The Beat

Beautiful and inspirational exhibition exploring art and nature is set to open for the first time in New York State Friday, May 15^th for OWG members, May 16^th to the public

Old Westbury, NY— Sean Kenney's Nature Connects® Made with LEGO®bricks, an award-winning and record-breaking exhibition that uses beautiful works of art made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature is coming to Old Westbury Gardens from Friday, May 15th, 2026, through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Saratoga Springs, NY – Embrace the Belmont III returns to Universal Preservation Hall for an unforgettable evening honoring the 2026 Belmont Stakes and its historic final run in Saratoga. As a signature Saratoga preview event, the evening brings together the very best of racing culture, including food, fashion, community, and the energy that makes Saratoga in June so special, all while paying tribute to the incredible equine athletes at the heart of it all.

What if your sex ed class turned into a drag-infused, clown-led ritual of self-reclamation? What if your body could finally say what it wanted?

Parksville, NY – The Third Annual Too Short To Suck Film Festival and Awards Show (TSTS) returns on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at New Memories in Parksville, NY. Celebrating the power of concise storytelling, TSTS showcases short films from local and international filmmakers — all two minutes or less in duration. The festival challenges creators to make bold, impactful films in a bite-sized format that leaves a lasting impression. Big stories. Small runtime. Infinite possibility.

Composer-pianist Matthew Aucoin and bass-baritone William Socolof perform The Inner Core for Pride Month; Socolof returns to Hudson Hall in 2027 for Handel’s Deidamia.

Hudson, NY — Hudson Hall presents the regional premiere of The Inner Core, an album-length cycle of love songs by composer, pianist, and 2018 MacArthur Fellow Matthew Aucoin, including the world premiere of two newly added pieces. The Inner Core will be performed by Aucoin with bass-baritone William Socolof on Saturday, June 20 at 7pm. The performance offers Hudson Valley audiences an opportunity to hear an expansive vocal work by two artists active on major opera and concert stages.

Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks expands for its 50^th anniversary, illuminating the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the lower East River and the lower Hudson River, creating an unforgettable celebration on the nation’s 250^th birthday

New York, N.Y. --This year, through “Celebrations Start at Macy’s,” Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks^® will mark its 50^th anniversary with a milestone pyrotechnic display, captivating millions on Saturday, July 4. Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks will expand to both the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge creating a shared experience that connects more communities than ever.

Evolution of SPAC marked by expanded year-round programming, growth of education initiatives, and the physical transformation of its campus

60^th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with the re-opening of the Spa Little Theater, currently undergoing a historic renovation

Saratoga Springs, NY (May 14, 2026) – At its Annual Meeting on May 14, 2026, leadership and staff of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) reflected on the past decade of transformations as the organization celebrates its 60^th anniversary and a decade of leadership under CEO Elizabeth Sobol.

From May to August, find new ways to explore Hudson River Park with sunset music and dancing, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities and more

Visitors of all ages can enjoy hundreds of free events across the Park’s four miles

New York, NY (May 15, 2026) – There’s a special kind of magic that blooms along the Hudson River’s edge when the days grow long and city life moves outside. This season, Hudson River Park invites New Yorkers and visitors to embrace the enchantment and experience a summer filled with music, play, learning and wonder. From dancing and live music to hands-on science and outdoor workouts, it’s the perfect excuse to get outside and stay a while.

On view through October 18, 2026 at Hero in Rockefeller Center

NEW YORK, NY -- reSOUND New York, a site-specific multisensory art exhibition presented by d’strict at HERO in Rockefeller Center, announces reSENSE, a new season on view through October 18, 2026. An exhibition of contemporary art that engages all the senses simultaneously, reSOUND New York is the only exhibition of its kind in New York City: an evolving platform where sound, light, touch, movement, and material practice converge beneath one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

$15.5 Million in Combined State Investments Support Funding for the $33 Million Project

Expansive Renovation Includes First Public LEED Platinum Theater in U.S. and 98 Acres of Land Restoration

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center — the new home of Hudson Valley Shakespeare — in Garrison, Putnam County. The $33 million project, which includes a LEED certified theater and ecological land restoration, is supported by a combined $15.25 million investment from the New York State Council on the Arts, Empire State Development, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Education Department.