Rossilynne Skena Culgan

The New York City skyline is iconic—and also ever-changing. Famous buildings like the Empire State, Chrysler and Flatiron still stand tall next to newer icons like One World Trade Center, the Vessel and the Spiral. Simply strolling the streets of New York, you’ll take in plenty of amazing views. But to get a better picture of the city, the best views in NYC are from up or out — whether atop a tall building, up in the sky, or out on the water. Taking in the view just might be one of the best things to do in NYC. The many incredible rooftop bars in New York offer spectacular views paired with tasty cocktails and bites. Other views can be had from atop the many beautiful buildings and towering skyscrapers in the city. Or for a more unique perspective, try viewing the skyline from the water, perhaps from a kayak (but save it for summer)? Our list of magical views in NYC will allow you to see the city in a new light. Check them out on your own, or visit a few with your special someone for a unique date option. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions

Television has been around for 70 years, but only in the last two decades has it earned true respect as an artistic medium. Up to that point, elitists referred to TV as ‘the idiot box’ or ‘the boob tube,’ and if you worked in it, you were either a hack or an upstart hoping to make the leap into the more dignified world of movies. Was its poor reputation deserved? Sure, there were blips of brilliance between The Ed Sullivan Show and The Sopranos, but by and large, the garbage outweighed the gold. Maybe it’s unfair, but the fact that it was all being beamed directly into our living rooms made the dreck more noticeable.  That’s all changed. Television has nudged film out from the center of popular culture, to the point that some of cinema’s truest believers – Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Steven Soderbergh – are making movies specifically for the small screen. The shift may have started with HBO and The Sopranos, but the advent of streaming has made it so that hundreds of new shows are now continually flipping the script every few years, if not months. But that doesn’t mean everything before 1999 is pure dross. While this list is dominated by 21st century programs, there are hundreds of shows that deserve credit for pushing TV forward into its current golden age, and chiseling them down to a neat top 100 is difficult. So we elected to leave off talk shows, variety shows and sketch comedy, focusing on scripted, episodic dramas, comedies and miniseries. Even then, it proved to b

Finding free things to do in New York City is like striking gold. NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world, but holy cow, is it pricey. Seeing Broadway shows or dining at one of the city’s most buzzed about restaurants will cost you a pretty penny. Luckily for us, the city also offers a prime list of free museum days, walking tours, exhibits, comedy shows and more. Read on for our list of NYC's best gratis activities. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to our best things to do in NYC

Spring has sprung! Some of the best events in NYC are set to bloom in April 2025. Aside from celebrating holidays like Easter and 4/20, you'll be able to take in the gorgeous blooms at the dazzling Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Speaking of buds, take advantage of checking out the best NYC parks, while all the flowers and trees are starting to bloom. And there’s even more greenery fun for outdoorsy folks—Earth Day, of course.  RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar in 2025

This year, 4/20 will serendipidously fall 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

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Dragon Fest, Rough Trade's iNDIEPLAZA, a new K-pop exhibit, Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshops, the Big Umbrella Festival, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in April.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

As much as New Yorkers love their city, they want to be transported to another space and time — at least that's the trend museums, companies and artists are capitalizing on. Immersive exhibits, events and experiences are popping up all over NYC these days. From theatrical experiences to trippy digital art taking over massive spaces, there's no shortage of ways to be immersed in a different reality. With so many ways to be immersed, we decided it was high time to round up all the cool, immersive events, exhibits and experiences happening in NYC now and coming up soon so you won't miss the chance to experience something new and potentially mind-blowing. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now

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.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including the Joy of Sake festival, Handwriting the Constitution, a new K-pop exhibit, a performance by The Martha Graham company, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

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

Some the best NYC events in April celebrate Earth Day. NYC isn't the greenest city, but we sure know how to give Mother Nature a proper party and some much-needed recognition all Earth Month long. The best Earth Month events in NYC including volunteering to clean up parks in NYC or beaches to ensure they stay litter-free. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy themed music, sustainable art and natural beauty. Get ready to do some tree hugging and check out fun things to do outside and inside. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Earth Day in NYC

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! Locations such as the High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and other NYC locales all have a wide variety of pieces awaiting you, from massive sculptures to eye-popping murals and graffiti. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit. Below, find the best outdoor art in NYC to stroll by for a DIY walking tour. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

More than 100 classic cars will fill a 60,000 square-foot rustic warehouse at Brooklyn Navy Yard for Wheels of NYC on Saturday, April 19. If past events are any indication, you can expect to see vintage Audis, BMWs, Porsches, Lamborghinis and much more. "We have one of NYC's largest classic car communities, primarily catering to the younger generation of car collectors and enthusiasts," event organizers say. "We're known for our events, which attract a creative, diverse, and young audience."  While cars are in the spotlight here, the event also includes music from Cement Sound, a menswear marketplace from Alfargo's Marketplace, art cars from CART Dept, a toy car racetrack by Candylab, and a kids' zone. As for food vendors, look for cocktails by Honey's,  coffee by Kefi, bagels by Leon's Bagels, sandwiches by Compton's, pizza by Nate's Detroit Pizza, and dessert by Davey's Ice Cream Find it all at Agger Fish Warehouse at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Only people in the know go to these secret jazz speakeasy shows, but don't worry, we're about to let you in on the secret. These undergound live jazz performances called Daddy Rabbit are the epitome of cool. Musician extraordinaire Misha Piatigorsky launched Daddy Rabbit a few years ago, and the series has gained quite a following. Grab a ticket here for upcoming shows at LOULOU in Chelsea. Here's the lineup: — Friday, April 25: Sofija Knesevic and the Misha Piatigorsky Trio — Monday, May 5: Daddy Rabbit and Broadway Star Khailah Johnson — Thursday, May 8: Sofija Knesevic and the Misha Piatigorsky Trio— Friday, May 16: Daddy Rabbit Presents Emily Braden and Special Guests — Friday, June 6: Daddy Rabbit — Thursday, June 19: Daddy Rabbit — Friday, June 20: Daddy Rabbit 

If you don't already know Shakespeare's poetry, this is a great chance to get your iambs wet. In the 15th annual edition of this free event, 154 readers participate in a marathon reading of Shakespeare's 154 sonnets in numerical order. It makes for an unparalleled poetic survey of love in all its shades of wonder, joy and despair. The talent includes actor Rachel Handler from "Interview With the Vampire." You can join her as a reader by signing up here. Shakespeare’s Birthday Sonnet Slam will be held Wednesday, April 23 from 1–4pm at The Riverside Church in Morningside Heights in the 9th floor Lounge. It's free to attend. Willful Pictures artistic director Melinda Hall created the Sonnet Slam for the people of New York to celebrate Shakespeare. "I wanted to create a unique opportunity for the Sonneteer and Shakespeare to be together, even if it's only for a minute," she says.

The massive foodie fest at Uptown Night Market is back in Harlem, running monthly into the fall. Expect more than 50 food, beverage and merch vendors showcasing the talents of locals in the community. The free-to-attend outdoor event series runs on the second Thursday of the month—that's April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, and October 9. Find the all-ages event at 133rd and 12th Avenue in West Harlem. This super popular event draws a crowd of 8,000 people time after time for foods like Mexican-style hot dogs, tacos, empanadas, shish kebabs, and lots more.

Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen.  Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to. Dates for 2025 are: April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, and October 25.

It’s hard to get good food on the cheap, but for ten years, Queens Night Market has prided itself on offering the city’s best eats for just $5-6. Ranked one of the best food festivals in the U.S., the festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. While the free festival officially kicks off on Saturday, April 26, the event is selling a limited number of tickets for a sneak preview on April 12 and April 19.  There will also be other items sale besides food, including vintage apparel, handmade jewelry, ceramic products, locally produced art pieces, crochet toys, stationery, and much more. In its existence, the market has attracted over three million visitors, helped launch 450 new businesses in New York and represented more than 95 countries through its vendors and their food. In 2022, the event averaged over 15,000 attendees each Saturday night. 

Art and sustainability are coming together for this free Earth Day event on April 22 (6-8pm) at Arthouse Hotel (222 W 77th St) on the Upper West Side. Experience Terra Futura, an exhibition by local artist Louisa L., which showcases art inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through vibrant paintings and thought-provoking storytelling, Louisa sparks conversations about the future of our planet. For this special Earth Day conversation, the artist will be joined by Ariel Alexovich, Sustainable Development Officer at the United Nations, for a powerful discussion on the role of art in shaping a sustainable future. Together, they’ll explore how creativity can inspire action, amplify impact, and bring communities together for a better tomorrow. In addition to hearing this important conversation, you'll also get access to the Terra Futura exhibit and the chance to network with like-minded changemakers. Plus, local restaurant  OCabanon will provide free fare.

Step into the vibrant world of Lorenzo Homar, a pioneering printmaker, poster designer, calligrapher, painter, illustrator, caricaturist, and theatrical set designer. Homar's poster work is the subject of an exhibit at Poster House titled "Puerto Rico in Print: The Posters of Lorenzo Homar" on view through September 7, 2025.  Es-pranza Humphrey, assistant curator of collections at Poster House, describes Homar as "the father of the Puerto Rican poster." Homar was active from the 1950s through the 1990s, and few artists equal his impact and influence as a teacher of poster design and printmaking in Latin America. In the exhibition, you'll see the artist's use of non-traditional colors at complements and the way he plays with silk-screening, typography, and calligraphy. The exhibition showcases the breadth of Homar's work, featuring posters for jazz performances, ballet shows, jazz concerts, and political causes.  His work reflected the complex history of Puerto Rico, encompassing elements of Taíno, Spanish, and African cultures as well as the rising tensions between tradition and modernity under the Luis Muñoz Marín government.

Sip some bourbon, then let your creativity pour onto the canvas during this Paint & Sip night at Arthouse Hotel on Monday, April 28 with artist Louisa L. The evening begins with a complimentary Angel's Envy bourbon tasting, then the hotel's artist-in-residence Louisa L. will introduce you to her signature "Golden Series" style, which focuses on expressive lines, vibrant color, and touches of gold. You'll have the creative freedom to make the piece your own, with Louisa guiding the technique. Each $50 ticket includes the bourbon tasting, all art materials, and a specialty cocktail to sip as you create your very own masterpiece to take home. 

Hear the best new inventions from local comedians at the delightful show "Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab." It's hosted at Capish?! Club at Lunella in Little Italy, where comedy nights are known for a heartwarming tone with a bit of sass. The show on Thursday, April 17 is led by Lauren LoGiudice with Jilberto Soto, Katie Compa,  Jess Wood, Matthew Silver, Kofi Thomas, Michelle Chai, and a secret VIP guest comedian. Expect new jokes, hilarious characters, and a friendly atmosphere whether you're coming solo or with a group. Audience members have said that it feels like a "communal experience" that they "didn't expect it to be so unhinged." Plus, reviewers say, "if a tourist happens to find it they're lucky." Get there early for the pre-show mingle.

German-American actress and comedian Lucie Pohl invites comics born near and far to perform their best immigration-inspired stand-up, storytelling and sketch comedy. Comedians for the Friday, April 4 show at Caveat include Zar the Star, Loyiso Madinga, Pooja Reddy, Juan Nicolón, Peter Wong, and more, plus prizes and games. Comedians represent Canada, South Africa, India, Uruguay, China, Romania, Germany, and more. This month's show raises money for the National Immigration Project.  

Celebrate Holi on the Hudson on Saturday, April 19 during this family-friendly outdoor event hosted by Akṣarā at Riverside Park near Pier I Cafe. Your ticket will include a kite, so you can join fellow revelers in filling the sky with vibrant colors. In addition to flying kites, also expect activities and performances to keep the whole family engaged and learning. The event marks Holi, a Hindu festival of spring that is celebrated by people of all religions and backgrounds in India. "At the core, the festival spreads messages of love, goodness, and renewal," event organizers explain. A heads up that, while use of Holi colors is prohibited in the park, guests are encouraged to dress in Indian-inspired festive clothes. There will be special giveaways for best-dressed couples and families.  Tickets cost $33.85 and include entrance for a family of four, one adult kite, one kids kite, and access to all creative stations.

What's better than a walking tour of New York City? A free walking tour of New York City—and more than 200 of them will be available this May as part of Jane's Walk NYC festival hosted by the Municipal Art Society. This beloved annual event, named after famed activist Jane Jacobs, invites New Yorkers to lead walks that celebrate urban life, culture, hidden gems, street art and more. Any New Yorker can lead a walk—and anyone can attend. The key is registering quickly because the popular events fill up quickly. We're breaking the news on the full list of walks happening this, also shouting out a few of our favorites. Pro tip: register ASAP.  RECOMMENDED: NYC has some cool secrets, so I wrote a book all about them Photograph: By Cameron Blaylock About Jane's Walk This year's Jane's Walk will be held on the weekend of May 2–4, rain or shine, across the five boroughs. Events include guided in-person walks, self-guided and virtual walks. For capacity reasons, RSVPs are required here for in-person walks guided by volunteers.  During the event, New Yorkers of all types—from trained tour leaders to students and passionate community members—share the places and stories that make their neighborhoods unique, explore the hidden aspects of the city and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbors. Walks explore the immigrant experience in the East Village, architecture in Cobble Hill, secrets of Lower Manhattan and more.  "Jane's Walk NYC is a celebration of the vibrancy, histor

This new immersive art exhibit is like a playground on steroids—and you can visit, climb on it and snap some incredible photos for free. In a tongue-in-cheek nod to Jeff Koons' iconic balloon animal sculptures, the exhibition by artist Cj Hendry is titled "Keff Joons."  Imagine if a tangled mess of balloon animals expanded in size to fill a warehouse. That's what Hendry has created with "Keff Joons." It's a wild sight to see—and experience—and you can see it for yourself from April 11–20 at 50 Gold Street in Brooklyn's Vinegar Hill neighborhood from 10am-5pm daily. Just be prepared to wait in line.  RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now As an artist, Hendry is known for her playfulness and sense of humor in creating truly immersive exhibits. In this exhibition, long, oversized balloons in pink, red, yellow, green and yellow hues fill the warehouse from floor to ceiling. They look almost like giant sprinkles or wiggly worms. When climbing through the colorful display, you'll feel the squish of balloons under your feet and notice that nostalgic, rubber-like aroma of a bounce house. It's impossible not to smile as you get your bearings, climb and explore. Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York "Balloons are so simple, yet they carry this enormous emotional weight—joy, nostalgia, fragility. I love that they float so effortlessly, but at any moment, they can pop," Hendry said in a statement.  In this adaptation of balloons, He

Grab your paddles, pickleball fans, because the popular sport is back in Central Park all spring and summer long. CityPickle will open at the park's Wollman Rink as of April 4 through the early fall.  This is the third season for pickleball on 14 courts in the center of Manhattan—the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast. This tennis/ping-pong/badminton hybrid has become the country's fastest-growing sport, with more than 130,000 New Yorkers flocking to Wollman Rink's courts in past years. All skill levels are welcome for court rentals, clinics, open play, and private events from 8am to 9pm daily. Plus, expect summer camps, events, and special free programming.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Central Park The 2025 pickleball season will kick off a month earlier than last year. Reservations will open on Friday, March 28, one week in advance of the opening day on Friday, April 4. Reservations will be available from 8am to 9pm daily. Courts can be reserved for up to eight players, starting at $10 per player during off-peak times and $15 per player during peak hours. Also keep an eye out for daily $5 community play sessions, which include paddle rentals. Photograph: Courtesy of CityPickle | Challenged Athletes Foundation players at Wollman Rink People can play in many different ways, with group clinics, private coaching lessons, open play, and leagues to accommodate all schedules and experience levels. If you're new to the sport, don't worry. You don't need any ex

At last, night market season has arrived. The annual crop of night markets seem to reward us for trudging through cold days all winter—and now enduring sweltering days not quite perfect for dining outdoors.  A bevy open-air night markets will pop up around town this summer, from the upper reaches of the Bronx to Queens. We've rounded up details on all of them, so grab some cash and make plans to eat locally—and deliciously.  Photograph: Courtesy Gillian Todd Bronx Night Market First day April 26; Last day October 25; Runs on the last Saturday of the month Since 2017, the Bronx Night Market has been the longest-running event series in the Bronx. You can find it in Fordham Plaza on the last Saturday of each month through October. Among the 35 vendors you can find refreshing drinks from Aguas Frescas Tlaxcalita, smoked chorizo from Casallas Kitchen and grilled lobster tail from Keez 2 The Kitchen.  Other activities include a pop-up bookstore curated by Bronx is Reading, which will host a bunch of literary activities for folks of all ages; a new general store filled with fresh products sourced locally called Fordham Farmers Market; Bronx Native's beloved Tiny Desk concert series; and a vegan bazaar that will promote the sort of healthy foods that the "traditional" market does not regularly pay attention to. Photograph: Courtesy of Uptown Night Market Uptown Night Market First day April 10; Last day October 9; Runs on the second Thursday of the month The massive foodie fest

Cherry blossoms tend to steal the spotlight this time of year—and deservedly so. But another pastel flower is worthy of our attention, too: the tulip. These colorful flowers are about to make their seasonal debut, emerging from bulbs deep underground that have survived the winter freeze. One of the best spots to see these botanical marvels is at the West Side Community Garden, a hidden oasis of springtime splendor that is home to more than 10,000 tulips. The volunteer-run garden will host its 47th annual tulip festival from April 12–April 27. Best of all, the massive festival is free and open to all. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC Enter through a wrought iron gate on West 89th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues to find the secret garden, open daily from dawn 'til dusk. Inside, weave through paths packed with plants. How many exactly? Well, volunteers plant about 13,000 tulip bulbs every year!  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out You'll see tulips in every color and variety imaginable. Pink, yellow, red, purple and orange tulips—plus a few cool multi-color  blooms—fill the garden's raised beds. As for varieties, see if you can spot the differences between parrots, darwins and triumphs—all different types of tulips. Adding to the scene are pink cherry blossom petals dropping from the trees, the sweet smell of hyacinths in the air and the vibrant pop of color from azaleas.  Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time

One hundred years ago, F. Scott Fitzgerald enchanted readers with a tale of love, lust, wealth and woe. As The Great Gatsby celebrates its centennial, the Empire State Building will light up green in honor of the green light that Jay Gatsby famously watches over the water.  On April 11, Broadway stars will flip the ceremonial switch to light the Empire State Building in green, so keep an eye out for the glowing light in the sky, just like Jay Gatsby would have. This celebration is part of many more Gatsby-themed events across NYC this month that celebrate Fitzgerald's landmark novel published on April 10, 1925. RECOMMENDED: Here's how to celebrate The Great Gatsby's centennial in NYC this week At the Friday, April 11 private event, Blake Hazard, great-granddaughter of F. Scott Fitzgerald, will speak. Then, Ryan McCartan and Sarah Hyland, actors from The Great Gatsby musical who portray Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan will pull the ceremonial switch. Photograph: By Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade In case you haven't read the book—or seen the movie or watched the Broadway play—the green light plays an important role in the story. Its symbolic green hue represents Gatbsy's yearning for Daisy and his quest for the American dream. That's why it's so special that the green light will illuminate midtown Manhattan.  As Gatsby says in the book: "If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay. You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock." 

In honor of the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, you can live the lavish life of Jay, Nick, Daisy, Jordan, and the rest of the crew in NYC this weekend.  From parties to bar specials to sweet treats, there are plenty of ways to celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, which published on April 10, 2025. Plus, remember to look up to see the Empire State Building turn into a green light on April 11!  RECOMMENDED: The Empire State Building is turning into a green light for The Great Gatsby's centennial Great Gatsby centennial events  The Great Gatsby on Broadway The evening performance of The Great Gatsby on Thursday, April 10 will include a cast toast the milestone event and an anniversary collector's item to take home. If you can't make it to this week's showing, tickets to the musical are on sale through the rest of 2025.    Centennial Soirée at Oscar Wilde On April 10, step into the Roaring 20s at Midtown bar Oscar Wilde as they throw a Great Gatsby-themed soirée. This all-day affair of music, opulence, and mischief includes a cast album listening lunch from 2-4pm. Then as night falls, expect a live DJ from 6-11pm, extravagant cocktails and a dazzling ambiance that would even give Mr. Gatsby a run for his money.   Photograph: By Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman Gatsby's Landing Raise a glass to 100 years of The Great Gatsby at Gatsby’s Landing, a popular spot for post-theater revelry. On April 10 only, indulge in a complimentary cocktail with the purcha

Portraits of American First Ladies typically don't tell us much about the personality of the person. Maybe we can see a steely determination in her eyes or get a sense of her style, but we don’t learn much about who she is. Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama changed all of that by focusing on the essence of the subject. You can now see this iconic portrait and many other renowned works by Sherald in a new exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The exhibition, titled “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” is open April 9-August 10, 2025. With nearly 50 paintings, it’s the most comprehensive exhibition of the American artist’s work, which includes a portrait of Breonna Taylor, as well as paintings that center everyday Black Americans.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now Sherald became a household name after she was invited to create the first official portrait of first lady Michelle Obama in 2017. She photographed Obama in natural light where she sat in a geometric-print gown with her hand resting beneath her chin.  Photograph: Tiffany Sage/BFA.com / Courtesy of The Whitney | A portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama by artist Amy Sherald. “The painting breaks significantly with the conventions of state portraiture, presenting Obama as gracious and comfortable, but also inward-looking and self-contained,” the museum explained. “The latter is an especially notable achievement, given that Obama's movements,

Those who lived through the Cold War era will remember the horrors of the time: Wearing identification tags to school, practicing duck-and-cover drills and facing the constant threat of nuclear war. Though we’re only a few decades removed from that generation, it can be hard for younger people to wrap their minds around those terrors.  A new exhibit at NYC’s Poster House titled “Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace” sheds light on the Nuclear Age, exploring its potential for scientific innovation and its use as a dangerous weapon. The exhibit chronicles the past through a visually stunning collection of 60 posters, including artwork by General Dynamics as well as activist pieces protesting nuclear war; it also offers important lessons for our future. “Fallout” is the debut point-counterpoint exhibition at Poster House, which is the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to the history of posters. Find the exhibit in the Flatiron District museum through September 7, 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now First, some context. “Fallout” begins during the early 1950s in the aftermath of World War II. In 1952, the U.S. detonated the world’s first thermonuclear weapon (known as the hydrogen bomb), a device 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Its development was opposed by major figures like “father of the atomic bomb” Robert Oppenheimer who feared the Soviet Union would develop its own hydrogen bomb

"Let Me Tell You" is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan found some bliss at a cozy yoga studio in East Village. New Yorkers have a lot of opinions when I tell them I live in Hell's Kitchen. How can you deal with being so close to Times Square? But aren't you far from a subway? Isn't it loud? Why would you ever live on “work island?” To them, I say: I can easily re-route around Times Square and avoid the crowds. My 12-minute walk to the Columbus Circle subway station builds character—and cardio skills. It definitely depends on your block, but mine isn’t too noisy. Cool it with the “work island” stuff, people. And now, I can tell them: My controversial neighborhood has been ranked as one of the best places to live in NYC, at least according to this new study. So there.   RECOMMENDED: These are apparently the three best NYC neighborhoods to live in I’m always a little surprised when people seem perplexed by my choice of neighborhood. I moved here four years ago from Pittsburgh (yes, I’m a proud transplant!), and I fell so hard for this neighborhood that I never want to move out of this slice of Manhattan. I get it, some people seem to carry a general disdain for all of midtown, but I think it’s short-sighted to write off an entire swath of this isl

It's that magical time of year when red buds and green leaves finally burst forth from the brown tree branches we've been seeing for months. If you want a tree of your own to care for, you can get one for free this spring thanks to the New York Restoration Project (NYRP).  Just in time for Earth Month, NYRP is hosting free tree giveaways with community partners throughout New York City from April 5 through May 4, 2025. They plan to distribute 3,500 trees across the five boroughs, including American persimmon, flowering dogwood, and Pawpaw trees, as a way to help NYC's environmental resilience. Keep scrolling to find a tree distribution spot near your neighborhood.  RECOMMENDED: The best Earth Month events in NYC Since the program started in 2008, NYRP has given away more than 75,000 trees as part of the MillionTreesNYC initiative led in partnership with the NYC Parks Department. As the climate crisis intensifies, trees do the important work of providing shade, creating wildlife habitats, reducing temperatures, improving air quality, and mitigating storm water run-off. Photograph: By Ben Hider / Courtesy of NYRP This year 26 different native tree species will be distributed, including American persimmon, American plum, beach plum, black cherry, eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, pawpaw, sweetbay magnolia, and witchhazel. If you'd like a tree, be sure to register in advance here.  "New York Restoration Project's free tree giveaways are a great spring tradition in our city," N

Take a moment away from reading the political headlines and instead get involved writing some historic political activism. Described as "activism for introverts," all are invited to a free event called Handwriting the Constitution at The Old Stone House in Brooklyn. Quite fittingly, the venue is the site of the first—and largest—Revolutionary War Battle, the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776. This social art project will be hosted on Monday, April 7, at 6-8pm and then will continue on the first Monday of the month for the rest of the year. RSVPs are requested here, but walk-ins are welcome. The event offers a calm, quiet gathering where writing the words of the Constitution encourages attendees to connect and reflect on them.  RECOMMENDED: March On: How to support women's rights with NYC's Girls for Gender Equity The project is intended as a labor of love that reflects on the meaning and rights enshrined within the founding document. "As they write, participants engage with the Constitution, finding that the words connect and resonate in a new light," event organizers say. "Writing out the words is a way to reflect on the human rights the document enshrines and to deepen understanding of the laws created to protect these rights." Photograph: Courtesy The Old Stone House The concept for Handwriting the Constitution was developed in 2017 by conceptual artist Morgan O'Hara.  "This is a powerful and transformative form of activism for introverts," O'Hara said in a press r