Looking for what to do in New York? We've got the latest on all the goings-on in NYC, from concerts to museum exhibitions to comedy to the best in city sightseeing. Summer may be coming to an end, but NYC's vibrant entertainment scene is gaining momentum! Grand Central has a Summer Send-Off with FREE Broadway performances, the Jazz Age Lawn Festival returns to Governors Island, plus Lady Gaga brings her Joanne Tour to Citi Field, and the Arthur Ashe Kids' Day helps kick off the next big NYC star-studded sports event: the US Open!
THE BIG EVENT
(8/23-8/24) Catching a train is only the beginning at Grand Central Terminal, a New York landmark that’s also great for shopping, dining, and architecture and history buffs. Families and theatre fans can get in on the scene with this year’s Summer Send-Off. The annual event features three days of family fun, from face painting and science to scavenger hunts with the New York Transit Museum. You can also catch live Broadway performers from hit shows like School of Rock, Kinky Boots, Cats, and Wicked. Get a FREE Grand Central gift with a $10 purchase from a Summer Send-Off vendor. 11:30am-2:30pm in Vanderbilt Hall.
(New! Ongoing) $16 Burger & Beer Weekdays, 11am-4pm, at Heartland Brewery Empire State Building.
EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK
Installation View: Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim. David Heald © Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, 2017.
(Final Weeks! Now-9/6) At the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim provides a chance to explore in-depth some of the key artists of this essential New York institution. Framed by the interests of six leading patrons, Visionaries brings together canvases from masters like Max Ernst, René Magritte, and Yves Tanguy, and sculptures by Joseph Cornell and Alberto Giacometti. In addition, Jackson Pollock’s Alchemy (1947) is being shown in the U.S. for the first time in nearly 50 years. More than a dozen works on paper by Picasso and Van Gogh, rarely on view to the public, can be seen in the Thannhauser Gallery, and paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, and Édouard Manet are displayed on the museum’s legendary ramps.
PLUS
(Now-10/15/17) The Duchess of Carnegie Hall: Photographs by Editta Sherman exhibition at the New-York Historical Society highlights the career of the renowned female photographer, who was also fashion legend Bill Cunningham's friend and the subject of his Facades series. The exhibition features portraits of 65 notable film stars, authors, musicians, and athletes, including actress Kim Hunter, country music star June Carter Cash, actress Tilda Swinton, and authors Betty Smith and Pearl Buck.
(New!) At the Museum of the Moving Image, The Jim Henson Exhibition. This permanent exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of the famed Muppet creator, exploring both his prolific career and the enduring effect his work has on pop culture. Visitors will learn more about the creation of such beloved works as The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labryinth, as well as discovering the cutting-edge experimental works Henson made throughout his career.
(Now-1/7/18) The photographs in the new exhibit American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times at the New-York Historical Society convey the sensation you’ve seen them before: JFK in the White House, his kids joyfully playing nearby; JFK with wife Jackie at an event, both of them elegant and assured (in truth, many images here have only rarely been shown). It’s part of the famous Kennedy allure, conveying a world that’s simultaneously approachable, glittering, and rarefied. This well-curated exhibition charts JFK’s trajectory as a politician, as well as the cultural and historical pulse of the times, when photojournalism was at an apex. It’s s a wonderful opportunity to observe a world both familiar and lost, and to reflect on where the country was—and is.
(Now-10/1) Frank Lloyd Wright: Unpacking the Archive opens at MoMA. MoMA’s acquisition of 55,000 drawings, 300,000 pages of letters, 125,000 photos, and 2,700 manuscripts, along with models, movies, and other memorabilia inspired this exhibit, timed to coincide with Wright’s 150th birthday.
(Now-10/29) CHIHULY at the The New York Botanical Garden features nearly two dozen breathtaking works of art by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly at NYBG in his first major garden exhibition in more than ten years in New York. And on Thursdays in August, enjoy CHIHULY Nights, 6:30pm-9:30pm.
(Now-9/3) World War I Beyond the Trenches at the New-York Historical Society features powerful works by artists like John Singer Sargent, George Bellows, and Georgia O’Keeffe, joined by artifacts from the museum’s collection (propaganda posters, letters, sheet music, uniforms, and military gear) that provide insightful context. The New-York Historical Society's Fourth Floor Renovation, now complete, includes a brand new Tiffany Lamps Gallery, in addition to the opening of its Women's History Center.
(Now-10/29) Drones: Is the Sky the Limit? at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It's the first major museum exhibition on pilotless aircraft to open in the U.S. The large-scale exhibition, which will be located in a 6,000-square-foot, custom-designed pavilion on the Museum's Pier 86, will reveal the history of drone technology, from its modern-day origins in World War I and its military development to its current applications in solving complex humanitarian challenges. Take $5 off admission with this coupon now!
Image courtesy of BIG Team/Rebuild by Design competition
(Ongoing) The Museum of the City of New York presents NY at Its Core. Ten years in the making, New York at Its Core tells the compelling story of New York’s rise from a striving Dutch village to today’s “Capital of the World.” The exhibition captures the human energy that drove New York to become a city like no other and a subject of fascination the world over. Entertaining, inspiring, important, and at times bemusing, New York City “big personalities,” including Alexander Hamilton, Walt Whitman, Boss Tweed, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan, Fiorello La Guardia, Jane Jacobs, Jay-Z, and dozens more, parade through the exhibition. Visitors will also learn the stories of lesser-known New York personalities, like Lenape chieftain Penhawitz and Italian immigrant Susie Rocco. Even animals like the horse, the pig, the beaver, and the oyster, which played pivotal roles in the economy and daily life of New York, get their moment in the historical spotlight. Occupying the entire first floor in three interactive galleries (Port City, 1609-1898, World City, 1898-2012, and Future City Lab) New York at Its Core is shaped by four themes: money, density, diversity, and creativity. Together, they provide a lens for examining the character of the city, and underlie the modern global metropolis we know today. mcny.org
(New) Chocolate aficionado Jacques Torres presents Choco Story New York, the city's first chocolate museum, in SoHo. Admission includes nine premium chocolate tastings of white, milk and dark varieties; original Mayan hot chocolate freshly ground by hand; and handmade chocolate truffles. There's a kids corner, too. $10-$15. 350 Hudson St. mrchocolate.com/museum
(Now-10/1) The legendary aircraft carrier that’s now the Intrepid, Sea, Air & Space Museum served three tours of duty in Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. Learn more about its experiences in the Gulf of Tonkin, launching aircraft for missions over mainland Vietnam, at the exhibit On the Line: Intrepid and the Vietnam War, featuring many artifacts displayed for the very first time.
COMEDY
(8/23) Netflix's Ari Shaffir & More at Stand Up NY. With Jason Salmon, Jared Freid, JTrain podcasts Jon Fisch, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's Liz Miele, and Comedy Central's Lenny Marcus.
(8/26-8/27) Amir K. at Gotham Comedy Club. Amir currently stars in the primetime CW reboot of MADtv and has been seen on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and MTV's Jerks with Cameras. Amir is best known for his stand-up comedy, but is also an accomplished actor. He won a SAG award for his role in the Oscar-winning film Argo and recently starred in The Pyramid.
KIDS
(8/26) 2017 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day: AAKD Stadium Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The day will be packed with tennis clinics and special guests, including Cici Bellis, one the brightest young stars in women’s tennis and the youngest player in the Top 50, plus two time US Open Champion Venus Williams, two time US Open Champion Rafael Nadal, plus performances by Sofia Carson, Jack & Jack, pop group Why Don't We, and more. arthurasheskidsday.com
(Now-8/27) Final weekend! Angry Birds Universe: fans of the popular Angry Birds games can join Red, Bomb, Stella, and the rest of the flock at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Queens this summer. The colorful birds land at the museum on July 1 for the U.S. premiere of Angry Birds Universe: The Art and Science of a Global Phenomenon. The summer exhibition uses activities to explore mass, energy, simple machines, architecture, and other science topics. Twenty hands-on exhibits place museum visitors inside the world of the Angry Birds games.
(Now-10/9) Eloise at the Museum at the New-York Historical Society reveals the creative collaboration between cabaret star Kay Thompson (1909-1998) and the young illustrator Hilary Knight (b. 1926) that brought the precocious character Eloise to life. The exhibition showcases more than 75 objects, ranging from original manuscript pages to sketchbooks, portraits, photographs, and vintage dolls.
(Ongoing) Blue Man Group at Astor Place Theatre. Best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows, Blue Man Group combines music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics to produce a unique form of entertainment. The hour and forty five minute show is fun for the whole family. The show recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
(Ongoing) Explore the beautiful interactive exhibit Connected Worlds at the New York Hall of Science in Queens.
For more kids activities, check out our sister site nymetroparents.com!
SIGHTSEEING
(Ongoing) At a time when the planet seems ever more divided, it’s amazing to be reminded that we all share one world. Gulliver's Gate is one of the most ambitious attractions to ever land in New York, a $40 million extravaganza that allows visitors to travel the earth without leaving Times Square. Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Europe are all here in incredibly detailed miniature, reflecting craftspeople’s work from around the globe. Through the wonder of 3D printing, visitors can also enjoy the thrill of having themselves (and their families) immortalized in 1:87 scale.
(New!) The largest VR entertainment center in the Western Hemisphere is New York’s latest attraction: VR World. Get inspired by virtual reality in a diverse space with three floors that bring culture, gaming, and entertainment together. With over 50 experiences to choose from, VR World offers an unforgettable experience that’s yours to create! Fight off droids, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, race Formula One cars against your friends, and create a 3D masterpiece. The adventures are limitless.
PLUS
(Ongoing) Day or night, the Manhattan skyline is a sight to behold. Circle Line Sightseeing sails year-round and has cruises of varying interests and lengths, including a 3-hour Best of NYC Cruise, a 2-hour Landmark Cruise, and a Harbor Lights Cruise for a romantic spring evening. Last year, Circle Line added its popular Landmark + Brooklyn Cruise. Guests can purchase food and drink from Brooklyn’s famed artisanal vendors, including Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Gin, Brooklyn Cupcake, Blue Marble Ice Cream, and cheesecakes from Junior’s. circleline42.com
Giving a shout out to A Slice of Brooklyn Tours, as they celebrate their 12th anniversary. They continue to bring locals and tourists alike the best Brooklyn Pizza, Christmas Lights, Chocolate Tours, and more. Founded by Brooklyn native and travel lover Tony Muia, the company has received Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor for the past six years! All tours conveniently depart and return to Union Square! Congratulations! Book your tour today!
(New!) Take a ride through time and learn about Downtown New York City's rich heritage with THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE. Enhanced with virtual reality technology (thanks to Timelooper), experience highlight moments in NYC's history like never before! Here's a coupon!
(Ongoing) No trip to New York City is complete without visiting the home of the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees. Game tickets may be scarce, but it’s easy to get the full experience with Yankee Stadium Tours, which offers exclusive access to the stadium. The tours also bring fans close to historic baseball artifacts like Babe Ruth’s bat, Lou Gehrig’s jersey, and rings and trophies. The Yankee Stadium Pregame Tour is a great option for fans who want early access to the stadium with a valid game ticket—fans can enjoy a guided tour through the New York Yankees Museum Presented by Bank of America, private access to legendary Monument Park before it opens to the public, and exclusive access to batting practice in Section 105.
(Ongoing) Read here for more about the Best NYC Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours!
(Ongoing) King Kong has made his way back to New York, the city he once terrorized (at least in the movies!), but this time, it's in wax form. The famed Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square welcomes a wax replica of King Kong’s head to its collection, providing visitors not only with a perfect photo op with the notorious gorilla, but an entire KONG: Skull Island experience.
(New) Every year, at 11:59pm on December 31st, people from all over the world are focused on the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. Millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the old year and celebrate the beginning of the new. Now you can get up close and personal with the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball at Ripley’s Believe It or Not—Times Square! Press the button yourself and ring in the New Year every day of the year. A home to rare artifacts and thrilling interactive exhibits, Ripley’s is for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the unexpected and the unbelievable. Here is a coupon.
(Ongoing) Grab a date or friend and enjoy the most incredible views of NYC at Top of the Rock.
(Ongoing) Take a one-hour tour of one of the world's most important buildings, the United Nations, now celebrating 71 years. (Tours offered weekdays only.)
NIGHTLIFE
(8/23) Bacon Brothers at City Winery.
(8/24, 9/1) Fireworks Friday Karaoke on the Boardwalk in Coney Island.
(8/24) Cooper Hewitt Cocktail Thursdays (final one of the season!).
(8/24) Cocktails for Canines at Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, noon-6pm. A special 'Yappy Hour' to meet and support therapeutic service dogs for veterans with PTSD. Sit, Stay and Enjoy a Tito's "Greyhound" or "Moscow Mule" custom crafted cocktail by one of the top mixologists at Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. And pick up an all-natural, slow-roasted gourmet dog bone for that special pooch in your life—$9 each. Proceeds from the dog bone sales and $5 of each cocktail will be donated to the Warrior Canine Connection.
(8/25) See It Big! 70mm presents The Right Stuff at the Museum of the Moving Image. This adaptation of the non-fiction novel by Tom Wolfe chronicles the first 15 years of America's space program. By focusing on the lives of the Mercury astronauts, including John Glenn (Ed Harris) and Alan Shepard (Scott Glenn), the film recounts the dangers and frustrations experienced by those involved with NASA's earliest achievements.
(8/26-8/27) Calling all jazz babies! The second and final Jazz Age Lawn Party of the season takes place on Governors Island! Put on your dancing shoes! jazzagelawnparty.com
(8/23-9/3) Evoking the ambience of a 1920s speakeasy, Feinstein’s/54 Below combines performances by Broadway’s best with innovative New American cuisine in an elegant setting. This summer, Michael Feinstein, “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” returns to the club that bears his name with Michael Feinstein: Showstoppers. Enjoy the greatest hits of Broadway, performed by its premiere interpreter, with Feinstein revealing fascinating backstories of the songs along the way. He’ll also be
bringing in some special guests, like Tony winner John Lloyd Young (8/23-8/27).
Click here for more information on NYC's Best Jazz Clubs.
SNEAK PEEK, NEXT WEEK
(8/28-9/10) The US Open is where the world’s greatest players compete in the world’s best city. Witness epic matches while enjoying world-class cuisine and cocktails like the tournament’s signature drink, the Honey Deuce. Located in New York City’s Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the US Open is played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the historic Arthur Ashe Stadium. Watch the top stars compete for the title—and witness Roger Federer make another run at history! From the tennis to the food, drinks, and celeb spotting opportunities galore, the US Open is the ultimate end of the summer event in NYC. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets before they’re gone.
PLUS
(8/28-8/29) Lady Gaga brings her Joanne Tour to Citi Field.
(8/31) From Sprinkles to Sundaes: The Evolution of Ice Cream in America at the Museum of Food and Drink. Celebrate the release of BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts with everything ice cream! James Beard Award-nominee Stella Parks and Max Falkowitz of Saveur will tell the story of New York City's ice cream saloons, discuss the history of ice cream sandwiches and chocolate sprinkles in Brooklyn, and demo a giant batch of homemade toffee. Grab a signed copy of BraveTart, and stick around for an ice cream sundae party featuring Häagen-Dazs, toppings made by Stella, and beer from Brooklyn Brewery.
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