The Beat

Free Shakespeare in the Park Ticket Voucher Distributions Return to Citizens Branches and Community Sites Across All Five Boroughs with Expanded Access

Kickoff Celebration and Summer Fridays Celebrate the People of New York City and the Revitalized Delacorte Theater

New York, N.Y. (April 21, 2026) – The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Patrick Willingham), alongside returning Shakespeare For the City Presenting Partner Citizens, will welcome more New Yorkers than ever this summer to SHAKESPEARE FOR THE CITY taking place in parks and plazas across New York City and at the revitalized Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Running from May 22 through September 8, the summer celebration will bring free world-class theater to more than 130,000 people across the city, with productions of ROMEO & JULIET, THE WINTER’S TALE, and AS YOU LIKE IT, with an original Public Works production to be announced. The Jerome L. Greene Foundation returns as Lead Sponsor of Free Shakespeare in the Park.

Rochester, NY (April 21, 2026) — The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) invites the community to its annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration Day on Sunday, May 3, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., featuring free admission and an afternoon of music, art, culture, and community with performances, presentations, and hands-on activities for all ages. During the free event, visitors can explore current exhibitions including Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, Picasso and the Progressive Proof, and Rashid Johnson: The Hikers in the Media Arts Watch Gallery—along with the full breadth of MAG’s permanent collection.

Ninth Annual Dumbo Drop Events Take Place at 5pm and 7pm on Washington Street in Dumbo

Dumbo,​ ​Brooklyn (April 21, 2026)​ — Brooklyn’s flying elephant fundraising spectacle, the annual Dumbo Drop, is back on Friday, May 29, 2026 with two drops at 5pm and 7pm of thousands of parachuting toy elephants from the rooftops surrounding Washington Street, the borough’s most iconic block.

Brooklyn, NY — The much anticipated 26th Annual Coney Island Film Festival will take place May 1–3, 2026 in the historic seaside neighborhood of Coney Island, Brooklyn. This year’s festival will feature 92 films across various genres, celebrating independent cinema in all its forms. Presented by indiefilmpage.com and Coney Island USA, the festival once again celebrates the intersection of independent film and the vibrant culture of Coney Island.

To Enhance Outdoor Accessibility and Inclusivity

New Environmental Investments Will Create Immersive, Welcoming Destinations for Children with Disabilities Statewide

$10.8 Million in Environmental Bond Act Funding Committed to “Living Environment” Reinstein Woods Expansion and Improved, Safe Access to Scenic Zoar Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today kicked off Earth Week in New York State by launching the “These Lands Are For Everyone” accessibility and inclusivity initiative with the first two major outdoor recreational infrastructure investments helping connect more New Yorkers of all abilities with the environment. With $10.8 million in new funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, “These Lands Are For Everyone” is advancing a pair of inclusive, accessible Western New York-based environmental projects to build on Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts helping all New Yorkers thrive independently with dignity and opportunity.

Waterford, NY — As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is launching Revolutionary Experiences road trips along New York’s historic waterways. These self-guided itineraries invite residents and visitors alike to explore the people, places, and ideas that helped shape the nation and expand the promise of liberty for all.

PureWow, 20 Bucket-List Mother-Daughter Trips That Will Make You Two Even Closer, April 10, 2026

AFAR, The Best Hotels for a Nature Escape From NYC—No Airport Required, April 15, 2026 

Yahoo Creators, "Skillcations" are the new travel trend of 2026 - here's where your next mindful getaway should take you, April 17, 2026…

Backyard at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo Returns on May 1 offering free Concerts, Sports Watch Parties, Family Fun Events, Fitness Classes, and more

New York City (April 16, 2026) — Today, Hudson Yards, New York City’s premier shopping and outdoor entertainment destination, announces its 2026 programming season for Backyard at Hudson Yards presented by Wells Fargo. The seasonal series returns with a robust lineup of free experiences, including live concerts, fitness classes with leading wellness brands, sports watch parties on the 30-foot Big Screen, and special programming with partners like Reese’s Book Club and Carnegie Hall Citywide.

New York, NY (April 16, 2026 ) — Voices of Ascension – the New York City-based professional chorus dedicated to sharing the transformative power of choral music through performances, commissions, and community engagement – presents their final concert of the season, Canticle of the Sun, on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Ascension.