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. This week, celebrate love of all forms on Valentine's Day, plus take advantage of great shopping sales during Presidents' Day Weekend at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Also, this week, the little ones will have fun and learn during Kids Week at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum!
THE BIG EVENT
(2/14, 2/17) Enjoy a romantic New York Valentine's Lunch/Dinner Cruises aboard Spirit of New York, Wednesday and also on Saturday.
Still looking for a special gift for your love? Click here for Valentine's Gift Ideas in NYC.
PLUS
(2/14) At BAM, there will be a special screening of Black Panther, with director Ryan Coogler in attendance! 7pm.
(2/16-2/18) Shop 'n' save, at the Presidents' Day Sale at The Mills at Jersey Gardens!
EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK
Li Xueliang
(Now-12/2/18)The China Institute has unveiled an exciting new exhibition called Art of the Mountain: Through the Chinese Photographer’s Lens. Featuring over 60 photographs from a range of modern Chinese photographers, this exhibition will allow visitors to consider the role of mountains in China’s geography, history, art, and philosophy.
PLUS
(2/16-2/18) IndieCade East returns to the Museum of the Moving Image. IndieCade East is the museum’s annual celebration of independent games and the people who make and play them. The exciting weekend features dozens of new and unreleased games, a packed schedule of talks, panels, and workshops by designers, developers, players, organizers, thinkers, activists, historians, critics, and provocateurs. IndieCade is the country’s premier Festival for independent video games, dedicated to the discovery, development, and recognition of independent designers and developers from around the world. Early Bird Festival Pass, $100. Get tickets here.
(Now-3/28) Artist Josef Albers was best known for his vivid abstract paintings. A new show at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum provides fresh context on that work with a focus on Albers’ black and white photographs, as well as his photo collages, in the newly opened Josef Albers in Mexico. Albers and his wife Anni traveled to Mexico many times over a period of more than 30 years, from 1935 through the 1960s. While there, they spent time at numerous archeological sites, from Uxmal to Chichen Itza. Albers took photos of everything from the landscape to shrines and monuments he encountered throughout the country; the resulting photo collages demonstrate his interest in geometric experimentation as seen through the influence of pre-Columbian art. The museum’s airy, somewhat stark interior is a perfect foil for both the photos and the rich, colorful geometric shapes. Wander through, and then wander through again. This one’s a treat.
(2/16-5/20) To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, the New-York Historical Society presents an exhibition of photographs and artifacts honoring these visionary leaders who irrevocably changed the United States. Rebel Spirits: Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. showcases approximately 60 photographs and 30 documents and artifacts that uncover the relationship between these historic figures.
(Permanent) Also, The New-York Historical Society's Fourth Floor Renovation, now complete, includes a brand new Tiffany Lamps Gallery, in addition to its Women's History Center.
(Permanent) The Jim Henson Exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image will celebrate the life and legacy of the famed Muppet creator, exploring both his prolific career and the enduring effect his work has on pop culture to this day. Visitors can expect to 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 to discover the cutting-edge experimental works Henson made throughout his career.
(2/16-2/19) John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City Music Hall.
PLUS
(2/16-2/17) Joe DeRosa at Gotham Comedy Club.
(2/16-2/18) Damon Wayans, Jr. at Carolines on Broadway.
(2/19) Todd Barry at The Comedy Cellar, taping his Netflix special live.
(Ongoing) Catch the latest and funniest on the comic strip at the LOL Times Square Comedy Club. Use promo code CITYGUIDE for 50% off tickets!
KIDS
Enterprise photo by Svetlana Jovanovic.
(2/18-2/24) The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum hosts its annual Kids Week, this year exploring the theme “Science Is Everywhere.” Kids will learn how to look for science in their favorite places, from the basketball court to the backyard, discovering how science intersects with art, sports, games, and nature. Fun-filled activities, performances, and visits from special guests take place all week long, suited to curious kids of all ages and interests. All Kids Week activities are free with museum admission.
PLUS
(2/16-2/18) Become a Master Builder at LEGO Live NYC at Pier 36.
(2/17) Meet George and Martha Washington at the New-York Historical Society during Presidents' Day Weekend! 11am-4pm.
(Now-2/19) Sesame Street Live: Let's Party! comes to The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street! Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood…get ready for Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! Join in the fun as the Sesame Street community discovers choosing a party theme is more challenging than they could have ever imagined. Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies; and move to the rhythm with Rosita.
For more kids activities, check out our sister site nymetroparents.com!
SIGHTSEEING
(2/16, 2/25) Chinese Lunar New Year. Chinatown is NYC's epicenter for the annual event, which will include a colorful parade and a street party on February 25th. The parade route goes from Mott and Canal to Chatham Square to East Broadway towards the Manhattan Bridge, completing on Eldridge and Forsyth Streets towards Grand Street next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Starts at 1pm. A related event, the Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival, takes place on 2/16, the first day of the new year, at 11am, with fireworks at noon.
PLUS
(Ongoing) Sweets for the Sweet! Grab your honey or friend this Valentine's Day for a cozy ride aboard A Slice of Brooklyn's Chocolate Tour, TripAdvisor's top-rated NYC tour company A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours has launched its Brooklyn Chocolate Tour, which visits artisanal chocolate sites Jacques Torres Chocolate in DUMBO, The Chocolate Room in Cobble Hill, Raaka in Red Hook, and Li-Lac Chocolates in Industry City, Sunset Park. Offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Grab the family or a friend for a spin on the iconic Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink.
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
(2/21) Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden.
PLUS
(2/14) Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters perform at the Beacon Theatre.
(2/14) For something a little more risque, check out Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentine's Spectacular at Highline Ballroom.
(2/14) The Sixth Annual Very Special Marc Cohn Valentine's Day Show w/special guest at City Winery.
(2/15) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds perform at Radio City Music Hall.
(2/15-2/17) Romeo Santos at Madison Square Garden.
(2/16) Blade Runner Bingo at Videology. Screening, bingo, and drinks, of course.
(2/16) Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, and Phil Collen at the Beacon Theatre.
( 2/16) Birdland Big Band at Birdland Jazz.
(Now-4/26) Ecstatic Music Festival at Kaufman Center.
(Ongoing) Listen to the hottest new talent out of Nashville at Opry City Stage!
(Ongoing) 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. Use our coupon and save 10%.
For information on LGBT nightlife, visit our brother site metrosource.com!
SNEAK PEEK, NEXT WEEK
(2/22, 3/1) Best Brews of NYC at Brookfield Place New York. Enjoy the best breweries from the 5 NYC boroughs as the Winter Garden transforms into a Winter Biergarten with new brews featured on tap each week! The People's Choice winner will be decided by the event's attendees, and the Juror's Choice winner will be determined by a panel comprised of a few of NYC's most notable beer connoisseurs, including Anne Becerra (the first woman in New York City to become a Certified Cicerone) and Josh Bernstein.
(2/22) Rachael Yamagata at City Winery.
(2/24) Bananarama at Play Station Theater (original lineup!).
_____________________________________________________________________
Like what you see here? Share it with your friends on Facebook! Find out more about what to do in February. We've got March covered, too!
