(11/16-11/18) Looking for what to do in New York this weekend? We've got the latest on all the goings-on in NYC this week, from concerts to museum exhibitions to comedy to the best in city sightseeing. Read on for our picks for the best of this weekend in New York City.
THE BIG EVENT
(Now-12/24) The Grand Central Holiday Fair returns to Grand Central Terminal with 40+ artisans in Vanderbilt Hall selling art and home goods; holiday-themed items; bath and body products; toys; and clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. The Holiday Fair is open Monday through Friday, 10am-8pm, until 7pm Saturdays, and 11am-6pm Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving and open 10am-6pm on Christmas Eve.
PLUS
(11/16) Former Dean of the International Space University Dr. Joseph N. Pelton gives a presentation on a new global economy we can scarcely imagine now. Catch The New Gold Rush: The Riches of Space Beckon at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
(11/17) One of the world’s great cultural attractions is the Metropolitan Opera, which hosts an array of incredible performances. Among the highlights is Tosca, with Met favorite Sondra Radvanovsky taking on the title role of the volatile diva at the heart of Puccini’s operatic thriller. Carlo Rizzi conducts Sir David McVicar’s resplendent production.
(Now-1/1/19) NYC perennial holiday favorite Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® returns. Fan favorites include "New York at Christmas," where the Rockettes® board a real double-decker bus, and the high-energy tap number "Twelve Days of Christmas." Of course, beloved classics like "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity" will also be back. rockettes.com/christmas
Union Square Market. Photo: flickr/Shinya Suzuki.
(11/15-12/24) Union Square’s Holiday Market returns. urbanspacenyc.com
EXHIBITION OF THE WEEK
(11/17-1/21/19) The Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track.
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(Now-11/18) Final weekend! Portals, a Photo Experience by Canon at 107 Grand Street. This 11-day pop-up is built around photo moments that transport visitors to an entirely new world by embedding camera tips and tricks into the journey. Made up of five unique photography setups, PORTALS allows photographers (amateur and experienced) to open up their imaginations while producing exciting—and Instagram-able—photos.
(Now-1/27/19) Gather round ye muggles and wizards, squibs and witches, tourists and natives: magic is on its way. Harry Potter: A History of Magic, commemorating the beloved series’s 20th anniversary, is now open at the New-York Historical Society. One of the most eagerly anticipated exhibits to hit the city since, well, ever, the show comes straight from the British Library in London, where, not surprisingly, it was the institution’s most successful exhibition. Artifacts like crystal balls, Leonardo da Vinci notebooks, and the first written record of the magic word “abracadabra” are among the treasures on display, joined by original materials from author J.K. Rowling’s archives. Also on view to the public for the first time will be Mary GrandPré’s illustrations created for Scholastic’s original editions of the novels. Costumes and set models from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened on Broadway in April, will be showcased in the exhibition. nyhistory.org
(Now-1/27/19) Psst! Catch HP star Daniel Radcliffe, alongside Cherry Jones and Bobby Cannavale on Broadway, in Lifespan of a Fact!
(Now-3/31/19) Andy Warhol-From A to B and Back Again at The Whitney. This exhibition—the first Warhol retrospective organized by a U.S. institution since 1989—reconsiders the work of one of an inventive, influential, and important American artist. Building on a wealth of new materials and research that has emerged since the artist’s death in 1987, this exhibition reveals new complexities about the Warhol we think we know, and introduces a Warhol for the 21st century.
(Now-2/3/19) Before abstract art was a speck in Kandinsky’s eye, the painter Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was pioneering non-representational painting in Sweden. A spiritualist who claimed to communicate with the dead, af Klint worked in near-obscurity, forbidding her paintings to receive public exposure until 20 years after her passing. Discover Hilma af Klint, a woman before her time, at the new Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum exhibition Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future. Over 170 of af Klint’s non-figurative paintings are on display, richly colored and often staggering in scale. Many pieces play with geometry and floral shapes that seem to swim across the canvas. As af Klint worked on her series The Paintings for the Temple, she envisioned a spiral temple as their eventual home. She got her wish over a century later with this eye-opening exhibition at the Guggenheim.
Carolyn Lawrence, Black Children Keep Your Spirits Free. The exhibition, which opened September 14, presents a wide range of painting, photography, and sculpture from over 60 artists on the fourth and fifth floors of the museum. Photo by Michael Tropea.
(Now-2/3/19) A new exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum brings together for the first time the disparate practices of more than 60 Black artists from the revolutionary years of 1963 to 1983. Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power offers an unparalleled opportunity to see these extraordinary creations side by side. Among the 150 works on display you’ll find a diversity of expression, including figurative and abstract painting, prints, and photography; assemblage and sculpture; and performance art. Although the political and social justice perspectives may vary, the show is tied together by a universal spirit of aesthetic innovation. On October 6th, you can also catch a Target First Saturday, a free night at the museum, which this month will have the theme “Come Together in Honor of Brooklyn’s Latinx Communities.”
(Now-1/6/19) Delacroix at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is the first comprehensive U.S. retrospective of the work of French artist Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863). The Met has teamed up with The Louvre, showcasing in chronological order some 150 pieces, including paintings, drawings, manuscripts, and prints.
(New!) The first tremors of the American Revolution were felt in New York City, as a group of colonists came together to fight for freedom. The new exhibition at Fraunces Tavern Museum, Fear and Force: New York’s Sons of Liberty, tells the story of these early resisters. The show relays the first bloodshed of the Revolutionary War (it took place just a couple of blocks from here), shows off relics like part of the original Bowling Green Park fence present when King George III’s statue was torn down, and gives context to pivotal moments in the birth of America.
Photo: Jin Lee
(Ongoing) Sports in America provided a unique form of solace after the seismic losses of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11, a special exhibition at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, delves into uplifting moments at games in the aftermath of the attacks. Explore the stories of Mike Piazza’s home run during a New York Mets home game, President George W. Bush’s first pitch at a World Series game at Yankee Stadium, and the New York City Marathon on November 4th, 2001. Video, artifacts, and moving images help provide context for a nation coming back together.
COMEDY
(11/16-11/17) Beth Stelling headlines at Gotham Comedy Club. Beth Stelling is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. You may have seen her latest Netflix special The Standups (season 1, episode 5 of the series), currently streaming. She is a writer for I Love You America with Sarah Silverman on Hulu and before that wrote for seasons one and two of Judd Apatow's series Crashing on HBO, as well as Another Period on Comedy Central.
PLUS
(11/15-11/18) Iliza Schlesinger at Carolines. Iliza recently premiered Elder Millennial, her fourth Netflix stand up special for the streaming service. The campaign featured her styled in classic looks from the late 90s/early 00s. Her past specials War Paint, Freezing Hot and Confirmed Kills has made her as one of the top comedians working today.
(11/16) Don't Tell My Mother!, with special guest Alysia Reinder (Orange is the New Black) at The Bell House. Don't Tell My Mother! is a critically acclaimed comedy event hosted by film producer Nikki Levy, where fabulous performers share true stories they'd never want their moms to know. 8pm. $20 in advance, $25 at door.
(Ongoing) Catch the hottest new comedy talent in at LOL Times Square Comedy Club. Use code CITYGUIDE and get 50% off tickets!
(Ongoing) Check out great comedic talent every night at Broadway Comedy Club! Use our coupon and pay only $5 for admission!
KIDS
(New!) DreamWorks Trolls The Experience, with its world of rainbows, sparkles, and very big hair, has arrived in midtown. Sprawled across multiple floors, this interactive adventure will thrill fans of the movie Trolls and pretty much any kid who likes to dress up, bang on things, collect glitter, or dance. During this preview period, tickets are $25 (the experience opens officially Nov. 15). Use our coupon and take $5 off admission now! trollstheexperience.com
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(11/17) Brooklyn Museum presents its 12th Annual Children's Book Fair (11:30am-4pm). This year will include a talk with US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Maira Kalman, and Aminatou Sow, who will read from their new book, Bold and Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. 4pm-6pm.
(Now-1/27/2019) The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park is back, and while it's still appealing for kids, it's gotten a makeover, making a concerted effort to drawn in young and old alike. This year there's a selection of high-end cocktails, a VIP tent, and new performers. bigapplecircus.com
(Ongoing) Fans of virtual reality are flocking to VR World, the largest VR entertainment center in the Western Hemisphere. Check out special experiences for some spooky good fun during month of Halloween, with more than over 50 options to choose from.
(Ongoing) Exhilarating Family Fun at Stomp NYC. Special discount packages available!
Click here for more kids activities this weekend.
For more kids activities, check out our sister site nymetroparents.com!
SIGHTSEEING
(11/15-1/6/19) THE RIDE: HOLIDAY EDITION returns, now in its seventh year! THE RIDE’S Holiday Edition is a 21st century sleigh ride that begins aboard THE RIDE’S patented, 1.5 million dollar travelling theaters with technology galore and floor-to-ceiling gigantic glass windows featuring side-facing VIP seating making the streets of New York the stage. Original seasonal music, videos and hilarious Hosts support the dazzling Holiday performances along the 4.2 mile journey through Midtown New York. Get tickets here.
PLUS
(Now-Sunday) This week only!! Get a FREE photo when you and your group fly with Helicopter Flight Services. Get 1 free printed photograph with ANY helicopter tour reservation with HeliNY. Experience breathtaking views of New York City like never before. Voucher valid through November 17th, 2018. Just mention the “free photo promo” at the photo desk to receive your free photo!
(11/17) Samsung SmartThings Tracker Bark N' Browse Pop-Up. Calling all dog lovers! This open-to-the-public ‘pup-up’ located at 9 W. 8th St. encourages guests to bring their dogs and learn how the Samsung SmartThings Tracker can keep tabs on all the things that matter most, from pets to luggage and beyond. While inside the large indoor pet park, dogs can roam free and play with toys and other furry friends while humans learn how Samsung SmartThings Tracker can attach to, track, and locate a wide variety of items. Loaded “barkery” carts will feature free dog treats provided by Lord Jameson Dog Patisserie (they’ll have people treats, too!) A local NYC caricature artist will be set up in the Bark N’ Browse park, offering fun, live drawings to any dogs looking for a vibrant selfie. Plus, every hour there will be raffle giveaways for a free tracker and a loaded swag bag. 10am-5pm. Learn about the Samsung SmartTracker here.
(Now-1/19/19) Bryant Park's Winter Village returns. Ice skating, shopping, hot chocolate and other tasty treats, and more!
Immerse yourself in the deep, dark depths of the ocean, where Humboldt squid fight to the death, 50 foot whales ride overhead, play with sea lions, navigate a sea kelp maze and more at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey! Here's a $10 off coupon!
Bring a loved one to take in the breathtaking view at Top of the Rock.
(Ongoing) The Rink at Rockefeller Center has officially opened for the season. The most famous ice rink in the world will continue its time-honored tradition as the first New York rink to open each year.
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
For a limited time! With over 500 exhibitions, many of them world-famous relics, there’s something to hold anyone’s attention at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square. (Robert Ripley himself tracked down many of the items in the collection—he was a long-time presence in New York.) This month from a galaxy far, far away comes an original Star Wars Lightsaber. This is the actual prop used by actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! The Lightsaber was constructed from a vintage 1930s Graflex camera flash gun, with the original Graflex logo still etched into the handle. In addition to the Lightsaber, you’ll find other unique Star Wars memorabilia like a Darth Vader portrait constructed entirely from staples. Here's a coupon for discount Ripley's admission!
MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
(11/17) Jack White performs at Kings Theatre.
PLUS
(11/16) Code Switch Live from New York City at the Apollo Theater. Code Switch is a team of NPR journalists who are fascinated by the overlapping themes of race, culture and identity, and how they play out in our lives and communities. Their work appears in a weekly podcast, on-air, online, and across NPR's shows and digital outlets. Named after the many ways people shift their expressions of race and culture in daily life, Code Switch aims to deepen the coverage of these topics and capture the issues that define an increasingly diverse America. The showcase is a highlight of the WERK IT Women’s Podcast Festival, an annual event celebrating and showcasing women and femmes in audio and digital media that aims to empower and amplify these voices. 8pm. Get tickets here.
(11/17) Killer Queen performs at Kupferberg Center. Featuring Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, the group will deliver a memorable concert while performing all your favorite Queen songs, such as "Another One Bites The Dust," "We Will Rock You," "Don't Stop Me Now," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and plenty more. Don't miss this premier tribute to one of the best bands of all time! Buy tickets here.
(11/15-11/16) The Doobie Brothers at Beacon Theatre.
(11/17, 11/23-11/24, 11/30, 12/1, 12/7-12/8, 12/21, 12/28, 12/29, 1/5/19, 1/12/19) Bar Car Nights at New York Botanical Garden. On these nights exclusively for adults 21 and over, the wintry landscape of NYBG sets the scene for festive outdoor adventures, with an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show® as the centerpiece. Sip a cocktail as you journey through a series of station stops, including pop-up acts featuring some of NYC’s favorite street performers.
(11/18-11/19) Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. at Beacon Theatre.
(11/18) Josh Groban & Idina Menzel at Madison Square Garden.
(Now-Sunday) Last chance to check out The Museum of Pizza!
Updated! Read about more Instagrammable Pop Up Exhibits in NYC here.
Click here for more nightlife ideas this weekend.
For information on LGBTQ nightlife, visit our brother site metrosource.com!
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