Discover East Village's Hidden Art Gems
New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
Secret NYC
Open House New York Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Hidden Gem in NYC - Chinese Scholar’s Garden 🌳 Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s fabulous gardens. One of New York City’s greatest hidden gems is the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island. The design is based on gardens from the Ming Dynasty in China, and one of the few authentic gardens that were built in America. All the materials you see here (including the rocks and the tiles on the floor!) were made or sourced in China. The Chinese Scholar Garden has much to explore! There are eight pavilions, three ponds with koi fish, a waterfall, and many picturesque areas, including the unique shaped doorways seen on this clip. It’s a treasure. Why a hidden gem? Because It’s hard to find it! The NYCSG is behind a stone wall and not visible from the road. To get to the entrance you must walk through a cottage. The sign marking this is small and easy to miss. It truly is hidden!
Infatuation
Ras Plant Based A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Eater
Textbook, a Fort Greene cafe known for its tahini-coffee shakes, has opened in Bed-Stuy that’s a bakery doubling as a bar called Understudy. Fresh bread should be affordable for everyone. That’s why they have a “Name Your Price for Bread” policy. Their Chef Tony, the master baker behind Bakery by Textbook. Chef was born and raised in New York, and now calls Bushwick home. With over a decade in the industry, Chef Tony’s journey began as a dishwasher and has finally landed him the opportunity to run his own kitchen. His speciality? Bread! From working in kitchens in Italy, to building bread ovens in Morocco, he’s excited to show you everything he’s learned along the way. At Bakery by Textbook, expect a focus on Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, as Chef Tony eagerly prepares some of his favorite recipes. He can’t wait to break bread with this amazing community 💛
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
newyorkcity.explore
🍦🚇 All aboard the sweetest ride in NYC! 🚇🍦 This is definitely the coolest (and yummiest) subway in New York City! 📸🍭 Check out the pink subway at the Museum of Ice Cream – it’s like stepping into a candy-coated dream.🍨🍭 Perfect for getting those Insta-worthy shots and having a blast with your friends! 🎀✨
Natasha Husein
This is your sign to host a summer soirée (aka block party) in your neighborhood! Make new friends, meet your neighbors, go offline and be present with community in real life! Also if you’re in the Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens area we do these gatherings once a month in Cobble Hill Park.
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Discovering the Local Art Scene in East Village
The East Village in New York City has long been an epicenter of artistic expression, blending historic roots with a dynamic contemporary vibe. This thriving neighborhood offers an immersive experience for art enthusiasts keen to uncover local secrets and hidden gems. With a dense concentration of galleries, studios, and public art spaces, the East Village presents a diverse palette of artistic endeavors, fostering a sense of community and exploration.
Trending Galleries: Where Creativity Flourishes
Among the trending art galleries in East Village, La MaMa Galleria stands out for its avant-garde approach and commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. Located on East 4th Street, this gallery hosts exhibitions that challenge conventional aesthetics and explore new media, from performance art to experimental installations. The ethos here is clear: art is not just to be seen but to be experienced.
Another notable spot is Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS). This unique gallery space at 155 Avenue C showcases the history of grassroots activism and urban art in NYC. Beyond traditional gallery paintings and sculptures, you’ll find multimedia exhibits that explore the intersection of art and activism, reflecting the neighborhood's history of resilience and creativity.
Local art scene aficionados are also drawn to Aicon Gallery located on Great Jones Street. This gallery highlights contemporary South Asian artists, providing a vital platform for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Shows here are characterized by their bold aesthetics and thought-provoking themes, making it a cornerstone in the East Village art circuit.
Must-Attend Art Events in East Village
The East Village's calendar is brimming with art events that cater to a wide spectrum of interests. For those keen on blending art with social engagement, the Howl! Festival is an annual event that cannot be missed. Held in Tompkins Square Park, this festival celebrates the legacy of Allen Ginsberg’s poem "Howl" and the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit through live performances, art installations, and interactive workshops.
Another highlight on the East Village art events radar is the Village Halloween Parade. While primarily known for its eerie costumes and fantastical processions, the parade also features a plethora of art installations and performances by local artists. The entire neighborhood transforms into a canvas of creativity, making it a vibrant spectacle that showcases the area's artistic soul.
For those looking for an intimate art experience, the East Village Art Walk provides a guided tour through some of the area's most noteworthy galleries and murals. This event offers deep dives into current exhibitions, insights from gallery curators, and opportunities to meet the artists. It’s an excellent way to navigate the myriad of art offerings while gleaning local, behind-the-scenes knowledge.
Exploring Hidden Gems in East Village
A walk through the East Village is not complete without stumbling upon its less-known treasure troves of art. Tucked away in a quaint alley, Bullet Space at 292 East Third Street operates as both a gallery and artist collective. This space has been nurturing underground artists since the 1980s, often showcasing experimental and boundary-pushing works that reflect the raw, unfiltered energy of the neighborhood.
Another hidden gem is ABC No Rio, located on Rivington Street. Though currently under renovation, this legendary hub of activist art and counterculture continues to influence the East Village art scene. It offers a profound glimpse into the DIY ethic and anti-establishment spirit that drives much of the neighborhood’s creative endeavors.
If murals and street art are more your style, the intersections around Bowery and Houston streets are must-visit spots. Particularly, the famed Bowery Wall, curated by Goldman Properties, regularly features works by renowned street artists from around the globe. It’s a dynamic canvas that frequently changes, reflecting the ever-evolving spirit of street art in the city.
Community-Centric Art Spaces
The East Village thrives on its sense of community, and nowhere is this more evident than in its cooperative art spaces. Fourth Arts Block (FABNYC), located on East Fourth Street, is a consortium of cultural and community-based organizations dedicated to sustaining the arts in the neighborhood. FABNYC frequently hosts collaborative art projects, community workshops, and neighborhood arts festivals, serving as a linchpin for the local arts community.
On the other end of the spectrum is Artists Space, which recently opened a new location on Greene Street. Known for its support of emerging artists, this space is an incubator for new talent and experimental art forms. Their exhibitions often feature thought-provoking, boundary-crossing works that speak to contemporary social issues, making it a vital part of the East Village art landscape.
The influence of community art initiatives can also be seen in street performances and pop-up galleries that frequently appear in the neighborhood. These ephemeral yet impactful events are often organized through local artist networks and community forums, reflecting a grassroots approach to art dissemination and engagement.
Gaining Local Insights with Kikihub
For those looking to delve deeper into the East Village's vibrant local art scene, Kikihub offers an invaluable resource. With its platform for local anonymous chat, Kikihub enables you to gain insider knowledge, real opinions, and secrets directly from East Village residents and frequent visitors. Whether you're seeking recommendations for under-the-radar galleries or tips on upcoming art events, Kikihub’s community-driven insights can help you navigate the arts in East Village like a true local.
Additionally, engaging with locals through Kikihub can lead to discovering unique, impromptu art happenings such as private studio tours, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive gallery previews. The collective wisdom shared on the platform provides a richer, more nuanced understanding of the East Village art ecosystem, ensuring that your exploration is both satisfying and authentically connected to the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
