Good afternoon, this is W42ST Lifestyle Editor Sarah Beling with “Make Way For The Weekend” — your curated guide to the best of New York events in one convenient newsletter!
We are well into New York’s annual Mercurial May Moment (and yes, my astrology friends, Mercury is actually in retrograde) — one day the sun is shining and the birds are chirping and jazz trios are playing outside in the park, and then — it’s 40 degrees, pouring rain and you forgot your umbrella. Again.
The only cure, in my opinion, is embracing the little pick-me-ups this city has to offer — my primary cure for all ills is going to get myself a fresh baked good anywhere I can, lol, but there are other options like: buying random stationery (an overpriced greeting card is cheaper than therapy)! Going to stare at a painting at the Met (remember kids, admission is pay-what-you-wish for residents!)! Riding the bus to run a few low-stakes errands (listen, as long as you’re not in a rush, the bus is soothing IMO)! Making the NYPL your new co-working space (cheaper than WeWork 👀)! Sitting in Maman while writing in a journal that you’ll put down and never pick up again (who, me?)! And if you’re looking for even more delightful pick-me-ups, we’ve got you covered — check out our newly launched Manhattan Sideways directory and newsletter of all the best hidden gems around town. Find your moment of bliss as we embrace transitional weather and transitional city vibes!
…when you can only think as far ahead as Monday!
🎞️ at the dine in
Speaking of Manhattan Sideways, we got the chance to visit and write about the brand spanking new LOOK Dine-In cinema on W57th Street, opening today! Grab a burger and a beer and bliss out to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 this weekend!!
👯 times square live!
Times Square Live is back for the summer, with plentiful performances and activities to do that don’t involve avoiding the Naked Cowboy. Kick off this Friday May 5 with a West African Dance Workshop led by Maguette Camara from Ailey Extension!
🖼️ the great beyond
Not to stress anyone out, but there’s a morbidly fascinating exhibit called Death is Not the End at the Rubin Museum of Art now through August that tackles death as depicted in art across cultures. Take the Edward Gorey fan in your life!!!
👯 get out your empire waist dress
Sleep No More meets Shondaland at the The Queens Ball: A Bridgerton Experience playing now through the summer in Hell’s Kitchen. I like to imagine that the entire set is filled with New York performers and therefore its impossible to tell who is and isn’t part of the show!
🎭 trek it over
Maybe it’s my long-standing love of the movie Galaxy Quest, but something about Star Trek is truly ripe for parody IMO. Head to original parody Khan!!! The Musical at the Players Theatre tonight through Sunday May 7 for an evening of entertainment that includes “Vulcan tap dancing, Kirk’s long-lost son (a William Shatner impersonator), and of course… mutant space chickens!”
👯 k-pop dance night at lincoln center
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out a jubilant and interactive K-Pop Dance Night at Lincoln Center Friday May 5 where a step-by-step tutorial is followed by a set from acclaimed DJ Chen featuring songs performed by K-Pop groups NCT, SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids, as well as student groups from NYU and Stony Brook University.
🖼️ new nights at the museum
If you love the American Museum of Natural History but you feel like you’ve seen every exhibit thrice, you’re in luck — there’s a new wing, The Gilder Center, featuring exhibits, state-of-the-art spaces and a butterfly vivarium opening tonight!
🎞️ i’m not just a mouse, i’m a member of this family
Maybe New York’s very own “Stuart Littles” aren’t quite as cute as the fictional character 😮 but you can still enjoy a screening of the movie Saturday May 6 at 10am or 1:30pm at the Museum of the City of New York!
🎶 no, i don’t mean summer stock
Drunk History meets a night at Marie’s Crisis at Drunk Musicals playing May 6 at Green Room 42. Join a talented cast who, after a few friendly bevvies, will parody some of your favorite musicals — upon which, I couldn’t help but wonder, does something like Doctor Zhivago even NEED a parody???? IYKYK, babes.
🎨 live free and dye
Take the whole family to the Natural Dye Collages workshop Sunday May 7 at Museum of Arts and Design, led by MAD Fellow Carolina Jiménez, where you can dive deep into the connection between color, memory and creative process!
🚶 before hudson yards…
Do you rarely venture below W42nd Street? Want to know more about the land once known as “Paddy’s Market”? Explore the fascinating history of Hell’s Kitchen South at a Walking Tour Saturday May 6, where you’ll chart the past, present and ever changing future of the West Side’s southern quadrant.
…what’s happening before and just after I hit your inbox next!
🎞️ papa can u hear me
Revisit the Babs classic by checking out a screening of Yentl at BAM Thursday May 11. A complex interrogation of traditional gender roles that also features a very hot young Mandy Patinkin. IMO, it’s a must-see for anyone jonesing for a two hour 14 minute musical adventure.
🖼️ kusama comes to chelsea
Globally-acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama opens her latest exhibition — which includes an Infinity Mirror room as well as new floral and pumpkin-themed sculptures Thursday May 11 at David Zwirner gallery.
🥪 uptown eats
Sample a little bit of everything at the next Uptown Night Market Thursday May 11, where my personal picks are anything dim sum and chopped cheese!!!
🎤 moca talks
Join Taiwanese author Kevin Chen as he discusses his journey of writing on his queer identity in new novel Ghost Town at the Museum of Chinese in America Friday May 12 as part of AAPI Heritage Month!
…for when you need to secure those hot tickets before they sell out!!!
🎶 sound mind festival
Join a plethora of talented musicians and panelists at Brooklyn’s Sound Mind Music Festival for Mental Health Saturday May 20 for performances by artists like Iron and Wine and Langhorne Slim, sound bath meditations, food by Smorgasburg and discussions on mental health healing through music and the importance of mental health in the music industry.
🎤 do the elaine
National treasure Julia Louis-Dreyfus discusses her new film You Hurt My Feelings with Frank Rich at the 92nd Street Y Wednesday May 24. In true 92nd Street Y fashion I’m guessing there will be audience questions, in which case you can ask her how she developed the best fictional character dance move of all time.
🎞️ have what he’s having
Ummmmmm, Billy freaking Crystal is coming to the United Palace for a screening and Q+A (hosted by Lin-Manuel Miranda!) around THE New York rom-com classic When Harry Met Sally. Set your alarms — free tickets are released May 15!!
🔥 Hot tip
Some of our very cool friends who stay on top of things suggested we try Ayat — a Palestinian cafe recently named one of the New York Times’ 100 best restaurants — in Bay Ridge. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Go for the incredible Fattoush, Falafel, Chicken Shawarma and Hummus!!
⚠️ Omg I forgot to tell you
There are free dance parties in Bryant Park every Wednesday and Thursday through May 18!
The Drama Desk-nominated Stranger Sings closes Sunday May 7!
There’s a Mara Hoffman sample sale now through Sunday May 7!
Artist Charlotte Gastaut takes over 5th Avenue now through the end of May.
That’s it for now! Call me beep me if you want to reach me! (sarah@w42st.com)
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