Discover Harlem’s Hidden Art Gems Now!
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.
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 💛
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! 🎀✨
See alsoDining in Great Neck: Discover Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Spots Near NYC
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!
Discover Harlem's Local Art Scene
Harlem, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of New York City, boasts a rich cultural heritage that has contributed to an iconic local art scene. This community is alive with creativity, offering numerous opportunities for art exploration, whether through its renowned galleries, community initiatives, or hidden gems that only insiders know about. At Kikihub, we ensure you get the most authentic insights by connecting you with locals who share their real opinions and secrets about the cultural landscape.
Trending Galleries in Harlem
The art galleries in Harlem are a testament to the area's dedication to showcasing diverse and dynamic art forms. One must-visit gallery is the Studio Museum in Harlem, an institution committed to promoting the works of artists of African descent. It’s known for its thought-provoking exhibitions and community projects. Another gem is the Elizabeth Dee Gallery, which focuses on contemporary art by emerging, mid-career, and established artists. This gallery is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and sparking meaningful dialogue within the community.
For those interested in cutting-edge art trends, the Calabar Gallery specializes in African art and Diaspora artists. It’s not just a space for viewing art; it's a platform for cultural exchange that showcases underrepresented talents.
Unmissable Art Events
The energy of Harlem's art scene comes alive through its numerous art events held throughout the year. Every summer, the Harlem Arts Festival transforms the historic Marcus Garvey Park into an outdoor gallery showcasing visual art, music, dance, and performances by Harlem-based artists. This event fosters a sense of community and provides a platform for local artists to shine.
Additionally, the Uptown Night Market occurs monthly and is a perfect blend of food, music, and art. It offers a unique opportunity for artists to display their work to a diverse crowd, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with creative energy. Don’t miss out on the Harlem Open Studios event either, where you can explore the workspaces of local artists and understand the intricacies of their creative processes. This makes for a more personal and engaging art experience.
Hidden Art Gems
Beyond the prominent galleries and events, Harlem is peppered with hidden art gems that offer a more intimate exploration of the local art scene. The Savannah Gallery on Lenox Avenue, for example, is a lesser-known space that houses extraordinary works from local artists. It often features abstract and contemporary pieces that reflect the eclectic spirit of Harlem.
Another secret spot is the art-café Sylvia's Also, which is a delightful fusion of culinary and visual art experiences. It provides a cozy environment to admire local artwork while enjoying a cup of coffee. This venue frequently hosts pop-up exhibitions and live art events, giving you a chance to see local talent in action.
For a more interactive experience, visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Although primarily a research library, it offers varied art exhibitions focused on African-American culture. This center is a treasure trove of historical and contemporary art pieces, and its exhibitions often feature rare artifacts and multimedia installations.
Community Art Projects
Harlem's art scene is deeply rooted in its community. Various community-led projects encourage public participation and bring art to the streets, fostering a sense of unity and creativity. The Harlem Art Collective is a community initiative that transforms public spaces with vibrant murals and installations. Their projects often involve local residents and bring the neighborhood's walls to life with vivid color and evocative themes.
The Project Arts program at the Harlem YMCA is another significant community-driven art project. It offers workshops and creative sessions for youth and adults, helping to nurture the next generation of artists. The program emphasizes not only skill development but also the importance of artistic expression in personal and community growth.
Additionally, the SoHarlem Arts Initiative focuses on creating economic opportunities for local artisans. It provides studio space, resources, and training to budding artists, ensuring that the local art scene remains vibrant and inclusive. This initiative showcases the collaborative spirit of Harlem and the essential role art plays in its community.
Insider Tips from Locals
To truly experience Harlem's art scene like a local, it's valuable to get insider tips from those who live and breathe this culture daily. At Kikihub, you can connect with Harlem residents who can guide you to the best art spots and give you first-hand insights. For example, the locals recommend checking out the street art around 125th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. These areas are known for their spontaneous, ever-changing murals that tell the stories of the community.
Also, don’t underestimate the sidewalk art vendors near Malcolm X Boulevard. These artists sell unique, handcrafted pieces that you won't find in galleries. According to a local source on Kikihub, many of these street artists are happy to share the inspiration behind their work, offering a personal narrative that enhances the art-viewing experience.
Finally, one of Harlem's best-kept secrets is the pop-up exhibition scene. Keep an eye on social media and local bulletin boards for announcements about impromptu exhibits in unconventional spaces like old warehouses or community centers. These pop-up events often feature raw, experimental art that encapsulates the avant-garde spirit of Harlem.