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Things to Do in NYC—This Week and Weekend (March 18th-March 24th)

Pop ups, shows, markets, and more things to do in NYC today, this week, and this weekend.

Looking for what to do in NYC today, or this week, or this weekend (March 18th-March 24th)? There's tons of things to do in New York, like festivals, pop ups, photo ops, and more. We've got the full roundup of New York activities here.

THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS WEEK AND WEEKEND

DINNER UNDER THE STILLS

wolffer great jones

This Thursday, March 21st, Great Jones Distilling Co. teams up with  Wölffer Estate Vineyard to celebrate the recent launch of their limited edition Great Jones x Wölffer Estate Cask Finished Bourbon. Great Jones Distilling Co. is Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition and they will be debuting a new “Dinner Under the Stills” series. A six-course dinner curated by Executive Chef Daniel Wright will include oysters topped with caviar, flambeed foie gras, Dover sole, and filet mignon, each expertly paired with a glass of Wölffer wine. 

WORLD POETRY DAY

The East Midtown Partnership hosts the second annual World Poetry Day Poetry Reading in the 550 Garden on Thursday. Enjoy an afternoon of culture and local art and experience the stunning green space as you hear poetry from poets, including David Groff, Reggie Harris, Daniel Meltz, V. Penelope Pelizzon, Tim Stobierski, and Emanuel Xavier. Bring your lunch or purchase from one of the dining and coffee kiosks in the Garden. After the readings, the poets will discuss their works with one another and the audience.

FOREST BATHING

Spring is taking shape in NYC's parks. Join expert guides from the Central Park Conservancy for a seasonal walk that also includes mindful Forest Bathing. Select dates through March 31st.

ACQUIRED!

Sculptura Telephone from the Design Line Series circa 1974. Designed by Donald M. Genaro (American, born 1932), Office of Henry Dreyfuss Associates. Manufactured by Western Electric Manufacturing Company (New York, New York, USA) (housing) and Bell System Division, AT&T (Parsippany, New Jersey, USA) (works). Thermoplastic, electronic components. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Gift of Donald M. Genaro, 2018‑40‑1. Photo by Matt Flynn © Smithsonian Institution.

Objects don't look quite the same after a visit to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Starting Saturday, new exhibition Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection provides an insider look at the ways the museum gets new work, reflecting current issues and design’s evolving roles. More than 150 works are on display.

A NEW HOME FOR STAND UP NY

stand up ny bond 45

Stand Up NY opened its doors in 1986, quickly becoming one of the city's top spots for comedy. As of last week it has a new home inside Theater District favorite Bond 45. Look for house shows with top comedians this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

ORCHID SHOW

new york botanic orchid show

Spring can't be far off now. Immerse yourself in a burst of color at The New York Botanical Garden for The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion. The 21st version of this spring tradition runs through April 21st. Thousands of diverse orchids have been done up in dramatic installations by three rising design stars.

SIGN OF THE TIMES OFF-BROADWAY

sign of the times off broadway

Alyssa Carol, Melessie Clark, Chilina Kennedy, Lena Teresa Matthews, and Erica Simone Barnett in "A Sign of the Times," directed by Gabriel Barre. © Jeremy Daniel.

The high-energy new musical A Sign of the Times has set the Wayback Machine for 1965, when the airwaves jangled with pop anthems by breakthrough artists like Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield. The show captures the exuberance of the ‘60s while shedding light on what was taking place socially and culturally. The electrifying young cast is led by Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical).

SATIN DOLLZ

satin dollz brooklyn usa delicatessen

Photo by: Joshua Kessler.

Vintage pin-up-inspired performers The Satin Dollz are once again hosting enchanted evenings at the USA Brooklyn Delicatessen in Times Square. Drawing on the timeless classics of the ‘40s and ‘50s, the Satin Dollz give a high-energy performance as they weave their way through the aisles while you dig into first-rate comfort food. Expect plenty of sizzle and sass. Show nights are weekly, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, no cover charge.

NEW ART
gerber fotografiska nature

© Lori Nix & Kathleen Gerber, Library

Fotografiska New York is a museum experience for the modern world, with a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other NYC museum. Music is playing throughout, drinks from coffee to cocktails to champagne are served and allowed anywhere in the museum, and they’re open late every night. New exhibition Human / Nature: Encountering Ourselves in the Natural World draws on 14 prominent artists exploring our complex relationship with nature.

PINK PIER POP UP

Think pink. For the second year, Watermark's Pink Pier brings together Instagrammable moments and panoramic views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. You'll find heated glasshouses, a floral hallway, themed food and drink, and all kinds of photo ops. Through March 31st.

GAME ON

There's a new recreation spot open in the Seaport. Lawn Club's indoor and outdoor games include Bocce, Cornhole, Croquet, Shuffleboard, Beersbee, Kan Jam, and its own exclusive Putting Pool. Dedicated "Lawncierges" facilitate the fun and there are also two bars for food and drink and big-screen TVs.

THE BEAM

beam rock center

Image courtesy of Rockefeller Center.

Top of the Rock has a new thrill, and a new way to memorialize a visit here. Re-create an iconic 1932 photo as you're strapped onto a modern version of The Beam and lifted 12 feet above the observation deck. (The Beam rotates for even better views.)

WORLD OF AI-MAGINATION

Credit: ARTECHOUSE.

Head to the historic boiler room of Chelsea Market to experience the immersive space ARTECHOUSE, NYC's original home for digital art. You’ve never seen art like this before, as room-sized digital projections merge with sound design to create a cinematic experience. Open up fresh horizons at ARTECHOUSE’s new show, World of AI·magination, a stunning large-scale experiential digital artwork. The show is a testament to the collaboration between human ingenuity and cutting-edge machine learning, involving the creation of over a million unique data sets. The result, with its mesmerizing audio-visual components, is a poetic homage to the ageless power of imagination.

NYC SPRING MARKET

grand bazaar

Every Sunday on the Upper West Side you can check out Grand Bazaar NYC, the city’s largest curated market—and most distinctive. This week you’ll also find the NYC Spring Market. Shop like an insider for one-of-a-kind fashion, limited-edition accessories, original art, bespoke pottery, stationery, home goods, and rare vintage finds that can’t be found anywhere else. Come hungry! There are great artisanal bites as well. 10am-5pm, both indoors and out. 

CULTURAL THINGS TO DO IN NYC

Photo: Sari Goodfriend.

The Climate Museum’s new exhibition, The End of Fossil Fuel, is now open. The show explores the roots of the current crisis while also sharing the stories of victories by climate justice communities. A 45-foot mural by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie envisions a just future. There's also a sticker wall, where visitors  can commit to action. The exhibition and its related programming are all free. Extended through April 26th.

forester's house klimt

Forester's House in Weissenbach II (Garden), Gustav Klimt 1914 (detail).

The Neue Galerie expands perspectives on Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) with a special show of the artist's landscapes. Highlights from the museum's holdings are joined by important loans. Klimt Landscapes will be up through May 6th.

secret world of elephants dwarf

Photo by Linda Sheridan.

How do elephants “hear” with their feet, use the 16 muscles in their trunks, or reshape the forests and savannas they live in? The Secret World of Elephantsa new interactive exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History, explores the astounding minds, bodies, and interactions of the Earth's largest land mammals.

beatrix potter morgan

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Mrs. Rabbit pouring out the tea for Peter while her children look on, 1902-1907. Linder Bequest. Museum no. BP.468. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London/courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

The Morgan Library & Museum is a showcase for both its rare books and its exquisite Italian Renaissance-style palazzo setting.  On view now, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature tells the life story of Beatrix Potter, one of the 20th century’s best-loved authors. The exhibition brings together artwork, books, manuscripts, and artifacts. 

akc museum of the dog

In a city where dogs seem to be prancing down every street corner, and napping by every outdoor table, it’s no surprise that there’s an entire museum dedicated to them. The permanent collection at the AKC Museum of the Dog includes a treasure trove of dog-related art and artifacts, from watercolors and prints to bronzes and ceramics (including some of the world’s finest porcelain makers, from Royal Doulton to Meissen).

museum of food and drink

The Museum of Food and Drink is back open, in a new home at Empire Stores in DUMBO. The latest exhibition, Flavor: The World to Your Brain, was designed by food scientists and culinary anthropologists.

Get out in the fresh air on Saturdays and Sundays for weekly walking tours of Sinister Secrets of the Seaport, hosted by the Seaport Museum. Learn the scandals lurking in the cobblestone streets across two centuries. There's also an “Ear for Crime” interactive game and a drink at the bar.

coburn grey art museum

Ralph Coburn, Aux Bermudes, 1951–52. Oil on six painted panels, painted wood, 28 3/4 x 55 1/4 in. Private collection, New York. Courtesy David Hall Gallery, LLC.

There's a new location and an upgraded identity for an NYU gallery, with the launch of the Grey Art Museum. Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France, 1946–1962 features 130 paintings, sculptures, photos, films, textiles, and works on paper by nearly 70 artists, providing a fresh perspective on a vibrant era.

Shushank Shrestha; Male Guardian Lion Dog (one of a pair from Two Guardian Lion Dogs); 2023; ceramic, in glaze lustre; 52 × 27 × 44 in.; photo courtesy of Shuhank Shrestha, Massachusetts, USA.

The Rubin Museum of Art will be closing the doors to its building in October. But there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy a visit, including the final in-person show. Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now is a museum-wide group show of 32 contemporary artists whose work is presented in dialogue with objects from the Rubin’s permanent collection.

More on NYC museums can be found here.

IMMERSIVE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

glow gala madame tussauds

New York City is famous for its gala culture. For the first time ever, you can immerse yourself in the scene right in Times Square. The Madame Tussauds flagship holds 19 celebrity figures, including new and never-before-seen wax figures of Ariana Grande and P. Diddy, at the Glow Gala.

icons of horror madame tussauds

(If your tastes are darker, don’t miss Madame Tussauds’s Warner Bros. Icons of Horror, displaying chillingly lifelike wax figures within four fully immersive scenes. Celebrate legends, including Pennywise and Regan from The Exorcist. If you dare.)

THINGS TO DO IN NYC: LIVE PERFORMANCES

LIVE BEATS & MORE DOWNTOWN

Downtown has one destination for eclectic, compelling music. The programming at the East Village’s Drom runs from jazz, rock, electronic, soul, and funk to international music.  Sample the world from within an authentic New York space this week. JoAnna Ross Dan Goodman photo Paul Park

JoAnna Ross and Dan Goodman, photo by Paul Park.

Drom is also your local choice for comedy and pole dancing. Schtick A Pole In It has for the past 9 years been NYC's best (and only) comedy and pole dancing show. Comics tell jokes and pole dancers pole dance. Laugh lines alternate with death-defying tricks. If you don't see shows like this, why are you even paying NYC rents? The show has just expanded to four dates a month as part of an open-ended run. Tickets and more information are here

LIVE JAZZ

jazz lincoln center dizzys performance

Photo by Lawrence Sumulong.

For world-class musical experiences, head to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate Dizzy’s Club. You’ll find a warm ambiance, a tasty seasonal menu, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. There are shows nightly, in addition to Late Night Sessions Thursdays through Saturdays, starting at 11pm. Monday, the Domo Branch Big Band takes the stage for a high-energy evening of new music and classic tunes. Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen and his exploratory trio perform on Tuesday, while bebop torchbearer Sheila Jordan brings her improvisatory trio Wednesday, March 20th. 

THE ORIGINAL NYC TALENT SHOW

For coming up on 15 years, The Original NYC Talent Show has stood out as a rare stage experience showing off the eccentric, unparalleled talent native to New York City. A relaunch sees it taking up residence at the Parkside Lounge on Monday nights. The weekly show features artists, musicians, dancers, comedians, and guests who defy classification.

EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

statue of liberty crown

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash.

After a long Covid pause, the crown of Lady Liberty is once again open to visitors. This icon requires a 162-step climb (there is no elevator) but will reward you with an entirely unique perspective on the city. Along a double-helix spiral staircase you'll see the intricate structure that keeps the statue standing, capped by 25 windows overlooking New York Harbor.

CALLING ALL SWIFTIES

“I Bet You Think About Me” video still: courtesy of TAS Rights Management.

Calling all Swifties! The Museum of Arts and Design has launched a new career-spanning look at the 12-time Grammy winner. Taylor Swift: Storyteller shows off concert and music video fashion, along with props, jewelry, and ephemera. Projections of music videos round out the experience, which uses timed tickets to limit crowding. Thru March 24th.

BUCKET LIST

Ever since its 1931 completion, the Empire State Building has been the most famous skyscraper in the world. It remains a vital part of NYC and an inspiration to the millions who ascend to the ESB observation deck in every season. For a limited time, you can be among the first in the city to see the new day dawning from 86 stories up. The Starbucks Reserve Sunrise Experience, available on Saturday mornings, provides early bird access to the observatory deck. Tickets include Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend Coffee, artisanal pastries, and views of a lifetime. Perfect for bucket lists!

A PRE-THEATRE SPECIAL

A classic New York experience awaits at the Brooklyn Diner, which takes inspiration from “the old neighborhood.” Diner favorites like Reubens, burgers, chicken soup, and pot pies are joined by lighter fare like tacos, teriyaki salmon, and entree salads. Pre-theatre, the Times Square location is serving a juicy hanger steak, crisp salad, and bottomless fries special—all for just $33. Available daily 5-7pm.

A NEW INDO CHINESE MENU!

utsav indo chinese noodles

Woman-owned Utsav Indian Cuisine has been serving NYC fresh and flavorful Indian cuisine for more than twenty years. A recently introduced Indo Chinese menu brings new flavors to Times Square/the Theater District for the first time. You'll find fried rice, noodles, appetizers like chili prawn dry and chicken lollipops, and entrees like fish with hot garlic sauce and lamb with chili soya sauce. (Chefs are trained in the Calcutta style of Chinese food, where the cuisine has its home in India.) Don't miss the new Bengali selection!

HAVANA IN TIMES SQUARE HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL

havana central empanada

Havana Central has introduced 1/2 price empanadas during Happy Hour at the bar! Diners must purchase a drink, 3 empanadas max per drink purchase. Available in the bar only, Monday-Friday from 3-7pm. Choose from a variety of homemade savory pockets including beef, chicken, cheese, shrimp, and ropa vieja! Havana Central also features Happy Hour drink specials including $7 classic mojitos, classic margaritas, and red sangria, in addition to other specials.

WHAT TO DO IN NYC

Stay in the loop with:

  • The week’s best activities delivered to your email box with our free newsletter

  • Everything to Do NYC Facebook Group, which has real-time tips and advice from New York City experts

  • The city's latest openings and happenings on City Guide's Instagram

AN INTERACTIVE MUSEUM TOUR FOR THEATER FANS

fable & lark met tours

Fable & Lark: Storied Adventures, which specializes in interactive museum tours inspired by great stories, is releasing its first post-pandemic tour, Staged: The Museum Tour for People who Love Theater. Staged looks at the development of theater through the lens of artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, from early Greek statues of actors to depictions of stories that inspired Broadway musicals. Interspersed with activities and questions about theater, the tour takes participants across the museum and across cultures to see the ways artists have worked the theme of theater into their creations for thousands of years. Participants should bring their T (theater) game, and maybe even be prepared to do a little acting, because, after all, all the world’s a stage. Sundays at 11am.

BINGO LOCO

Join the bingo revolution. Bingo Loco juices the caller and card routine with dance-offs, lip-synch battles, confetti showers, and prizes that run from lawnmowers to international vacations. At Brooklyn Monarch every other Saturday through May 11th.

ROM-COM SITE TOUR

Photo: Johnn/Flickr.

New York City set the scene for some of the most iconic moments in romantic comedy. See them first-hand as the Rom-Com Movie Sites Tour relaunches. On Location Tours will take fans on two-hour bus tours past landmarks from films like When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, and You've Got Mail, on the way to a sweet Serendipity3 finish.

THE SECRET SIDE OF ELLIS ISLAND

hard hat tour ellis island

hodgepodge brigade/Flickr

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital Complex. This gateway to America for millions of people is accessible again via City Statue Cruises—the only ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. (If you opt for the Hard Hat Tour Ticket and its 90-minute guided tour of the hidden part of Ellis Island you'll get round-trip ferry service and audio Tours of Liberty and Ellis Islands.) The art exhibition "Unframed—Ellis Island," by renowned French artist JR, is on display throughout the hospital complex. Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays. 

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE CITY?

end of summer nyc collage

City Guide brings you “Everything to Do NYC,” a community of people helping each other get everything we can from the city. Looking for a restaurant? Ask ETD. Want to share a great find? Let us know about it. It’s your go-to group for how to get everything you can from everything in New York. facebook.com/groups/everythingtodonyc

TALKS, LECTURES, AND EVENTS

Thought Gallery has hundreds of livestream talks, lectures, performances, and more. Check out sessions with celebs, live concerts, and opportunities to learn the latest on everything from science to philosophy to social justice.

NEW YORK'S ACTIVITY AUTHORITY

Get editors’ curated recommendations and have more fun:

march 28 2024 city guide

About the Author

Ethan Wolff is the author of numerous guidebooks to New York, having covered the city for more than two decades. He has written for New York Magazine, BlackBook, and Details, among others. In addition to his work as the editor of City Guide, Ethan covers NYC’s talk and lecture scene for the website Thought Gallery. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Windsor Terrace neighborhood of Brooklyn.

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