The Beat

Registration for the world-class waterways conference closes Sept. 12, 2025

Buffalo, N.Y. (Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025)-  A world-class program that highlights some of the most exciting and innovative activities on the world’s waterways is set to take place Sept. 21-25 at the 2025 World Canals Conference (WCC 2025) in Buffalo. Registration is open for one-day or full conference attendance through Sept. 12.

New Playground, Larger Picnic Area, New Facilities Will Make the Park More Accessible and Enjoyable for All Visitors

Project Supports Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative to Encourage Outdoor Recreation

Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that a $25 million rehabilitation project will start this year at the 115-year-old Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland and Orange counties in the Hudson Valley. The project will create a new accessible playground, expand picnic areas, and add public restrooms, while updating crucial infrastructure.

Acclaimed Series for New Song Returns on October 5; Featuring Sharon Harms, Emily Finke, Devony Smith, and
Gregory Feldmann

New York, NY (August 27, 2025) — New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, kicks off its 2025-2026 season with the 16th annual NYFOS Next Festival on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at The Theater at 150 W 17. The festival, curated by Nathaniel LaNasa, features a trio of concerts celebrating new song interspersed throughout the season.

A Dracula for the 21st century—lyrical, unsettling, and fiercely feminist.

New York, N.Y. -- Gothic feminist playwright Patricia Lynn’s haunting new work The Truth About Transylvania makes its World Premiere at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, running October 24–November 1. Directed by Jacob Titus, the production resurrects the legend of Dracula in a bold new form, transforming the classic novel into a lean but lyrical memory play set in the twenty-first century.  Lynn’s previous work, The Maid & The Mesmerizer, also played at the A.R.T./New York Theatres and received critical acclaim.

Free Limited Engagement Featuring More Than 100 New Yorkers

Runs August 29-September 2

New York, N.Y. (August 26, 2025) – The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) begins free performances of PERICLES: A Public Works Concert Experience at the awe-inspiring Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Friday, August 29. A new adaptation with music and lyrics by Troy Anthony, choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and direction by Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem Carl Cofield, the production features more than 100 New Yorkers from all five boroughs. The free production will run through Tuesday, September 2.

Albany, NY - The Barrens Birding Blitz is an annual community event held at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025 during the peak of fall bird migration. This friendly competition is a full day event, with teams birding and counting the species they see and hear throughout the preserve from 6 AM to 12 PM. The event will culminate in an awards ceremony and catered lunch in the APBP Discovery Center at 12:30 PM. Birdwatchers of all skill levels are invited to participate, from novice to expert. Teams will compete to spot and identify as many species as possible in the time allotted.

Wednesday, September 3^rd on Historic Bannerman Island!

Beacon, NY - The Bannerman Castle Trust (BCT) with their offices at 150 Main Street in Beacon, NY has now rescheduled their Annual Butterfly Day on Bannerman Island for Wednesday September 3^rd.  Tour Boats depart from the Beacon, New York Dock at 2 Red Flynn Drive at 11:00am and 12:00 noon.  …

Season Opening Concert Features Eric Wubble’s Chimeric Form and Clarinetist Madison Greenstone

New York, N.Y. (August 26, 2025) — New York City-based new music collective Wet Ink Ensemble announces its 27th season with the return of its annual Mini-Festival featuring performances and new works by the Ensemble’s Artists-in-Residence Aurora Nealand and Ben LaMar Gay. Wet Ink performs Eric Wubbels’s Chimeric Form and the world premiere of a new work for big band by Sam Pluta. The season also features collaborations with clarinetist Madison Greenstone and saxophonist Anna Webber.

Penn Yan, N.Y. – Visitors to the Finger Lakes now have a more flexible and rewarding way to explore the member wineries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail (KLWT). The award-winning Trail has introduced a reimagined Passport Program, designed to help guide guests on their Trail experience with high-quality tastings and exclusive discounts.

Lake Placid, N.Y. - The View Restaurant at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine. The View Restaurant was, once again, awarded the two-glass “Best of” Award of Excellence.