The Beat

New Exhibition on Paleontology in the Gobi Desert

Exhibition opening April 17 celebrates a century of discovery in a world-renowned fossil hot spot

New York, N.Y. - Opening at the American Museum of Natural History on Friday, April 17, Fossils of the Flaming Cliffs celebrates the 100-year history of the Museum’s fossil excavations in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, one of the richest and most dramatic paleontological landscapes on Earth. Through large-scale photography and fossil casts and 3-D prints of landmark discoveries, the exhibition reveals how the Museum’s ongoing expeditions to this fossil hot spot from the 1920s to the present have transformed scientific understanding of ancient dinosaurs, lizards, and mammals.

With Christopher C. Gorham author of MATISSE AT WAR: ART AND RESISTANCE IN NAZI OCCUPIED FRANCE

Hyde Park, N.Y. -- The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum presents an author talk and book signing with Christopher C. Gorham, author of MATISSE AT WAR: ART AND RESISTANCE IN NAZI OCCUPIED FRANCE, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home and streamed live to the official FDR Library YouTube and Facebook accounts. This is a free public event, but registration is required to attend in-person.

Featuring Performances by Grahame Lesh & Daniel Donato, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Swamp Dog, Deer Tick, Gang of Four, Patty Griffin, The Garcia Project, Pink Talking Fish

Seven fun-filled special theme events offer creative activities for people of all ages, families, and adults.

Old Westbury, NY (April 15, 2026) — Old Westbury Gardens has announced the dates and details for seven special theme events that will enhance the visitor experience for the upcoming Sean Kenney's Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® bricks exhibit. This is an award-winning and record-breaking exhibition that uses beautiful works of art made from simple toy bricks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibition opens Friday, May 15^th for Old Westbury Gardens’ members only, and expands to the public Saturday, May 16, 2026. The exhibition will run through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Albany, NY – Lupine Fest returns this May to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve with a full month of events celebrating the blooming wild blue lupine and the unique beauty of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Taking place throughout May 2026, the festival invites visitors of all ages to enjoy daily programs, hands-on activities, and special events that highlight one of the region’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. – The Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, Destination Hastings, and Hastings Rainbow Families are excited to host the fourth annual Friday Night Pride, a free, joyful, family-friendly Pride festival in downtown Hastings on June 12th from 6-9pm (will move indoors in inclement weather; follow @hastingsfridaynightpride on Facebook or Instagram for announcements).

A Spirited Evening of Broadway Showtunes  

New York, N.Y. - The Broadway Education Alliance and Disney Theatrical Group announce the 16^th Annual Roger Rees Awards Showcase celebrating Excellence in Student Performance.  The Roger Rees Awards serves as Greater New York City’s high school musical theater awards program, shining a spotlight on the next generation of theater creators and recognizing the importance of theatre arts education.

Riverhead, N.Y. - History enthusiasts are invited to uncover the real story behind one of the most fascinating intelligence operations of the American Revolution at a special presentation on Sunday, May 3 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Naugles Barn at Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead). Former Newsday reporter and author Bill Bleyer will present “The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring,” based on his book George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide. The talk will explore the real-life espionage network that operated across Long Island to support George Washington and the Continental Army.

Saratoga Springs, NY: The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Chair Julie Furey, will welcome spring with the 2026 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 9. This highly anticipated annual event held between 10AM and 4PM offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes and buildings. This year the tour will be of the East Side of Saratoga Springs. Private residences on Circular Street, Lincoln Avenue, Spring Street, and Caroline Street, among others, will be featured.

Rochester, NY — The Memorial Art Gallery announces the opening of its newest major exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, now on view through August 23. The exhibition traces the career of African American artist John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, bringing together works that span several decades.