Unveiling Tribeca's Trendy Art Scene Secrets
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.
Time Out New York
Richmond County Fair Grab the fam and head to Historic Richmond Town, a preserved museum village dating from the late 17th century, for its annual county fair. The Richmond County Fair, running from August 31-September 2, combines classic fairground festivities with a unique touch of Staten Island history, including signature demonstrations of historical trades by costumed interpreters. Play bingo, try a three-legged race, see aerial shows, be awed by stilt walkers, shop for local crafts, hear from storytellers and lots more. Plus, come hungry for fair fare like empanadas, lobster rolls, rice balls, funnel cakes and zeppoles. All the fun's for a good cause, as proceeds support Historic Richmond Town in its mission to preserve and share local history.
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.
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
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! 🎀✨
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!
The Vibrant Local Art Scene in Tribeca
Tribeca, nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan near NYC, boasts a dynamic and unique local art scene. This historic and trendy neighborhood has transformed into a cultural haven for artists, art lovers, and curious explorers. Whether you're an avid art connoisseur or just beginning your artistic journey, Tribeca offers an array of exciting opportunities to immerse yourself in art.
Trending Galleries in Tribeca
Tribeca is home to some of the most acclaimed and trending galleries in NYC. One standout is the iconic Pace Gallery, renowned for its contemporary collections and exhibitions from both emerging talents and established artists. Visible right from the cobblestone streets, this gallery is a must-visit.
Another prominent fixture is the Sikkema Jenkins & Co. gallery, known for its eclectic mix of modern art, photography, and mixed media. This gallery often hosts groundbreaking exhibitions that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. For those looking for hidden gems, the Judd Foundation on Spring Street offers a more intimate viewing experience of minimalistic art and sculptures in a historic setting.
Art Events to Watch Out For
Tribeca is not just about galleries; the neighborhood is buzzing with art events year-round. The Tribeca Art + Culture Night is a highly anticipated bi-annual event that transforms Tribeca into an artsy street festival. Featuring open studio tours, popup galleries, and performances, this event is a local favorite and a great way to meet and interact with artists and art enthusiasts from the community.
Another noteworthy event is the Tribeca Film Festival, which, although primarily focused on films, extensively showcases independent and experimental visual art. The festival has a dedicated section for artists and filmmakers to exhibit their cross-disciplinary works, making it a diverse artistic hub.
Exploration: Discovering Community Art Spaces
Beyond the established galleries, Tribeca is a treasure trove of community-driven art spaces. The Drawing Center is a nonprofit institution dedicated to drawing and its purposes. Hosting exhibitions, curated drawing sessions, and educational programs, this space fosters artistic community and welcomes all skill levels.
An emerging force in the neighborhood is Art Projects International, which focuses on contemporary art from Asia and beyond. The gallery supports intercultural dialogue through art, engaging the community with diverse perspectives. Additionally, don't miss the Recess Assembly, which provides studio space for artists to work in public view, breaking down the traditional barriers between artist and audience. These spaces highlight Tribeca’s commitment to community and accessibility in art.
Hidden Gems Within Tribeca
While Tribeca's main avenues are bustling with well-known galleries and art spots, the real charm lies in its hidden gems tucked away in quieter corners. The Franklin Street Arts Centre is one such hidden haven, providing a platform for local artists to display their creations and host intimate workshops.
For those who enjoy street art, the lanes around Franklin Street and White Street offer unexpected bursts of creativity. Murals and graffiti by local artists add character to the neighborhood and provide a visual narrative of its evolving culture. Additionally, the 20/20 Gallery, an artist-run cooperative, frequently changes its exhibits, giving emerging artists the opportunity to shine.
Connecting Through Kikihub
The Kikihub website is an invaluable resource for uncovering the lesser-known aspects of Tribeca's art scene. Through local anonymous chat, users can gain real opinions and share secrets about the neighborhood's artistic landscape. Whether you're seeking recommendations for trending galleries, upcoming art events, or hidden gems, Kikihub connects you with the Tribeca art community directly. This insider perspective can lead to discoveries beyond the usual tourist trails, fostering a deeper connection with the art and culture of Tribeca.
Start your exploration of Tribeca’s vibrant art scene today and experience the community, creativity, and inspiration that make this neighborhood a standout destination for art lovers everywhere.
