Shaye Weaver

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about, whether you live here or are planning a visit. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

If you’re planning to visit New York City, it would be ridiculous not to start with Manhattan and its attractions. Though it's neither the biggest borough (that’s Queens!) nor the most densely-populated (that’s Brooklyn!), it is the center of the city: historically, geographically, and culturally. Dominated by some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, here you’ll find globally famous attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. You’ve got some of the best restaurants in New York. And all the biggest and best Broadway shows are here because Broadway is literally in Manhattan. Whether you’re just visiting the Big Apple for the weekend or you’re a lifelong New Yorker looking for something new to do, these attractions in Manhattan are essential additions to your bucket list. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions RECOMMENDED: The best non-touristy things to do in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! Locations such as the High Line, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens and other NYC locales all have a wide variety of pieces awaiting you, from massive sculptures to eye-popping murals and graffiti. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit. Below, find the best outdoor art in NYC to stroll by on a spring day. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

There are a million podcasts out there, and 2024’s releases are showing no signs of slowing down. There’s already been a load of bangers since the beginning of the year, and here at Time Out, we’re determined to listen to them all. After all, how else are you going to know which one to choose? We’ve rounded up our favourites, from political podcasts that look behind the news to comedy podcasts with your favourite funny people, and plenty of those all-important investigative whodunnits to keep you up at night. If you’re looking to dig deeper into one genre, we’d recommend trying our specialist lists on for size (you’ll find them below). But for a full list of good, addictive podcasts of every genre, read on.  We update this list with brand-new podcasts every month, so check back for more fabulous podcast recommendations from the Time Out team. Happy listening! RECOMMENDED:🎧 The best news podcasts😂 The best comedy podcasts 🗞️ The best history podcasts

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about summer in the city, but when you need to beat the heat, why not give free kayaking in NYC a try? We’ve got plenty of water, from the Hudson River to the East River Estuary, and these waterways offer some of the best views of many of New York’s attractions. If you own your own kayak, you’re all set to paddle. For the rest of us, there are many organizations around the city that aim to reconnect urbanites to nature and the aquatic ecosystems that surround us. Groups of boaters and paddling enthusiasts lead small groups around New York’s waterways, offering a cool, relaxing and educational adventure. Best of all? It’s free! NYC Parks also hosts one-off free kayaking and canoeing events throughout the summer!  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island all have boating opportunities for you this summer. Most are first-come-first-served or by reservation only, so be sure to check before you head out. After all that paddling, treat yourself to a hearty NYC brunch. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

We all need a break from busy (and noisy) city life once in a while. And spending a cozy weekend in a converted barn can be the perfect rustic getaway from NYC. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, Airbnb has a slew of unique barn stays that'll surprise and delight. From old milk barns on wide-open acreage to smaller all-wood barns, there's a way to get farm vibes in a comfortable space for you and your crew—big wooden beams and all. And yes, they are all heated! Check out our pick of the most amazing Airbnb farm stays for you to rent. RECOMMENDED: Airbnbs that'll make you feel like you're in EuropeThe best Airbnbs near NYC with amazing fireplaces Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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

There's a chill in the air and the thought of cuddling up in front of a roaring fire is, frankly, irresistible. Even better, add a lake view or mountain range to the equation and you're really onto a winner. You don't even need to venture that far from bustling New York City to get it. We've picked out some of the most impressive fireplaces to spend an evening in front of at the coziest, most charming Airbnbs near NYC. Once you settle in and start to unwind, you'll never want to leave. Mmm toasty. Updated June 2024: Need more choice? We got you. Check out our two new properties that range from a lakehouse mansion to a cute little cottage for romantic getaways.  RECOMMENDED: The coziest Airbnbs you can rent near NYC this winterThe best Airbnbs with fireplaces in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

In a city that never sleeps, sometimes you just need a little (or a lot of) peace and quiet. New York City is the ultimate destination for iconic sights, culture and food (including pizza slices bigger than your head), but we’ve got one way you could make your trip to the Big Apple even better. Just outside the city, there is a whole host of stunning Airbnbs right on the waterfront, so you can wake up to views of Orchard Beach, Brighton Beach or Coney Island, soothed by the soft swishing of the water. Ahh, bliss. Have we convinced you yet? Go on, book one of these waterfront Airbnbs near NYC for your summer 2024 getaway now. RECOMMENDED: The coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Mist was still obscuring the pre-Alps on the crisp autumn morning that I boarded the sauna boat on Lake Zurich in Switzerland. Fluttering sails of small vessels beckoned me into the serene, blue-gray water as I grabbed the wheel, pushed the engine lever forward and slowly joined them.  The other boaters were out for a Sunday morning sail. But in a few moments, I'd be jumping into the chilly lake. The Sauna Boat (or Saunaboot), run by Bootsvermietung Enge, allows anyone, regardless of nautical knowledge, to drive around the lake's 34 square miles on their own and choose an out-of-the-way spot to use as their own cold-plunge locale after spending some time in a private dry sauna aboard the boat.  Photograph by Shaye Weaver for Time Out When my crew of two and I stopped the boat parallel to one of the banks, I headed to the back to pour some fresh lake water on the wood-burning stove and soak in the heat. Just eight minutes in, I decided it was enough and made my way to the little ladder at the front of the boat. From the bow of the boat, I could see several feet down into the lake's clear water, kelp dancing just beneath the surface. It was time to plunge.  I never thought I’d dip even a toe in a city’s lake water, but here I was, about to immerse myself (head to my toes) in Lake Zurich, thanks to Switzerland Tourism, who set up the trip. I’d only been in the city for a day and I was about to put my full trust in the locals’ claim that the water is clean. With a quick push aw

When it takes a boat, a train and a steady hike to get an incredible view, you need to make sure the trip is worthwhile. And sometimes, the trip is better than what you came to see. At least, that is what I learned when I climbed Mt. Rigi, the “Queen of the Mountains” in Switzerland—a trip paid for by Switzerland Tourism. Located in Central Switzerland's Alps surrounded by the Lakes Lucerne, Zug and Lauerz, Mt. Rigi's summit, Rigi Kulm, is 5,899 feet (or 1,798 meters) above sea level. It's known for incredible 360-degree views of the Alps, 13 lakes in the lowlands, Germany and France as well as the cities of Lucerne and Zug. The journey there from the city of Lucerne is just as visually stunning. Using the Swiss Travel Pass last fall, I boarded a steamboat at Lucerne's Bahnhofquai headed for the beautiful lakeside town of Vitznau still in the canton of Lucerne. As we dined, the boat slid through Lake Lucerne past its epic landscape with mountain peaks and villages rising up on either side of us. Throughout the nearly one-hour trek, the views left me speechless. Photograph provided by Switzerland Tourism   Photograph provided by Switzerland Tourism   Photograph by Shaye Weaver for Time Out Once there, I transferred to the Cogwheel Railway—Europe's first mountain railway—(for free with the Swiss Travel Pass) for a long, steep trek up the side of Mt. Rigi through small villages and pastures. The sound of the clattering train was broken up only by a chorus of mooing cows as

Switzerland's sunny, Italian-speaking canton of Ticino is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in the country as it boasts shining Lakes Maggiore and Lugano, the epic southern slopes of the Alps and gorgeous parks and gardens.  Its culinary landscape is just as breathtaking—aside from typical street-side restaurants, some of its best eateries are found inside its grottos, on its mountain slopes and peppering its lakesides. The grottos are particularly unique to Ticino—and a must when visiting the canton. These historic caves, which started off as refrigerated storage for meat, cheese, wine and other perishable goods thanks to their constant air circulation, and later, meeting places, now house some of the most beloved restaurants in the country. Grotto America right on the Maggia River in Ponte Brolla is one such restaurant. On my visit paid for by Switzerland Tourism, the rushing of the rapids and wind in the leaves provided a soundtrack to patrons outside, who were enjoying an evening on the stone tabletops outside the mouth of the 400-year-old grotto. Inside, I was welcomed into an incredibly cozy atmosphere comprised of small white plastered dining rooms that were full of sturdy wooden tables covered in red- and blue-and-white checkered tablecloths. Fireplaces roared nearby, making the place literally and figuratively warmer.  Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out | Grotto America Almost 200 years earlier, thousands of people met and dined in this grotto before

Lady Gaga’s family restaurant, Joanne Trattoria (a name made famous by the artist’s eponymous album), is bringing in sensational drag queens for free, “speakeasy” drag shows every Wednesday. “Drag Me To Joanne’s,” which is hosted by Jupiter Genesis, features special guests. Coming up for Pride, you'll see performances by the dancing diva Mo’Riah and Victoria Holiday with beats by queen BaeJing on Wednesday, June 26. In addition to dinner and the show, the venue will host a special live auction with all of the proceeds going to the Born This Way Foundation. Auction prizes include tickets to Lady Gaga's residency, dinner with Joe Germanotta, a Joanne's gift basket, and a goodie bag with Lady Gaga's Haus Labs makeup. Of course, because the event's all set at Joanne’s, there will “be ample Lady Gaga action,” organizers say. “‘Drag Me To Joanne’s’ has been a staple here at Joanne Trattoria over the last few months and we’re beyond thrilled to not only make it a weekly show, but a free show,” said Joe Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s (Stephanie Germanotta’)s father. “Where else in this city can you enjoy a terrific free drag show and authentic Italian food?” The event is produced exclusively by Jessee O of G L I T A NYC and co-produced by Jupiter Genesis. Joanne Trattoria’s full Italian menu will be available during performances. Additional tickets for the show aren’t needed, you just need or order a meal.

Oh My Darling owners Ryan and Leigh Ann Benz have hit a sweet spot down on Syracuse’s South Salina Street, despite it being their first-ever restaurant. Opened in 2019 within the Whitney Lofts, the restaurant and bar—which also houses The Fitz, a 1920’s-themed speakeasy below ground—it serves American comfort food with welcome twists like crowd favorites the Hot Honey Dipped Crispy Chicken, the Banana Bread French Toast and the Darling Burger across its brunch and main menus. Inside, naturally lit by the large front windows, Oh My Darling is as comforting as its food. During our visit in April 2024, the restaurant was buzzing with families and friends enjoying lively conversation, kind wait staff and an aesthetic similar to that of a friend’s dining room (if only it had a bar). To start, I found that no one could go wrong with the Syracuse poutine ($12). It was the most comforting of the comfort dishes. For dinner, I ordered Lee Lee’s Chicken Sandwich ($17), a well-cooked piece of grilled chicken topped with avocado, clover sprouts, garlic aioli and melted provolone on a brioche bun. Wanting to avoid fried anything, the sandwich was tasty and well-balanced in its flavors. It’s served with truffle fries that hit the spot and didn’t cross the “too truffle-y line.” The Hot Honey Chicken ($24) didn’t initially come with enough hot honey, making for a drier fried exterior. But once we asked for more hot honey, the chicken was more delicious and struck the perfect balance between f

Role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons are inherently theatrical: The players are all playing roles, after all. But the idea of building an actual stage show around the game—an entirely improvised one, guided by audience suggestions and decisions—seems, well, a little dicey. As a D&D enthusiast myself, I didn't know what to expect from The Twenty-Sided Tavern, which is currently playing at Off Broadway’s cavernous Stage 42. But an element of the unexpected is one of the things that makes this goofy fantasy show such fun. Whether or not you know much about D&D going in, it’s an adventuring party you won't want to miss. The five actors in the cast lead the audience on a journey through the Forgotten Realms of the land of Faerûn. But it may be more accurate to say that the audience leads them. Via an interactive theater technology called Gamiotics, the spectators use their phones to determine much of what happens onstage, including which actors play which of the campaign’s three wacky members: a warrior, a trickster and a mage. This trio is joined by two other figures: David Andrew Laws (who goes by DAGL) as the Dungeon Master and Sarah Davis Reynolds as the Tavern Keeper.  As created by Laws, Reynolds and Gamiotics honcho David Carpenter, The Twenty-Sided Tavern puts the audience in control of where the story goes—which means every performance of the show is different, with new plot points and non-player characters. Each of the three adventurers is controlled by a third o

The fire is on! Don’t miss Time Out Market’s pig roast on Saturday, May 25, led by beloved Bark Barbecue and Palmira Barbecue from Charleston, South Carolina. Bark’s owner Ruben Santana and Palmira’s owner Hector Garate will cook a Heritage Duroc Hog from Peculiar Pig Farm in Charleston while Max Banda and DJ Ray Suave provide tunes from 2 to 7pm.  The party doesn’t stop there. Latin Mix Saturdays begins at 7 with Ronnie Roc & DJ Torres. Come hungry!

One of Time Out Market New York’s biggest parties is back again this year and it’s even bigger! This rooftop celebration, celebrating Mexico’s historic military win over Franced on May 5, will feature cold beverages from local spots and cocktails made with Dos Hombres Mezcal, Tromba Tequila and Hagave Spiced Nectar, as well as mouth-watering bites from the market’s vendors: Ivy Stark, Bark Barbecue, Pat LaFrieda, Fornino, Jacob’s Pickles and Sugar Hill Creamery. Of course, any party wouldn’t be complete without live music, which will be provided all day long from Lulada Club (2:30-4pm), Guru Sanal (4-5pm) and Conjunto Guantánamo (5-7pm). And don’t miss out on brand merch from Modelo with the purchase of any Modelo drink! See you there!

Built in the mid-1960s, Everson Museum of Art is an architectural masterpiece that impresses especially upon entering its lofty lobby with a stunning central spiral staircase and its collection of 11,000 artworks, including one of the largest and most notable collections of ceramic art in the country. It specializes in American art—paintings, sculpture, drawings, video, graphics and ceramics from Colonial times to the present—and has since its early days. It was founded as the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts in 1897 by art historian and Metropolitan Museum founder George Fisk Comfort, but in 1911, the museum announced it’d only collect American art, becoming the first museum to do so. It wasn’t until 1965 that work on the Everson Museum began, thanks to a $1 million gift to the city from Helen Everson. Upon its opening in 1968, it was already known for its Ceramic National exhibitions—one of the most prestigious juried ceramics exhibitions—and the Syracuse China Center for the Study of Ceramics, which now has ancient sculpture and Ming dynasty porcelain up to contemporary works. It was also home to one of the first video art collections in the country and today has the biggest collection of video art. These days, it collaborates with Light Work and the Urban Video Project to project video art on its facade, which has included works by artists like Bill Viola, Jenny Holzer and William Wegman. It also hosts a film series every summer. When I visited, I got to see an immense exhibi

Syracuse’s 100-year history is gorgeously represented as soon as you step foot into Marriott Downtown Syracuse. From its ornate ceiling to the murals on its walls,  the lobby looks like it did when it opened in 1924 as the Hotel Syracuse. It’s earned awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and from Historic Hotels of America for its restoration work, which took place in 2016. Not only was the lobby worth a moment of awe as I walked in, but its historic details throughout the building were pause-worthy, too, including its original curved “coffin” doors on some of its 261 modernized guest rooms.  After checking in at the beautiful and historic counter—and easy process made better by a friendly staff member—I found my room on the quiet fourth floor. Passing the curved room doors on the way (which still exist in only a handful of hotels around the country) made me imagine who might’ve been here in its heyday. It turns out five U.S. Presidents have stayed here, as well as countless celebrities—even John Lennon, who celebrated his 30th birthday and stayed an entire week! Feeling special, I easily accessed my room which was outfitted with a king-sized bed; a spacious bathroom with a large shower and vanity; a full couch; a desk to write my solar eclipse story at; and other expected amenities like a flatscreen TV. The stay was comfortable and quiet and I was able to work from the hotel easily with its stable, free Wi-Fi and ample workspaces. The only issues during my

DJ MoreSoupPlease (aka Isaac Campbell) is a Brooklyn-based creative who has helped reshape the NYC nightlife scene with high-energy sets and silky smooth transitions. He pulls from genres including Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Afrobeat, House and more for his sets which are bound to get you dancing. That’s why we’ve got him at the Time Out Market rooftop every third Sunday! From 2 to 5pm, join us for a rooftop day party, where you can enjoy 10% off at the market bar using a promo code posted by MoreSoupPlease. While you’re here, make a day of it. Bottomless Brunch runs from noon to 3pm. Tickets ($55) get you a $35 TOM Card towards the meal of your choice from our concessions plus including 3 hours of bottomless beverages: mimosas, bellinis or Aperol spritz.

Non-toxic nail polish purveyor and cozy nail salon sundays just opened its fifth location in New York City and it’s the biggest and most welcoming salon yet. I was invited to try out the new spot/its new flagship on Spring Street—a hideaway among all the fashion retailers—inside a converted loft apartment with a terrace. Once the elevator doors opened, I walked into the Danish hygge-themed salon and was warmly greeted by friendly staff in the kitchen-turned-lounge/intake space/hang-out area.  The loft’s layout is still evident in the space: the pedicure stations are in the old living room overlooking the street; the nail polish selection and intake are in the kitchen in the middle; and eight manicure stations (across two long tables) span the former two bedrooms, abutted by the back door to the terrace. (The terrace will be used as a quiet space with seating, lounge chairs and tables for customers to use and relax in as their nails dry.) The longer I stayed in the space, the more I felt like I was in a friend’s super nice but cozy Soho apartment. It helped that the service I was comped, the Rose Extract Anti-Aging Manicure, nearly lulled me to sleep. The 50-minute manicure used an anti-aging soak of rose petals and hydrating coconut milk and a gentle orange-peel scrub. I got a 10-minute rose essential oil aromatherapy massage and a cooling spritz of rose water mist before any nail polish was applied. This service was $58. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York | Sha

Come chill with us at this new outdoor festival featuring beer, wine, great food, live music, and more! On Saturday, April 20, head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park under the Bridge by St. Ann’s Warehouse from 2 to 6pm, to enjoy bites from the Market’s vendors (Pastrami Queen, Jacob’s Pickles, The Rogue Boba, Settepani Bakery, The Maiz Project and Sugar Hill Creamery) and wash it all down with drinks from Sixpoint Brewery, Truly, Sam Adams, Coney Island Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery and Estrella Galicia. Enjoy it all to live music from Silver Arrow Band and later, come by for our popular Latin Mix Saturday inside the Market. See you down there!

Industry City has an assortment of fun things to do, from archery and petanque to distilleries and an entire Japan Village. And now, it has a board game shop and tabletop lounge, where you can play with your friends. For the uninitiated, Eurogames (your Settlers of Catan and Wingspan) have been having a moment in the past decade or so, but only now are we seeing permanent, dedicated spaces pop up to host gamers. Brooklyn couple Frank Szelwach and Sara Bender opened Brooklyn Game Knight in the fall of 2023 inside Industry City with more than 300 games, ranging from card games to dice-rolling games and more (role-playing games, too). A giant shelf of games spans the far wall and minis you can paint take up space near the front. You can also shop from indy game creators, pick out new dice sets and grab a game gift for a friend. “We are a bit ‘punk rock’ in that we are incredibly devoted to independent creators, designers and publishers,” Szelwach says. “It is important for us to support the incredible indie and DIY gaming community. We have shelves dedicated to this and run playtesting events. We believe that the smallest voices tend to have the biggest ideas!” That’s one of the defining points of Brooklyn Game Knight that sets it apart from other board game spaces … also because it plays host to special event nights such as tutorial nights, Magic the Gathering events, miniature painting, wargaming, TTRPG nights and more. It is welcoming to all folks who just want to play some

It’ll be a week of design and dinner this NYFW. Twenty-five restaurants—Caviar Kaspia at The Mark, Jean’s, Bangkok Supper Club, Hav & Mar, Temple Bar, Bluestone Lane, Temple Court and The Bar Room at The Beekman, Librae Bakery, Ray’s, American Bar and more—will offer exclusive menu items during NYFW (February 9-14). When you dine at these spots, you could win a VIP shopping experience and two front-row seats to an NYFW runway show during the September 2024 season. QR codes will be available at each restaurant to enter for a chance to win. Sign up at NYFW.com/themenu.

The hottest merch drop in NYC right now? Official NYC street signs. The city’s Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it’ll be doing monthly “sign drops” or selling limited batches of authentic, commemorative New York City street signs. Officials say “‘Sign Drops’ are the New ‘Sneaker Drops.’” RECOMMENDED: See inside Katharine Hepburn's former NYC townhouse now on sale The DOT says the signs will be of iconic New York City streets, commemorations of famous New Yorkers, celebrations of special occasions and other custom releases. The first drop, which sold out in three hours, was a Christopher Street/Stonewall Place sign to celebrate Pride Month.  The signs aren’t replicas—they are actually handmade at the NYC DOT Sign Shop, which makes over 70,000 signs per year. The shop will be dropping a limited edition sign each month for just $75. Since they’ll release just 50 at a time, they are limited to one per person. You can buy them on CityStore, which has other official NYC goodies worth perusing like an old taxi medallion, DSNY Trash Can Lapel Pin and a calendar of K9 officers. Proceeds from sign sales will go into the city’s general fund. “Now you can own an official piece of New York City: authentic commemorative street signs hand made by DOT,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Our monthly sign drops will allow all who love New York City to celebrate the people, places, and special occasions that make this the greatest city in the world. Nothing beat

You can learn how to do almost anything in New York City: acrobatics, robotics, singing and dancing, coding, sewing, knitting and crochet … and now you can learn how to make your own throw pillow worthy of a home goods store shelf. In May, I took a pillow-making class with Ruti Wajnberg, the founder of Find the Thread, an upholstery company based in Brooklyn that specializes in bringing new life to the cushions of well-loved furniture. It doesn’t take long when talking with Wajnberg to see how much she loves upholstery and sharing her passion with others. RECOMMENDED: The 38 best classes in NYC for 2024 “I love color and pattern, and I love keeping old things in the world but making them feel more modern and new,” she tells me before the class begins. “I think a lot of people are kind of craving that kind of tactile accomplishment, and so it’s fun for me at the end people are like ‘I made that!’”  Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York The workshop, which takes about three hours at $115 per person, is a challenging but low-stakes, fun night out for friends looking to expand their skills (and pillow collection). Wajnberg provides wine and cheese as well as all the materials needed to craft the perfect project: fabric, zippers, synthetic down inserts and industrial-grade machines. At the start of the four-person class, we each picked out two fabrics for our pillows from Find The Thread’s multicolored stash. We could choose whatever fabric we wanted based on the size

The author and illustrator who ignited our childhood imaginations with tales of cuddly bunnies, mischievous squirrels and daring ducks is getting a well-deserved spotlight in NYC. The wholesome and beautiful works of beloved children’s author and land conservationist Beatrix Potter are now on view at The Morgan Library & Museum through June 9. RECOMMENDED: The Morgan is celebrating 100 years with a free party and a Beatrix Potter exhibit “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature,” opens Friday, February 23, as one of the museum and library’s centennial year exhibitions, and it is the most darling show in the city right now. For adults who grew up reading her storybooks about cute but mischievous anthropomorphized animals—Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Tom Kitten and Jeremy Fisher—and for children who are currently reading them, the exhibition is both a nostalgic and celebratory look inside her sketchbook so to speak. “I do not remember a time when I did not try to invent pictures and make fairy-tales—amongst the wild flowers, the animals, trees and mosses and fungi—all the thousand common objects of the country side; that pleasant unchanging world of realism and romance,” Potter wrote in a 1940 letter. You can see her devotion to storytelling and nature across 175 objects in two galleries and four sections, one of which includes a delightful recreation of Potter’s home that you can actually sit and read in. Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York Town & Cou

Summer in the subway system is hot, but it’s about to get a lot cooler—the Whitney Museum of American Art is bringing large-scale artworks to certain stations around NYC. Celebrating its Biennial, the Whitney teamed up with the MTA to put up vinyl installations of artworks by former and current Biennial artists—including Roy Lichtenstein, Jane Dickson, Dawoud Bey, Alex Katz, and Eamon Ore-Giron—on the facades of former retail spaces on three subway station platforms: West Fourth Street, Jay Street, and Fordham Road. RECOMMENDED: Five of the coolest things to see at this year’s Whitney Biennial Photograph: Timothy Schenck, courtesy of the Whitney Museum     Photograph: Timothy Schenck, courtesy of the Whitney Museum Alongside this subway takeover, the Whitney has also created a digital map where you can see the Biennial’s history, which spans from 1932, and shows “then and now” photos from the ’30s and current day, including a comparison of Biennial artist Jane Dickson’s 1983 work “Dobbs Hats” to today in Times Square.   Others include: George C. Ault, “Hudson Street” (northwest view of Hudson and Gansevoort Streets). This work is in the Whitney’s collection and is currently on view on the seventh floor. Francis Criss, “Astor Place” (south-facing view of E 9th St and Lafayette Street). This work is in the Whitney’s collection. David Morrison, “Union Square” (northeast view of 14th St and Broadway). John Cunning, “Sunset, New York Bay”(southwest view from 110 Columbia Hei

Last night’s thunderstorm in New York City was a pretty violent one. As the rain picked up and the wind whipped around buildings, lightning flashed in the sky, even hitting the Empire State Building! As always, someone is out there watching with a camera on hand.  The Empire State Building’s Instagram posted a video of the strike happening from different angles and it’s pretty freakin’ cool. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Empire State Building (@empirestatebldg) Gary Hershorn took a mesmerizing photo of the strike here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ABC7NY (@abc7ny) As did this photographer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naz | NYC Photographer (@_nazlizeynepn) The ESB wasn’t the only tower to get struck, though. One World Trade was victim to the storm, too. Photographer Johnny Angelillo captured that strike below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by johnny angelillo (@johnnyfoto) And Max Guliani caught it on video, too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by maximusupinnyc (@maximusupinnyc)

Start daydreaming about exploring Edinburgh Castle, drinking a pint and walking Scotland’s cobblestone streets because getting there just got easier! JetBlue just introduced new, nonstop flights to Edinburgh taking off from New York City’s JFK airport. RECOMMENDED: The 28 best things to do in Edinburgh right now The flights from JFK take off at 9:12pm EST with an arrival in Edinburgh at 9:30am BST. From Edinburgh, flights to JFK take off at 12:30pm BST and arrive at 3:06pm EST. This daily seasonal service (it’s only running this summer through September 30), will use JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo with Mint which has 16 redesigned Mint Suite seats, 144 core seats and Airbus’ Enhanced Cabin with XL Bins. According to JetBlue, the A321neo with Mint features an average 20% increase in fuel efficiency and up to 500 nautical miles in additional range. “This new direct JetBlue route from Edinburgh to New York City will really help strengthen links between our two great countries,” said John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland. “Just last month, I walked down Sixth Avenue with other representatives from the U.K. Government as part of the annual Tartan Day celebrations in Manhattan, promoting our most important exports—whisky, energy and financial services, and our rich culture. This flight route will make it easier for visitors from the U.S. to come and see for themselves what a uniquely attractive destination we have here, while also easing travel for Scottish visitors wanting to

As New Yorkers, we all keep an eye on Michelin’s restaurant picks to see which spots we should put on our MEL (must-eat list), whether it’s on the budget-friendly Bib Gourmand recommendation or a dining room deemed worthy of a prestigious Michelin star. But now, the organization wants to become the authority on great hotels. On Wednesday, Michelin announced its 124 U.S. hotels that it awarded “Michelin Keys” to, including 27 New York City hotels.  RECOMMENDED: The 24 best hotels in NYC, from Midtown to NoMad and the Upper East SideThe coolest hotels in NYC to stay in for 2024 “Steadfast in our field-based approach, the Michelin Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Every establishment awarded One, Two or Three Michelin Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide. “Using the Michelin Guide digital platforms, travelers can filter their search and book awarded hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.” According to Michelin, hotels with Michelin Keys are “the chicest coastal retreats, the most relaxing, quiet hideaways, and the most spectacular urban oases.” Here’s the breakdown of Keys, what they mean, and which NYC hotels received them:  One Key What it means: A Very Special Stay “This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type

New Yorkers love (and love to hate) a spectacle—and this might top them all—literally. Thirty Seconds to Mars lead and Mobius actor Jared Leto (along with 20 others) rappelled down the Empire State Building this morning to help raise funds for a non-profit. RECOMMENDED: An insider’s guide to the Empire State Building Leto and his fellow brave rappellers made their way down 900 feet from the building’s iconic spire to the 30th floor to bring awareness and raise money for Outward Bound, a worldwide educational and charitable network that works to change young people’s lives through challenge, learning and adventure. The participants raised over $3 million. Photograph: Roy Rochlin | Jared Leto rappels down the Empire State Building Last year, Leto became the first person to legally scale the Empire State Building to announce Thirty Second to Mars’ world tour.  This time, he was joined by others, who wanted to bring awareness to Outward Bound in a big way. “My wife and I chose to join the Big Rappel to benefit a great cause, and I got to see the amazing views from the three levels of our Observatory and the Empire State Building’s few remaining great office leasing opportunities on the way down!” said Tony Malkin, chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust in a statement. Photograph: Roy Rochlin | Jared Leto rappels down the Empire State Building But that’s not all: Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Trustee of Outward Bound in the U.K. flipped the switch for tonight’s

"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. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, TONY Editor Shaye Weaver argued that NYC needs more space for roller skating. NYC’s nightlife didn’t die in the pandemic, it just went underground. Now, parties (at least the good ones) are harder to find and require some sleuthing on social media and a little word of mouth. If anything, NYC’s nightlife splintered—spots used to cater to general crowds but now they host collectives and the communities they represent. And odds are, it’s been a while since you used Time Out New York to find out about the latest and greatest parties and clubs in NYC. Once the pandemic hit, coverage had to be scaled down since these places and parties shut down. Only now can we hit the ground running and resurrect our nightlife coverage thanks to Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan and Staff Writer Ian Kumamoto, who joined our team earlier this year. Before joining Time Out New York in January, Ian wrote about culture, entertainment and identity for several places including VICE, CNN, HuffPost, Them, Mic and others. But in his free time, he is also a DJ who goes by oyystersauce and founder of Whorechata, a collective for queer and trans people of color. Ian writes from experience and a deep love for going out. “I always tell people that I was rai

This is a fifth birthday party you’ll want to come to! Time Out Market New York is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Saturday, May 18, with an all-day party full of good food, drinks, live music and activities for everyone. RECOMMENDED: Here’s how you can win a $500 gift voucher to the Time Out Market NY The festival kicks off at noon with live beats from the Silver Arrow Band and DJ Price is Right followed by performances from the Brooklyn Irish Dance Company and Mapy the Violin Queen: noon-2pm: Silver Arrow Band 2-3pm: Brooklyn Irish Dance Company 3:15-3:45: Mapy 4-6pm: Silver Arrow Band Meanwhile, you can enjoy good food from the Market’s vendors, including snacks from Jacob’s Pickles, egg rolls from Rogue Panda, sandos from Pastrami Queen, bites from The Maiz Project, and sweets from Sugar Hill Creamery and Baklava. Of course, you’ll need something to wash it all down with. Estrella Galicia, Coney Island Brewery, Truly, Sam Adams and Brooklyn Brewery will be on-site with their respective cold beverages. If you’re more of a red or white fan, you’ll have your pick with BY.OTT, La Gioiosa Prosecco, Villa Sparina, Silk & Spice and Velenosi Vini. You can RSVP here. Time Out Market New York opened back on May 31, 2019, within the Empire Stores at 55 Water Street with vendors Juliana’s, Reserve Cut, Bessou, Clinton St. Baking Company & Restaurant, Miss Ada, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Alta Calidad, Jacob’s Pickles, Felice, DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections and Avocaderia. Photograph: A

The upper crust of New York City society and all of the most relevant celebrities are preparing for their night on the red carpet at the annual Met Gala, but last night, The People’s Ball held court. Last year, we named it the best nightlife event of 2023, and for good reason! Unlike the invitation-only event at the Met Museum tonight, the People’s Ball is open to all—and for free—at the Brooklyn Public Library. And on Sunday night, everyone was allowed to show off their best looks. As the Library states, “the People’s Ball declares that the pinnacle of fashion is found in the everyday New Yorker!” RECOMMENDED: This year’s Met Gala theme and hosts have been announced The event was co-curated by Harlem icon Souleo, actress Delissa Reynolds and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi and featured a performance from drag icon Kevin Aviance, music from DJ Spinna and a tribute to New York Times fashion and street photographer Bill Cunningham on what would’ve been his 95th birthday with a catwalk featuring a group of his former models: Lauren Ezersky, Jean Stone, Lana Turner and Amy Collins. “The People’s Ball has become one of Brooklyn’s rituals of spring,” said László Jakab Orsós, Vice President of Arts and Culture at Brooklyn Public Library. “Last night, hundreds of people from every corner of the borough and from every walk of life showed off their stellar outfits and unique personalities on a runway in the middle of the public library. This event celebrates the true spirit of democ

If you’re anything like me, you’re really enjoying the new X-Men 97 show by Marvel Animation on Disney+ and you want to tell everyone about it (episode 5, right?).  Well, Airbnb can do you one better and you don’t even need powers! It’s launching a chance to stay at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning in Westchester, NY. The stay, which is set up inside a four-bedroom mansion in High Castle and “hosted” by Jubilee, is a 2D experience that includes: A new student orientation video from Jubilee The opportunity to concoct experiments in Beast’s lab The chance to train like an X-Man in the Danger Room A stop in the iconic War Room for team briefings and to try on Cerebro Staying overnight in either host Jubilee’s bedroom straight out of the 90s, Wolverine’s room inspired by the series, Beast’s lab, or the new recruits dorm room. Beignets for breakfast (Gambit’s secret recipe) On the Airbnb listing for the X-Mansion, Jubilee writes about the experience: “Hey, I’m Jubilee! If I’m not at the mall, you can find me hanging with my fellow X-Men. We’re talking Cyclops, Storm, and Wolverine! I learned how to light up the sky at Xavier’s Institute for Higher Learning. Basically, I have the power to shoot fireworks from my hands. Rad, huh? Can’t wait to have you over to the house so you can see what we’re all about.”   Photograph: Holly Andres, courtesy of Airbnb Photograph: Holly Andres, courtesy of Airbnb Photograph: Holly Andres, courtesy of Airbnb Photograph: Holly Andres