stops on the A line. On top of that, Rockaway Park Shuttle trains will not be running to or from Broad Channel, meaning that the entire area won't be accessible via the MTA.  RECOMMENDED: New York City is now under a drought watch—here is what that means The four-month long disruption will affect thousands of commuters, but the MTA maintains that the pause in service is a necessary measure for construction that will fortify the infrastructure on that portion of the train line in anticipation for severe weather.  "The Rockaway Line, which carries the A train and Rockaway Park Shuttle and serves as a vital link between the Rockaway Peninsula and the rest of New York City, suffered extensive damage after Superstorm Sandy," the MTA wrote in a statement. "Emergency repairs restored service seven months after the storm. However, the viaducts and bridge that carry trains across Broad Channel need major upgrades to help protect the line from future storms and ensure reliable service for its over 9,000 daily riders." New Yorkers brace for more extreme climate change induced weather events that will end up costing t

If you're a fan of precarious art, then you're definitely going to appreciate Canstruction, an annual competition featuring a series of larger-than-life sculptures created by architects using thousands of cans.  This year, you'll get to browse through 23 can-tastic works of art at Brookfield Place at 230 Vesey Street in downtown Manhattan until November 11. The best part? It's all for a great cause.  RECOMMENDED: The A train will not run in the Rockaways for five months next year Once the exhibition is over, all of the canned foods used in the sculptures will be donated to City Harvest, a non-profit organization that aims to tackle food insecurity throughout New York City by distributing millions of pounds of fare each year. Since its 1982 founding, the organization has salvaged more than a billion pounds of fresh food and redistributed it to pantries, soup kitchens and more. Anyone can join in on this fun for a cause: this year, visitors can drop off their owned canned donations at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. Once you see the sculptures for yourself, you can also vote for your favorite one here.  Canstruction has been mounted for 32 years across many different cities but, each time, the sculptures in New York City end up being just a little better than the rest (okay, we're a little biased). Past entries have depicted a MetroCard, Buckingham Palace, Yoda, a bodega cat and more. This year, there will be guides who will tell visitors more about how the sculptures w

Gotham West Market, the popular food hall that first opened in the heart of Hell's Kitchen in 2013, announced that it will be officially closing by the end of the year.  The 11th Avenue staple is currently home to five restaurants, some of which will now be left to scramble to find new potential addresses. The quintet of destinations includes Petee's Pies Company, Filipino restaurant Kabisera, Italian go-to dell'anima, Gorin Ramen and Mexican joint La Palapa.  RECOMMENDED: A seasonal Indian restaurant is now open in Flatiron In a statement posted to Instagram on Monday, the beloved food hall confirmed the upcoming closure without providing specifics. "After 11 years of serving as a gathering place for the community, Gotham West Market will be closing its doors at the end of the year," reads the statement. "We are grateful for the vendors we have worked with throughout the years, as well as our loyal patrons. Future plans for the space are to be determined, and we will share updates as soon as we have them." Although food halls in New York have to deal with plenty of competition—there are dozens of them across the city, each one offering something unique—Gotham West Market was always known for its carefully curated, high quality vendors.  When the destination first debuted over a decade ago, media outlets praised its wide variety of culinary offerings. The space once hosted the now-famous Ivan Ramen, now located in the Lower East Side; Corner Slice, an iconic pizza spot; and C

Soon, we'll know who the next president of the United States will be and, needless to say, this is one of the most contentious and anxiety-inducing elections in recent memory—especially since recent polls have shown that the two candidates are currently neck-and-neck.  Even though we're all biting our nails, there is one silver lining for New Yorkers: businesses all over the city are offering free stuff and discounts to those who vote.  Here are some items you can enjoy gratis, as long as you present your "I voted" sticker!  RECOMMENDED: You can grab a limited-edition Olivia Rodrigo MetroCard starting on Monday 1. Free beer One bar, the East Harlem Bottling Co, located at 1711 Lexington Avenue, in the part of Harlem known as El Barrio, is hosting a watch party during which they will gift a free beer to anyone who shows up with an "I voted" sticker on Election Day (that would be Tuesday, November 5).  You might want to consider ordering some fare off the menu while there as well. Perhaps the Bottling Co burger, made with a house-blend patty, sharp cheddar, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and bacon aioli served on a brioche bun.  2. Bagels—gratis Violife, the dairy-free cheese brand, is setting up Election Day pop-up breakfast trucks where you can get free Utopia bagels slathered in, of course, Violife's dairy free cream cheese. Utopia is often considered one of the city's top bagel destinations so, if you've never had one, next Tuesday would be the perfect time to do so. The t

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing the TCS New York City Marathon, then you know that gawking at the athletes sprinting across town is just half the fun. For some of us, the main event is actually watching thousands of New Yorkers gather along the 26.2 mile-long route to cheer on the runners in ridiculous costumes and hilariously creative signs that are meant to get the marathoners’ attentions and help them crack a smile during an experience we can only imagine is beyond grueling.  Thankfully this year, New Yorkers came through with their iconic signs once more. Here are some of our favorites that were found along the marathon's route this year.  RECOMMENDED: 20 quick, to-go services in NYC that won't slow you down 1. Fierce & Moist like Moo Deng Some of the best signs at the marathon had a way of capturing the specificity of this moment in history, and 2024's It Girl was Moo Deng. If you're not chronically online, Moo Deng is a baby pygmy hippo at a zoo in Thailand that broke the Internet for being adorably rambunctious, and we could only hope to be as fierce and moist as her.   Photograph: Delia Barth for Time Out 2. Run! Eric Adams is behind you. Our disgraced Mayor, who was indicted last month on corruption charges, has been the butt of every joke recently—and he deserves it.  Photograph: Delia Barth for Time Out 3. Pain is just French for bread I mean, this is just an objective fact.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chafi