While waiting for the U.S. Open to take over Queens by the end of the summer, tennis aficionados get to satisfy their craving for the sport by watching Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four major Grand Slams (our own U.S. Open rounds out that list alongside the Australian Open and the French Open).
Now taking place all over London, Wimbledon will wrap up this upcoming Sunday, July 14, which means you have the rest of this week to catch some of the most exciting games—including this weekend’s championship—from this side of the Atlantic.
Where to watch Wimbledon in NYC
Although you can watch all Wimbledon matches on your own TV, there’s nothing quite like observing a very great tennis game alongside other fans.
To that intent, here is a list of local venues and viewing parties that are showing the games:
Empire Fulton Ferry
Perhaps the most renowned Wimbledon-adjacent destination in NYC, Empire Fulton Ferry is a park next to the Brooklyn Bridge that transforms into The Hill in Wimbledon, a famous London park that crowds flock to during the championship to catch the excitement on a giant screen.
This year, the event will take place from July 12 to 14, just in time for the finals.
Although tickets to access the area are free, the online ballot to apply for one has already closed.
If you haven’t secured a pass, you can try to walk into the event after 7pm on Friday and after 9am on Saturday and Sunday. Although entry is not guaranteed, it is certainly worth a shot—especially since singer Nicole Scherzinger is set to host a special free concert on The Hill this Friday night.
Backyard at Hudson Yards
Head to the Backyard at Hudson Yards, right by the Vessel, to catch all Wimbledon matches for free on a giant 30-foot screen.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you might want to head there relatively early.
Check out the full schedule of screenings right here.
Sports bars!
Although there is no official list of local bars that have announced they will be showing all Wimbledon matches, rest assured that a few entries on our own list of best sports bars in NYC will host viewing parties. It’s a big-deal tournament, after all!
Just call in advance to make sure that the match you are excited to see will make it to the bar’s TV screen.
Air passenger claim management company, AirHelp, just released its 2024 world’s best airport ranking and LGA, which once ranked as the nation’s worst airport, has now surpassed NYC’s JFK Airport—and by a lot!
Though NYC’s airports are nowhere near the top of the list—in fact, they’re not even at the top of the country’s own ranking—Newark, JFK, and LGA all managed to make the list year. LGA leads the way in 80th place, with Newark following behind in 108th and JFK at 113th. Yes, the airport that in 2019 didn’t even make AirHelp’s best airports in the world has not only landed on this year’s list but surpassed JFK in the ranking by nearly 30 spots. Talk about a major character arc!
Flickr / LaGuardia Gateway Partners
The ranking takes into consideration on-time performance, customer opinion, and food and shops to create a final score out of 10. Doha Hamad Airport in Quatar (8.52) took first place as the world’s best airport for 2024, with South Africa’s Cape Town Airport (8.5) in second and Japan’s Nagoya Chubu Airport (8.49) in third.
AirHelp additionally filtered the ranking by country, and America’s top three best airports include Utah’s Salt Lake City Airport (8.28), Virginia’s Washington Dulles Airport (8.22), and Michigan’s Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (8.2).
Unsplash / Merve Sensoy
LGA received an overall score of 7.76, whereas JFK was given a 7.61. What really made a difference when comparing the two airports was the on-time performance. LGA’s on-time performance was scored with an 8, whereas JFK’s was a 7.6. Interestingly enough though, both LGA and JFK had the same customer opinion of 7.4 and JFK actually beat LGA in food and shops by 0.4 points.
The city’s biggest airport is innovating its transport system, but not in the way you think—on the ground. John F. Kennedy International Airport is about to incorporate two self-driving shuttles into its transit repertoire.
For now, these futuristic shuttles will only be found in the airport’s Lot 9, where they will run amongst the normal (a.k.a. human-driven) buses. Fear not though, because the autonomous duo will be clearly labeled, and their unusual appearance should be telling enough. Each vehicle is fit to carry eight seated passengers in addition to some standing space. However, during the test period, thrill seekers will sadly have to remain seated and buckled in.
The shuttles are owned by Ohmio, a New Zealand-based company, that uses new technology to create innovative transportation. Safety is a key aspect of the vehicles, and this will be administered by onboard attendants, who instead of driving will now make sure everything runs smoothly. The buses will be decorated with a large touch screen that operates the vehicle, but worry not, the attendant will be in charge of pressing the big green go button. The screen also displays the shuttle’s route so passengers can follow their journey.
Photograph: courtesy of the Port Authority of NY & NJ
This shuttle trial is all part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s plan to explore new technology for improving convenience, safety and reliability in transport. Previous testing of such vehicles was seen at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport, but went unnoticed by the general public, as it took place in empty parking lots with no passengers on board. The goal of the shuttles, as explained by the program director of the Port Authority, will be to serve more customers while not removing any jobs, per Gothamist.
To begin with, only one shuttle will run at a time, but this is set to change once the test period is underway. They will be in circulation at the start of next week and then throughout the entire summer.
So if you find yourself off holidaying be sure to be on the lookout for this futuristic duo!
Every fall, the Global Citizen Festival brings some of the most coveted artists to New York City in an effort to raise funds for the eradication of extreme poverty all over the world.
Today, the festival announced that LISA from the K-Pop group BLACKPINK will be joining Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro as a co-headlining artist at this year’s festival.
Last month, LISA released her new single, “Rockstar,” which was her first number one single on the Global Excl. U.S. Billboard chart. Her performance in Central Park on September 28 will be her very first solo one.
The Global Citizen Festival coincides with the UN General Assembly and will call for governments, philanthropists and the private sector to ensure that the basic needs of the most impoverished people around the world are met, including access to healthcare, education and nutritious food, per a statement by the organization.
Previous headliners at the Global Citizen Festival in New York have included Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Rosalia and others. This year’s shenanigans will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, who is a Global Citizen ambassador.
“We are thrilled to join forces with LISA for what will be her first ever solo performance at a music festival,” said Katie Hill, the Head of Music, Entertainment and Artist Relations at Global Citizen, in an official statement. “LISA is not only an incredible performer, but also a powerful advocate, leveraging her voice and platform to drive action on some of the most urgent challenges our world is facing. We look forward to welcoming LISA, and of course Lilies and Blinks, to Central Park in September!”
Tickets to the Global Citizen concert are free when you take an action to support the organization’s mission, but be warned—they’re in high demand. You can take the necessary actions on the Global Citizen app or on their website.
We’re all about scenic escapes this summer, whether it’s taking a little day trip out of the city or spending a weekend trip away somewhere incredible! If you’re looking for something a little more charming and picturesque to plan a trip around, try seeking out the timeless beauty of the region’s beautiful lighthouses.
The coastal landmarks are chalk full of stunning views, rich history, and serene settings…making it the perfect place for any history buff, nature lover, or adventurer. From lighthouses right here in NYC to some just a few hours away, bookmark these breathtaking and historical lighthouses to check off your bucket list this summer.
1. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
Travel all the way out to the eastern most part of Long Island to visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, a world-famous landmark. Commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, the lighthouse proudly still stands at New York State’s oldest and the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the nation.
It sits beautifully perched on a hill, offering stunning 360° views over the Block Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can tour the lighthouse starting at just $15 and there’s even an accompanying Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum where you can dive into over 200 years of Long Island’s maritime history. Learn more about the Montauk Point Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
2. Fire Island Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
Dating all the way back to 1858, the Fire Island Lighthouse continues to stand as one of the most legacied lighthouses out East. It served as an important maritime landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century and was a welcoming eye catcher for many European immigrants. Over the years the lighthouse has seen many changes and renovations, with the present day-mark of alternating black and white bands datings all the way back to August 1891.
Visitors can climb up its 182 steps all year round, taking in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Fire Island, and the Great South Bay as well as plenty of events, educational programs, and seasonal activities. Learn more about the Fire Island Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 15 minutes
3. Huntington Harbor Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
The Huntington Harbor Lighthouse was built in 1912, just years after replacing a previous edition which helped ships navigate Lloyd Harbor amongst the sometimes treacherous Long Island Sound. The unique lighthouse sits in the middle of a tiny island, looking almost like a castle made out of concrete rather than a traditional tall, cylindrical lighthouse.
Since it’s on an island, you’ll only be able to visit the lighthouse via a tour which runs on select Sundays throughout the 2024 summer. They also host events too, like the annual music festival “Lighthouse Music Fest,” which raises funds for its preservation. Learn more about Huntington Lighthouse here.
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
4. Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Source / Bob Taylor & Scenic Hudson
Head north between the towns of Hudson and Athens to find this marvelous lighthouse, which was built back in 1874. The cute little brick lighthouse on the island was intended to help ships navigate the Middle Ground Flats, a hazardous sandbar in the Hudson River. Now under the watchful eye of The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society, visitors can take a tour (via boat) of the lighthouse on select Saturdays from July – October.
We truly can’t get over its Second Empire style, which includes the picturesque washed bricks, mansard roof, and massive dormer windows. Learn more about the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse here!
Distance from NYC: 2 hours 30 minutes
5. The Little Red Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
The Little Red Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses that are actually in the NYC confines! It actually gets its nickname from Hildegarde H. Swift’s 1942 children’s classic, “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” and you can find it under the George Washington Bridge in Fort Washington Park.
It of course offers views of the river, the George Washington Bridge, and the New Jersey shoreline…and visitors can climb the long, iron staircase to the observation deck and view the bridge and water. It’s a great spot to bring a kid as well, where you can literally read the story of the lighthouse to them at the exact spot. Learn more about it here!
Distance from NYC: 20 minutes
6. Stepping Stone Lighthouse
Source / Great Neck Historical Society
This Victorian-style lighthouse on the Long Island Sound is very beautiful and dates all the way back to 1877. It’s been a member of the National Register of Historic Places since 2005 (and for good reason) and it continues to operate as an active United States Coast Guard lighthouse today. Since this is the case you unfortunately can’t tour the lighthouse, but you can probably grab a glance of it from a distance.
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
7. Saugerties Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
Not only is the Saugerties Lighthouse a renowned landmark beacon on the Hudson River, but it’s also a museum and Bed and Breakfast! The jaw-dropping brick lighthouse originated in 1869 as a way to guide river traffic and mark the entrance to the Esopus Creek, and now is a full-blown attraction. Guests can get incredible views of the Hudson River, see the lighthouse keeper’s quarters (with period furnishings and artifacts), and even stay overnight in the historic lighthouse. Learn more about the Saugerties Lighthouse here!
It’s truly the Upstate New York getaway you’ve been dreaming about.
One of the more eery yet fascinating lighthouses on this list, Execution Rocks Lighthouse got its name from colonial times when British authorities executed pirates and other criminals by chaining them to the rocks at low tide, leaving them to drown as the tide rose. Its daunting location amongst jagged rocks and an island make it unique in that it has some story and a creepy history behind it. Although it’s not accessible to tour (unless you drive by via boat), locals will tell you that all sorts of ghost folklore and stories get told about this lighthouse.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
9. Blackwell Island Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
Blackwell Island Lighthouse is also known to many as Roosevelt Island Lighthouse since it sits on the northern tip of the island. The 50 foot lighthouse takes form in Gothic Revival style, constructed of eye-catching gray gneiss rocks. In terms of function, it’s been helping guide ships along the East River since 1872, and now you can explore the lighthouse grounds year-round free of charge. Learn more about the Blackwell Island Lighthouse here!
Distance from NYC: 40 minutes
10. Sandy Hook Lighthouse
Source / Shutterstock
Last but not least our list is Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Built in 1764, Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely into New York Harbor for over 250 years. It played a crucial role during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, serving as a strategic point for both British and American forces…and today it continues to function and even has a visitor center with historical exhibits and guided tours. Learn more about the Sandy Hook Lighthouse here!
Ever wonder what neighborhood New Yorkers your age call home?
The Department of City Planning has just revamped its interactive Population FactFinder app to include 2020 Census data, offering one of the most up-to-date looks at the city’s demographics.
You can play around with the tool right here, zooming into specific neighborhoods, browsing through statistics on race, ethnicity and more.
The Department of City Planning has concurrently updated its Population MapViewer tool, which lets users actually compare the data through charts and maps.
“The Department of City Planning is committed to making the data we collect transparent, and through these updates to Population FactFinder, we’re putting even more information at people’s fingertips, said Dan Gardonick, the Director of the Department of City Planning, in an official statement. “It’s another example of how we’re celebrating the melting pot that makes New York New York.”
There are a ton of interesting facts about the city’s genetic makeup to uncover when using the sites—from residents’ racial origins to housing tenures and more—but it’s the neighborhood with youngest residents across the city that particularly caught our eye.
As reported by Gothamist, the median age of a South Williamsburg resident is 19-and-a-half years old, making it the youngest area in NYC. On the other side of the spectrum is Bay Terrace-Clearview, statistically the oldest neighborhood given that the average resident is about 51 years old.
Here are some other factoids you might find compelling:
– Washington Heights is the neighborhood with the largest Dominican population
– Tribeca boasts the highest median household income in NYC (that would be $200,000)
– African American is the largest origin group in New York City, followed by Dominican, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and Italian
– Yorkville in Manhattan is the most densely packed area in New York
– A quarter of Staten Island’s population identifies as Italian
Catching a show at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater might actually be one of the very best things to do in New York during the summer. There is just something about the venue—whether it be the view of the water, the welcome breeze while you’re rocking out to your favorite band or the relative intimacy of the arena—that always makes for a memorable concert.
Julian Cassady Photography,Alive Coverage
But things are getting fancy out on Long Island as Jones Beach Theater gears up for an exciting summer concert season that follows a massive two-year-long renovation that has only added to the beauty of the destination.
A partnership between New York State Parks and Live Nation, the revamp propels the venue into the future with technological advancements and overall upgrades that will change spectators’ experiences.
Here are some of the updates to keep in mind on your next visit to the venue:
The entrance to the arena looks different—in a good way
You’ll notice major changes as soon as you get to Jones Beach, starting with a beautiful new entrance featuring a grand plaza. According to an official press release, the area is “nearly the size of a football field.”
Before heading to your seats, you’ll get to hang out by the plaza, where you can grab some food and drinks or take over some of the lounge areas to enjoy the pre-show breeze.
There are a ton of new food and drink options on site
Renovations clearly expanded the scope and space of the theater, allowing officials to offer 30% more culinary outlets to the area, according to the press release. Expect local purveyors to sell cocktails, beers, pizza, sandwiches, salads and more within the massive new entry plaza.
Photograph: Alive Coverage
There are now two new sea-side VIP sections
In addition to the new entry plaza, perhaps the biggest change to the Jones Beach Theater is the addition of new VIP sections.
The Seaside VIP Club is right by Zach’s Bay, but it’s worth noting that, although the views of the water certainly don’t disappoint, the stage is a bit obstructed given the angle that the area is in. What you miss out on direct stage views, though, you get back by enjoying the spacious lounge chairs that you can take over while ordering from an exclusive menu of food and beverage offerings. Think about the section as the perfect ticket to indulge in when craving a dinner-and-a-show kind of concert vibe—complete with bay views.
In addition to the VIP seating area, you can now also opt to sign up for the new membership-only 40 Bay Club, where you can hang out before or after the show. It’s basically a multi-level club with a patio that also offers (distant) views of the stage, plus private restrooms, culinary programs and more.
Technological improvements abound
Of course, the revamp’s main focuses have been of the technological kind.
According to the press release, “over 7,000 seats have been upgraded and new premium seating experiences have been added.”
Photograph: Alive Coverage
There are novel state-of-the-art LED screens mounted on each side of the stage, which you’ll find yourself gazing at while catching a concert because there’s nothing quite like seeing Dave Matthews’ face up close and personal—even through a giant screen.
Artists and their crew members get to hang out on a private beach all day before their show
Although this doesn’t apply to ticket holders directly, it’s still cool: as part of the renovations, all dressing rooms have been updated “with modern conveniences,” according to the release.
Photograph: Kevin Mazur for Getty
The actual production load-in areas have also been made bigger so that three times as many trucks and four additional buses can actually drive into the lot.
Perhaps most exciting, though, is the fact that acts and their crews get to spend the day of their show on a private beach that features Adirondack chairs, hammocks, paddle boats and a dedicated lifeguard.
We may be in the thick of summer–and this scorching heat wave we’re currently in the middle of proves it–but this heat already has us looking forward to planning a cozy fall getaway, and JetBlue is letting us do just that for some crazy discounts!
JetBlue’s two-day “Get the Fall Rolling Promo Code Sale” has returned, and this year they’re offering 25% off flights and up to $500 off JetBlue Vacations Packages!
Travelers itching to book their fall vacations can score 25% off flights for travel between Saturday, September 7th and Wednesday, November 20th (excluding Friday and Sunday travel). You can score flights to both Portugal and Switzerland for less than $450, and that’s just two of the many destinations to choose from.
Source / JetBlue
But that’s not the only discount they’re offering.
Travelers looking to enhance their trip by booking a JetBlue Vacations Package can also score some incredible deals, such as up to $500 off flights + hotel or flights+ cruise packages for travel between July 16, 2024 and June 5, 2025.
We don’t know about you, but we haven’t stopped daydreaming about escaping NYC’s endless summer heat, so we’d say this deal comes at a fabulous time.
JetBlue’s Get the Fall Rolling Promo Code Sale is only going on today, Tuesday, July 9th, through tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10th, so you won’t want to wait!
The United States will be one of three country hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and they just announced a preliminary match schedule. Lucky for us, New Jersey’s MetLife is one of the 16 U.S. stadiums to host some of the 104 games, so all of the action will be happening just across the Hudson!
FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule
When does the 2026 World Cup begin?
The 2026 World Cup will kickoff on Thursday, June 11th, 2026.
Where will the first match of the 2026 World Cup take place?
The first match of the 2026 World Cup will take place on Thursday, June 11th, 2026 at Estadio Azteca Mexico City in Mexico.
Unsplash / Fauzan Saari
When will the 2026 World Cup matches be at MetLife Stadium?
Since NYC is still waiting on its first soccer stadium, the World Cup will be hosted at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Matches in New Jersey are currently scheduled for the dates below:
Saturday, 13 June 2026 – Match 7 – Group C
Tuesday, 16 June 2026 – Match 17 – Group I
Monday, 22 June 2026 – Match 41 – Group I
Thursday, 25 June 2026 – Match 56 – Group E
Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Match 67 – Group L
Tuesday, 30 June 2026 – Match 77 – Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place
Sunday, 5 July 2026 – Match 91 – Winner match 76 v Winner match 78
Sunday, 19 July 2026 – Match 104 – Winner match 101 v Winner match 102
Unsplash / Karsten Winegeart
What other countries will host the 2026 World Cup?
Mexico and Canada will join the U.S. in hosting the 2026 World Cup.
