You can explore hidden galleries and street art in Brooklyn, attend a live storytelling event in the East Village, or join a DIY workshop in Williamsburg. Whether you’re into experimental performance art or hands-on crafts, NYC has something for every creative soul. Read on to learn about some of the best creative things to do in NYC.
Do it yourself: art and creative experiences
Learn a new skill and create your own personal masterpiece in any of these
Paint & Sip: Drink, socialize and create art
If you would rather spend an afternoon drinking and making something you can take home with you, you can consider enrolling in a paint and sip experience. Paint and sip was the original way to combine a fun experience and enjoying wine, and there is a reason that the format has become so popular (and covers so many different kinds of classes). At these events, you’ll have access to a pre-sketched canvas and all of the paint you need to create your own masterpiece as you drink and socialize. Some events have alcohol supplied while others are BYOB, but, regardless, you are sure to have a good time.
Pottery Wheel Throwing: Play with clay
Another great activity for anyone looking to learn a hobby and make their own personal work of art is a pottery wheel event. You’ll get hands-on experience working with wet clay and you’ll learn to work like a master in no time at all. Pottery making can be a practical skill as much as an art form, so you’ll be able to make your own pot, vase, or mug to put to good use when you take it home. Most pottery wheel events include kiln firing as part of the package, but you’ll need to wait a few weeks to pick up your finished piece.
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Candle Making: Give your home a fresh scent
Nothing says relaxation or romance like a softly flickering candle flame. Fill your home with your favorite scents with handmade candles. Candle-making classes cover how to safely work with wax, prepare molds, choose the right type of wax, and add fragrance oils and non-toxic dyes. Learn to create beautiful non-toxic, eco-friendly candles to burn at home or give as gifts.
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Sip & Sew: Learn a handy skill and enjoy a glass of wine
One of the best ways to spend your time is to learn a new skill while enjoying a few libations with friends and meeting new people. In one of NYC’s many sip and sew events, you can learn the art of home sewing, knitting, or clothing restoration while enjoying a glass (or three) of your favorite wine or beer. These classes will introduce participants to invaluable sewing techniques that are easy to pick up and learn but have tons of uses around the house. Sign up today and spend an evening socializing, drinking, and sewing.
Woodworking: Get crafty and work with your hands
For the more DIY-inclined among you, New York City has a surprising number of woodworking and craftsmen shops. Not only are these great places to buy artisanal, bespoke furniture but they are also excellent places to spend a few evenings making your own furniture under the guidance of a skilled carpenter. These workshops and sessions are a great way to learn basic carpentry and add a touch of personal flair to your home with a custom end table, coffee table, or chair.
Jewelry Making: Make a custom accessory
New York City is one of the jewelry capitals of the world, home to some of the most prestigious artisans to ever craft rings, necklaces, and more. You can join this artistic community, or just make your own perfect accessory in a jewelry making class. These courses range from simple classes where you create small rings, earrings, or broaches (and learn skills you can replicate in your own home) to courses where you work with materials like molten gold and silver to create one-of-a-kind pieces in specialized workshops. In either case, you’ll leave these courses with a beautiful, handcraft piece that is the perfect conversation starter or gift for any occasion.
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Perfume Making: Craft your perfect scent
Have you ever caught a whiff of perfume and wished you could recreate that scent for yourself? Explore the ancient and fascinating world of perfumery with a perfume making class. Learn about the essential oils, exotic blooms, warm spices, and rare woods that go into blending personalized scents. Beyond scent-blending, courses also cover the history and science of perfumes.
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Stained Glass Workshop: Make a piece of personalized art
Another unique art experience, spending an evening attending a stained glass workshop is a great way to learn a new hobby, making a piece of art that you can hang or wear and meet new people and socialize. In one of these events, you’ll learn about the art of working with stained glass, including how to cut and solder pieces of glass into fascinating and enthralling patterns. Working with stained glass is a centuries-old artistic tradition and it is one you can join with only a few nights spent practicing and getting hands-on experience.
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Soap Making Experience
Imagine soaking in a steamy tub with a luxurious bar of soap fragrant with your favorite scents. Hands-on soap making classes present the soap-making process step by step for beginners or experienced soap makers. Learn how to blend ingredients, add scents and colors, and cure your soap before using it yourself or giving it as a gift.
Entertainment
Movies in the Park
Grab a blanket and bring your friends to enjoy free movies under the stars. Bryant Park features a lineup of new features and perennial favorites that all ages will love. There’s nothing like watching a big screen against the city skyline. Mark your Thursday summer evenings for Movies With a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There’s no better place to be on a hot summer night than watching a film and enjoying the breeze off of the East River with the dazzling Manhattan skyline before you.
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A night of laughs: comedy clubs and improv
New York is home to some of the oldest and most culturally significant comedy clubs and establishments in the nation. So many famous comedians got their start in NYC performing in these clubs and many regularly return to perform drop-ins while working on new material. Spend an evening at one of these shows and you never know whether you’ll see the next rising Netflix star or a set from a world-famous comedian.
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Comedy Cellar: Take in a show at the world famous club
The Comedy Cellar has been providing a space for up and coming comedians in NYC since 1981 and it has been home to some of the most well-known comedians in the industry, including hosting the first performances by the likes of Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari and Jon Stewart. Rather than having headliners, their shows consist of several comedians performing for 10-15 minutes and they host several shows a night. They also host comedy classes for anyone looking to learn how to join their illustrious ranks.
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Williamsburg Comedy Club
The Comedy Club of Williamsburg is presents some of the funniest most talented national professional standup comedians touring the country today. See it all go down at Old Man Hustle BKLYN Comedy Club, a Manhattan style Comedy club in the heart of Williamsburg. You’ll see comics who've appeared on shows like Netflix, Amazon, HBO/MAX, Comedy Central, All Things Comedy, LOL Network, Fallon, Kimmel, and Hulu. With an intimate setting and excellent cocktail selection, it’s sure to be a night of fun and laughter. Take in your favorite comedians seven nights a week.
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Eastville Comedy Club
Brooklyn’s oldest comedy club is the perfect anchor for your night out at Barclays Center, downtown Brooklyn’s nightlife district. They feature the most experienced, popular, and hilarious comedians while also providing an authentic Brooklyn setting. You might even catch an impromptu drop-in by celebrity comedians.
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Gotham Comedy Club: See the up and comers of stand-up comedy
Opened in 1996, the Gotham Comedy Club is one of Chelsea’s finest entertainment venues and a great place to take in a show one evening. Like most of New York’s comedy clubs, the Gotham Comedy Club has been the stomping ground of some of comedy’s most significant A-listers and they regularly host famous comedians as part of their regular ensemble of performers. The club is also designed for large occupancy and has a newly renovated stage, so online and television specials are regularly filmed here.
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The Comedy Club of Williamsburg presents some of the funniest and most talented professional standup comedians touring the country today.
Williamsburg Comedy Club
The Comedy Club of Williamsburg is presents some of the funniest most talented national professional standup comedians touring the country today. See it all go down at Old Man Hustle BKLYN Comedy Club, a Manhattan style Comedy club in the heart of Williamsburg. You’ll see comics who've appeared on shows like Netflix, Amazon, HBO/MAX, Comedy Central, All Things Comedy, LOL Network, Fallon, Kimmel, and Hulu. With an intimate setting and excellent cocktail selection, it’s sure to be a night of fun and laughter. Take in your favorite comedians seven nights a week.
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Second City: Laugh out loud
While Chicago holds the claim to being the first city of American improv, New York is no slouch, so much so that Chicago’s Second City opted to expand into New York City. Whether you want to learn improv (Second City offers a host of night classes) or you just want to take in a show, Second City has the programming that you are looking for. Improv is unique in that it is always a different performance and the kinds of performances are so vast and varied that every time you attend, it will be a brand new experience.
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Arthur Avenue Comedy’s Fordham Stand-Up Wednesday
If you’re want to hear top comics from TV and NYC’s major clubs, you don’t need to leave the Bronx. Arthur Avenue Comedy’s Fordham Stand-Up Wednesday features the long sets that other shows don’t give them the time to perform. Past performers include comedians from HBO, Netlfix, Colbert, SNL, the Daily Show, Letterman, the Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and more. Wednesday’s at Arthur Avenue Comedy is your chance to watch comedians flex their muscles and hit their stride on an intimate stage at Clinton Hall. Enjoy delicious craft food and beers on tap, and make it an evening. The show is always free.
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Shop for art and unique designs
Artists & Fleas
This ever-changing marketplace in Soho offers a constantly evolving lineup of wares from artists and merchants. It's a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift and to experience some amazing creativity. The marketplace has recently reopened for a series of weekend holiday pop-ups. Current seasonal merchants include Aliens of Brooklyn, Eat Records and Roots by Bella.
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Canal Street Market
Shop for downtown-chic clothing, art and jewelry from a slew of vendors at this large indoor bazaar that is a cross between Chelsea Market and Artists & Fleas. When the shopping fatigue sets in, visit the food hall serving bubble tea by Boba Guys and dim sum from Nom Wah Kuai. The space also hosts events such as panels led by established authors.
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Materials for the Arts
Material for the Arts is New York City's premier destination for creative reuse, offering a vast array of salvaged and reusable materials for nonprofits, public schools, and arts programs at no cost. The New York Times once described the MFTA warehouse as “Like a Kmart reimagined as Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” Their 35,000-square-foot space is filled with an enormous amount of goods saved from the landfills and offered free to cultural institutions, nonprofits, and teaching artists. Shopping at MFTA is restricted to pre-approved members with appointments booked online.
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Discover your creative expression
Learn to express yourself in acting, speaking, or writing classes and you’ll learn from the best in NYC. From honing your storytelling skills to mastering the art of stage presence, these classes help you connect with your unique voice.
Unleash your Inner Performer: NYC Acting Classes
If you’re looking to attend an evening acting class, you won’t find a better place than New York City. These classes offer a supportive environment that welcomes people of all backgrounds and skill levels who want to explore their creativity, so you don’t need to worry if you’ve never performed on stage before. These classes guide students through various acting exercises and scenes that help students build confidence and feel more comfortable expressing themselves. The skills you can gain from performing in front of others often translate into heightened confidence and presence in professional settings. Through acting exercises, you may also find that it’s easier to connect with others and confidently convey ideas in the workplace.
Unlock the Power of the Pen: NYC Writing Classes
Spending an evening or two in a New York City writing class is a unique and enriching experience for creative individuals or those looking to expand their professional skills. These classes offer a stimulating environment where anyone can hone their writing skills, express creativity, and connect with other people working towards the same goals. In today’s digital age, solid writing skills are essential for clear communication, whether writing simple emails, social media posts, or longer projects and articles. Whether you’re simply looking for a creative outlet or hoping to advance in a career that requires strong writing skills, participating in a writing class in NYC is certainly a worthwhile way to spend your evenings.
Improv: Learn to be clever and funny
If you have always wanted to give improv a try, a class is the perfect safe space to do that. Get up on stage, unleash your creativity, and find out how fast you can think on your feet in an improv class. It's a great way to build confidence, hone public speaking skills, work on comic timing, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Speak with Confidence: NYC Public Speaking Workshops
Spending an evening in a New York City public speaking class can help anyone build and improve their professional skills regardless of industry or background. The ability to persuasively share ideas can lead to increased visibility and recognition within an organization, potentially opening doors to promotions and other exciting opportunities. You can also attend a public speaking class if you’re just looking to build confidence when interacting with others in a social setting. Whatever the case, it’s hard for anyone to feel comfortable with new people, so spending an evening with others who are looking to build similar skills can be a great way to make new friends. Sharing your fears and encouraging others to overcome their anxieties about public speaking is an excellent and unique way to begin a friendship.
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New York, New York: live shows and Broadway musicals
New York is famous for its abundance of creative shows and events. Home to some of the most famous theaters in the world, no matter whether you want to finally catch a performance of Les Mis or you want to see what is new in the world of theater, you’ll have no shortage of options.
Broadway: Take in a show
Broadway may be the most famous theater district in the world and it has no shortage of renowned theaters and performances to take in while you are in NYC. With 41 theaters to choose from, you are certain to find a performance that fits the mold of your tastes and interests. While Broadway is associated with the musical (for good reason, you can still seeThe Lion King, Hamilton, or CATS) there are also smaller, more traditional productions to check out. Plus, since there are so many theaters, offerings are constantly rotating, so it pays to check frequently.
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The Book of Mormon: Enjoy a hilarious satire
Running continuously at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre since 2011, this comedy musical from the minds that brought the world South Parkis one of the best shows on Broadway, especially for musical lovers who are only going to be able to see a few shows. A light-hearted exploration of faith and doubt, this is an up roaringly funny experience and a great introduction to the world of the comedy musical. Winner of nine Tony awards (including Best Musical), you won’t regret taking a mission to New York to see the show.
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The Lion King: Learn why it is a Broadway classic
The Lion King, based on the 1994 Disney film of the same name, is the third longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway play of all time, having run continuously since 1997. While it wasn’t the first Disney stage musical (that title belongs to Beauty and the The Beast) it set the standard for virtually every musical adaptation to come and is, in no small part, responsible for the success of shows like Beetlejuice, Mean Girls, and Legally Blonde. The show is an unforgettable experience of color, sound, and dance and it stands as one of the most iconic Broadway shows of all time. If you can only make it to one show, The Lion King should be high on your list.
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Hamilton: See a staging and experience the phenomenon
Hamiltoncame onto the Broadway scene in 2015 and it has established itself as one of the hottest tickets in NYC. Penned over 8 years by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this rap-and-sung musical is loosely based on the biography of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s most significant founding fathers. Featuring an all-star cast and dozens of memorable songs that you’ll have in your head for years to come, this musical is a grand experience that explores the history of American identity, race, and immigration and the legacy of the founding fathers.
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Take a Theater Tour: Learn the history of Broadway
Fun fact: Only 2 of the 41 theaters that are classified as “Broadway Theaters” are on Broadway. New York’s Theater District is a sprawling space full of classic architecture and amazing theaters that date back to the turn of the 20th century and visiting these spaces can be an exhilarating trip in its own right. Consider going on a theater tour one evening to visit some of the most interesting and historic performing venues in NYC. Perfect for a way to experience the magic of Broadway without needing to build your schedule around a show.
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Revisit past splendor at Kings Theatre
Once one of Brooklyn’s most elegant movie theaters, the Loew’s Kings Theatre opened as a movie and live performance space in 1929. Its opulent interior features an ornate ceiling with sparkling chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and a grand stage that has hosted some of the world's most celebrated films and performers. The theater lost popularity when multiplex cinemas became popular in the 1950s, and it eventually closed in 1977, with the stunning interior falling into disrepair. After an elaborate $95 million restoration, the 3,074-seat theater reopened in 2015 in all its original glory and updated with state-of-the-art sounds and lighting systems. Now you can catch classic acts and rising stars alike at the ornate theater. Kings Theatre hosts a variety of events ranging from concerts and comedy to film screenings and fashion shows.
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Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts center that has been home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas for more than 150 years. The theater engages both global and local communities with world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more. Check out the work of emerging artists and witness innovative modern masters ply their craft at this mecca for avant-garde theater.
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See an Off-Broadway Show: Discover a hidden gem
Usually, when people hear ‘off-Broadway, ’ they think it means ‘outside of New York City, ’ but the narrow definition of what constitutes a Broadway theater means that NYC has hundreds of smaller performing venues that host off-Broadway shows. At these events, you can spend an evening taking in smaller, potentially more experimental shows that take place in a more intimate setting. While you won’t get the bombastic production values of something like Moulin Rouge, you might just discover a hidden gem.
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Shakespeare in The Park: Watch a timeless tragedy
Central Park is home to one of the city’s most enduring cultural traditions, Shakespeare in the Park. This outdoor theater troupe, normally performing in Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre, is taking its shows on the road for the 2025 season, holding performances across the 5 boroughs while the theater is renovated. These performances can range from traditional stagings of classics like Hamletand Othello to more esoteric and creative interpretations, like 2025’s bilingual, musical imagining of A Comedy of Errors. Experience Shakespeare as it was originally performed in these one-of-a-kind theater-going experiences.
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Queens Theatre
Catch a Broadway-style production, a contemporary play, a dance production, or a music concert at the Queens Theatre, situated in the New York State Pavilion designed for the 1964 World’s Fair. The venue holds three performance spaces, including a 464-seat main stage, a 99-seat studio theater, and a 75-seat cabaret space, for hosting a diverse range of performances. Queens Theatre also hosts family-friendly performances and has a reasonably priced kids' series and birthday party packages. Beyond just stage productions, Queens Theatre hosts educational programs and workshops for aspiring performers.
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Live TV Taping: Go behind the scenes
New York is second only to Los Angeles in terms of television production and it is home to a large number of daily, live tapings of television shows. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Kimmel, Last Week Tonight, Saturday Night Live, and a host of other shows are taped in NYC, most commonly at the CBS building or at 30 Rockefeller Square. Talk shows in particular film almost every night, giving you plenty of chances to take in live music, see celebrities, and experience the behind-the-scenes thrill of being part of a live studio audience.
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Mark O’Donnell Theater
The Mark O'Donnell Theater at the Entertainment Community Fund Arts Center is a resource for Brooklyn-based artists and arts groups, giving them a place to develop and share their work. The dance-focused venue aims to connect the residents of The Schermerhorn with the surrounding community through the arts. You can even rent the whole theater for rehearsals, performances, film screenings, meetings, arts-related workshops, and classes.
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Q.E.D.
This independent, woman-owned venue for the arts in Astoria was voted #1 comedy venue in NYC. You’ll find stand-up comedy shows with both emerging and already-famous performers, plus you’ll find poets, storytellers, and other talent on their stage. On top of that, they offer a recording and rehearsal studio, a bar/cafe, and space to just hang out with jigsaw puzzles, games, and books. If you’re looking for a fun class, you can learn sign language, drink and draw with a live model, or explore the latest topics in mental health.
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The sounds of the city: music and concerts
NYC is the birthplace of some of the most recognizable musical styles and traditions in the US. Jazz was refined in Harlem, Brooklyn is one of the original homes of Hip-Hop and swing and salsa both owe their creation to the communities of New York. If you want to see live music or attend a concert, New York is almost certain to have a venue for you to attend.
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The Apollo: Attend a concert
Branding itself as “the Soul of American Culture, ” the Apollo Theater has been central to the development and legacy of African-American performers and art. This multi-use theater, located in historic Harlem, hosts concerts, stage performances, live shows, comedy specials and the popular television show Live at The Apollo. Having hosted everyone from the New York Philharmonic to Prince and Michael Jackson, the diverse range of performances on tap at The Apollo makes it worth keeping an eye on when you are making your evening plans.
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The Lincoln Center: See a classical ballet
Resident home of the New York Ballet, Juilliard, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and a half-dozen other performing arts organizations, the Lincoln Center is one of the most significant cultural sites in the city. If you want to spend an evening or date night adding a touch of class and sophistication to your life, you can attend one of the shows at the Lincoln Center and see live classical music, a historic or modern opera, a play, a ballet, a jazz concert or a film at one of the several specialty theaters operating at the Lincoln Center.
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Visit a Jazz Club: Experience the unique sound of NYC
While Jazz has established itself as one of the most significant and prolific genres in the American musical tradition, that wasn’t always the case. Owing to racist opposition and segregation policies, early jazz performers played wherever they could, often in small venues like bars and clubs. As a result, many famous jazz performance spaces have cropped up in the corners of the city and have transformed into destinations for any aspiring musician or lover of jazz. There are dozens of excellent jazz clubs in NYC and on any given night, you’ll have your pick of performances.
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Radio City Music Hall: See the Rockettes
Located within Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall has taken on the moniker “The Showplace of the Nation.” Having hosted everything from Pink Floyd and Olivia Rodrigo concerts to a week of Jeopardytapings and the NFL Draft, the Radio City Music Hall offers an eclectic list of events for you to pursue and consider spending your evening attending. Primarily a site for concerts, Radio City Music Hall is also the home of the Rockettes and the annual Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
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Brooklyn Steel
Rated as one of the ten best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone, Brooklyn Steel was created by the promoters behind Music Hall of Williamsburg and Rough Trade. The cavernous concert digs are housed in a converted steel fabrication warehouse that holds 1,800 concert-goers. From folk to indie to ALT-rock, this venue ensures you’ll have great sound and a view of the stage wherever you sit.
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Outdoor concerts
Free Concerts at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is home to a series of live music, dance, and theater events that are sure to be a hit. They’ve included headliners like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Louis Cato; trumpeter Steven Bernstein playing the music of James Bond with Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra; the NYC premiere of Ghanaian highlife band Gyedu-Bly Ambolley; Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE dance company; South African world pop star Thandiswa Mazwai and many more. There’s even a performance curated especially for kids. Forgot your picnic blanket? No problem. There will be more than 700 picnic blankets for audience members to borrow and chairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Free Concerts at Hudson Yards
You can catch dozens of free movies, concerts, and shows at Hudson Yards in the summer, enjoying free entertainment next to some of the most exclusive shops and restaurants in the city. The concerts are curated by Bowery Presents and bring in well-known acts like Keke Palmer, David Archuleta, Brynn Cartelli, Chayce Beckham, and Ray Bull. On the 30-foot big screen, watch outdoor screenings of movie blockbusters and live sports. Special events include free classes with fitness influencers and silent reading parties, or entertain the whole family with Mozart for Munchkins, storytime with the NY public library, and puppet shows.
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Summerstage: Groove to an outdoor concert
Who doesn’t love a free outdoor concert in some of the most iconic parks in the world? This New York City outdoor arts festival spans Central Park and 13 neighborhood parks with more than 80 free performances. It showcases both emerging and well-known artists from around the world, in diverse genres like jazz, hip-hop, indie rock, salsa, reggae, Afrobeats, soul, pop, global and contemporary dance. Local parks are transformed into dynamic and accessible performance spaces. There truly is no better place to experience music than amongst the trees. Watch a legendary artist or discover your new favorite performer.
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Concerts in Central Park
You can attend a variety of concerts and performances in Central Park in the summer. On Friday mornings Good Morning America concerts bring a star-studded line-up to the park for early birds. The New York Philharmonic provides an evening of classical music under the stars, and the Met brings opera to the park. The Naumburg Orchestra has been bringing free classical music concerts to Central Park since 1905—the oldest concert series of its kind. Events like the Global Citizen Festival, the Harlem Meer Performance Festival, and Great Jazz on the Great Hill provide something for everyone.
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Culture and sophistication: museums and art galleries
New York City has more museums than several entire states combined. All of them are worth visiting and a trip to a museum can be a great way to start an evening or to spend time at night with friends, your partner, or by yourself. Whether you want to visit a massive art gallery or a smaller museum dedicated to a specific subject or historical identity, you should consider exploring the options for visiting museums in NYC.
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The Met: Spend your evening admiring works of art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or the Met, as locals prefer) is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves art, architecture, landscaping, or history. Visitors to the museum can spend a whole day ogling treasures from any time in history and even stop in for an exhibition-themed lunch at The Eatery or The Met Dining Room. This expansive museum includes two separate collections, making it easy for guests to tailor their visits to their unique interests. The Met Fifth Avenue contains world art and clothing spanning over 5,000 years, with unique riches from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania. Meanwhile, The Met Cloisters is devoted to European art, architecture, and landscaping from the Medieval period.
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Date Night at the Met
The Met hosts a regular suite of programming specifically designed for couples to attend the museum and enjoy the collection as part of an exciting and memorable date night. These evening events, are part of the price of general admission (which is basically nothing for New York City residents) and they can include everything from guided tours of the exhibits, live music from New York cultural centers and 2-for-1 drink specials. A great way to combine date night with an excuse to visit the Met, this date night experience is one you won’t soon forget.
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The MoMa: Embrace the abstract
The Museum of Modern Art, more commonly known as MoMA, is a unique museum experience that will challenge your understanding of art and history. Open late on Saturdays, the MoMA is home to a permanent collection that includes over 200,000 pieces by modern artists from across the globe. In addition to their permanent collection, the MoMA regularly hosts guest exhibitions of political and experimental art and they have a theater set-up to screen special events and film festivals. As a multi-faceted cultural institution, the MoMA also hosts speakers and artist talks, so if you are a lover of modern art, you should keep up-to-date on the MoMA’s calendar of events to find the perfect evening activity.
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The Guggenheim: Admire the art and architecture
One of the most prestigious art museums in America, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum holds a spectacular collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern, and contemporary art including beloved works by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Matisse, and Picasso. The museum’s contemporary architecture was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and taps into asymmetry, allowing museum-goers to explore art history more unconventionally. In addition to displaying a diverse range of abstract art, the Guggenheim hosts evening events exploring art topics.
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Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is a cultural hub nestled in the heart of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The first thing you see when you enter is the iconic Panorama of the City of New York, a sprawling miniature model that captures the city in intricate detail. Beyond this centerpiece, the museum boasts exhibitions that celebrate local and international art, history, and culture. From contemporary masterpieces to thought-provoking installations, each display invites guests on a journey of artistic discovery.
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The Color Factory: Immerse yourself in light and color
Another New York museum that is as much an interactive experience as an art installation, Color Factory can provide you with an exciting night exploring 14 different interactive exhibitions focused on the world of color and light. Explore your creativity and spontaneity in activities that include a rave-style dance party, an adult-sized ball pit, and a synchronicity experiment that will help you become more connected and in sync with other guests. The Color Factory also hosts parties, corporate events, and other gatherings.
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El Museo de Barrio
While you’re exploring New York City's historic Museum Mile, don’t miss El Museo del Barrio. It’s the nation’s leading Latinx and Latin American cultural institution and it’s bursting with Latino art and heritage. Colorful exhibits showcase the richness of Latin American and Caribbean cultures, events celebrate music, dance, and community. Admission is pay-what-you-wish, so you everyone can enjoy the feast for the senses.
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National Museum of the American Indian
Explore the famed collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, without leaving NYC. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) cares for a vast collection of Native artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media from the entire Western Hemisphere. You can purchase genuine Native American merchandise in the museum store, grab a bit to eat at the Mili Kàpi Cafe, or enjoy the interactive imagiNATIONS Activity Center with the whole family. Entrance to the museum is always free.
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Bronx Museum of the Arts
Explore more than,000 works of art by talented creators who are either Bronx-based or of African, Asian, or Latino ancestry. The museum strives to offer opportunities and representation for the community, and especially for youth, through immersion in visual arts, culture, and community. Its striking 2004 addition not only expanded the capacity for programs and outreach, it was awarded the “Excellence in Design” prize by The Art Commission of the City of New York. Admission to the museum is always free, as are all programs and exhibitions.
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Museum of the Moving Image
Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) features a free 15,500-square-foot community space called Open Worlds where you can experience new media technologies. A variety of free programs explore technology with themes of content creation, Pride, accessibility, science on screen, special effects, video gaming, and much more. Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to exploring the moving image in all its forms. MoMI focuses on moving images like film, television, video games, and digital media, and how they shape our perceptions of the world. You can take in an exhibition, catch contemporary and classic films from around the world, join in discussions with leading figures in film and television, explore their unique collection, or sign up for a class. MoMI offers free admission to all exhibits on Thursday afternoons.
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MoMA PS1
Originally a public school building, MoMA PS1 is now a vibrant space showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art, installations, performances, and exhibitions. The museum's sprawling courtyard hosts summer parties and events, while its galleries and experimental spaces inside provide a platform for emerging artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions. You can expect bold, thought-provoking exhibits that break down boundaries. Plus, admission is free for all New Yorkers, and a low requested fee for others.
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Edgar Allen Poe Cottage
See where Edward Allen Poe wrote some of his best-known works, including “Annabel Lee, ” “Eureka, ” and “The Bells.” Poe retreated to this working-class cottage in 1944 with his wife, Virginia, and Virginia’s mother, Maria Clemm. He hoped that the quiet cottage, set among fields and orchards far from the polluted city, would help Virginia recover from tuberculosis. After Poe’s death, the cottage became a literary landmark, and was saved from demolition and moved across the street by the New York Shakespeare Society. The restored cottage is open to the public on Saturdays or by appointment.
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Outdoor Art
NYC is full of free outdoor art that you don’t even have to go to a museum to see. Explore the city and discover the sculptures, murals, and photographs that adorn it around every corner.
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Groundswell Murals
Thanks to Groundswell’s collaborative art-making, 500 murals adorn NYC across all five boroughs. Hundreds of community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, and government agencies joined with students and teaching artists to create these public works of art. Groundswell believes that art creates community and community creates change. The murals explore themes of social justice and activism to amplify diverse voices.
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Socrates Sculpture Park
This accessible community arts space is a cultural anchor in Queens, where you can view exhibitions of contemporary public art and take part in classes and activities. Exhibits feature both internationally renowned artists and up-and-coming creators and encourage unfettered ambition in scale and subject matter. The vast majority of artworks exhibited at Socrates are built on-site in the outdoor artist studio space, which gives Park visitors the unique opportunity to witness the often labor-intensive art-making process.
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The Welling Court Mural Project
In the neighborhood of Welling Court, a remarkable fusion of art and community has been unfolding since 2009. Stretching out like spokes from a center point, Welling Court's residential streets are a canvas for over 150 local and international artists which showcases a diverse array of contemporary street art. From iconic figures like Lady Pink and Tristan Easton to emerging talents, the project has become a must-see destination for art enthusiasts seeking vibrant urban expression. The Welling Court Mural Project bills itself as “one of the best collections of contemporary street culture on earth” for good reason.
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