The Beat

New York, NY — The 34th African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) returns November 27–December 13, 2026, with an ambitious selection of more than 70 films from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and the United States. The festival opens with the world premiere of John Johnson Reporting, directed by Brian Calfano and narrated by Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg. The program also features three national Oscar submissions, acclaimed international productions, and compelling discoveries from across the African Diaspora.

Featuring Derek Klena and Lindsay Mendez; On December 18 and 19 at Carnegie Hall

New York, NY (November 12, 2026) — The New York Pops celebrates the most festive time of year with its annual concert tradition on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. Led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, Sleigh Bells Ring features Derek Klena (Tony Award nominee; Broadway’s Wicked, Jagged Little Pill) and Lindsay Mendez (Tony Award winner; Broadway’s Merrily We Roll Along, Carousel) together with Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA in a festive evening of classic carols and new holiday favorites.

Rochester, N.Y. (November 12, 2026) -- The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, and the Park Avenue Merchants Association will be holding its 33rd Annual Park Avenue Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 3, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Park Avenue Holiday Open House has become a beloved tradition in the community, bringing neighbors, friends and family together to celebrate the holiday season. It includes everything from festive decorations to delicious treats and specials offered by the diverse restaurants and eateries on Park Avenue.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. - This Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, 2026 the Christopher Dailey Foundation will host their 25^TH Annual Christopher Dailey 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot. The Run/Walk will be held on Broadway in Saratoga Springs starting at 8:30 AM. We are especially thankful to our Lead Corporate Partner this year, M&T Bank.

Festive Neighborhood-wide Experiences Include Ice Skating Beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Massive Video Projections, Holiday Markets, Dazzling Light Displays, a 25-Foot Evergreen Tree with Custom Ornaments, the Dumbo Holiday Pass, and More

Brooklyn, NY (November 10, 2026) – Dumbo once again transforms into one of New York City’s prime outdoor holiday destinations starting on November 9, 2026, serving as the neighborhood-wide site of festive, family-friendly activities.

Ticonderoga, NY (November 9, 2026) – The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is excited to announce the 17th Annual Ticonderoga Area North Country Christmas Celebration, taking place Saturday, November 28th through Sunday, December 6th. The annual holiday celebration brings together local businesses, organizations, and community members for a wonderful lineup of holiday activities, shopping opportunities, special events, and festive traditions throughout the Ticonderoga Area.

November 19 reading features responses to ‘A Feeling of With’

Saratoga Springs, NY (November 10, 2026) — The Tang Museum at Skidmore College announces Poets in the Museum, a poetry reading on Thursday, November 19, at 6 pm in the Malloy Wing galleries. Organized and hosted by Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate Jay Rogoff, the program brings regional poets into the museum to read poetry responding to artwork on view.

Rochester, NY (November 10, 2026) —The Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester (MAG) will present Käthe Kollwitz: Prints from MAG’s Permanent Collection, an exhibition highlighting the work of an artist who used her art as a powerful commentary on social justice.

Inaugural season celebrates reopening of the theater following historic $12 million renovation, in partnership with NYS Parks

Highlights include opening-night celebration with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York City Ballet’s Spa Little Theater debut, the historic return of The Acting Company, and a genre-spanning lineup of music and dance

Saratoga Springs, NY (November 10, 2026) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces its 2027 spring season at Spa Little Theater, offering a first look at the programming that will mark the reopening of the venue following a historic $12 million renovation in partnership with New York State Parks. The season ushers in an exciting new chapter for SPAC’s year-round home, with an expansive slate of programming spanning classical music, jazz, folk, a cappella, dance and theater.

Duo the first entertainment (non-musical) inductees in organizations 22 year history

Stony Brook, NY — Actor and Comedian Ray Romano (star of Everybody Loves Raymond) and his long-time manager and show Executive Producer Rory Rosegarten were recently inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) at their Stony Brook Village location (97 Main Street) on Thursday, November 5^th. The two have the distinct honor of being the first entertainment (non-musical) inductees in the organization’s 22-year history. The event was open to the public and completely sold out to room capacity.