Rossilynne Skena Culgan

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place in the weeks before and after. What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com.   How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as

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

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

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: Governors Ball, Wave Hill's anniversary party, Sail GP, FAD Market, Latin Restaurant Week, and free ping pong—plus 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 June.  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. 

Friday, June 6: Pop on by Times Square today for some free ping pong. Every Friday, SPIN Midtown is setting up shop right in the center of the city, offering free outdoor ping pong from 4 to 7 pm all summer long. It’s rare to be in the greatest city on earth and not have plans, but if you’re stumped for things to do in NYC today, consider us your entertainment saviors. Daily, there are awesome events to stream and new attractions to see, but if you’re searching for something really specific like new happenings at the city’s top destinations or something low-budget—like free things to do—we have everything you need listed right here. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, and the all-Brooklyn BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer progresses, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2025 are things to do outside. When you’re not spending all your free time soaking up the sun at the best beaches or drinking atop the city’s finest rooftop bars, you'll be rocking your rainbow during the Pride March and catching Tribeca Festival screeners. Get your tickets now for the best happenings of the month and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for good weather. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

It’s America’s big day and we're here for it. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red-white-and-blue treats and drinks, head out for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC

A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2025 with a dazzling show. It's one of the best events to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC. What time is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? On Friday, July 4. The time hasn't been announced yet, but it's typically at 9:25pm. Where are the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? The show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. Macy's hasn't yet provided a list of best viewing spots, but you can expect miles of prime public viewing. What is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? Every year, the spectacular show launches 60,000 shells off of barges in the river. The extravaganza typically lasts 25 minutes and features numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes. Who will perform at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? Before the fireworks light up the sky, a star-studded line up will take the stage live from New York City. Performers haven't been announced yet.  Once the fireworks begin, you can tune in for a custom musical score to accompany the show.  What are the best places to watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks?  As for viewing locations, any anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River should do the trick. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for additional details on public viewing, as well as a city-

Get ready to use our NYC events in August calendar as your guide for ending the summer with a bang! This month is the last to take advantage of New York beaches and pools before they close for swimming in September. There are many more things to do outside this month, like enjoying incredible rooftops, going to the botanical garden and dining at night markets. This is the last full month of summer—make it count! RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

NYC is an amazing place to spend time outside. You can’t go wrong strolling the streets, chilling in a beautiful park, dining outside, admiring some public art, sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar or enjoying a street fair. But alas, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Rain, snow, heat, humidity, and even wildfire smoke can spoil outdoor plans. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities in NYC that make it worth leaving your apartment when the conditions outside are less than ideal. From world-class museums and slick mini golf spots to cozy bookstores, indoor climbing gyms and top-notch shopping, you can plan a day out without worrying about downpours, snowstorms, intense heat or whatever inconvenient weather may arise. Get out there and enjoy these indoor activities in NYC.

Some of the best things to do in summer are NYC events in July. Even after all the 4th of July events simmer down, there are still many awesome things to do for the duration of the month. After Independence Day, enjoy fantastic outdoor fun, hit up one of the city’s many rooftops and make sure to pencil in getting a tan at the best beaches in NYC while the weather is still hot, hot, hot.  RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Times Square will be both busier than ever and calmer than ever on Friday, June 20—the summer solstice—for the annual "Solstice in Times Square: Mind over Madness Yoga" event. Thousands of yoga practitioners will congregate from sunrise to sunset to take part in free yoga sessions throughout the day. This year, the event runs from 7:30am to 8:30pm at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 48th Streets. Over the past 23 years, this event has grown to welcome thousands of yogis taking multiple classes throughout the day and filling one of the busiest intersections in the world with peace and calm. Seven classes are available throughout the day; make a reservation for the in-person classes here. If you can't make it in person, you can livestream the class at TSQ.org/Solstice, on YouTube, or on the Times Square Facebook page.

Treat your ears to some free music at Battery Park City every Thursday evening this July. The Battery Park City's River & Blues Concert Series is a celebrated NYC summer tradition celebrating Global and American folk, roots and blues music. Expect to hear renowned artists on the cutting-edge of the jazz and blues scene. Picturesque Rockefeller Park serves as the an idyllic venue with breathtaking views of Hudson River sunsets, picnic-friendly fairgrounds and refreshing waterfront breezes. Here's the lineup: • July 10, Maggie Rose: After years on the Nashville music scene, Maggie Rose’s hard work was rewarded when her latest album, No One Gets Out Alive, was nominated for a Grammy award. • July 17, Amythyst Kiah: On her latest release Still + Bright, Amythyst Kiah’s storytelling is merged with a twist on rootsy alt-rock, exploring the struggle and joy of self-discovery. • July 24, Afro Latin Jazz Alliance: The award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill has enamored international audiences with its dynamic performances featuring the music of jazz legends and new compositions from the Latin music scene. • July 31, Lady Blackbird: Harnessing a mighty voice and fabulous regalia, Lady Blackbird effortlessly portrays heart-rending yearning in her jazz-soul sets.

Need some skating tips before you attempt to navigate Manhattan’s obstacle-ridden ice around the holidays? Head to this Queens arena, where dozens of weekly classes are available in addition to daily open sessions year-round. If you need to refuel after all that gliding, the World Ice Cafe serves rinkside grub during most public skating hours. Admission is $8 for weekdays and $12 for weekends and holidays; skate rental is $6. You must register online before you arrive to skate.

On this in-person walking tour, dig into the secrets of Lower Manhattan: a treasure trove of mysteries, obscurities, and hidden history waiting to be unearthed. Discover the lesser-known backstory, hidden gems, and untold secrets of this neighborhood. Whether you're an NYC local or a visitor, you'll learn lots about the city's time under Dutch rule, revolutionary history, and incredible works of art. Without ever leaving Manhattan, this tour will transport you to Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Time Out's very own Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Culgan will serve as your guide. Your $35 ticket includes the 90-minute walking tour and a signed copy of Culgan's book "Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure." Books can be personalized upon request. Register here for tours on Saturday, June 7; Saturday, June 21; Sunday, June 22; Saturday, July 12; Saturday, August 2; and Saturday, September 6.  

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 underground 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: — Thursday, June 5: Jackie Ribas and the Brazilian kids— Friday, June 20: Daddy Rabbit featuring Vanisha Gould and Ari Hoenig— Friday, June 27: Daddy Rabbit featuring Misha Piatigorsky Trio— Friday, July 11: Daddy Rabbit plays David Bowie featuring Rahj Mason and Emily Braden— Friday, July 18: Featuring Benny Benack III— Friday, August 1: Daddy Rabbit featuring Rudy Royston— Friday, August 22: Daddy Rabbit featuring Philip Norris

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, June 6 show at Caveat include JC Mendoza, Issa Medina, Dejen Tesfagiorgis, Faoud Dakwar, and more, plus prizes and games. Comedians represent Puerto Rico, Colombia, Eritrea, Palestine, Germany and more. This month's show raises money for the New Women New Yorkers.  

  Spend your Thursday evening at this variety show featuring comedians sharing their joy in standing out. Comedian Lauren LoGiudice knows that being different isn't just uncomfortable— in today's world, it can feel downright dangerous. That's why she's bringing her Misfit Variety Show: A Joyful Comedy Nite to Under St. Mark’s on Thursday, June 5.  "Every city has its misfits, but not every city has a place where misfits can truly belong," says LoGiudice. "We're not just putting on a show—we're building temporary autonomous zones of weirdness where people can shed the boxes society puts them in." What sets the Misfit Variety Show apart is its ability to transform personal discomfort into collective celebration. When audience members share their anonymous stories of awkwardness and alienation, the resulting laughter becomes a form of group therapy. The show features standup comedy, storytelling, and some character. LoGiudice brings her signature blend of heartwarmingly irreverent comedy about her experience discovering she is a sperm donor kid, queer woman married to a straight man, and Italian American navigating mixed cultural identities.

The 16th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival gathers thousands of attendees in Brooklyn for a vibrant celebration of rich culture through family festivals, music, dance, history, vendors, and more. This year, it will happen over June 12-19. Events include a Black Kings celebration, a free festival with local vendors, a parade, a fashion show, and a virtual summit. This year's theme is "A Legacy of Resilience: Celebrating the Power of Community."

The vintage vibes at Coney Island are part of the charm, and there's no better way to experience that than at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. It's the last permanently housed Circus Sideshow in America, and you can find it inside the Coney Island Museum. These family friendly shows feature classic sideshow acts and cirque feats presented by New York's finest and most talented sword swallowers, fire eaters, glass walkers aerial and variety artists. As event organizers put it, "We carry on the best of the Sideshow's long standing traditions, but with a postmodern twist."

The 47th annual Museum Mile Festival is back this June with a slew of art-making activities, exhibitions and musical performances for all ages. It's NYC's biggest block party, running along Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street and 110th Street on Tuesday, June 10 from 6-9pm. New Yorkers can visit several of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, all of which are free and open to the public throughout the evening.  Here's the list of participating museums and highlighted activities: The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a chance to peek at its current exhibitions, including the newly opened P.S. Art: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of New York City Kids. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum will host outdoor activities on Fifth Avenue, including artmaking, leaf rubbings, street tree identification, and sidewalk water painting. That's all tied to its current exhibition, Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers, which you can go inside and see, too.  Neue Galerie New York will open its doors from 6–9pm with access to its galleries, including the famed Austrian Masterworks from the Neue Galerie.  Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum invites visitors to explore its current exhibition, Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial. The exhibition features 25 commissions that illustrate the ways design is embedded in contemporary life. The Jewish Museum presents the exhibitions, Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity and The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt. Outside on Fifth Avenue, Frank Londo

And Scene is a half-scripted comedy show where actors and improvisers are paired up to perform scenes together. The actors can only say the words as they come in the script, and the improvisers don't know what play they're in, making for a truly chaotic and hilarious evening. The May 19 show at Caveat boasts a stacked lineup including: Josh Sharp (Search Party, Dicks! The Musical), Marisa Brau  (Billions, Law & Order SVU), Connor Ratliff (Mean Girls, Dead Eyes), Anthony Atamanuik (What We Do in the Shadows), Andrew O'Shanick (The Office, FBI), Billy Hepfinger (Outsiders), Philippa Coulthard (Annabelle: Creation), Shaina Schrooten (Chicago Med), Brian Morabito (Dropout, Queens Of The Dead), and Alex Dickson (The Stepfathers). It's hosted by Mick Szal (Joker). Upcoming shows are on June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, and December 15.   

Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch is turning Stone Street into the smokiest, peatiest party around. On Saturday, May 31, the brand will host Ardbeg Day, complete with immersive experiences, cocktail tastings and savory bites. It's all in celebration of the brand's newest release: Smokiverse.  Multiple area bars will participate in the event's activities including Ulysses', Harry's Side Bar, Route 66, The Bedford, and the Dead Rabbit. The event is free to attend but only guests with 'Pre-Register' tickets will receive a drink token upon entry, transferable for featured Ardbeg Smokiverse cocktails as you venture through the experience.

Anybody who has taken a high school English class is likely familiar with the name Jane Austen, but that wasn't the case when Austen was alive. Instead, she published her works—even the famed Pride and Prejudice—anonymously. It wasn't until after her death in 1817 that Austen's name became famous as one of the great English novelists.  That interesting legacy, as well as much more Austen lore, is part of a new exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum titled "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250." It features first-edition copies of her novels, corresponding artworks, personal letters, historical documents and artifacts from Jane Austen's House in Chawton, England. This major exhibition celebrating Austen's 250th birthday is now open through September 14, 2025. RECOMMENDED: See stunning portraits of Michelle Obama, Breonna Taylor and more in this new Whitney Museum exhibit "Our aim in the show is to welcome every visitor—regardless of their prior knowledge of Jane Austen, level of interest in Jane Austen, possible prejudices against Jane Austen," Juliette Wells, co-curator of the exhibition and Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College, said at a preview event for the exhibit.  To that end, the exhibition takes a chronological approach, starting with Austen's younger years when her father helped to buoy her love of the written word. Her father, a reverend, owned 500 books, a large personal collection for that era. Also rare for the time, he allowed his daughters to read

Giant puppets, reggaeton bands, salsa dancers, and floats will take over Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this Sunday for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. More than a million people typically participate in and attend the parade, making it the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the nation. An iconic institution for over half a century, the parade seeks to raise awareness of Puerto Rican culture and history and highlight the community’s contributions to the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible event. When is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York? The parade is on Sunday, June 8, 2025, and kicks off at 11am.  What is the parade route? The parade route typically marches along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street in Manhattan. What's the theme this year? This year’s theme is Plantando Bandera (Planting Roots), recognizing how Puerto Rican communities across the diaspora have established deep roots and positively contributed to their communities locally, nationally and globally. Photograph: By Ryan Rahman / Shutterstock Who is the grand marshal? Six-time GRAMMY® winner Olga Tañón will be honored as Queen of the 2025 Parade celebration. With more than 23 albums and a catalog of over 250 hit songs, Tañón remains an undisputed figure in Latin music. Acclaimed film and television actor Luis Guzmán will join Tañón in leading the parade procession with the title of King. With over 30 years in the movie industry, Guzmán is currently

Good news for East Siders and Brooklynites: The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are returning to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. Macy's hasn't yet provided a list of best viewing spots, but you can expect miles of prime public viewing. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation, which paints the skyline in an extraordinary display of light and sound. It's been a pyrotechnic tradition since 1976 for good reason—the show is truly incredible.  RECOMMENDED: The best 4th of July events in NYC Though exact timings haven't been announced, last year's show began at 9:25pm, so keep that in mind when making your plans for Friday, July 4. As for viewing locations, any anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River should do the trick. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for additional details on public viewing, as well as a city-sponsored lottery for free public viewing tickets.  Last year, the fireworks were hosted on the west side of the city, delighting west siders and New Jerseyans. For a decade prior to that, the fireworks had been launched from the East River, and now they're back.  "Macy's doesn't just light up the sky—we ignite a shared tradition," said Will Coss, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks executive producer, in a press release. "By bringing the firework

These days, Coney Island is known for its roller coasters, Mermaid Parade, and Hot Dog Eating Contest, but back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a very different story. Instead, the Brooklyn neighborhood resembled "a war zone" between 1965–1975 amid ill-conceived government projects, as the Coney Island History Project explained. Now, a new exhibit of street photography from that era examines what life was like back then. Charles Denson grew up in the West End of Coney Island and began photographing his neighborhood as a teenager. His photos are now part of the exhibition "Coney Island Streets: 1965–1975," which you can visit for free all summer at the Coney Island History Project.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Coney Island, NY The free exhibit shows the effects of discriminatory policies that began back in 1938 when the federal government "redlined" Coney Island. Redlining targeted the area because of prejudice against immigrants, African Americans, and local residents who were predominantly of Jewish, Italian, and Irish ancestry, the Coney Island History Project explains. The flawed policies of the Federal Housing Administration made it nearly impossible for homeowners to obtain mortgages, loans, and insurance. Slumlords, arsonists, greedy developers, and block-busting took advantage of the situation, and quality of life deteriorated as the area became a poverty pocket. Photograph: By Charles Denson | CBS Social Club, Mermaid Avenue, 1974 "I grew up to the sounds

Let internet boyfriend Pedro Pascal be your guide on a tour of the universe. The famous actor is the narrator for a new space show at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium titled Encounters in the Milky Way.  The show debuts on Monday, June 9, but we got a sneak peek today. Encounters in the Milky Way takes a 20-minute voyage through outer space with stunning visualizations of dazzling stars, constellations and planets. Stirring music complements Pascal's narration, and you'll even feel your seats move as if you could blast off to space yourself.  RECOMMENDED: First look: This historic wing of The Met just got a major update "On a clear night," Pascal says in opening the show, "a band of light stretches across the sky. The combined glow of billions of stars, partially obscured by great clouds of gas and dust: the majestic Milky Way. From Earth, it looks like we are at the center, and all these stars were all around us, but as astronomers learn to decipher celestial movement, we found our place in the cosmos."  From there, Encounters in the Milky Way continues to explore movement: How Earth spins on its axis, giving us day and night; how seasons change; how constellations move over time; how even the Sun is part of this galactic migration.  Encounters in the Milky Way, the Hayden Planetarium's seventh space show, is the first to focus on the story of this cosmic motion and how it impacts our solar system. While the show is a visual treat, it is

The holiday season may still be months away, but June presents its own festive season with Pride events all month and Juneteenth commemorations at mid-month. This year, the Empire State Building is getting in on the fun with two special light-up events.  In honor of Juneteenth, red, black and green lights will beam from the building on Thursday, June 19. Later in the month, the building's tower lights will shine in the rainbow colors of the inclusive Pride flag on Sunday, June 29, coinciding with the date of NYC's Pride March. RECOMMENDED: The insider's guide to the Empire State Building There are hundreds of events happening for Pride this year. A few of our top picks include Ladyland (featuring Cardi B and FKA Twigs), Books and Burlesque, the Criminal Queerness Festival and PRISM: A Festival of New Queer Musicals. Here's our full rundown of Pride events. As for Juneteenth, there are plenty of ways to celebrate, including the Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee, Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration, "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies" Juneteenth teach-in and a comedy show called Drunk Black History. Here are even more Juneteenth events. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Empire State Realty Trust (@esrtsocial) Considering the Empire State Building's status as the world's most famous building, it's very cool to add light-up celebrations to the list for Pride and Juneteenth festivities. Definitely head to Midtown and snap a photo of the lights o

After a four-year renovation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has reopened its galleries dedicated to the arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas and Oceania. These historic galleries, housed within the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, are packed with 1,800 artworks spanning five continents and hundreds of cultures.  To celebrate the opening, the Upper East Side museum is hosting a daylong festival on Saturday, May 31 with performances, live music, art making and more. It’s free with museum admission—which is always pay-what-you-wish for New Yorkers. RECOMMENDED: A first look at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s last rooftop exhibition (for a while) Max Hollein, The Met’s CEO, described the 40,000-square-foot Rockefeller Wing's reopening as “much more than a renovation.” Instead, he said at a grand opening event, “it’s a re-envisioning of one of the museum’s most important spaces.” Photograph: By Bridgit Beyer / Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Inside the galleries, you’ll find several objects on view for the first time, including new acquisitions of contemporary African works and new commissions by Indigenous artists for the Oceania galleries. Also don’t miss a gallery dedicated to light-sensitive ancient Andean textiles, which is the first of its kind in the United States.  It’s a re-envisioning of one of the museum’s most important spaces. New features, such as documentary films, audio commentary, artist bios and expanded wall text, help to provide contemporary perspect

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 of 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 f

A massive mural stretching 150-feet in the air has taken over the side of a building in the Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood. Artist Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez titled the piece "Brownsville King of Love" and said on Instagram that it's "a call to spread love and honor our ancestors by celebrating our cultures, and lifting each other as a community." Marka27 created the piece in partnership with ArtBridge, a New York City-based nonprofit that empowers local artists to transform construction fencing, scaffolding and other underused public spaces into large-scale public art. You can find Brownsville King of Love at 326 Rockaway Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn.  RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC this spring The larger-than-life artwork features an image of a local Brooklyn youth wearing a golden crown and holding up a custom jean jacket with the message "Spread Love." The jacket is emblazoned with several patches and pins representing Brownsville's diverse culture and notable hip-hop legacy, such as M.O.P. and Duck Down Records. You'll also notice references to the area's Caribbean heritage, such as palm leaves and a Jamaican flag. Photograph: By Gary Judkins @garypivot "A pair of boxing gloves hanging from the youth's neck with Brownsville written on them symbolizes the strength and resilience of Brownsville and its legacy of champion boxers like Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, and Riddick Bowe, to name a few," Marka27 explained on Instagram. Photograph: By Gary Judkins

"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. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored a new study about the best neighborhoods in NYC—including her own!  On a typical tour of Manhattan, the big tourist attractions—Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park—get all the attention. But on these off-the-beaten-path walking tours, you'll see fascinating historical sites that you won't find in a typical guidebook.  Even if you're a born-and-raised New Yorker, these walking tours will show you a side of the city you've never seen before. Since the weather is finally pleasant again, it's the perfect time to get outside for a stroll while learning something along the way. As a certified New York City tour guide who has taken almost all of these tours, I can vouch for them—and even have a tour of my own to share. So lace up your sneakers, and let's get out there.  ShutterstockStreet rat digging through garbage bags Garbage and Rats walking tour Sure, this one is a little gross, but it's also engrossing. You'll learn about the history of garbage in New York City dating back to its days as Dutch New Amsterdam. Plus, you'll get a crash course on the life of rats, from their sex life to their tastebuds to their teeth. It's led by a certified rat pro, tour guide Suzanne Reisman, who is a graduate of the city’s Rat Academy and a me

As Suzanne Reisman explains on her Garbage and Rats in NYC walking tour, “If you are in New York or any major city, you are probably standing near rats having sex at any given time.” Considering rats can mate 20 times per day, that’s part of the reason why it’s so hard to get rid of these ubiquitous rodents—and why our city’s “War on Rats” is a complicated battle. Those are just a few of the “fun” facts you’ll learn on the guide’s new walking tour of Lower Manhattan’s dirtier subjects. Garbage and rats are as much a part of New York City as the Empire State Building or Central Park, but a tour dedicated to creepy critters is the new novelty we never knew we needed. You can book this two-hour tour here for $40 per person.  RECOMMENDED: The 6 coolest walking tours in NYC As a graduate of the city’s Rat Academy and a member of the NYC Rat Pack, Reisman knows her stuff when it comes to rats. She combines that knowledge with vast historical research to weave a fascinating tail—ahem, tale—of rats and garbage dating back to the days of Dutch New Amsterdam.  Long before the rats we know today scurried about New York City’s streets, there was garbage: Human waste, animal waste, carcasses, blacksmithing byproducts and tannery trash filled the city’s streets in the 1600s. “People say, ‘New York is so disgusting,’” she explains about the complaints of some people today. “No, you have no idea.”  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Off the Beaten Subway Track

What does it mean to be American? That's the question a new immersive art exhibition in Manhattan seeks to answer.  Called "Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US," this installation takes over 6 acres in Midtown East with massive screens sharing the voices of 50 Americans from across the nation. You'll hear their thoughts on democracy, liberty, freedom and unity. Path of Liberty is free to visit starting on May 15 with reservations available here. The exhibition opens as America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, which will be celebrated in 2026.   RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor art in NYC right now The exhibition, hosted by the Soloviev Foundation, reflects a diversity of voices, each with their own backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. Even so, organizers said, one central theme emerged in interviews across the country: Being American is not defined by birthplace, religion or heritage, but by a shared commitment to freedom, equality and the pursuit of a better future. Photograph: Courtesy Path of Liberty "Though the journey has not always been easy, history shows that each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America," a press release from the Soloviev Foundation said. "This exhibition is a celebration—of who we are, how far we've come and the boundless potential of what we can achieve together." “Each generation pushes us closer to realizing the promise of America.” At Path of Liberty, you'll be able to walk through winding paths dotted w