The Beat

One woman’s true tales of near death, unfiltered and in snackable form. Including, but not limited to: war zones, elder caregiving, a white water disaster, incompetent Scottish physicians, and a pork-based Yeshiva childhood in the Bronx.

Program Encourages New Yorkers to Experience the Joy of Birding Across the State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced today that the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities will start on March 1. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife, and finishers are awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate—plus the opportunity to win birding-related prizes.

Hurleyville, NY – Get ready for a vibrant evening where bold flavors and big ideas come together! The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC), in partnership with the SUNY Sullivan Culinary Program, proudly presents "MediterrAsian Fusion: A Culinary Experience" on March 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Hosted at Tango Café, this special event features a one-of-a-kind prix fixe menu inspired by Mediterranean and Asian cuisines—crafted by the next generation of culinary talent.

Earlybird Deadline Approaching March 13th

Woodstock, NY – The Woodstock Film Festival (WFF) announced today that the earlybird submission deadline for its 27th edition this fall is fast approaching on March 13th.

As one of the top 50 film festivals worth the entry fee according to Moviemaker Magazine, and an Oscar®-qualifying festival in Live-Action Short, Animated Short, and Documentary Short categories, WFF is among the most prestigious and sought after regional film festivals in the US. As Ethan Hawke once said, WFF is “a festival that isn't trying to sell you anything, but simply and beautifully celebrating the art & craft of filmmaking.”…

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Seven racehorses and six trainers account for the 13 finalists that will comprise the National Museum of Racing’s 2026 Hall of Fame ballot, as chosen by the Museum’s Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. The finalists are racehorses Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Groupie Doll, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, Lady Eli, and Rags to Riches; and trainers Christophe Clement, Kenneth G. McPeek, H. Graham Motion, Doug F. O’Neill, John W. Sadler, and John A. Shirreffs.

February 23–24

Canandaigua, NY – Bristol Mountain proudly hosted the New York State Skiing Championship on February 23 and 24, welcoming top high school Alpine and Nordic athletes from across the state for two days of elite competition on its nationally recognized slopes.

Canandaigua, N.Y. — Bristol Mountain hosted the United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA) Mideast Regional Alpine Ski Competition on February 21–22. The two-day event featured top collegiate alpine skiers from across the region competing in slalom and giant slalom disciplines.

Three Dangerous Women. One Explosive Drama.

New York, NY (February 24, 2026) - Chain Theatre (Kirk Gostkowski, Artistic Director, Rick Hamilton, Managing Director, Christina Elise Perry, Director of Development) is pleased to announce the world premiere production of ​ John Patrick Shanley’s THE PUSHOVER, directed by Kirk Gostkowski. THE PUSHOVER will play a four-week limited engagement at the Chain Theatre (312 W 36th St., New York, NY). Performances begin Friday, April 3rd, and continue through Sunday, April 26th. Opening Night is Monday, April 6th (7:00 p.m.).

New York, NY (February 25, 2026) — Notable guest artists, including Grammy Award winner and Tony Award nominee Shoshana Bean (first Broadway replacement as Elphaba in Wicked), actress and producer Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana/Moana 2, Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway), Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn (recent appearance in Classic Stage Company’s The Baker’s Wife; voice of Pocahontas), Tony Award winner Lindsay Mendez (Elphaba in 10th Anniversary of Wicked, revival of Godspell), and Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen) will join The New York Pops to honor Grammy, Academy, and Tony Award winning composer Stephen Schwartz at the orchestra’s 43rd Birthday Gala, Changed for Good: A Celebration of Stephen Schwartz, on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. Additional guest artists to be announced.