The Beat

Updated map design provides new information on affordable recreation opportunities

 The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the release of an updated New York State Parks and Historic Sites map highlighting affordable options for outdoor recreation and culturally enriching experiences. The first update to a statewide overview of facilities since 2017, new additions to the map include recently opened and renamed parks Sojourner Truth State Park in Ulster County and Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, as well as the 750-mile Empire State Trail which spans the entire state.

Garden City, N.Y. - The Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) will host an Arrival Ceremony on Monday, June 30, to commemorate the arrival of a newly crafted 10-foot white pine mishoon. The traditional dugout canoe, commissioned by LICM, was created under the leadership of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, in collaboration with her mentor Darius Coombs (Mashpee Wampanoag) and apprentice Shane Weeks (Shinnecock).

Syracuse, NY (June 16, 2025) – Destiny USA’s Summer Fun Pass is back and better than ever for 2025! Starting June 23rd, guests can unlock more than $175 in value with one convenient pass - featuring access to 29 participating venues at Destiny USA and eight bonus admissions across Central New York - saving up to 60% off per person.

Cazenovia, N.Y. - Farmstead 1868, recently named the 2025 Madison County Small Business of the Year, will host its 2nd Cazenovia Lavender Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 5–6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its scenic farm property located at 4690 Shephards Rd. in Cazenovia.

Saratoga Springs, NY – Discover the rich history and architecture of Saratoga Springs with the Summer Sunday Strolls, a guided walking tour series presented by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

Hague, NY (June 16, 2025) – The Town of Hague on beautiful Lake George is gearing up to host its Annual 3rd of July Celebration—an unforgettable evening of fireworks, live music, delicious eats, and summer fun for the whole family! Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at the Hague Town Beach Park for one of the North Country’s can’t-miss summer kick-off events.

Community Invited to Witness ‘Raising’ of Truss on June 24, 2025

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Fenimore Art Museum is proud to present a remarkable cultural and educational installation: a full-scale replica of Truss No. 6 from the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The ceremonial ‘raising’ of the truss will take place on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, and the truss will remain on public view on the museum’s back lawn overlooking Otsego Lake through September 8, 2025.

Saratoga Springs, NY: Following the celebration of Juneteenth, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will present an evening virtual program "Galveston’s Juneteenth Story: And Still We Rise" on Tuesday, June 24, at 7pm. The evening virtual program will be presented by historian Tommie D. Boudreaux in collaboration with the Galveston Historical Foundation.

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 1 p.m.

Coney Island, N.Y. (June 12, 2025) — Coney Island USA, the non-profit multi-arts organization headquartered in the heart of Coney Island’s famed amusement district, will hold its 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Singer for Gypsy Punk band Gogol Bordello, Eugene Hütz and New York based singer, songwriter and performance artist, Queenie Sateen will serve as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, respectively, the organization announced.

A New Play About Change Amid Social Upheaval and a Shifting Moral Landscape

New York, N.Y. (June 12, 2025) – True Repertory Theatre announces the New York premiere of Ellen’s Boys, a new play by James Sullivan about accepting change amid social upheaval and a shifting moral landscape. Donald Sheehan directs a cast of nine, including Victoria Bond, Julie M. Butler, Patrick Dean, Avery Fischbach, Kylie Logan, Aria Martinelli, Donald Sheehan, Kyle Silver, and Elias Wettengel.