Natalie Melendez

New York City’s art scene is in for a groundbreaking fall season. With several major debuts, some big “firsts” and a packed calendar of art shows, New Yorkers are guaranteed the chance to feast their eyes on some stunning works. A few highlights include the first-ever major zine exhibition in North America, a show exploring the frenemies Manet and Degas, the return of the LOVE sculpture and a brand-new photography festival.  From public art displays to gallery shows to museum presentations, here are 25 art experiences we’re excited about this fall. They’re presented in chronological order, so you can mark your calendar. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

It’s no secret that NYC is home to some of the best, most diverse cuisine out there. You can satisfy just about any craving with a quick walk or subway ride—or with a simple delivery app order, if you’re not feeling outdoorsy. Luckily for NYC vegans and the veg-curious alike, the same is true for plant-based options, which now boast an extraordinary number of menu items and dedicated all-vegan spaces.  RECOMMENDED: NYC’s 36 best vegetarian and vegan restaurants You’ve got vegan Mexican, Japanese and Italian restaurants, vegan sandwich shops, ice cream shops and bakeries, as well as vegan classic diner food and so on. The abundance of options and quality of vegan food in the city is certainly not an issue in 2023. Instead, you might find yourself overwhelmed at the thought of where to eat next—or even what to order. That’s where NYC’s Vegan Bodega Cat comes to help.   “I like to let people know where the good stuff is,” says Rebecca, the content creator behind the Vegan Bodega Cat socials on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. A native New Yorker and long-time vegan, Rebecca (who prefers not to disclose her last name for privacy) is committed to helping her audience find exciting new vegan restaurants to try out, and she’s all about keeping it real.  “I post about trendy stuff, but I also just really like to post about affordable things, accessible things, stuff the average New Yorker could afford,” says Rebecca. “And I’m not talking about the average New Yorker who moves here and

Can cow manure be turned into casings for loudspeakers and lamps? MoMA’s latest exhibition says “yes.” “Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design” is now open on the museum’s street-level gallery. The exhibit explores the ways designers can repurpose the materials around us to extend their life cycle and promote environmental preservation. Approximately 80 pieces will be on display, including bricks made from crop waste and fungi mycelium and panels made from corn husks.  The exhibition, curated by Paola Antonelli, will be on display until July 7, 2024.

American Impressionism is making its way back to the National Arts Club this fall. "In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940" will highlight the work of important figures in the American Impressionism movement from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, including Childe Hassam, George Inness and John Sloan. Thirteen of the featured artists were once Artist Life Members of the NAC, making the exhibition a celebration of both the famed movement and the NAC's own history. Over 130 pieces will be on display from September 5 to November 22 at the NAC's Tilden House in Gramercy Park for free.

Southern wives' tales, folklore and fables—these are the works that inspired BK Adams' upcoming exhibition at the Claire Oliver Gallery in Harlem.  "Five Miles" is a collection of 10 large-scale multimedia pieces that explore complex biographical and allegorical stories. Recurring characters, such as a lion and a blue horse, appear throughout Adams' artwork alongside pieces of nature to depict scenes of encouragement and inspiration. The exhibition will be on display from September 8 to November 4. More details are available here. 

A new exhibition that celebrates Jewish comics is coming to the Center for Jewish History this fall. JewCE! The Museum and Laboratory of the Jewish Comics Experience will showcase the work of renowned Jewish comics writers and artists, including original artwork, historical artifacts, interactive installations that explore Jewish themes and narratives in comics and more.  Guests will also be able to try their hand at character creation, storyboarding and iconography as part of the Laboratory portion of the exhibit. The exhibition is open from through January 31. Free tickets to the exhibition are available here.

A new art exhibit that explores a "queer technological Eastern European diaspora" is coming to Governors Island's Flux Factory. All That Is Seen and Unseen, created by Brooklyn-based artist Amelia Marzec, will feature shrines with coming out stories broadcast over Family Radio Service, a sculputure on the lookout for military aircraft, digital photos and more. Opening day on August 19 (2pm to 5pm) will feature an artist talk with Marzec at 3pm.  The exhibit is free for all to attend on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm at Flux Factory, until September 10. Click here to learn more about the exhibit.

This Sunday, August 20, the Divine Times Collective is hosting a new type of festival. The Festival of Grounded Souls aims to connect Black and Brown queer people to their land and those around them with a day full of mindfulness workshops and inner-child healing activities.  The event will kick off with a group laughter meditation led by Laraaji and end with a community drum circle. Throughout the day, you can expect live performances from Mikki Ma'at, The Narcotix and Love Transmissions. The festival will take place at Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn from noon to 7pm. RSVP for the free event here.

Looking for some late summer family fun? Do Portugal Circus will be popping up at Staten Island Mall from August 18 to 27 for 10 days full of jaw-dropping acts. This all-ages event will feature clowns, jugglers, magicians, flying trapeze and more. Make sure to arrive with enough time to purchase some classic circus snacks at concessions, including hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Matinee and evening tickets are available on the Do Portugal Circus website. 

Headed to Coney Island this weekend? Make sure to stop by the Brooklyn Beach Sports Festival happening this Saturday, August 5 from 9am to 5pm. The free event will host competitive and non-competitive activities for people of all ages, including: Calisthenics Skills Exhibition and Competition (Youth, Adults, and Seniors)  Pull-ups Dips Pushups  Tug O' War Competition: City agencies vs. the city Family-friendly activities: Sand Pickleball Volleyball  Cornhole Music and Dancing The entrance for the event is located at the West 10th Street Boardwalk. Registration is required on-site. For a full event schedule, head to the NYC Parks website. 

Get ready for a night of comedy, but with a sensual twist. On Saturday, August 5, Starr Bar in Bushwick will be hosting IMPACT — a stand-up comedy show where some of the city's best comedians attempt to perform their set in front of a live BDSM scene, brought to you by Dominatrix Dorienne Dreadful and their sub Nicole Angel.  The night will be MCed by Billy Procida (Lifetime) and will feature the following comedians:  - Atheer Yacoub (Comedy Central) - Tracey Carnazzo (MTV, FX, Hulu) - Raanan Hershberg (The Tonight Show) - Charles McBee (Comedy Central) - Jake Vevera (Just for Laughs) A Q&A with Manwhore Podcast host Billy Procida and Dorienne Dreadful will follow the show.  This is a 21+ event. Tickets are $20.

Reggae Retro, the longest running reggae party in NYC, is holding its first ever outdoor reggae dance party on Saturday, August 5 at Industry City's Courtyard 1/2. From 7pm to 2am, DJs will be playing reggae music from the 70s up to the early aughts to help you get in the summer spirit. The night's line-up will include:  - Json (Point Blank Sounds) - Silence (Point Blank Sounds) - Danglez (Federation Sound) - DJ Gringo - DJ Kharisma - Guidance (stage host and hypeman) Tickets are $40 at the door. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site. More information can be found on the event's Eventbrite page.

Looking for somewhere to watch the Women’s World Cup? Pig Beach BBQ is the place to be. The Queens-based restaurant is partnering up with New York City Women’s Soccer to host a watch party for the USA vs. Netherlands game on July 26. From 7:30pm to 11pm, the restaurant will be full of festivities, including player meet-and-greets, raffles, a live episode recording of The Women’s Soccer Show Podcast by Sara Ach and more. You can also expect a backyard beer garden with a jumbotron and 50+ TVs within the restaurant space for the ultimate viewing experience.  Profits gathered from onsite merch sales and an online auction will go toward supporting local and national women’s soccer organizations. The event is free to attend with an RSVP.

Central Park is celebrating 30 years of free local music and entertainment at the Harlem Meer water body with an expanded Harlem Meer Summer Festival. From July 15 to August 26, the park will be hosting free live music performances and movement classes for the whole family.  Some of the performances include: — Oscar Feldman's Latin Jazz Machine (Latin Jazz): Sunday, July 16 at 2pm — Luisito Rey y La Dinamica (Salsa): Sunday, July 23 at 2pm  — Sing Harlem (Gospel/R&B/Pop): Sunday, July 30 at 2pm Movement classes include: — Funkaerobics with Go Hard Dance: July 15, August 5, August 26 — Double Dutch with Double Dutch Dreamz: July 22, August 12 — Family Yoga Class with Harlem Yoga: July 29, August 19 For a full schedule of movement classes and performances, head to the Central Park website: https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/events/harlem-meer-summer-festival 

A typical subway trip may only take 10 to 20 minutes, but Rita Nannini's subway journey took 10 years.  The photographer set out to travel all 665 miles of NYC's subway tracks, photographing the first and final stops on every single subway line in the subway system.  First Stop Last Stop, Nannini’s first book, is the tangible culmination of that project, where Nannini explores the varying communities along the NYC subway’s terminal stops and their relationship to public transit. RECOMMENDED: A massive book market with hundreds of authors is headed to NYC Photograph: Rita Nannini from the book “First Stop Last Stop” published by Workshop Arts. Nannini got her first break as an environmental portrait photographer in the late ’70s and early ’80s when she lived in the Upper West Side. In those early years of her career, Nannini didn’t use the subway much, as she says it was more dangerous, dirtier and more complicated to ride back then. She never considered the subway a viable subject for her photography until much later, long after she left the city for Princeton, New Jersey.  “I had heard about this game that people played later on, fast forward to 2011/2012, of teenagers getting on any subway and riding to the end of the line and getting out and exploring the neighborhoods and then getting back on and going home,” says Nannini of her inspiration. “I never used the subway as a way to get around the rest of the city, so I was immediately struck by the visual possibilities.” St

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Upper Manhattan, chances are you’ve seen a mysterious figure spray painting local storefronts in brightly colored hues. Snoeman, a beloved NYC-based graffiti artist, likes to keep a low profile. On the streets, it’s unlikely you’ll recognize him without a spray can in his hands and a protective mask over his face. Online, you'll find nothing more than a partly-covered profile. But the same can’t be said for Snoeman’s work—a bold, unique style that is instantly recognizable from miles away. Since the start of the pandemic, Snoeman has been at work beautifying bodega exteriors in Washington Heights and beyond. The artist’s use of vivid color and thick lines, most times paired with uplifting messages and signature figures, has helped local businesses gain attention while livening up surrounding neighborhoods. Photograph: courtesy of Snoeman Photograph: courtesy of Snoeman “I’ve always been inspired by bodegas and other storefronts,” Snoeman says in an email to Time Out New York. “They are beloved institutions of New York. They serve as a gathering place for the community, each with their own energy and personality.” Bodegas serve as both an inspiration and the perfect canvas for the artist’s personal work, which began with hand-painted posters with phrases like “spread love” and “do the right thing” in 2020. He says the storefronts appeal to him, in particular, because they're overloaded with signage, lights and color. Now, the artist pa

Calling all foodies and tennis fans! The US Open’s signature food event is back for its second consecutive year on August 24 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Flavors of the Open will feature special dishes by celebrity chefs from their on-site restaurants, special performances and meet and greets with top tennis players. RECOMMENDED: The U.S. Open in New York 2022 guide Flavors of the Open is part of this year’s Fan Week (August 22-27), a week dedicated to special tennis events and entertainment leading up to the start of the US Open Tennis Championships on August 28.  The U.S. Open attracts over 700,000 fans to Queens for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year. The U.S.-based tournament follows the Australian Open, the French Open and the prestigious Wimbledon. This year, the event will run from August 28 to September 10. At Flavors of the Open, guests will be able to sample signature dishes—ranging from greenmarket-inspired meals to lobster rolls—from restaurants on-site at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This year’s featured chefs include Alex Guarnaschelli (Fare), Ed Brown and Masaharu Morimoto (ACES), Kwame Onwauchi (ACES), Melba Wilson (Melba’s), James Kent (Crown Shy), David Burke (Mojito), Pat LaFrieda (Pat LaFrieda Meat Co.) and Josh Capon (Fly Fish). On the court of the Louis Armstrong Stadium, attendees can watch doubles duo Bob and Mike Bryan show off their killer champion skills. The duo will be meeting fans following th

The bold-colored, expressive characters of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork are instantly recognizable — and a staple of the 1980s art scene. Soon, fans of the late artist will be able to gather in an event that honors Basquiat in his home borough.  On Thursday, September 7, The Green-Wood Cemetery (the site of Basquiat’s burial) is hosting a tribute to the Brooklyn-based artist. From Canvas to Stage: A Tribute to Basquiat will honor the influential artist’s legacy with a night full of art, poetry and music. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Prominent musicians and poets will perform between Green-Wood’s iconic gothic arch and historic chapel in front of a backdrop displaying work by contemporary artists inspired by and in honor of Basquiat.  Already, Basquiat’s grave at Green-Wood is a gathering place for many. New Yorkers and visitors alike often stop by, leaving behind tokens like artwork, letters and art supplies. “The grave of Jean Michel-Basquiat is the most visited site in our historic cemetery, and it’s no wonder. His art, which addressed themes of racism, inequality, consumerism, and more, speaks to all generations,” Richard J. Moylan, president of The Green-Wood Cemetery, said in a press release. Photograph: By Steven Pisano / Courtesy of Green-Wood Cemetery | Secrets and spirits are on the docket this fall. Basquiat achieved great success during his lifetime (1960–1988). The works of the famed artist speak to the essence of life in the 1980s

Time and time again, New Yorkers have proved that they have no issue beating the sweltering summer heat—but can they beat the hot wing heat? Put your spice tolerance to the test at Blazefury, NYC’s first-ever Thai hot wing eating contest hosted by the beloved Brooklyn-based Thai restaurant Tong.  RECOMMENDED: A sushi conveyor belt restaurant is opening in Manhattan The event was inspired by the Kang Tai Pla (a spicy Southern Thai fish curry) eating challenges customers would hold amongst themselves at the restaurant. This time around, contestants will be eating hot wings instead of curry in a competition that is certainly not for the faint of heart.  Participants will be tasked with eating up to 10 Thai-style hot wings smothered in a fiery sauce made from Thai bird's eye chilies and habanero peppers (with a Scoville heat unit of 130,000!) within 15 minutes, during which they won’t be allowed to have a drink. The following Ragefury portion of the competition will further test participants’ endurance by keeping them from using a napkin, touching their face and drinking anything for an additional five minutes.  But big risks come with big rewards. The winner of the competition will go home with a medallion, a $300 Tong gift certificate, a Chang Beer gift set and bragging rights, of course.  Alongside the competition, Tong will be conducting a hot sauce taste test featuring their contest sauce, prik karen (a Thai chili oil) and more. You can also expect a special event menu with

Heading to the beach this summer? You might notice more drones than usual.  Following an increase in shark sightings at downstate beaches, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the implementation of new shark-monitoring drones across Long Island, New York City and Westchester County beaches. This is the latest measure in a series of shark safety efforts aimed at keeping beachgoers safe during their summer festivities.  Governor Hochul’s announcement came just in time for International Shark Awareness Day on July 14, which followed an increase in shark sightings over the Fourth of July weekend and beyond. Photo: By Mike Groll “As beachgoers are enjoying their summer in New York, spending time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, we have added this eye in the sky,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “These new drones will allow us to scan the water and help local governments across Long Island and New York City keep local beaches safe for all.” Earlier this year, Governor Hochul increased drone, watercraft and helicopter shark monitoring by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) at Long Island State Park beaches ahead of the summer season.  This month’s measure increases the number of drones available for use at downstate beachfront municipalities up to 60. State Parks will also be covering the costs of necessary drone training and operation. Photo: By Mike Groll The new drones will keep an eye out for mar

For many New Yorkers, the city’s extensive subway system might be a quicker commute option than any above-ground transportation. But thanks to a new project by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), riding your bike and taking the bus is about to get a whole lot easier.  The NYC DOT recently announced a bus and bike lane expansion project aimed to make transportation on the streets more safe and efficient. Approximately 40 blocks from midtown to the Upper East Side along Third Avenue will be redesigned as part of the “Complete Streets” project, creating wider lanes and faster routes to facilitate transportation at one of NYC’s busiest streets. "This nearly two-mile project will make a busy stretch of Manhattan smoother and safer for bus riders, pedestrians, and cyclists, including many hard-working delivery workers," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We've worked closely with the community to come up with a plan that works for everyone, and we look forward to helping those who live, work, and travel through the East Side get around more quickly and safely." Construction on the new project will begin next week. Commuters can expect the following changes:  More spacious bike lanes Complete Streets will widen the current 6-foot bike lane along Third Avenue by 3 feet, creating a safer and more comfortable nine-foot lane with a three-foot buffer. Even wider 11-foot lanes will be added to the uphill sections between 64 and 66 Streets and 80 to 82 Streets to i

Nearly a decade in the making, a newly renovated green space is now in bloom in front of the recently expanded American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. With a history dating back more than a century, the western portion Theodore Roosevelt Park is open once again, now with more trees and benches to enjoy the outdoors. The park’s reopening is the final piece of the museum's major expansion, which added the architecturally stunning 230,000-square-foot Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation earlier this spring. It’s located along Columbus Avenue between 77th and 81st Streets on the west side of the museum. RECOMMENDED: See inside the American Museum of Natural History’s massive new expansion Inside the park Entering Theodore Roosevelt Park is now easier than ever. An enlarged entrance at Columbus Avenue welcomes visitors to stroll along meandering paths. Once-fenced-off areas are now more welcoming. While the entire park land is located on is Theodore Roosevelt Park, encompassing about 18 acres, the renovation focused on the two acres on the western portion of the park.  Once inside, you'll find the renovated portion of the park decked out in new greenery. Over 20 new trees tower above new curving pathways for shady, relaxed strolls. New trees include redbuds, dogwoods and serviceberry trees, which will offer beautiful pastel blooms in the springtime. Those trees join many notable older trees that were conserved during the renovation, such a

Oh, snap! The '90s have returned to the Meatpacking District.  On Monday evenings, between July 17 to August 14, the Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA) is going back in time and transforming into a '90s nightclub with its "Cooler Night" series. Engage in free events featuring experimental sonic and visual programming by members of the LGBTQ+ community while celebrating the Meatpacking District’s totally rad '90s nightlife and arts scene.  The CARA’s Cooler Nights series is an adaptation of the famed “Monday Nite” events put on from 1993 to 2001 at The Cooler, one of the Meatpacking District’s most iconic nightclubs in the ’90s. The events became an important part of the local arts scene, attracting prominent artists and musicians along with the likes of Amiri Baraka, Debbie Harry, Peaches and Christian Marclay. Photo: By Todd Oebel Today’s iteration of the '90s series is a collaboration between CARA and Gavilán Rayna Russom—a regular at the original Monday Nite events, past member of LCD Soundsystem and founder of the trans record label Voluminous Arts. Cooler Nights aims to honor the legacy of the former Meatpacking District neighborhood and event space by highlighting the work of trans, queer and gender non-conforming contemporary artists.  The first event of the Cooler Nights series will kick off with a screening of the sci-fi/horror totalitarian film Wolf Chalet (1987) and will be followed by film-based performances from artist Gyna Bootleg and sound selector

Every couple of months, Bushwick’s eclectic House of Yes is transformed into a safe-haven for the trans and non-binary community. The event space is lined with queer vendors and artists selling anything from ceramics to custom clothing and accessories handmade by the very folks selling them as part of NYC’s very first all-trans art market, the Trans Art Bazaar. Unlike other queer markets, the Trans Art Bazaar (TAB) specifically focuses on the experiences and creativity of the trans community. The event will return to the House of Yes on July 9 from 1pm to 7pm for its Pride Market Edition, welcoming everyone of all ages in support of the trans community—with a $5 suggested donation for entry. In a city where queer voices are loud and spaces abundant, it’s almost impossible to believe that something like the Trans Art Bazaar didn’t already exist. “This is a huge city; you can find the most niche of niche events you could possibly imagine,” says founder E-Lorraine Johnson. “I’m sure there’s some like vampire bowling team that you can find here in the city, but you can’t find an all-trans market? That’s absurd.” Photo: Courtesy of Trans Art Bazaar Johnson began organizing the event after complications with a facial feminization surgery left her looking for a place to sell the satin scarves she had designed throughout her recovery as part of her then-upcoming small business, Lorre. “I had been interested in other queer markets, but I felt like they were kind of overrun with cis

Always wanted to take a trip to London but could never find the time nor funds? This summer, Brooklyn can give you a taste of the British experience for free. From July 14 to 16, New Yorkers can visit a recreation of The Hill in Wimbledon at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park to view the final days of The Championships like a true Londoner. Photo: Courtesy of The Hill in New York   The Championships is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. The inaugural event in 1877 had only 22 competing men and 200 spectators, but it quickly grew in size and recognition in the following years. The event would soon include women’s games, create international tennis stars for the first time, and host crowds in the thousands. Watching The Championships from The Hill didn’t become a tradition until 1997, when the finals were held on a new No. 1 Court that allowed spectators to view the action from a large screen on the surrounding lawn. The event now sees attendance numbers over 500,000 and remains one of the most celebrated tennis tournaments in the world.  The Hill in New York made its debut last year with over 6,000 people in attendance. This year, the event is expected to welcome an additional 1,500 fans and will include everything you need for a quintessential British experience: an English Garden Bar, classic British foods (think Wimbledon strawberries and cream & fish and chips), British garden games, Wimbledon’s signature flowers and more. Photo: Courtesy of The Hill in New York P

A theater unlike any other in NYC will soon open in Lower Manhattan as the final piece of the puzzle in the World Trade Center site.  Described as “radically flexible,” The Perelman Performing Arts Center will begin welcoming theater, music, dance, opera, film and more this September within a unique reconfigurable space. Walls, floors and even seats can be moved to create more than 60 different theater layouts. Officials this morning announced programming for the new space, which includes several world premieres, comedy from Indigenous comedians and a new take on Cats with a Ballroom twist.  RECOMMENDED: Shakespeare in the Park’s upcoming Hamlet is ‘very hardcore and vulnerable’ Photograph: By Iwan Baan A space for ‘creativity and light and hope’ The Perelman Performing Arts Center is situated in the World Trade Center site, breathing life and culture into a place once struck with tragedy. It will join the historic 9/11 Memorial and Museum in celebrating the resilience of NYC and serving as a community gathering place where the arts can flourish. “This performing arts center is the final major piece in the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. It brings creativity and light and hope to the site in a manner that respects its role as a place for remembrance and reflection,” former NYC Mayor and the arts center’s Board Chairman Mike Bloomberg said during a building tour on Wednesday. “It will open up a great new chapter for the neighborhood by bringing even more visitors