Everything Fun You Can Do in NYC This Weekend
Plus, the city’s next big croissant and a Y2K-themed pop-up.
This last weekend of February—and Black History Month—is the perfect time to explore New York City’s landmarks and spaces dedicated to Black culture and history. Have you ever been to Louis Armstrong’s home in Corona? What about the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts? There are fantastic spots scattered all across the boroughs; and plenty to see all-year round beyond February.
As for what else is happening at the end of this shortest month? We’ve got the details on an immersive podcast experience, a pop-up dinner with unique Filipino flavors, and how to see the city’s teeniest art exhibit. Read on for everything fun you can do in NYC this weekend.
And for even more, check out all of the city’s exciting new restaurant openings and the absolute best thrift stores.
Weekend-long
SoHo
You change your outfits by the season; why shouldn’t your phone? If you’re looking to upgrade from last year’s boring phone case, head to SoHo this weekend, where celeb-favorite phone accessory brand CASETiFY is hosting a five-day-long Style Lab. The brand will be showing off the latest in retro-cool gear: Cases for the Samsung Z Flip4 and phone straps; plus there will be a live DJ and tons of Y2K candy. It’s like the 2000s never left us.
Cost: Free to enter
Friday, February 24; and Saturday, February 25
Hudson Yards
One of LA’s hottest improv acts lands in New York City this weekend: The Black Version. The hilarious group, led by show creator Jordan Black, is in town for a Black History Month set at Manhattan West’s swanky Midnight Theatre. The show’s conceit is simple: The audience suggests a popular film, and then the crew recreates the “Black Version” without any preparation. No two nights are ever the same, but they’re always hysterical. And pro-tip: Don’t forget to grab some bites beforehand at the theater’s on-site restaurant Hidden Leaf, which features the flavors of Laos and Myanmar, among other Asian countries.
Cost: Tickets from $40
Grab tickets for two of Broadway’s biggest premieres of the season
Weekend-long
Theater District
If it’s been a minute since you’ve braved Times Square, there are two very good reasons to do so this weekend. Their names are Sweeney Todd and Parade; and they’re two of the most beloved musicals of maybe the past half-century. The former, the story of a murderous barber in London, is the work of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. It opens for previews on Sunday with a stellar cast including Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. Parade, while a more somber tale of the real-life imprisonment of Jewish American Leo Frank, is an especially important show to see in light of the recent hate crimes against Jewish Americans. Lead Ben Platt is also surely a frontrunner for a Tony in his impassioned performance.
Cost: Ticket prices vary; $30 lottery tickets available for Sweeney Todd and $45 lottery rush tickets for Parade.
Saturday, February 25; 11:30 am–3:30 pm
Stuyvesant Heights
Amadou Ly, of the dearly departed Arcade Bakery, is undoubtedly one of New York City’s most talented bakers. And soon, you’ll be able to snack on all of his delicious baked goods at his forthcoming ALF Bakery in Chelsea Market. But this Saturday, you can get a sneak peek of what will be on the menu during his pop-up at Ostudio. Look out for laminated baguettes and brioche, croissants, savory pie, and more. Free with purchase: The smug satisfaction that you tried it first.
Cost: Prices vary; reservations recommended
Saturday, February 25; 10 pm
Lower East Side
There is no DJ that can get us as pumped up for a night out as Kaytranada. And while the superstar producer is busy touring in Europe this year, you can check out the next best thing this Saturday: A tribute show to the DJ at Bowery Ballroom. The late-night party, dubbed Glowed Up!, will be spinning all of his hits and remixes, plus plenty of bangers from Disclosure, Thundercat, and Channel Tres.
Cost: Tickets from $55.30
Weekend-long
East Village
Has social media made you, like, really into teeny tiny paintings or felt sculptures? If you too are fascinated by mini- … anything, swing by Astor Place this weekend for the Small is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibit. Featuring over 130 miniature artworks by over 30 artists, some pieces in the show are so small, you can only see them with a microscope. After, you can also hit up the gift shop to take home itty-bitty art of your very own.
Cost: Tickets from $24
Sunday, February 26
Williamsburg
If you haven’t checked out baba cool’s winter pop-up dinner series, you have one more chance this weekend: Guest chef Woldy Reyes of Woldy Kusina will be preparing a multi-course, family-style menu that melds the Filipino flavors of his childhood with contemporary and innovative dishes. Think Adobo Poutine with crispy garlic and tamari glaze, or Crispy Mushrooms served with a fennel salad. And make sure to save room for the dessert: Suman (rice cake) topped with coconut cream and winter citrus.
Cost: $85 per person, reservations available on Resy
Weekend-long
Williamsburg
Here at Thrillist HQ, we love a good podcast, whether it’s self-help, educational, or—of course—a murder mystery. So, we’re especially pumped to head to the Wythe Hotel this weekend, where On Air: The Podcast Experience will be taking over rooms to create immersive exhibitions based on some of your favorite shows. Heavy hitters like Radiolab, On Being Project, and My Favorite Murder are just a few of the podcasts featured, each with a unique room that allows you to explore, ponder, and create. And obviously, grab a bite at the Wythe’s restaurant Le Crocodile after.
Cost: Tickets from $39
Weekend-long
Chelsea
Self-portrait studios—self-automated spaces with a professional camera and lighting setups—are quite common in South Korea, but until now, were hard to find in the States. But with the recent opening of FotoLab, now you can take your own headshots, professional-quality pics of your cats, or whatever else your imagination can dream up. Plus there’s absolutely no experience required; all your equipment is pre-calibrated and all you have to do is press the clicker. Just make sure your outfit is on point.
Cost: $80 for a 30-minute session