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Things to do in New York, NY

Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in New York, NY. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.

12 hand-picked things to do in New York, NY right now · 8 with confirmed dates

Last updated: Fri, Aug 28, 2026

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Photo: Jordan Merrick / Unsplash

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For familiesKid-friendly events, family restaurants, and weekend picks in New York, NY.For friend groupsWhat's on this week, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans in New York, NY.For couplesHidden gems, romantic dinners, and cultural nights in New York, NY.

A perfect 3 days in New York, NY

A sample plan built from this week's New York, NY picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.

Day 1

MorningDAYDREAM | Air Becomes Art - Balloon Museum

Immersive large-scale inflatable art installations exploring the delicate relationship between air and contemporary sculpture.

AfternoonFlatiron Wine-Focused Bistro

A sophisticated new Flatiron arrival offering an extensive cellar of over 2,500 bottles paired with refined small plates.

$$$

EveningUS Open Tennis Championships

The world's best tennis players descend on Flushing Meadows for the final Grand Slam of the year.

$$$$

Day 2

MorningBanksy Museum - Flexiticket

A comprehensive deep dive into the elusive street artist's most iconic murals and provocative conceptual pieces.

AfternoonUptown London Bakery Outpost

The celebrated London bakery makes its highly anticipated U.S. debut, bringing viral pastries to Upper East Side mornings.

EveningBAAND Together Dance Festival

Five iconic New York dance companies unite for an exhilarating open-air evening of contemporary and classical choreography.

Day 3

MorningWarm Up at MoMA PS1

Long-running avant-garde summer music series featuring experimental electronic sets, live DJs, and courtyard gallery access.

AfternoonThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Charming stage adaptation bringing Eric Carle's beloved children's books to life with master puppetry.

EveningCelebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series

Pack a picnic blanket for an open-air concert under the stars at the historic Prospect Park bandshell.

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✨ Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight in the city

DAYDREAM | Air Becomes Art - Balloon Museum

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 · 09:00 AM · Balloon Museum NYC · $$ · Best for Art lovers and photography enthusiasts

Immersive large-scale inflatable art installations exploring the delicate relationship between air and contemporary sculpture.

Learn more

artimmersiveexhibition

Banksy Museum - Flexiticket

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 · 10:00 AM · Banksy Museum New York · $$ · Best for Culture seekers

A comprehensive deep dive into the elusive street artist's most iconic murals and provocative conceptual pieces.

Learn more

street-artexhibitiondowntown

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 · 11:00 AM · DR2 · $$ · Best for Families with young children

Charming stage adaptation bringing Eric Carle's beloved children's books to life with master puppetry.

Learn more

theaterfamilymatinee

Plan a trip to New York, NY

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three New York, NY trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

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🗽 This Weekend in New York, NY

The best matches, dance performances, and neighborhood strolls

US Open Tennis Championships

Sun, Aug 30, 2026 · 11:00 AM · USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center · $$$$ · Best for Sports fans

The world's best tennis players descend on Flushing Meadows for the final Grand Slam of the year.

Learn more

sportsoutdoorgrand-slam

BAAND Together Dance Festival

Tue, Jul 28, 2026 · 7:30 PM · David H. Koch Theater · $ · Best for Dance and theater lovers

Five iconic New York dance companies unite for an exhilarating open-air evening of contemporary and classical choreography.

Learn more

danceoutdoorperforming-arts

Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Lena Horne Bandshell · $ · Best for Live music fans

Pack a picnic blanket for an open-air concert under the stars at the historic Prospect Park bandshell.

Learn more

musicpicnicpark

🍷 Eat & Drink

New neighborhood spots, hidden wine bars, and seasonal dining

Flatiron Wine-Focused Bistro

Flatiron District, Manhattan · $$$ · Best for Wine connoisseurs and date night

A sophisticated new Flatiron arrival offering an extensive cellar of over 2,500 bottles paired with refined small plates.

Learn more

wine-barbistroflatiron

Uptown London Bakery Outpost

Upper East Side, Manhattan · $$ · Best for Pastry lovers

The celebrated London bakery makes its highly anticipated U.S. debut, bringing viral pastries to Upper East Side mornings.

Learn more

bakerypastriesues

🌟 New & Notable

Fresh exhibits, seasonal pop-ups, and cultural openings

Warm Up at MoMA PS1

Fri, Jul 24, 2026 · 5:00 PM · MoMA PS1 · $$ · Best for Electronic music fans

Long-running avant-garde summer music series featuring experimental electronic sets, live DJs, and courtyard gallery access.

Learn more

musicelectronicmuseum-party

Harlem Week: Summer in the City

Sat, Aug 15, 2026 · 1:00 PM · West 135th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue · $ · Best for Culture and history enthusiasts

A massive celebration of African American culture, arts, food, and history featuring live street performances and community markets.

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culturefestivalcommunity

🚗 Quick Escape

Weekend trips within a 2-3 hour drive of New York City

Beacon & The Hudson Valley Arts Retreat

Beacon, New York (1.5 hr drive) · $$$ · Best for Couples and art seekers

Escape the grid for a weekend of contemporary art at Dia Beacon, boutique shopping on Main Street, and scenic hikes up Mount Beacon.

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getawayhikingart

Historic Princeton & Colonial Charm

Princeton, New Jersey (1 hr 15 min drive) · $$$ · Best for History buffs and relaxed explorers

Wander through the ivy-covered university campus, dine at farm-to-table bistros, and explore quiet local nature preserves.

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historicweekend-tripdining

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in New York, NY?

Current local highlights in New York, NY include DAYDREAM | Air Becomes Art - Balloon Museum, Banksy Museum - Flexiticket, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.