Hey,
This week is a good one. Free concerts, brand pop-ups, giveaways, and beach season finally starting. Here are the best things happening in NYC right now.
1. Wendy's Lookalike Contest — Tuesday, May 26 Seaport Square, Check-in 3:30 PM, Contest 4:15–5:30 PM
Wendy's is hosting a redhead lookalike contest at the Seaport with music, giveaways, photo ops, and the winner gets free Dave's Singles for a year. Free to attend even if you're just there to watch.
2. The Ordinary Bus — Starting Tuesday, May 26 Domino Park, Williamsburg
The Ordinary is running a free shuttle bus between Domino Park in Williamsburg and Prospect Park through June 9, cutting out the usual 50-minute subway detour through Manhattan. Weekdays noon to 7 PM, weekends 8 AM to 7 PM.
3. Sephora Summer Club — Open Now Through September 7 The William Vale, Williamsburg
Sephora built a resort-style summer activation at The William Vale with beauty libraries, complimentary sun-care products, Beauty Insider perks, and monthly outdoor cinema events. Day passes are available for non-hotel guests.
4. NYC Beach Season Officially Opens — Saturday, May 23 Citywide
NYC public beaches open this weekend. Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx also just reopened after a major restoration if you want something a little different than the usual spots.
5. Spring Fling Arts & Music Festival — Saturday, May 23 Bella Abzug Park, Hudson Yards, 12–6 PM
Free outdoor event in Hudson Yards with live music, local makers, food vendors, and community activities. This Saturday is part of the lead-up series. The main festival weekend runs June 27–28 if you want the full experience.
6. Bryant Park Picnic Performances — Thursday May 28 + Friday May 29 Bryant Park, 7 PM, Free
Bryant Park's free summer concert series is back. Jazzmobile with Wycliffe Gordon and Friends on Thursday, New York City Opera: American Classics on Friday. No tickets needed, just show up.
7. TSQ LIVE — Tuesday May 26 + Wednesday May 27 Times Square, Free
Free DJ set in Times Square on Tuesday at 5 PM. Wednesday has live MTA Music at 12 PM and a free Ailey Extension Dancehall workshop at 5 PM. All free, no sign-up needed.
8. Memorial Day BBQ Bazaar — Sunday, May 24 Grand Bazaar NYC, 10 AM–5 PM
Grand Bazaar NYC is doing a Memorial Day BBQ Bazaar this Sunday. Good casual food market option with vendors, food, and a relaxed weekend vibe. Free to attend.
Bookmark this and send it to someone who always says there's nothing to do in NYC.
See you next week.
The Loop NYC