Looking for what to do in NYC today, or this week, or this weekend (6/1-6/8)? 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 weekend
• Cultural things to do in NYC
• Immersive things to do in NYC
• Even more things to do in NYC
• Live performances this week in NYC

THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS WEEK AND WEEKEND

POW WOW

Native American heritage and the diversity of New York City come together on Sunday in Inwood. The 24th Annual Drums Along the Hudson: A Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration features an open-air pow wow with drummers and dancers from around the world, plus native arts & crafts, storytelling, and international foods.

FOOD FEST

Get out on the waterfront on Sunday when the Brooklyn Army Terminal hosts Summer at the Terminal: Ferry Food Fest 2026. Local eats, music, and community will come together as part of a full summer season with al fresco films, markets, and family-friendly programming.

STREET FAIR

Montague Street closes to traffic and opens to pedestrians on Sunday this weekend (and the next three Sundays as well). This session, FAD Market will be there, with a lively outdoor market featuring 60+ stalls. Look for a curated mix of handmade jewelry, apparel, home goods, and artisanal treats.

GREEK FEST

The 50th Anniversary edition of The Brooklyn Greek Festival continues through Sunday in Brooklyn. Traditional Greek cuisine from gyros and souvlaki to moussaka and baklava leads the way, with showcases of Greek music and dance as well.

TACO & TEQUILA FEST

The fourth New York Taco & Tequila Festival goes off on Saturday at BK Backyard Bar. Try out a wide selection of margaritas, small-batch tequilas, and Mexican beers, along with some of the city's top tacos. Three- and five-pack taco sets are available. Also DJs and 30 TVs in a roomy outdoor setting.

TONYS WATCH PARTY

Join fellow theatre fans as QED streams the 79th annual Tony Awards live on Sunday. There will be musical theatre sing-alongs and Tonys trivia during commercial breaks and prizes for the most accurate ballots (get some help from City Guide's picks here). On the Manhattan side, 54 Below is hosting a benefit awards-viewing party on Sunday; come back Monday for The 54onys: 54 Celebrates The Tony Awards, with Tonys trivia and performances by rising stars.

BEACH CLUB POP UP

Escape from the city (without leaving the city) and enjoy live-fire cooking, sunset parties, and special guest chef dinners on the sand at beach bar Taco Vista. Starting this weekend, Theodora Beach Club, Presented by Resy brings Fort Greene Mediterranean spot Theodora to an island pop-up, with access to an after-hours bar included in the tickets.

MUSEUM OF THE WEEK

Join Poster House this week for a First Friday with free admission and extended hours. Explore the latest exhibitions, including Act Black: Posters from Black American Stage & Screen (seen here), and take advantage of a screening, tour, drop-in printmaking, happy hour, and even some line dancing.

For uptown museum action, note that the annual Museum Mile festival takes place next Tuesday, June 9th.

BACK ON THE WATER

Explore New York by water aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer. Sailings from Pier 16 have started up again for the season. Trips include daytime, sunset, and programmatic (they'll even let you pitch in and raise a sail). Bring a bottle of wine and make a date night out of it.

SPA POP UP

Simply Lemonade is bringing a two-day spa pop-up to NYC, offering a refreshing approach to wellness. Knowing New Yorkers are craving moments to unwind but don’t always have time for elaborate self-care routines, Simply Lemonade is offering a simple and refreshing escape, inviting guests to unwind with complimentary lemonade and spa treatments, including a cane sugar hand scrub and a brightening mini-facial. The experience is free to attend and open to consumers on Friday, June 5th (noon-7pm) and Saturday June 6th (11am-7pm) on the Lower East Side.

NEW IMMERSIVE

A new immersive space shows off vivid art in Bushwick. ALIUME Art Gallery features three dozen original artworks by artist Alex Aliume that transform through visible light, ultraviolet fluorescence, and phosphorescent afterglow, creating a unique glow-in-the-dark immersive environment.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

A New York City tradition has returned as Shakespeare in the Park launches its 2026 season. First up, an appearance by Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, back in Central Park for the first time in nearly two decades. Romeo & Juliet plays through June 28th, with The Winter's Tale arriving in late July.

LIVE ON STAGE

Awarded the Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below in Midtown West evokes the ambiance of a 1920s speakeasy while providing unforgettable nightlife experiences. This Friday and Saturday, Grammy and Emmy winner Will Roland (Billions, above) makes his 54 Below solo debut with a brand-new show that weaves songs from Broadway classics together with deep cuts from the pop, rock, and emo canon. Also on Saturday, in the later slot, 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits delivers fan favorites in a cabaret performance celebrating 11 record-breaking years. The 79th annual Tony Awards are Sunday and 54 is hosting a benefit awards-viewing party; come back Monday for The 54onys: 54 Celebrates The Tony Awards, with Tonys trivia and performances by rising stars. Also Monday, a powerhouse lineup comes together for The Cast of MJ The Musical Presents: The Jam.

PUPPET CRAFT

Image: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

Get behind the scenes of Broadway magic with The Craft of Broadway Puppetry, a new special exhibition now open at The Museum of Broadway. The show explore how puppets—from hand-and-rod versions to string marionettes—are built for the stage.  A menagerie of animal puppets from Life of Pi are joined by other contemporary characters and a recreation of a puppet-building workshop.

WATERMARK BEACH IS BACK

Pier 15 in the Seaport gets the jump on summer with the opening of Watermark Beach. Frozen cocktails complement skyline and river views, with palm trees adding to the tropical vibes. Look for seasonal faves like tacos, tuna tartare, smash burgers, coconut shrimp, and freshly shucked oysters.

STREET FAIR

JAPAN Fes is the largest Japanese street fair in the world. Running into October, the 2026 run is underway with authentic Japanese street food. NYC-inspired collaborations, and a side of Japanese culture.

BROOKLYN FLEA

The promise of warmer weather has brought the Brooklyn Flea back outdoors. Now reopened under the Manhattan Bridge, look for vintage finds, handmade goods, and tasty bites.

NEW INTERACTIVE

Explore NYC through a sweet lens at new interactive i Candy NYC, now open at One Times Square. Visitors can make their way through reimagined New York neighborhoods, Central Park, and a lively Underground—gathering candy all the way (three floors full of candy!!). There's also a custom Candy Shop and tons of photo ops.

NEW IMMERSIVE

If you've ever wished you could experience a Roman spectacle up close, Eclipso has a new virtual reality journey for you. You'll meet ancient gods, senators, citizens, and the gladiator Flamma, who lived to fight 30 times, choosing glory over freedom. Years of research went into Colosseum, The Legendary Arena, bringing both a sense of the scale and an attention to historical detail.

NEW IMMERSIVE

If you've ever wanted to know how you'd do on a game show you can now find out at a new midtown immersive. The Great Big Game Show turns audiences into contestants in a high-energy, TV-style competition. Teams face off through a series of fast-paced games that mix trivia, strategy, and fun, complete with stages, lights, music, and a live host.

NEW IMMERSIVE ART

Catch an immersive with a Radiohead slant, now open at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Motion Picture House is a large-scale audiovisual installation and art gallery, It's purpose built to showcase KID A MNESIA, a 75-minute movie that blends the architecture of the house with the world of the film, built from art created by Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood during the Kid A and Amnesiac recording sessions. Rendered in 6-point surround sound. Through. June 28.

NEW IMMERSIVE RECHARGE

Photo courtesy The Hum.

Ancient sound practices meet the latest tech at The Hum. This first-of-its-kind sound journey delivers vibrations across the body as part of an immersive experience that will have you reset, recharged, and restored.

RAISE THE TITANIC

The Titanic's planned arrival point, Pier 59 on the Hudson, is less than two miles from virtual reality spot Eclipso. You can now explore the doomed liner like never before with a new free-roaming VR experience. Titanic, Echoes From the Past dives 3,800 meters below the surface of the Atlantic for a look at grand interiors and the ship's famous final moments.

IMMERSIVE THEATRE

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Photo by Oscar Ouk.

The Phantom of the Opera gets the Sleep No More treatment. Enter the Opera House and immerse yourself in the ghost hunt, accompanied by a polished cast. Masquerade runs through September 6th.

NOW OPEN!

The world’s first photobooth museum has just opened to the public on the Lower East Side. Visitors to AUTOPHOTO can create vintage-inspired photos and check out an overlooked history. Rare formats are available, plus artifacts that date back to the technology’s invention in New York City a century ago.

AMAZE

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Photo by Danny Kaan.

In his internationally acclaimed show, magician Jamie Allan combines state-of-the-art technology with timeless conjuring techniques. In an open run at New World Stages, Amaze is a story-driven show that has the audience feeling like part of the magic. 

NEW IMMERSIVE

A new immersive experience has launched at Chelsea Piers. Arte Museum New York leads guests through 14 zones themed around “Eternal Nature.” A multisensory approach includes soundscapes, custom scents, and all kinds of interactive elements.

NEW IMMERSIVE

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Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology is a pioneering cultural institution that sprawls across a historic bank building in Lower Manhattan. Now open is Maestros and the Machines, a new exhibit that reimagines the works of greats like da Vinci, Mozart, and Hokusai through the lens of cutting-edge technology. Conceived and directed by artist Roy Nachum, the show asks the provocative question, “What happens when the timeless mastery of iconic artists meets the disruptive power of modern technology?” Visitors explore 15 experimental exhibition spaces full of unique listening encounters and interactions with reimagined masterpieces­—works that breathe, shift, and transform as they respond to the viewer. A key collaborator here is music producer Timbaland, known for his groundbreaking work in sound design. His work joins contributions from leaders in design, space, and digital art to create a cohesive, transformative experience.

“Albion Printing Press” 1844. Hopkinson & Cope, manufacturer. Gift of Leonard,Fred, and Bill Schlosser, South Street Seaport Museum 1976.022.

Getting in the spirit of America 250, the South Street Seaport Museum has opened a new exhibition with a look at some of the nation's founding documents. The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation traces the evolution of America’s founding ideals, highlighting New York’s central role in this history—among the rarities you can see up close are copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

FREE FRIDAY NIGHTS

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Claude Monet. Water Lilies. 1914–26. Oil on canvas, three panels. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Mrs. Simon Guggenheim Fund. Photo: Gus Powell.

MoMA has expanded its Free Fridays to a weekly affair, available to all New York residents. Explore the galleries after hours, join drop-in drawing sessions, see films, shop, and grab a bite or drinks at this week's edition of UNIQLO Friday Nights.

TATTOOS (AND TOURS!)

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Daredevil Tattoo Shop & Museum specializes in custom tattooing, with artists versatile in all styles, whether it’s a first tattoo or a full sleeve. The location is just a few blocks from the birthplace of modern tattooing. The first professional tattooer was Martin Hildebrandt (active since at least 1858) and the Daredevil collection includes photos and ephemera from two of his most notable clients, the first American tattooed man and tattooed lady. In addition to other historic artwork on display, there’s a Thomas Edison perforating pen, and a special display on “Liberty the Tattooed Lady.” The museum is free to visit and is part of the shop. (Proprietor Michelle Myles is not only a tattoo artist, she’s also a licensed NYC tour guide and offers walking tours focused on the tattoo history of the Bowery and the Lower East Side.)

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

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Madame Tussauds New York pulls back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes tour, newly launched. For the first time ever you can access the attraction's studio and see the work that goes into making and maintaining the world's most famous wax figures. You'll see the intricate painting and sculpting process (every single hair has to be set in by hand), plus a look at clothes and accessories—many straight from celebrity closets!

CULTURAL THINGS TO DO IN NYC

INTREPID MUSEUM

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A visit to the former aircraft carrier that’s now the Intrepid Museum is a step inside a living time capsule, an immersive experience that takes in maritime history, space exploration, and the evolution of aviation. The latest exhibition here features a World War II FG-1D Corsair, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. It’s one of the only surviving examples of this aircraft, which played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater. The exhibit centers around the story of Alfred Lerch, a decorated Corsair pilot from Intrepid’s VF-10 squadron, who achieved “ace in a day” status by downing seven enemy aircraft in just a single day of combat. The installation is part of a new hangar deck exhibition filled with never-before-seen artifacts, oral histories, images, videos, and more.

Paul Klee, "Fire at Full Moon (Feuer bei Vollmond)," 1933, 353. Mixed media on canvas, 19 3/4 × 25 1/2 in. (50 × 65 cm). Museum Folkwang, Essen, G 284. © 2026 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Swiss-German artist Paul Klee (1879–1940) was a highly innovative painter whose work bridged Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. The Jewish Museum has launched the first U.S. museum exhibition to explore his powerful creative output in the final unsettled decade of his life. Paul Klee: Other Possible Worlds traces the artist’s experience amid the political upheaval of the 1930s, providing a new perspective on his work through his resistance to Nazi ideology and commitment to artistic freedom. The exhibition features 100 paintings and drawings, including select works from the artist's early years.

Thilo Oerke and Rosita Tonmöbel, Rosita Vision 2000, 1971; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Accessions Committee purchase, by exchange, through a gift of Michael D. Abrams; photo: Don Ross.

From concert posters to record albums, phonographs to digital music players, and handheld radios to sound systems, the new exhibition “Art of Noise” explores how design has transformed our relationship to music. Don't miss the immersive audio installations—now open at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

Awarded to New York City Football Club in 2021, this MLS Cup championship ring features dazzling diamonds surrounding the club’s logo. Credit: Alvaro Keding & Daniel Kim/©AMNH.

Sports meets culture at the new American Museum of Natural History exhibition For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence. Take advantage of a rare chance to get up close with championship rings, trophies, and medals, like a Jesse Owens gold medal from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the National Football League’s Vince Lombardi Trophy, and the MLS Cup championship ring pictured here.

Rendering of the expanded New Museum at 235 Bowery. Courtesy OMA/bloomimages.de

After a two year hiatus, the New Museum has reopened its doors. The museum is showing off a new addition (above at right) that doubles its footprint. The first exhibition up is New Humans: Memories of the Future, which spans the entire museum, joined by several major new long-term commissions.

Image: Museum of Food and Drink

Can you imagine New York without street food? For centuries, immigrant entrepreneurs have shaped the city’s culture, one hot dog and halal plate at a time. The Museum of Food and Drink's newest exhibition Street Food City, now open, celebrates NYC’s smallest food businesses and reveals the hidden world behind the cart.

Ash Arder, “Consumables” (2023), display refrigerator, solar-powered battery storage system, shea butter, butter, chocolate, plastic, and light.

The 82nd edition of the Whitney Biennial—the longest-running survey of contemporary art in the United States—features the work of 56 creators. This New York favorite reflects the current moment, with looks at interknit themes like family, shared mythologies, interspecies kinships, and the all-too-timely geopolitical entanglements.

It's been nearly half a century since this cultural icon appeared, breaking the mold of video games. Now open, The Paley Museum celebrates with 45 Years of PAC-MAN, a new exhibit that leads visitors on a journey through the evolution of the game. Gameplay, artifacts, and insight into a multimedia legacy cutting across global culture are all part of the experience. Through May 31st.

Shiva as Vinadhara (Player of the Vina). India, Tamil Nadu; Chola period, about 970. Copper alloy. H. 27 3/4 in. (70.5 cm); W. 17 5/8 in. (44.8 cm); D. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm). Asia Society, New York: Gift of Hope Aldrich, 2024.1

In celebration of Asia Society’s 70th anniversary, Asia Society Museum presents Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon: Celebrating 70 Years of Asia Society and the Rockefeller Legacy. Open now, the new show displays 70 of the finest examples of Asian art in the U.S. Look for spectacular Buddhist and Hindu sculptures along with rare Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics.

Installation view of the exhibition "Marcel Duchamp," April 12, 2026–January 31, 2027. Photograph by Jonathan Dorado.

Artist and trickster Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968) is the subject of a major Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) retrospective, his first U.S. show in over half a century. Duchamp had a hand in modern art movements from Cubism to Surrealism to Pop and the exhibition covers multiple mediums across nearly 70 years. Look for a sweeping survey of Duchamp's multifaceted career, with 300 works of art on display.

Millions of people have seen it on TikTok but this is the public's first opportunity to check it out up close: Joe Macken’s extraordinary handmade model of New York City. Featuring more than one million buildings, crafted by hand from everyday materials, it's an incredible tribute to NYC. He Built This City: Joe Macken’s Model is now on view at the Museum of the City of New York.

Letter from Nathan Hale to Enoch Hale (detail). August 20, 1776. MS243, gift of Christian A. Zabriskie, 1938–1939.

Visiting Fraunces Tavern Museum feels like time travel, with exhibitions showing off the building’s long and important history, including serving as the site of General George Washington’s famous farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War. A new exhibition here looks at the United States’ road to independence, with a special focus on New York State and the surrounding areas. Part one of Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation spotlights the pivotal years 1775 to 1776. Personal letters, artifacts, and works of art from the museum’s permanent collection paint a picture of the Revolutionary War’s early defining moments, like the Declaration of Independence and the Battle for New York. Where better to explore New York City’s 400 years—and the U.S.A.’s 250—than at this historic structure, which has played a role in both?

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Image courtesy the Banksy Museum.

He may be anonymous, but he's one of the world's most famous artists. The world's largest collection of Banksy’s life-sized murals and artwork is now open in NYC. An immersive experience, the Banksy Museum also features some of the artist's studio work, animated visual elements, and videos.

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Encounters in the Milky Way image by Alvaro Keding / © AMNH

Find new ways to explore the cosmos with the new Hayden Planetarium Space Show at the American Museum of Natural History. Encounters in the Milky Way reaches billions of years into the past and fast forwards millions of years into the future. Narration is by Pedro Pascal, shown in a domed immersive planetarium format with advanced high-resolution projection.

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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).

More on NYC museums can be found here.

IMMERSIVE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

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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 at the Glow Gala.

THINGS TO DO IN NYC: LIVE PERFORMANCES

LIVE JAZZ

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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.  On Wednesday, rhythm, history, and Caribbean spirit come alive as Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sánchez brings his vibrant new project Tambó to the stage. Sánchez fronts a five-piece ensemble on piano and rhythm for this album release show.

EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

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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.

THE BEAM

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Image courtesy of Rockefeller Center.

Rockefeller Center is known for its world-class shopping, dining, art, and architecture. Look up to the Top of the Rock and one of New York’s most breathtaking views, where three floors of indoor and outdoor decks offer sweeping perspectives on the city. The observatory has two new additions for even more immersion in the skyline. One of the iconic images of New York City is a 1932 photo of 11 ironworkers casually eating lunch atop a steel beam positioned 69 stories in the sky. The shot was taken during construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and you can pose for a re-creation today. A modern version of The Beam lifts guests 12 feet above the observation deck, rotating to maximize the views.

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Another newcomer here is Skylift. A revolving platform rises three stories into the air, for panoramic views of the city and beyond. When you reach the top, Skylift captures your picture set against the backdrop of city landmarks—an ultimate memento.

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 select 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!

NEW FROM DAVID BURKE

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Midtown’s happy hour landscape just got happier with the launch of Park Ave Kitchen’s version. Presented daily from 4 to 7pm, options range from Carbonara Deviled Eggs to steak frites with unlimited frites, with $9 wines, $12 cocktails and $15 martini flights. The casual cafe side offers a nightly three-course dinner special for $33.99, dine in or take out. (There's also a great $65 pre-theater prix fixe from 4 to 7pm nightly, including Chef Burke signatures like lobster dumplings and bison short ribs.)

HAVANA IN TIMES SQUARE HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL

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. New! The Mega Mojito is New York's largest, using an insanely large glass to pack 5 mojitos into 1. Perfect for date night or a girls' night out!

WHAT TO DO IN NYC

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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.

We were named an expert in a Rent. article. Check out the featured article: Unique Things to Do in New York City: 8 NYC Must-Dos Off the Beaten Path | Rent.

NEW YORK'S ACTIVITY AUTHORITY

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