What’s happening in NYC right now
New York City is always happening. Everywhere you look, there’s something new (or renewed) to see, do, taste, and experience—and an opportunity your groups won’t want to miss.
Live theater
The reilluminated lights of Broadway will beckon your clients to the Theatre District to choose from a dazzling array of dramas, musicals, and other experiences. Here, historical venues host beloved favorites and groundbreaking hits alike. All of this season’s new plays are by Black playwrights; Thoughts of a Colored Man is the first play in Broadway history to feature a Black writer, director, and cast, as well as a predominantly Black producing team. Some shows mounted elsewhere are making their Broadway debut; Sondheim fans won’t want to miss the critically acclaimed West End revival of Company. Many more are returning this fall, like the Grammy-winning Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill, and perennial powerhouses Chicago, Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.
Off-Broadway’s selection may be even more eclectic. Grab a block of tickets to the thrillingly percussive STOMP or Perfect Crime, NYC’s longest-running non-musical play. Fans of the Bard will want to find their way to a certain hidden library for Drunk Shakespeare, where a skilled troupe of actors (and numerous shots of whiskey) create a comedy of errors not to be missed.
Cultural vibrancy
The cultural contributions of NYC’s diverse communities are woven into every aspect of the city’s identity. In Queens, your clients will hear dozens of different languages and find just as many cuisines; send them to Flushing for dumplings and to Astoria for souvlaki.
Clients committed to celebrating Black culture will find ample opportunity. The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art showcases groundbreaking exhibitions and interactive workshops, while venues like the Apollo Theater and Black Spectrum Theatre host film screenings and live productions featuring famous and up-and-coming Black musicians, actors, and performers.
While the hit-Broadway-musical-turned-major-motion-picture In The Heights brought the city’s vibrant Latino culture into the spotlight, every Latin American country has contributed to NYC’s heritage and history, evident throughout the five boroughs. El Museo del Barrio is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the Latino artistic landscape through fine arts exhibitions as well as educational programming and cultural celebrations. The Brooklyn Museum not only houses an impressive permanent collection and visiting exhibitions from various geographic regions and time periods, it also features one of the most comprehensive collections of indigenous arts of the Americas in the world.
An unmatched dining scene
NYC’s famed food scene is where inspiration meets innovation—with delicious results. With the return of indoor dining, restaurants, bars, and cafés throughout the five boroughs are reminding locals and visitors alike why the city is world-famous for its culinary offerings.
The spacious Bronx Beer Hall, serving up local brews alongside top-notch pub fare, is ideal for groups and sits among many other delectable destinations in the Bronx’s Little Italy, Arthur Avenue. Outdoor dining is another great option for large parties; the setups at Boucherie West Village and Scarpetta are especially spectacular.
With so many cuisines represented, there is something for everyone at the table. Clients can nourish body and soul at Melba’s, a destination for comfort food in NYC. Pizza connoisseurs may never settle the “best slice” debate, but they will enjoy a scholarly discussion on the merits of Philomena’s Pizza’s Neapolitan-style versus Amorina Cucina Rustica’s Roman-style thin-crust pies.
24/7 sports & entertainment
Groups visiting NYC this season will be met with a full calendar of events. The US Open is back in full swing this September, just as the latest styles flood NYC’s runways and sidewalks for the return of fall Fashion Week. The TCS New York City Marathon also returns for its citywide endurance event in November, though the plans for spectators are still in the works.
A shopping capital
From the venerable department stores of Fifth Avenue and the upscale boutiques of Soho to the indie shops hidden throughout the five boroughs, NYC has no shortage of style—and there are plenty of bargains to be found by the savvy shopper. Don’t miss the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship, with a shoe floor so large it merits its own zip code (10022-SHOE). And only steps from the Staten Island Ferry, Empire Outlets features about 100 national retail brands.
With so many options for your clients, there is no time like the present to promote travel to the five boroughs. For more information and ideas, visit New York City’s official guide at NYCgo.com/traveltrade.
Top photo: Empire Outlets
Photo by Victor Llorente