This Thursday is, impossibly, the Fourth of July—seriously, summer in NYC is flying by—and if you’ve been fretting about what and where you’re going to pack a picnic to catch those awesome fireworks, we’ve got your perfect Independence Day planned. First, we’ve got a handy list of the best picnic spots in NYC, whether you want a bustling park or intimate garden. And the folks over at Brooklyn Kura have put together a basket preloaded with sake-fueled deliciousness, so all you have to do come July 4th is to celebrate patriotically.
Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, craft sake brewery Brooklyn Kura will be offering to-go picnic baskets available for pickup at their Industry City taproom (34 34th Street near Greenwood Heights).
Each basket is filled with all of the essentials for a gourmet charcuterie board, including Brooklyn Kura’s freshly baked, two-tone focaccia seasoned with furikake, as well as seasonal pickled fruit and vegetables nutty Manchego cheese and spicy chorizo. You can wash that all down with your choice of Brooklyn Kura’s flagship sakes, such as an aromatic and crisp Number Fourteen or a full-bodied and earthy Blue Door sake. (Each basket will come with one 750ml bottle with which to toast the USA.
And, of course, if you don’t want to shlep those premade picnic bundles to a park for alfresco snacking, they’ll do just fine as accouterments to your backyard barbecue, too.
Baskets are $45 and are available for preorder on BrooklynKura’s website. Do note, though: orders must be placed by Tuesday, July 2 for pickup on the morning of Thursday, July 4, between 10am and noon in the taproom. Get a peep of the Brooklyn Kura baskets’ tasty offerings below:
When is Din Tai Fung opening in New York City? Well, it looks like we finally have an answer: the long-awaited NYC location of the highly acclaimed, Taiwan-based restaurant chain will officially throw open its doors in midtown Manhattan on Thursday, July 18. And in even better news, you can secure a reservation at the Michelin-starred dim sum den as early as tomorrow.
Yes, Din Tai Fung reservations are going live on Yelp tomorrow, July 2, for the new location at 1633 Broadway between West 50th and 51st Streets, which will not only be the brand’s first outpost on the East Coast but also its biggest global location yet. (The chain boasts a whopping 171 locations worldwide, from Seattle to Shanghai, from Manila to Melbourne.)
Be sure to set a phone reminder if you want to score one of the 450 seats at the reservations-only spot, given the sheer fervor that’s been worked up over the NYC newcomer before it’s even opened, we have a feeling that booking a table is going to be a digital Hunger Games.
To commemorate the grand opening on July 18, the Din Tai Fung team will hold a ribbon cutting as well as opening remarks before the restaurant kicks off with its usual parade of dumpling steaming, beef searing, soup simmering and the like. Diners will actually see those dumplings being made fresh—over 10,000 daily—via an open kitchen visible behind a glass wall, reports Grubstreet.
The Din Tai Fung brand began as a cooking oil shop in Taipei in 1958 by thelate Yang Bing-Yiand his wife Lai Pen-Mei. The popularity of Yang’s xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, however, resulted in the owner phasing out his oil business and turning Din Tai Fung into the full-fledged restaurant that it is today. Those deliberately creased dumplings, known for their golden ratio of “18 folds” made by hand, are still a signature of the franchise.
There’s nothing quite like taking in live music or theater in the great outdoors, especially in NYC’s gorgeous parks. More often than not, these al fresco shows are free and that’s the case with Little Island’s Glade Series, which kicks off on July 10.
The fairly new 2-acre venue, which opened in 2021 as NYC’s first “floating” park, announced earlier this summer that it’d have a summer lineup of star-studded performances, including nine commissioned world premieres of live performances across music, dance, theater, opera, comedy, jazz, pop and funk.
From July 10 to 14, the Glade Series will feature a concert each night that will be paired with a conversation between Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and an expert of some kind. “Greens & Blues” will feature blues legend Ruthie Foster and a talk between Parks and Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable South Bronx, designer Daisy Wang, freestyle emcee Corey James Gray, Columbia astronomy professor Jane Huang, harpist Brandee Younger and historian Eric Foner. Parks will also put on a Psychedelic Soap Box—a post-bop jazz collective with spoken word. Then on June 13, she’ll do one of her “Watch Me Work” sessions, where she holds a creative writing workshop and discussion, with a special guest, then she’ll perform with her band Sula & the Joyful Noise.
Photograph: By MNAphotography / Shutterstock
Other performances will include dancer Melissa Toogood between July 17 and 21; cabaret from Mx Justin Vivian Bond from July 24 to 28; comedy from acts such as Morgan Jay, Jay Jurden, Neel Gosh, and Sarah Tollemache between August 7 and 11; and a show about the world’s most linguistically diverse city with the Endangered Language Alliance and speakers from endangered, Indigenous, and minority languages alongside poetry, music, and movement. There will be a multilingual soundscape using sounds from more than one hundred languages and visuals from ELA’s digital landscape map and creative translanguaging translation strategies.
Interestingly, Little Island will also host an Oyster Market with local vendors, July 31-August 4, curated and overseen by New Amsterdam Market’s founder. There will be live oyster shucking and an The Oyster Radio Hour in The Amph.
Later on, August 21-25, Grammy Award-winning artist Cécile McLorin Salvant will curate performances that include jazz vocalist Vanisha Gould, folk artist June McDoom, multi-instrumentalist Lua Noah, pianist Sullivan Fortner, and more.
Finally, from August 28 to September 1, Gio Escobar will host a series of concerts, including a bomba and a salsa night, before taking the stage with his own avant-garde collective, “Standing on the Corner.”
Here’s the full lineup at Little Island:
THE GLADE SERIES
JULY 10-14 / SUZAN-LORI PARKS: “Tell Me More”
A series of performances and conversation curated and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks. Each evening, conceived around a pair of ideas, will feature a musical act and a conversation between Parks and a cultural luminary.
Wednesday, July 10, 7pm
Blues & Greens: Conversation with Suzan-Lori Parks and Majora Carter / Performance by Ruthie Foster
Thursday, July 11, 10pm
The Runway & The Street: Conversation with fashion designer Daisy Wang / Performance by MC Corey James Gray & Freestyle Monday
Friday, July 12, 10pm
Outer Space & Inner Space: Conversation with Columbia Astronomy Professor Jane Huang / Performance by Psychedelic Soap Box
Saturday, July 13, 7pm
Work & Play: Watch Me Work w/ Suzan-Lori Parks & Special Guest / Performance by Suzan-Lori Parks’s Sula & the Joyful Noise
Sunday, July 14, 2024, 7pm
Past & Future: Conversation with Suzan-Lori Parks and Eric Foner / Performance by Brandee Younger
JULY 17-21, 9:30pm / MELISSA TOOGOOD: “Epilogue: Pam Tanowitz’s ‘Day For Night’”
Melissa Toogood dances an epilogue to choreographer Pam Tanowitz’s Day for Night, playing at 8:30pm each night in The Amph.
JULY 24-28 / JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND: A Week of Cabaret
Wednesday, July 24 & 25, 28, 6:30pm
Friday, July 26 & 27, 10pm
July 31-August 4 / NEW AMSTERDAM OYSTER MARKET
A week of food. Curated by Roberta LaValva & the New Amsterdam Market
AUGUST 7-11 / MORGAN JAY & FRIENDS: A Week of Comedy
Wednesday, August 7, 7pm
Morgan Jay, Usama Siddique, Isa Medina, Daniel Bridgegadd
Thursday, August 8, 7pm
Morgan Jay, Sean Donnelly, Tatiana Frank, Myq Kaplan
Friday, August 9, 10pm
Morgan Jay, Sahib Singh, Shane Torres, Jordan Jensen
Saturday, August 10, 7pm
Morgan Jay, Jay Jurden, Carmen Lynch, Neel Gosh
Sunday, August 11, 7pm
Morgan Jay, Sarah Tollemache, Leclerc Andrew, Erin Jackson
AUGUST 14-18 / ENDANGERED LANGUAGE ALLIANCE: “Language City”
If you told electronic music star and now global dance icon John Summit that he’d be selling out the “World’s Most Famous Arena” just a few years ago, he’d probably say it was a fever dream.
But Saturday night was no fever dream.
It was a full-blown production, the result of years of hard work to reach the music venue pinnacle that only few dance artists have (Black Coffee, Fred again.., Skrillex, Four Tet, Swedish House Mafia).
Summit’s meteoric rise to fame over the past 2-3 years is nothing short of historic, and that’s exactly the world I’d use to describe his largest “Comfort in Chaos” tour stop yet…a sold out show at Madison Square Garden.
The Chicago-born DJ grinded the hard way, most notably mentioning in many interviews about leaving his corporate accountant life behind for a shot at the spotlight. Growing up in the birthplace of house music, it’s only just another element to his fairytale story.
It really all started to take shift in 2019/20, after garnering the support from legends and labels in the scene (Lee Foss, Toolroom Records, Defected Records) who shared the vision of the tech-house sound he was essentially creating in his bedroom (and releasing YouTube tutorials on his creations for that matter).
Fast forward to 2024 and not only has he checked off Coachella, his own Experts Only label, and much more from his music bucket list, but he’s also getting ready to launch the biggest benchmark (musically) in Comfort in Chaos, a studio album which arrives nearly in sync with his biggest NYC show to date.
Source / Emma Goldschmidt & MSG Entertainment
Few possible ways are to describe how much Summit loves music and curating a dance floor unless you’ve seen it yourself, and Saturday night showed every ounce of passion fully on display.
Too many fans’ surprise, Summit stunned The Garden with an impressive 5 hours of dance music, pulling hits out from all over his catalogue and sprinkling ID’s from his own record label as well as others throughout.
When doors opened at 7 pm I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was gladly welcomed to what he would later call a “throwback” set. Situated uniquely in the GA floor crowd opposite of where the main stage is, Summit got up close and personal with adoring fans playing out some of his biggest smash songs like “Thin Line” and “Seen It All.”
Nostalgia officially was peaking in the moment and he himself could even feel it, constantly glancing around the 200s sections of MSG which were already filling up just minutes after hitting the B stage. Fans (including myself) were quite thrilled to see the throwback set, a chance for OG fans to get a whiff of that “old Summy sound” that got us hooked all those years ago.
Act 2 came in the form of a mysterious B2B that had everyone in the arena wondering who it was going to be. Would he pull out his good buddy Dom Dolla to recreate another New York City “Everything Always” moment or go for someone a little more unexpected? In the end he made an incredible choice, fellow Chicago house veteran Green Velvet.
To say these two have an unmatched chemistry when performing together would be an understatement. Backed by a panel of lights, the two “turned MSG into the world’s biggest nightclub” Summit said over the mic before one of the drops…and he wasn’t wrong.
Weaving between his own hits like “Where You Are” and Green Velvet’s anthems like “Laser Beams” everyone was dancing…and I mean everyone! The two clocked in one of the better duo performances I’ve seen in quite some time, and it felt overall like the perfect appetizer for what was to come…the Comfort in Chaos set.
Source / Emma Goldschmidt & MSG Entertainment
“New York, how the f*** we feelin’ baby” he yelled as the lights went down…a slogan which has taken on a life of its own in the past year or so. To a crowd’s roar he opened up with his Cassian-approved remix to his mega-smash “Shiver,” seemingly paying homage to the Australian DJ who had to reschedule his set for the night’s afterparty due to illness.
From there he ripped through over 2 hours of music, playing through new album cuts like “Resonate” with Kaskade, “Give Me Everything” with Elderbrook, “EAT THE BASS” and so many more.
Perched up on his meticulously constructed rhombus stage, he dominated the room…engaging fans (who even wrapped 360° behind the stage) all night long. There was everything…lasers, pyro, fireworks, and even some very special guests.
Summit welcomed some of his favorite live collaborators to bring his Comfort in Chaos vision to life including Hayla, who performed both “Shiver” and “Where You Are” together. London-based vocalist Stevie Appleton even made an appearance to sing the highly appropriate “What a Life” — an uplifting retrospective as to say “I just sold out Madison Square Garden…what a life.”
Emma Goldschmidt & MSG Entertainment
After a few hours of debuting new and unreleased music, the magical night came to a close with a grand finale of “Go Back” — an industry-shifting track that has been all the buzz in 2024. The record, with vocals from Julia Church and production collaboration from Sub Focus was a live moment like I’ve never experienced before.
Building up to the now-famous DnB drop of the song that has touched airwaves and fan’s hearts everywhere, it felt like the end to a historic movie — fireworks, a shaking dance floor, friends hugging each other, and John Summit himself taking it all in with a huge grin.
All in all, Summit’s massive Madison Square Garden show will go down as one of NYC’s largest moments for house music. Seeing the genre, which he helped pioneer from the ground up, come to life on the world’s biggest stage in 2024 is extremely electrifying.
His brand new album, the aforementioned Comfort in Chaos, is due out on July 12th and I’m extremely hyped to see where it takes him.
Following the Fourth of July, no other lights are listed on the Empire State Building’s calendar until August so you won’t want to miss the spectacle! Not to mention, the Empire State Building typically sets off their own little firework display on the holiday.
The lights should be visible on Thursday, July 4th from sunset (~8:30pm) until 2am when the lights get turned off.
The Museum at Eldridge Street occupies the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a meticulously restored National Historic Landmark that opened in 1887. This architectural marvel is a testament to the spirit of Eastern European Jewish immigrants who settled in New York City. As one of the earliest synagogues built by Jewish immigrants in the US, it remains a hidden gem. The Museum offers visitors a glimpse into Jewish heritage and immigrant life through exhibits, public programs, and educational initiatives. You can explore its rich history, Gothic-Moorish-Romanesque architecture, and cultural impact on Jewish New York and beyond.
Background of Museum at Eldridge Street
Built in 1887 for an Orthodox Jewish congregation, the Eldridge Street Synagogue now serves as a house of worship and the Museum at Eldridge Street. The Eldridge Street Project led an extensive restoration beginning in the early 1980s, and the synagoguebecame fully operational in 2007. Today, it offers informative exhibitions that provide insights into the Jewish community’s past and present life.
Peter and Francis Herter designed the interiors in the Moorish Revival style. The Museum features meticulously restored pieces such as stained-glass windows, hand-painted murals, and an exquisite brass chandelier.
Where is the Museum at Eldridge Street and how to get there
The Museum at Eldridge Street is located at 12 Eldridge Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan.
Getting to the Museum at Eldridge Street is easy:
By Bus: Take the M15 to Grand and Allen Streets. (Bus Service is subject to change. Please check the website for more)
By Subway: You can take the F train to East Broadway and walk to the Museum. The B or D trains will also take you to Grand Street, just a short walk from the Museum. Other options include taking the 6, N, Q, R, J, or Z trains to Canal Street.
What to expect when you visit?
The Museum at Eldridge Street is usually quiet, offering an excellent opportunity for introspective visits. However, weekends may be busier due to special events.
This iconic place welcomes visitors with disabilities and their caretakers. The Museum at Eldridge Street has four levels that are fully accessible via ramps and elevators.
Admission for any personal care attendant accompanying a visitor is complimentary.
The Museum also provides assistive listening devices for tours, in-person lectures, and programs. You must contact them at least two weeks before your visit for assistance.
You can take photos without flash for personal use. Casual shots of family and friends in everyday attire don’t need permission. Please schedule an appointment for posed photoshoots or using a photographer, tripod, or unique dress.
The Museum does not have diningfacilities. You cannot eat inside its premises, emphasizing the focus on preserving its historical and cultural integrity.
What else can you do when you visit?
The Eldridge Street Museum offers guided tours focusing on the synagogue’s history and architecture. You can also enjoy self-guided tours for independent exploration. Additionally, visitors can explore temporary exhibits and educational programs to deepen their understanding of Jewish culture and history.
Besides visiting the Museum, you can also explore the vibrant Lower East Side neighborhood, which boasts various restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions. The Tenement Museum, Chinatown, and Little Italy offer unique and diverse experiences blocks away.
The Museum is open Sunday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Saturdays.
Can I attend a service at the synagogue?
The synagogue is completely dedicated to the museum, so there are no services held on the premises.
Are there any admission fees?
Yes, there is an admission fee with discounts for senior citizens, students, and children aged 5-17. Children under the age of 5 enter free of charge.
Is the Museum ADA-compliant?
Yes, The Museum at Eldridge Street is fully accessible by ramp and elevator on all four of its levels. The north side of the building is stair-free, and the museum’s lower-level restrooms include an accessible stall.
Can I take photos inside the Museum?
Photography is allowed in most museum areas, but flash photography may be restricted.
Exploring the Museum at Eldridge Street offers an intimate journey through New York City’s Jewish cultural legacy. From its stunning architecture to its cultural exhibitions, every corner conveys a story of resilience and heritage.
You can admire the beautiful interiors or get involved in community-focused programs. This hidden gem will help you discover the past, connect with the present, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Jewish culture.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, the Museum at Eldridge Street is perfect. After exploring this cultural hotspot, continue your journey in the vibrant surroundings of Manhattan, where other attractions and dining options await. Discover nearby attractions like the Tenement Museum, delve into the bustling streets of Chinatown, or indulge in the culinary delights of Little Italy.
Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends, the Museum at Eldridge Street promises a memorable visit. Discover this rare cultural experience firsthand and learn about the enduring ambition of immigrant communities.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Central Park Zoo offers a unique wildlife experience within the urban landscape. Its precursor was founded in 1964 and the present facility was opened in 1934, making it one of the country’s oldest zoos. Spread across 6.5 acres andmanaged by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the zoo is integral to New York City’s natural heritage. Visitors can explore a diverse range of wildlife and engage in educational programs, making it a vital educational and conservation hub in the city.
Background on Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo holds a prominent place as one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Originally opening on its current site in 1934, it underwent substantial expansion during the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era. Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society since the 1980s, the zoo underwent a transformative renovation, reopening in 1988 with modern natural habitats replacing traditional cages.
The zoo has evolved significantly through renovations, redesigns, and additions such as the Tisch Children’s Zoo and the Alison Maher Stern Snow Leopard Exhibit. Central Park Zoofeatures waterfowl, penguins, seals, bears, monkeys, and other wildlife animals, offering diverse experiences year-round.
Where is Central Park Zoo and how to get there
The zoo is located near the southeast corner of Central Park and next to Fifth Avenueand East 64th Street.
You can conveniently reach the zoo by taking the N, R, or W trains to Fifth Avenue/59th Street station, then walk to 64th Street. Alternatively, take the Lexington Avenue No. 6 train to 68th Street.
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M66, or Q32, stopping along Fifth Avenue for easy access to the zoo.
What to expect when you visit
Central Park Zoo comprises both indoor and outdoor settings, suitable for warm and cold seasons alike. The zoo is open daily from 10-5 on weekdays and 10-5:30 on weekends and holidays. Expect large to moderate crowdson weekends and holidays. It may take 1-1.5 hours to explore daily exhibits and amenities at the zoo. So, plan accordingly to enjoy the park leisurely.
All visitors, including one-day ticket holders and WCS members, are not allowed re-entry; new dated/time entry tickets are valid for a single visit. On arrival, check the official website of the Central Park Zoo for updated information about the day’s available exhibits and amenities.
An adult must accompany guests aged 12 and under. The park provides wheelchair access, and the ticket window offers free wheelchairs in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis. Childscooters and skateboards are not allowed in the park.
After exploring 130+ animal species, you can relax at the Dancing Crane Café and enjoy lip-smacking meals, beverages, and desserts. Picnic benches outside the zoo or in the park are perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
The Central Park Zoo promises exciting experiences, a 4D theatre, penguin and sea lion feeding, and various kid-friendly quests. You can also explore Central Park, with available activities such as cruising rowboats on the lake, exploring the Central Park Conservatory Garden, or simply taking a casual walk in the park.
Nearby, you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the famous shopping hub of Fifth Avenue, always worth a visit.
From nature lovers to those who want to escape the concrete jungle for a while, a few places offer an enriching experience, such as the Central Park Zoo. With its varied animal exhibits, interactive educational programs, and picturesque scenery, it is a destination that will charm visitors of all ages.
FAQs
What are the zoo’s hours of operation?
The Central Park Zoo opens daily at 10 am; from March to November, closing times are 5 pm on weekdays and 5:30 pm on weekends and holidays. For the colder months (November through March), closing time is 4:30 pm every day. The last entry is one hour before closing.
Are there any special events at the zoo?
The zoo hosts various events throughout the year, including family programs, conservation talks, and seasonal celebrations.
Can I bring food to the zoo?
Outside food is not allowed, but there are several cafés and food carts within the zoo that offer a variety of snacks and meals.
How much time does it take to explore the zoo?
It usually takes 1-1.5 hours to explore the park. However, the time might vary depending on the exhibits currently running.
Central Park Zoo at sunset strikes the perfect balance between the city’s hustle and the serene aspects of nature. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of New York City’s animal kingdom, from witnessing the graceful stride of a snow leopard to enjoying the playful antics of sea lions! Whether attending a program, meeting one of the animals up close, or enjoying the park’s amazing views, visiting the Central Park Zoo is a must-visit in NYC.
It’s a boat summer here in NYC, and we’re taking every chance we can get to go afloat this year!
Making its massive return in 2024, our friends at Circle Line are bringing back their iconic Summer Dance Series. Guests will once again be able to strut their moves on top of an iconic boat, making rounds around NYC all summer long.
These 2.5 hour cruises will feature, which include an evening full of dancing, seasonal cocktails, and themed costume contests, will welcome a seasoned choreographer on board to help guests master signature moves from top artists and genres!
Source / Circle Line Cruises
Lead by their Pop Choreography Expert, Byron Freeman from B. Free Dance, each cruise will feature a group lesson followed by a free-for-all final hour and incredible sunset views.
Check out this year’s lineup of cruise below:
Janet to MJ – Thursday, July 11
Get ready to moonwalk on water as you partake in a Jackson-themed dance cruise that gets even hotter than an NYC summer night! Thriller themed outfits aren’t required, but recommended for the best time.
Hip Hop Divas (Women in Hip Hop) – Wednesday, August 7
Become the next hip-hop diva with Circle Line’s women-focused hip-hop cruise featuring some really speical surprises! Plus, the cruise has partnered with The Hip Hop Museum to donate 50% of all ticket sales revenues from this sail to their institution to celebrate their commitment to the culture. Recommended dress code includes bucket hats, matching tracksuits, or whatever makes you feel good!
Yeah! Cruise – September 5
Calling all Usher fans, this dance cruise is for you! This cruise along the Hudson River is the ultimate tribute to the pop icon, and you’ll surely be hair flipping, hip shaking, and twerking by the end of the night!
Tickets for each cruise start at just $30 and can be purchased through Circle Line’s website here.
