Rossilynne Skena Culgan

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including a champagne festival, an epic Halloween party at The McKittrick, the debut of the Balloon Museum, the annual Procession of the Ghouls, a Halloween-themed Punderdome and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

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, 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

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: The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest, Pumpkin Point, The Drunken Laboratory, Black Lagoon, the debut of the Balloon Museum, and free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! 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. 

Give thanks for our list of NYC events in November 2023, which will help you make plans for things to do on Thanksgiving and the rest of the month, from the New York Marathon to Broadway show openings. Our guide will help you find the best holiday events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and amazing holiday markets. But that’s not all! Keep scrolling for how to make the most of this month with cool cultural events, new museum exhibits and quirky activities. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2023

We're throwing the spookiness into high gear with events for Halloween in NYC. October is filled with costumed parties, jump scares at haunted houses, corn mazes, parades and even dog parades — and we're so ready! Don't bother breaking out your sewing kit, New York's greatest Halloween stores have plenty of options to make you look really spooky. Make sure to check out our NYC events in October too for even more activities to finish off the month in killer spirits.  Bookmark this link because we'll be updating this guide all autumn long. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC

Only with Queen Mariah’s blessing do we begin celebrating the holidays. In preparation, we’ve gathered the best things to do for Christmas and the holidays in NYC. From uptown to downtown, the city boasts holiday offerings like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, light festivals, and the best holiday markets NYC has to offer. Whether you channel your inner grinch or cheery elf during NYC's most wonderful season, we've got you covered with memorable activities. Check back for updates as we'll continue adding to the list as the holidays approach.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best Christmas hotels in NYC Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  Check out our Winter Village video: 

There's a jingle in the air, meaning it's that holly jolly time of year full of magic and wonder. Christmas in NYC is a festive time like no other, bringing joy to all, especially the little ones. Once you’ve picked out the perfect Christmas tree and set up holiday decorations, you can check out holiday markets and holiday lights, go ice skating, or — on a good snow day — go sledding. But be sure to leave room in your schedule for these must-do Christmas events for kids in NYC. From spectacular holiday light shows to outdoor adventures, these festive family events are sure to make everyone merry and bright. Celebrate the spirit of the season with these Christmas events for kids, then snuggle up at home with some hot chocolate and a beloved Christmas movie.

It only took about 70 years, but television is finally getting some respect. In the decades leading up to this point, TV was largely considered among the lowest forms of entertainment. It was smeared as ‘the idiot box’, ‘the boob tube’. Edward R Murrow referred to it as ‘the opiate of the masses’, and Bruce Springsteen even wrote a song about the malaise of fruitless channel surfing. Was its poor reputation deserved? Certainly, the ratio of garbage to gold was high, and though it’s hard to quantify if it was worse than any other artistic medium, the fact that it was all being beamed directly into your living room made the dreck much harder to avoid.  That’s all changed. Television is now the dominant medium in basically all of entertainment, to the degree that the only thing separating movies and TV is the screen you’re watching on. The shift in perception is widely credited to the arrival of The Sopranos, which completely reinvented the notion of what a TV show could do, and the advent of streaming has made it so that hundreds of new shows are now continually flipping the script every few years, if not months.  But that doesn’t mean everything before 1999 is pure dross. Far from it: television has been popular since World War II, after all. And while this list is dominated by 21st century programs, there are hundreds of shows that deserve credit for pushing TV forward into its current golden age. Chiselling them down to a neat hundred is tough, so we elected to leave off tal

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn't have to be stressful, make it fun at these holiday markets. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Sure, seeing New Yorkers walking around the city in costumes is a blast during the Halloween season. But seeing dogs in costumes takes the seasonal fun to a whole new level. From dogs dressed up like hot dog carts to pups pretending to be mythical creatures, the creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're looking for a dog costume contest or a canine cruise, we've got the full rundown of pup-friendly Halloween events across the five boroughs. They're presented here in chronological order, so you can mark your calendar for a totally paw-some Halloween season in NYC.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is no doubt the highlight of Thanksgiving in NYC, kicking off the holiday season. It’s up there with the best New York attractions and one of the best things to do in New York in the fall. Before chowing down on turkey and sides, who doesn’t love tuning in to watch the fabulous floats, singing celebs, skilled dancers, top-notch marching bands and of course the iconic Macy’s parade balloons? Lucky New Yorkers can see the parade in person, but the rest of us can stay cozy and warm on the couch and check out the parade on TV in our pjs. The balloons in the Macy’s parade have evolved over the years, but they always feature beloved cartoon characters both old and new. This year’s parade will feature three new balloons alongside the classics. Whether you’re seeing the parade in person or watching from the comfort of your home, here are the Macy’s parade balloons to look out for, plus some photos from past parades to conjure up those Thanksgiving feels. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade Which Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons will I see this year? In this year’s parade, you’ll see giant floating versions of your favorite characters. New this year are Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat & Chugs, and Monkey D. Luffy. The Snoopy balloon—measuring in at five stories tall—celebrates the 50th anniversary the Beagle Scouts and includes Woodstock perched on Snoopy's hat. Meanwhile, comic book characters Blue Cat & Chugs are making t

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 brighten up any fall day. RECOMMENDED: The best art shows and exhibits in NYC

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. See the show on Monday, October 30 at Caveat. This month's performers include: Kevin Kane, Zach Cherry, Kaley Ronayne, Connor Ratliff, Tenzing Kalden, Russell Daniels, Alex Dickson, Eddy Lee, Brian Morabito, Jess Morgan. It's hosted by Mick Szal.

Admire the work of 30 artists and vendors at "Dandyland," a queer erotic art and gift fair in Hell's Kitchen on Saturday, October 28.  The event began as a social response to the backlash against queer forms of artistic expression. "I feel strongly about embracing the activist element that existing as a queer person requires—especially as an artist," event organizer Patrick McNaughton tells Time Out New York. For this weekend's event, the theme takes on a Halloween vibe. While you can wear anything you want, zombie/undead attire is encouraged. Expect a drag host, live art and kink demos, a raffle, and plenty of other surprises.  The event runs from 2-8pm on Boxers Hells Kitchen (9th Avenue near 50th Street). It's free to attend. If you miss it this weekend, here are the upcoming event dates: November 18 with a pajama party theme and December 16 with a "glitter gala" theme.

Framed perfectly inside the park's famous arch, Washington Square Park's beautiful tree is a sight to behold. It officially lights up around the first week in December (stay tuned for an exact date for 2023), and you can watch in person or online. The tree lighting ceremony includes carols by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet. If you miss the tree lighting, you can see the beautifully lit 45-foot tree throughout the holiday season, lit from 4pm-1am daily. Also mark your calendar for Christmas Eve caroling on Friday, December 24 at 5pm. 

This annual cans-for-a-cause competition pits architecture teams against each other to create larger-than-life art installations using thousands upon thousands of cans of food, all in the name of ending hunger (every can is donated to City Harvest). Head to Brookfield Place in Manhattan (230 Vesey Street) from November 2-13 (10am-8pm) to see the unveiling of these engineering spectacles, all built after months of planning. Then check back to see if your favorite takes home any titles in judges’ categories like Best Use of Labels, Best Meal and Structural Ingenuity. You can even vote for your favorite sculpture once the sculptures are unveiled.  Every year, teams go all out with creativity. Past sculptures have included a hot air balloon, a bodega cat, baby Yoda, Buckingham palace and lots more. This the 31st year for Canstruction. Each year, the event results in the largest annual single donation of canned food to City Harvest. This year's donations will help reach the organization's goal of rescuing and delivering more than 77 million pounds of food to pantries and soup kitchens across New York City. Admission is free, but do your part by donating some canned goods to the cause.

The beloved New York holiday train tradition at the New York Botanical Garden, going on for over 30 years, is back as of November 17 and bigger than ever. Watch model trains zip past nearly 200 famous New York landmarks, like the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center—all made of natural materials such as leaves, cinnamon sticks, twigs, bark and berries. The garden meticulously maintains its collection of 25 G-scale model trains that’ll chug along a nearly half-mile track (which is also overhead) in the warmth of the Conservatory.  Or head outside to the all-new, outdoor train display. Be sure to snap a holiday photos at the garden's brand new mountainscape.  While you're there, check out GLOW, a gorgeous outdoor light show. Also mark your calendar for Bar Car Nights, 21+ evenings featuring the Holiday Train Show and curated cocktails. These special evenings feature music, experiences, food, and more—making for an ultimate adults-only night out. The train show is on view through January 15, 2024.

Jamaica, Queens' annual three-day celebration is back, running from December 1-3. Expect food vendors, an artisan holiday winter village, Christmas displays, a million-light parade, the largest Christmas tree lighting in Queens (on Friday night) as well as Santa and toy giveaways (on Saturday), live musical and dance performances and much more. The million-light Parade on Rockaway will take place on Sunday, from 130th-143re Street on Rockaway Blvd. The event began nine years ago when the area needed a sign of hope after Hurricane Sandy. Since then, the event has continued every year to spread cheer. Activities are free to attend.

Let it GLOW at the New York Botanical Garden this year at its fourth annual NYBG Glow. The outdoor light experience will brighten up the grounds with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights and festive installations. After dark, you can walk through this 1.5-mile colorful pathway featuring whimsical, picture-perfect installations. The experience reflects the surrounding gardens and collections with the Haupt Conservatory and Mertz Library Building as glowing centerpieces. It's all an ideal backdrop for a family holiday photo opp. Beverages and light fare will be available at NYBG’s outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up. GLOW is available on the following dates: November 17, 24, & 25; December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26–30, 2023; January 6 & 13, 2024. It runs each night from 5-10pm. Tickets, which can be paired with Holiday Train Show tickets for a little bit more money, are on sale now. GLOW plus train show tickets cost $54/adult and $39/child ages 2-12.

The Bronx Zoo’s sparkling seasonal outdoor celebration featuring animated lights and LED displays of animals from around the world is back this year. Expect the zoo to dazzle with 400 wildlife lanterns representing 100 species spread across an expansive area of the zoo. This year, the display showcases the wildlife of New York's ocean waters and wetlands, plus a new interactive experience celebrating bioluminescent creatures. Sixty-four new lanterns representing nine new animal species will make their debut this year. Holiday Lights will run at the Bronx Zoo on select dates November 17 through January 7. 

WUNDERKAMMER dubs itself as "a beautiful and bizarre taxidermy showcase" where more than 20 taxidermists from across the nation will present their most creative creatures for judging. In addition to the competition, expect an evening of mythical beasts, curious cocktails, sideshow performances by The No Ring Circus and drag by Shanita Bump, Sextia N'eight, and God Complex.  If you go, you'll score a gift bag of oddities courtesy of Bazaar Baltimore. Plus, if you by tickets in advance you'll be entered to win taxidermy, taxidermy classes, and a number of weird and wonderful prizes. FYI: All animal parts used in the works are sustainably sourced and the artists showcased are passionate about wildlife conservation. The event's on Thursday, October 26 at The Bell House in Brooklyn.

Take your fall festivities to a higher level this autumn at Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. At the "Autumn in the Sky," installation, walk through an autumnal tunnel leading to stunning skyline views. Colorful leaves and pumpkins decorate the space. The seasonal exhibitions are included with admission; general admission starts at $36. In addition to "Autumn in the Sky," Edge is also hosting a Sky High Halloween celebration on October 28. Tickets ($75/person) include one cocktail or mocktail as well as exclusive access to Edge’s outdoor viewing areas from 10pm-2am. Dress up to participate in the costume contest; the winner gets a pair of tickets to Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Rising 1,131 feet in the air and extending out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, Edge features a spectacular outdoor viewing area with its breathtaking glass floor, angled glass walls, and outdoor skyline steps from the 100th to 101st floors.  

  "Strap-on ring toss" and "pin the clitoris on the vulva" are just a few of the activities at Kinky Carnival Night: Halloween Edition. This sex-positive social event on October 29 at the Berry Park Rooftop in Brooklyn also includes DJs, drag performances, ridiculous questions about sex and lots more. The festival features a series of games designed to foster connection and even lead to some accidental sex education. Plus, as the event's host says, you'll even get to "bring a first Tinder date, win some new toys for a long-term partner, or come by yourself to socialize and make new friends."  The festivities are hosted by sex educator extraordinaire Niki Davis-Fainbloom.

Venture into a haus of haunts at Thistle Dance's Unbound performance held at Jefferson Market Library (425 6th Ave in Manhattan). This spooky, immersive dance experience spans three floors explores the twisted relationships between the seven deadly sins and invites audiences to engage with each sin in its own skin. Shadow them room by room for an unrepentantly fun night. Free shows are held on Friday, October 27; reserve a ticket online in advance.

Words take center stage in the latest new exhibition by artist Ed Ruscha at the Museum of Modern Art. There’s “OOF” painted in perfect yellow block letters, and then not far away “NOISE” takes up another canvas. Given all of that visual “noise,” walking through the next room, a nondescript space with brown tiled walls, can feel a little incongruous, as if it’s just a boring passageway to more stimulating Pop Art beyond.  When I visited the exhibition, many museum-goers simply breezed through the brown room, barely giving a second thought to the unusual-looking walls around them. But if you go, take a moment to pause, to look more closely—and to even smell. Because this room is tiled entirely in chocolate.  RECOMMENDED: This sprawling Picasso show explores the artist's lesser-known classical and cubist works Ruscha, an artist known for his Pop and conceptual works, first created “Chocolate Room” in 1970 as part of the Venice Biennale. He found local chocolate paste and screen printed it onto hundreds of sheets of paper. Then he hung each one like tiles or shingles from floor to ceiling. Ruscha was doing “immersive art” before that was even a buzzword. Given the fragile and ephemeral medium, Chocolate Room is refabricated on-site every time it’s shown. This is its first showing in New York City. On social media, MoMA offered a peek at the complicated installation process. A team in New York melted chocolate, poured it and pushed it across a silk screen to be transferred onto pa

Until now, there's been just one thing missing at NYC's new weed museum—cannabis itself. But as of this month, museum-goers to the House of Cannabis (THC NYC) can buy cannabis products at the cultural venue, even though they can't use actually those products onsite. The museum, located in Soho, has installed kiosks at which patrons can order cannabis products through Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store. They'll place their order, then the products will arrive at the museum within an hour. Think of it like placing a to-go order.  RECOMMENDED: Amy Sedaris shares where she likes to be high in NYC Union Square Travel Agency is known for its extensive selection of cannabis products, from edibles to flower to tinctures. The museum's onsite kiosk mirrors the experience of visiting the store but within the immersive environment of THC NYC. For the dispensary, the partnership is a natural fit, Paul Yau, CEO of Union Square Travel Agency said in a statement.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by The House of C🌿nnabis (@thcnyc) "We've been a fan of the House of Cannabis since it opened, and like us, they want their guests to explore the cannabis plant, products, and community in the most memorable and educational way possible," he continued. "Helping people navigate impactful cannabis experiences is what we’re known for, and offering delivery to THC guests is a great example of how cannabis hospitality will look moving forward." Even if you can'

When the 50,000 runners cross the finish line at the annual New York City Marathon on November 5, they'll be joined in spirit by Joe Yancey Jr. and Ted Corbitt, two men who shaped the epic road race into what it is today.  Remarkable Black athletes and coaches, Yancey and Corbitt helped break the color barrier and revolutionize long-distance running in the United States and across the globe. Just in time for the marathon, a new exhibit at the New-York Historical Society in Manhattan will honor their legacies.  RECOMMENDED: The NYC Marathon 2023 guide The exhibit, titled "Running for Civil Rights: The New York Pioneer Club, 1936–1976,” will open on Friday, October 27, and run through February 25, 2024. It explores how the New York City Marathon grew out of decades of activism for racial justice. Photograph: Courtesy of the Armory Foundation | Joe Yancey, in his 369th Infantry Regiment uniform, leads his entire team off the floor of the Armory after intramural events. The history of two trailblazers in athletics A veteran who served in the Harlem Hellfigers, Yancey (1910-1991) co-founded the New York Pioneer Club, a civic organization focused on education and sports in Harlem. After its founding in 1936, the Pioneers quickly became known as both an athletic powerhouse and an activist institution that protested against segregated events and facilities, sponsored racially integrated competitions, and challenged the economic and racial biases of the principal governing body of l

When Underground Overground Comedy announced their first show at the legendary Katz's Delicatessen last year, tickets sold out in less than a minute. This year, the show's coming back to Katz's with a new slate of well-known comics on Wednesday, November 15. If you want to go, mark your calendar for not just the event date but also the ticket pre-sale date: Wednesday, October 25, at 7:30pm. If you miss out on that date, join the waitlist and stay tuned for the second-round ticket drop on Sunday, November 5, at 7:30pm.  RECOMMENDED: The Arab American Comedy Festival celebrates 20 years of making NYC laugh You'll have to buy your ticket without knowing the lineup, which is purposely kept secret until the night of the show. However, event organizers David Levine and Ethan Mansoor promise it's worth the wait, and we can attest to that. Last year's performers at Katz Deli included Roy Wood Jr., Mark Normand and Jessica Kirson.  Each ticket ($162/person) comes with unlimited free drinks and pastrami after the show. Photograph: By Will DeVito @will.on.film / Courtesy of Underground Overground Comedy As native New Yorkers and lifelong friends, Levine and Mansoor founded Underground Overground Comedy to bring hilarious shows to unique venues—a laundromat, a barbershop and a tattoo parlor, to name a few. But Katz's was always a dream for them.  "As NYC small businesses go, if you’re talking about what represents that theme, Katz’s is just an institution that’s been around for 130 yea

When Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid hosted the first New York Arab American Comedy Festival shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, they expected it to be just a one-time event. Now, the annual show is celebrating 20 years with a continued dedication to cultural expression and fostering understanding through laughter. For two decades, the festival has worked to combat negative portrayals of Arab Americans and Muslims, while showcasing a powerhouse lineup of comedians. This year's festival runs November 16-19 at two iconic NYC venues.  RECOMMENDED: The best comedy clubs in NYC When the festival started in 2003, the organizers had to convince their actor friends that they could be comedians. Some venues didn't even want them to use the word "Arab."  Photograph: Courtesy of Arab American Comedy Festival | Maysoon Zayid. “Now it’s so internally diverse—you have diversity in religion, you have diversity in age, we have LGBTQ people, we have women wearing hijab, we have women who are going full Kardashian,” Zayid tells Time Out New York. "You can never see this caliber of comedians all on one show. These are all headliners." You have diversity in religion, you have diversity in age, we have LGBTQ people, we have women wearing hijab, we have women who are going full Kardashian. Zayid and Obeidallah met through comedy decades ago.  For Obeidallah, comedy wasn't on his path, though he always enjoyed making people laugh. While working as a lawyer (and hating it), he tried parti

The vibrant, ornate stained glass windows inside Manhattan's historic churches always create a dazzling spectacle. But now, a new long-term art display inspired by those rich colors has unfurled inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights—the world's largest Gothic cathedral.  Titled "Divine Pathways," the monumental art installation is made up of more than 1,100 lengths of blue, red and gold fabric. Each ribbon measures 75 feet in length (approximately seven stories high). Combined, they are almost 16 miles long—that's longer than the island of Manhattan!  RECOMMENDED: See inside Manhattan’s gorgeous old churches and synagogues in this new book Artist Anne Patterson created this monumental textile work. She drew inspiration from the hues of the existing stained glass windows—ruby reds, ocean blues and glimmering golds. As light streams through the windows, it illuminates not just the glass but the ribbons cascading from the ceiling as well. Photograph: Courtesy of Divine Pathways The piece naturally encourages visitors to look up and notice the shadows within the cathedral as well as the vaulted arches of the cathedral. Visitors can now admire the elegant architectural details throughout the interior, newly revealed after years of restoration and cleaning.  The beautiful artwork is also a feat of engineering. The ribbons are hung on a 120-foot by 30-foot aluminum truss frame and suspended approximately 90 feet above the floor of the nave of the cath

Twenty-five years ago, two Brooklyn pet owners decided to dress up their dogs as a fun Halloween activity. The activity quickly grew into a judged event, and now more than two decades later, the Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest draws dozens of dapper dogs who vie for first place and hundreds of humans who cheer them on.  This year’s event on Saturday, October 28, is expected to welcome nearly 100 dogs sporting both topical and timeless costumes that make judging the event a challenging feat. While the competition has grown and evolved over the years, one thing hasn’t changed: It’s a dog-gone good time.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best Halloween dog costume events for 2023 During the event hosted by Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society (PUPS), dogs (and their human companions) parade across a stage showing off their outfits, soaking up the cheers and applause from onlookers. Some of the most memorable past looks have included a working player piano, a Lady Gaga meat dress, a Kusama-inspired design, a three-legged Ikea table for a tripawd, and an elaborate “The Princess and The Pea” outfit that won first place last year.  "The engineering that some of these people do is really incredible," Alana Davis, PUPkin event coordinator, tells Time Out.  Photograph: By Phillip Retuta | Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest at Fort Greene Park Davis is no stranger to elaborate designs. In 2021, she worked with her cousins and sisters to create a hot dog vendor costume for her dog, Howie, a Chiwee

"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, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan explored why Picasso is having a moment at so many NYC museums. Nobody sings it better than Billie Holiday when she croons, "It's autumn in New York. It's good to live it again." It sure is, Billie. To make the most of these days with their "glittering crowds and shimmering clouds," we've compiled two festive fall itineraries. First, there's one if budget is no option and you want to truly treat yourself. In our second itinerary, we've prioritized free and cheaper options. Finally, keep scrolling for a bonus itinerary for those who'd rather stay in.  Photograph: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Itinerary 1: Treat yourself Ready to drop some coin and make this season a memorable one? From a stunning tea party to an elevated movie experience, add these to your calendar this weekend. Afternoon activity: Tea at Mandarin Oriental Spend your afternoon enjoying the finer things. Tea at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel is always a treat, and they've even tailored the experience for fall with seasonal colors. Plus, don't miss the the Autumn Leaf, a handmade pastry with hazelnut meringue, praline cream and milk chocolate mousse. While the tea is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the stomac

For three months in the summer of 1921, Pablo Picasso worked out of a makeshift garage studio in Fontainebleau, France, where he created both cubist and classical masterpieces. Now, for the first time since then, the works are reunited in a sprawling new exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art.  MoMA's "Picasso in Fontainebleau," on view through February 17, is the latest show in NYC presented as part of the international Picasso celebration marking 50 years since his death. It joins The Met's "Picasso: A Cubist Commission in Brooklyn" and will soon be joined by "Picasso and The Spanish Classics" at the Hispanic Museum. RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—Picasso is having a big moment in NYC but can we separate the art from the artist? Starting in July 1921, Picasso and his wife Olga Khokhlova rented a villa in Fontainebleau, France, bringing their five-month-old son with them. As a newly married first-time father, this summer marked a peaceful chapter in the artist's life (a contrast to other points in his life).  The Spanish-born artist thrived as an outsider in France, bending cultural codes and creating works in radically different styles.  Photograph: By Jonathan Dorado The exhibition runs chronologically, beginning before his Fontainebleau summer kicked off. During the spring of that year, Picasso designed sets and costumes for two ballet productions and also scored a gallery show that reinforced his reputation as an artist mastering cubist and classical styles.  Upon arriv

In his studio in Kyiv, an artist called Burenko paints poignant landscapes of lifeless homes. In the basement of an art-gallery-turned-bomb-shelter, Nikita Kadan creates disorienting charcoal drawings of desperate pleas. In the conflict zone, Dom Marker photographs life and loss.  These works and many others produced in the active warzone in Ukraine are now on display in Manhattan's Hudson Square neighborhood as part of Sonya Gallery's latest exhibition. The show, which features contemporary Ukrainian artists, will benefit the non-profit Sunflower Network's efforts to build a hospital in Brody, Ukraine.  RECOMMENDED: The best museum exhibitions in NYC right now The exhibition is titled "Thousand Yard Stare: Ukraine 2023," a reference to a World War II-era phrase that described the dissociated stare of soldiers suffering from PTSD. The show intends to explore the physical and psychological effects of war for Ukrainians at home and abroad.  "Today, during what is referred to as the 'First Social Media War,' the thousand yard stare may also refer to those watching news of war helplessly on their phones and TVs," event organizers say. Photograph: Courtesy of Sunflower Network | Dom Marker "Mother’s Day" 2023 The show features eight artists, many of whom created work over the past year in the active warzone. An installation piece by Sasha Kurmaz titled "Russian Literature and Genocide" is described as the curatorial heart of the exhibition. Featuring a photograph of slain civili

Step back in time to remember and celebrate the Queer Harlem Renaissance on these new walking tours. The experience traverses Harlem to witness the people, places and histories of the 1920s-1930s, spotlighting drag balls, rent parties, musical performances and daily life. To take the adventure to the next level, a phone app with augmented reality couples with the tour for even more historical context, imagery and even audio. While exploring the neighborhood's history, the tours focus on the influence of gay social networks on the development of the Harlem Renaissance and on the importance of sexual identity. Tours are coming up on Wednesday, October 18 and Thursday, November 9; register here. RECOMMENDED: A groundbreaking Harlem Renaissance exhibition is coming to the Met this winter From roughly 1919 to 1935, the Harlem Renaissance heralded works by Black artists and writers.  "Queer history, especially Black queer history, is often marginalized or fully erased from collective consciousness," the tour's creators told Time Out New York. "By digitally re-creating, sharing, and amplifying these landmarks, we are ensuring that a crucial history is not forgotten." Abri Aiken, an architectural designer at DLR Group, and Terry Valery II, a UX consultant, created the application. Aiken hosts the tour with Brian Turner, a co-author of the book Disappearing Queer Spaces, which formed the basis of the app. Photograph: By Hyosil Yang On the first tour this summer, guests got a chance

Creepy cobwebs and eerie energy have taken over INTER_, the immersive art experience in Soho, in celebration of Halloween. If you dare to make Halloween a truly immersive experience, INTER_ delivers. But don't worry, it's family-friendly and not too scary. Every part of the multi-sensory museum at 415 Broadway has undergone a seasonal glow-up with spooky twists on a sound bath, infinity room and a 360-degree immersion experience. INTERWEEN runs through November 5 with tickets available here starting at $45/adult. Plus, INTER_'s also offering pumpkin decorating and tarot card readings on select dates for an additional fee. RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2023 in NYC Visitors to INTER_'s Halloween universe will begin the experience with a guided introduction from a friendly robotic character whose narration notes the change of the seasons "welcoming darker days and mystic energies."  Photograph: Courtesy of INTER_ After a ride up a mirrored escalator, step inside an immersion room which begins with images of barren trees, wispy fog and a bevy of bats. There's a definitely Salem Witch Trials energy in the room. Moving around activates the digital projections to create ghostly figures that dance, jump and bob. Eventually, the video projections transition to describe the different elements — water, air, fire, earth and ether. At one point, bubbles even cascade down from the ceiling.  "Let go of any worries in your mind. In the empty space exists the infinite creative