Not only is the New York City skyline iconic–and the world’s second tallest–it’s also constantly growing. And while 33,000 new apartments are being built in New York, the city is actually leading the pack, and faster than many other U.S. cities at that! The latest development report from StorageCafe shows that NYC ranks first in new apartment construction over the past 44 years, blowing all other major hubs out of the water.
Since 1980, New York City has issued permits for over 679,000 new multifamily apartments, nearly double the number in Los Angeles, the runner-up. In fact, in the first half of the 2020s, NYC has been issuing nearly 26,000 new permits annually, surpassing the average of all previous decades and nearly five times more than the 1990s.
Source / StorageCafe
And while NYC doesn’t even find itself in the top 20 cities leading single family home construction–hence why home prices remain sky-high in NYC–Phoenix, AZ, who’s paving the way in this category, has only had 215,000 single family homes permitted between 1980 and 2023, not even coming close to NYC’s 679,000 new multifamily apartments alone.
But it’s not just apartments being built, NYC is also America’s top destination for office construction–255 million square feet of new office space has popped up in the city since 1980, and over 29 million square feet of storage space has been delivered to NYC since 1980 (more than anywhere else in the nation), proving that we really are the city that never sleeps.
Source / StorageCafe
With that being said, if there’s one thing we’re going to notice about NYC it’s that cranes and scaffolding have been dominating its skyline–though “Shed the Shed” aims to reduce the amount of time scaffolding stays up at construction sites–but if we’re looking to not have to spend hours waiting on lines to view apartments around the city, we’ll deal with cranes and scaffolding so long as it means more apartment construction.
To conduct their report, StorageCafe turned to data from the U.S. Census as well as their sister research divisions, Commercial Edge and Yardi Matrix. They analyzed real estate activity across the U.S. from 1980 to 2023, covering six major sectors: single family, multifamily, industrial, office, retail and self storage. They then zoomed in on the country’s top 100 largest cities to rank the most active real estate markets in the U.S.
Puerto Rican artist Edra Soto is known for her larger-than-life sculptures, which challenge the viewer to think about identity, colonialism and social justice.
Her latest installation, now on view at the Doris C. Freedman Plaza in Central Park, does just that: Graft is an eye-catching sculpture based on rejas, the wrought iron screens frequently seen inside homes throughout Puerto Rico.
Made from steel and terrazo, the piece serves as an homage to Puerto Rico’s working class communities, with one side representing a home’s exterior and the other reflecting the privacy and intimacy of its interior.
Although the rejas are meant to be protective barriers from potential intruders, they’ve also become decorative statement pieces employing repeating geometric motifs that can be traced back to West Africa’s Yoruba symbol systems, according to the Public Art Fund.
Graft actually incorporates shapes and patterns reminiscent of Caribbean palm leaves, a nod to the strong West African influences found throughout Puerto Rican art and culture. The playful shadows created by the work are also meant to evoke the comfort that Puerto Rican locals always call out to despite the fact that the island was colonized several times throughout history, often masking its own Black heritage.
“The rejas make perfect sense to me, as an expression of self. They exist and are understood as a formality in art, but they can live in invisibility because they are not meant to be contemplative,” Soto said in an official statement. “As decorative patterns from a common house, they are meant simply to be pleasant enough to be a part of living spaces.”
The sculpture will be on display until August 24, 2025.
Is there a hurricane coming, or is the northeast in the clear? Early September is typically prime time for a busy storm season.
A few weeks ago, Hurricane Ernesto threatened the possibility of rough weather and rip currents at NYC beaches (and beyond).
This time last year, New Yorkers were concerned with the side effects of Hurricane Lee. Now, however, the weather remains fairly consistent.
There are currently no active storms in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Weather Service. Judson Jones, a meteorologist and a reporter at The New York Times, interviewed Phil Klotzbach, a researcher of hurricane activity at Colorado State University, who indicated that this type of inactivity hasn’t been detected since 1968.
So, what’s going on? This is not what the experts predicted several months ago. In fact, 2024 was supposed to be one of the most active storm seasons on record.
Apparently the northeast is not out of the woods just yet, and it’s possible that it does experience tropical storms and hurricanes. The reason the possibility for activity lingers is that the water in the Atlantic Ocean is so warm, and La Niña climate patterns are expected.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that severe storms are headed towards NYC, but we could feel the effects if the hurricane season picks up. Plus, Farmer’s Almanac has indicated that the east is slated for twice as many cloudy and showery days as opposed to fair and sunny dry days come autumn. That might mean carrying an umbrella while embarking on the best fall activities in NYC.
Since there is still time and the possibility for activity, we’ll keep you posted regarding any weather-related news affecting New Yorkers’ safety and plans.
City Cruises New York Pier 40, formerly named Hornblower Cruises and Events, provides the perfect way to explore New York City by water. The company provides dining, special events, and sightseeing cruises aboard luxurious boats. Visitors enjoy good food and live music against the backdrop of the stunning views of New York Harbor and the Hudson River. Along the way, you will also see famous landmarks such as Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, and The Statue of Liberty.
Background on City Cruises New York Pier 40
The establishment dates back to 1962, when it was set up to serve the Holland America Cruise Line. Since then, it has become integral to NYC and Hudson River Park. It offers prominent locations for commercial, recreational, and excursion companies like City Cruises, New York. The ideal location of the pier offers spectacular sights of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty, thus making it the perfect spot for sightseeing cruises.
City Cruises is a charter yacht company based in San Francisco. The company also offers dining cruises and ferry services. Initially, City Cruises operated under the name Hornblower Cruises, but in 2021, it rebranded to City Cruises or City Experiences.
Pexels
Where is City Cruises New York Pier 40 and how do you get there?
City Cruises New York Pier 40 is at 353 West Street, Manhattan.
The subway provides multiple options to get to 353 West Street Manhattan, including:
11 Av/W 26 St
23 St is 297
W 24 St/12 Av
W 23rd St & 10th Ave
14 St / 8 Av
10 Av/W 21
34 St-Hudson Yards
Midtown West/W 39th St-Pier 79
The bus lines include:
M12, Midtown West Columbus Circle
M23-SBS, Select Bus East Side Avenue C Crosstown
SHORTLINE HUDSON, Nanuet
M11, Riverbank 145 St Via 10 Av
What to expect when you visit City Cruises New York Pier 40?
Peak times for cruises are weekends, evenings, and holidays, especially in warmer seasons. You can also expect crowds during special events. Refer to the City Cruises New York Pier 40 website for the special events schedules. If you prefer quieter times, opt for weekdays, early mornings, and afternoons.
How you dress will depend on the type of cruise and season you choose to hop on. For instance, a relaxing sightseeing cruise lets you wear casual attire like jeans, khaki shorts, and T-shirts. For fine dining, formal outfits like collared shirts, jackets, and dress pants are the norm.
Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment as they are quite popular and spots are limited. City Cruises ensures you have all the necessary onboard amenities to enjoy your chosen cruise.
What else can you do when you visit City Cruises New York Pier 40?
Once you have your fill of the Manhattan waterfront attractions, take some time to explore nearby events and venues, including:
No, but please note minors must have adult supervision.
Are there any special discounts?
Depending on the type of cruise, children between the ages of 4 and 12 may be eligible for special discounts. Those under the age of 4 typically do not pay anything. Other special discounts are available for seniors and military members.
Are they pet-friendly?
No, the only exception is service animals, which must remain on a leash.
Are the cruises handicap accessible?
Not all of them. You need to contact City Cruises in advance to ensure accessibility.
City Cruises New York Pier 40 provides a unique and unforgettable experience. City Cruises gives you a choice of luxurious boats for whatever occasion you have in mind.
One can enjoy a sightseeing cruise with family and friends, have a private wedding against the backdrop of the stunning city skylines, enjoy fine dining, or dance the night away to some lively music.
Whether you opt for a day or night cruise, one thing for sure is that you will have a fantastic time worthy of a second, third, or fourth experience.
Pier 40 at Hudson River Park is the largest riverside pier in NYC. Spanning 15 acres, this maritime space is a multifunctional marvel. It is a commercial zone with an expansive public garage, cruise dock, and mooring field. Its sprawling athletics complex hosts sports like baseball, soccer, football, and lacrosse. Pier 40 at Hudson River Park is home to the significant River Project Wetlab and scientific/educational events. And the Village Community Boathouse here offers free public rowing sessions. Furthermore, the pier rooftop is the venue for NYC’s sole outdoor trapeze school.
Background on Pier 40 at Hudson River Park
Before the shift to larger ports, the Hudson River Waterfront was NYC’s busiest commercial shipping hub. Created in 1962 for the Holland America Cruise Line, Pier 40 emerged as the largest passenger and freight terminal here. After maritime trade declined, the New York State Department of Transportation converted it into an accesible parking facility.
In 1998, the Hudson River Park Act redesignated the pier as a public park with recreational facilities. The Hudson River Park Trust set its base here and began facilitating sports, entertainment, leisure, and community events. Part of it is used commercially to support the park’s operations and upkeep.
Where is it and how do you get there?
Pier 40 is at 353 West Street, Hudson River Park, Manhattan, NYC.
Board the 1 train to Houston Street Station, followed by a 5-minute walk to the pier.
Alternatively, board the A, C, or E trains to Spring Street Station, within 7-minute walking distance of Pier 40.
The nearest bus stop at Washington Street/Houston Street (served by the M21 bus) is a 3-minute walk to the venue.
The 10th Street/West Street Stop is also very close. Take the M8 bus to get down here.
Hudson River Park Official Website
What can you expect when you visit?
Expect a diverse blend of recreational experiences. The lush greenery and gorgeous waterfront views make Pier 40 at Hudson River Park an excellent spot for leisure and outdoor activities. However, it can be windy in the spring and fall, so check weather updates before visiting.
If you are a sports fan, visit the athletic complex! It is the base for US Rugby League team New York Knights. Apart from the courtyard ballfields, check out the rooftop and indoor artificial turf fields. Science enthusiasts should head to the River Project Wetlab, a fascinating hub of marine biology. Its 3500-gallon circulating aquarium with multiple tanks showcases vivid biodiversity from the Hudson River. From Wetlab trivia nights to ‘Ask the Scientist’ events, you can make fascinating discoveries here.
You could also participate in free public rowing sessions at the Village Community Boathouse on the pier. Only hand-built traditional rowboats called Whitehall gigs are used to promote environmental awareness.
What else can you do when you visit?
Embark on nature walks, guided tours, and cultural events at Pier 40 at Hudson River Park. This includes outdoor fitness classes, comedy tours, jazz performances, dance events, and more.
One can go on a sunset or dinner cruise from Pier 40. From cruising NYC harbors and passing by the Statue of Liberty to a live DJ, unlimited buffet, and drinks, this is a must-have experience.
Relish seafood entrees and drinks at Grand Banks, an Oyster Bar restaurant on a historic wooden schooner at Pier 25 in the Hudson River Park.
Visit Little Island on Pier 55, the first floating public park with lush greenery, live events, and food/beverage stalls. Check out the beautiful garden with over 350 plant species and impressive landscaping.
Hudson River Park Official Website
FAQs
What are the opening and closing times?
The Hudson River Park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., the Pier 40 courtyard and rooftop fields from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., and the indoor field from 7 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Are dogs allowed in Pier?
Dogs are not allowed on the lawns and other event zones. The park has four designated dog runs. The Leroy Street Dog Park has ample space and facilities for dog walking.
Are free public rowing sessions available year-round?
No, this is open from April through October. Head to the downtown side of Pier 40 on Sunday noon or Wednesday evening. You don’t need experience to participate.
A unique square donut-shaped pier with three decks, a central courtyard, and the waterfront, Pier 40 at Hudson River Park is always abuzz with activity. It has been a vital public venue for New Yorkers for almost two decades and an enthralling tourist spot.
Be it the River Project Wetlab or the public rowing sessions on handmade rowboats, the activities emphasize ecological awareness, fitness, knowledge, and community bonding. The pier is a family-friendly zone with plenty of green, airy spaces for kids to play and learn.
With year-round events, the versatile Pier 40 at Hudson River Park fulfills various interests. Check out their events schedule, enroll for activities, or come here for a tranquil riverside walk.
You may just miss Hell’s Kitchen’s latest lounge. Tucked away off 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, you’ll find a red light and a blue door marked with red graffiti of a martini and a piano. Once the light flicks on, duck inside to find the city’s latest piano bar and supper club.
Making its debut this Friday, follow the red light to So & So’s Piano Bar. A part of the Romer Hell’s Kitchen hotel, the piano bar and supper club is an ideal escape for locals and theater industry vets alike.
New York’s latest living room features a series of red banquette booths, upholstered walls and deep blue chairs tucked under the bar. Nodding to the area’s bustling theater district, the main event here is the stage. As opposed to a grand piano, the stage is centered around an upright blue piano, a familiar sight to those who frequent New York’s various rehearsal studios. Illuminated by stunning marquee lights, the stage will host up-and-coming local acts alongside Broadway legends, and has already been graced by Darren Criss and Noah Cyrus.
Photograph: Zach Teplin| Disco Inferno Fries
While you sway to the tunes, the supper club has plenty of shareables and finger-friendly snacks that are seriously fun. Cheetos come in a piano dish and dates are hugged in bacon and skewered. The Disco Inferno Fries are sure to turn the party served in a ramen container served with crispy twice cooked noodles, furikake, sesame seeds and spicy gochujang-based sauce.
Tipplers tip their hat to the Broadway stage, starting with the Bodega Cat with tequila, Montenegro, coconut milk and espresso and the gin and mezcal number, Thank You, 15!, with blood orange, passionfruit and beet. Geared toward the industry, you can also find 50/50s (aka amaro shots) and boilermakers dubbed So & So combos.
So come on down and sit spell—your new neighborhood spot has just arrived.
Fall in NYC is arguably one of the best times of the year–the weather is absolutely gorgeous and there’s a ton of fun to be had throughout the city. Plus, all those fun-filled street fairs that took over the streets during the summer are still going on, alongside a ton of other amazing festivals. If we could give you a piece of advice it would be to take advantage of being outdoors this fall as much as possible and head to one (or all) of these fall festivals!
P.S. – this is a running list and will continuously be updated as more fall street fairs and festivals get announced.
The Feast Of San Gennaro returns to Little Italy this fall, showcasing some of the best Italian food and music NYC has to offer. It’s the ultimate celebration, complete with parades, food eating contests, and so much more. It’s NYC’s largest and longest-running Italian festival and it will be here this fall for 10 days! Get more details about the food festival via our San Gennaro guide.
On and around Mulberry Street between Canal St. & Houston St.
Oktoberfest in NYC is a vibrant celebration, bringing the spirit of Germany with bratwurst, dancing, and plenty of brews. This year, the city hosts a variety of events, from the German American Oktoberfest in Central Park to the lively festivities at Loreley Beer Garden. Enjoy traditional German fare, live music, and themed games across the city. For a full list of Oktoberfest events, explore this guide to NYC’s Oktoberfest celebrations.
The 62th edition of the New York Film Festival will premiere this fall, showcasing some of the best films in the industry debuting for the first time. It’s presented by Film at Lincoln Center and it’s once again set to feature top films from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent from all across the globe. The festival itself centers primarily around the “Main Slate” (30-ish films that represent the year’s best in international cinema), as well as dedicated categories “Currents” (experimental and avant-garde works), “Spotlight” (highly anticipated titles), and more.
It takes place over the course of a few weeks at select theaters across NYC, you can check out the full schedule and how to get tickets via NYFF’s official website.
Dive into the flavors of Japan at the Japan Fes, a massive food festival traveling around NYC this fall. With food items averaging $10, it’s an affordable way to savor dishes from vendors like Menya Jiro and Tonkatsu Me. Explore and eat your way through dozens of Japanese vendors while enjoying live performances and shopping for traditional Japanese novelties. The festival, organized by Dragon Yamamoto, aims to unite cultures through food, music, and art. Discover more about this traveling festival on Japan Fes’ official page.
New York Comic Con, one of the largest fan conventions in the country, is back this October at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Expect a comic-focused weekend filled with panels, celebrity meet and greets, and the vibrant Artist Alley. This year’s special guests include the likes of Josh Brolin (Dune, Avengers: Endgame, The Goonies); Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: No Way Home, My Cousin Vinny); Clerks duo Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes; cast members from fan-favorite films and TV series Starship Troopers, Shameless, and Futurama, plus many more. Learn more about the convention via our New York Comic Con guide.
The Global Citizen Festival is back for its 12th year in NYC, taking place on September 28th at Central Park’s Great Lawn. This free annual music festival is on a mission to end extreme poverty and features a star-studded lineup including Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, and Rauw Alejandro. Attendees can earn free tickets by taking action on the Global Citizen app, promoting causes like poverty alleviation and environmental protection. Learn more about the festival and how to participate.
Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Across NYC
October 18 – 20
8. Boo at the Zoo
Source / Julie Larsen & WCS
One of the best kid-friendly Halloween festivals returns this fall at The Bronx Zoo…the annual Boo at the Zoo event series! For about a month, the zoo will welcome all kinds of spooky and festive family-friendly festivities, including costume parades, Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving demos, magicians, a pumpkin trail, and more! Find the full list of Boo at the Zoo happenings online!
The Ferragosto Festival returns to the Bronx’s Little Italy on September 8th, from 12 pm to 6 pm. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors to immerse themselves in Italian culture, traditions, and delicious food. Held on Arthur Avenue, the festival showcases signature products and dishes from local family-owned businesses, offering an authentic taste of Italian heritage. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the neighborhood’s old-world charm and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Arthur Avenue – between E 187th Street & Crescent Avenue
September 8, 12 – 6 pm
10. Sound & Color! Autumn Festival
Source / Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take in the stunning fall foliage of Brooklyn Bridge Park at an incredible park-wide fall festival this October. The Sound & Color! Autumn Festival is scheduled to have tons of afternoon music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games and so much more! Full details are still continuing to roll out, so keep your eye on BBP’s official page.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
October 19, 11 am – 5 pm
11. Queens Agricultural Fair
Source / Jeff Kollbrunner
The Queens Agricultural Fair is the ultimate fall/country vibe…and there’s set to be pie eating and corn husking contests, hayrides, carnival rides, midway games, and so much more. Bring you and your family to the fair and take in live music and theatrical performances, local craft and food vendors, Blue Ribbon competitions, a 3 acre corn maze, and more. It’s one of our favorite annual seasonal fairs and tickets start at $22 for a weekend pass! Learn all the details on the Queens County Farm Museum’s website.
Queens County Farm Museum
October 5 – 6, 11 am – 6 pm
12. Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Source / Luna Park
One of NYC’s iconic amusement parks is getting spooky this fall, as their annual Halloween Harvest returns for 2024! Visitors can expect all kinds of Halloween-themed activities at the park including pumpkin decorating, balloon twisting, face painting, tractor racing, and trick or treating. Don’t forget about the pumpkin spiced and apple cider flavored carnival style treats! Check out all of the full details on Luna Park’s event listing.
Luna Park in Coney Island
September 20 – October 27
13. BRIC JazzFest 2024
Source / BRIC JazzFest
The magical jazz marathon that is BRIC JazzFest returns this fall, bringing together legendary figures, groundbreaking artists, and newcomers from across the jazz genre. Happening over the course of one weekend in October, BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn will turn into a jazz epicenter and welcome names like Brandee Younger, Makaya McCraven, Daniel Villareal, Reggie Workman, Allysha Joy, and many more. Tickets start at $45 or you can purchase 3 day package deals! Learn more about this year’s BRIC JazzFest on their website.
Mark your calendars this weekend and come with an empty stomach to Korea Fest NYC! The inaugural event will transport New Yorkers to Korea for an exciting one-day experience. Here’s everything you need to know about Korea Fest NYC.
What is Korea Fest NYC?
Korea Fest NYC is the city’s first Korean Food Festival. The all-day event will be the ultimate celebration of Korean culture, from its food to its music.
Korea Fest explains how “South Korea has made a significant global impact on pop culture, the health and beauty industry, and the perception of Korean food. When it comes to entertainment, K-pop and K-dramas have taken the world by storm. South Korea is a beauty capital of the world and has introduced many amazing street foods and snacks that can be seen everywhere!” This will all be honored at Korea Fest NYC.
Shutterstock / Sunriseuy
When is Korea Fest NYC?
Korea Fest NYC is happening from 2-9pm on Sunday, September 8th, 2024.
Where is Korea Fest NYC?
You can find Korea Fest NYC at Culture Lab LIC (5-25 46th Avenue) in Queens near Gantry Plaza State Park.
What’s happening at Korea Fest NYC?
Visitors can expect all things Korean, from mouthwatering food to DJ and K-pop performances. Food vendors will be selling Korean fried chicken, Korean BBQ bites, tteokboki and more. While you’re there be sure to peruse a selection of Korean beauty products and jewelry available as well.
“Whether you’re a K-Pop fanatic, a kimchi enthusiast, a Korean beauty fan, or just curious to learn more about Korea, this event has something for everyone.” Note, the performances will begin at 4pm and run until 8pm.
Shutterstock / Naumova Ekaterina
What if it rains?
Korea Fest NYC is set to happen rain or shine.
How much is Korea Fest NYC?
Admittance into Korea Fest NYC is free and open to the public.
On and around Mulberry Street between Canal St. & Houston St.
September 12 – 22
