Discover Harlem's Hidden Music Gems Near NYC
Sophia
yo what’s up? I’m Sofi, 19, just here to vibe, cause chaos, and keep things fun into whatever tbh – random convos, memes, deep talks, or stuff that’s... spicier 🌶🤪 if you can match my energy and bring the jokes (the dirtier, the better lol), we’ll probs get along ✨
70
OGMASTERRICK
waiting for boys 😒
1
Taylor Roberts
Where are the gays??
4Taylor Roberts
Only the ladys getting much attention here Lol
1
AK
Amelia kate
trying to make some coffee ☕️ you can wanna join
3
AK
Amelia kate
who's keen to meet up l,m available for fun
7
Anonym
Looking for New friends 25+
6See also
Dining in Great Neck: Discover Local Experiences, Foodie Favorites & Trending Dinner Spots Near NYC
Anonym
Junior year. First day of high school. Vibes? Absolutely rancid. In walks the teacher—a crusty old guy rocking a full-blown pedo ‘stache. Like, he didn’t just have one; he owned it. His shirt’s half-tucked, half-hanging like he just rolled out of a dumpster, and his whole aura screams, "Don’t trust me around your goldfish." Everyone’s side-eyeing this dude hard. The pedo vibes were strong. He starts attendance, head down, not looking at anyone. But then he gets to my name. Pauses. Looks up. His creepy pedo mustache twitches as his eyes lock onto me with laser focus. And then: "Ah, Mr. So glad you’re here. How’s your family? Is your little sister still playing piano? That model ship still on your dresser? Your room’s still blue, right?" Excuse me, WHAT? My brain just blue-screened. This crusty creeper just dropped a full FBI file on me, including my room décor. Then he hits me with: "Ah, of course it is—it’s only been, what? A week?" My guy goes back to roll call like he didn’t just audition for "Top 10 Creepiest Teachers of All Time." I’m sitting there panicking, ready to sleep with a bat under my pillow because this pedo-looking dude apparently knows my entire life. Next day, I find out the truth: he’s my uncle’s best friend, and the whole thing was a prank. My dad was in on it too. They made him grow that pedo ‘stache just for the bit. The twitchy eyes, the serial killer vibe, the half-tucked shirt? All part of the performance. Man went full method acting for this. After that, he shaved off the ‘stache of nightmares, dressed like a normal human, and stopped giving "might kidnap you in a van" energy. I gotta admit, it was a god-tier prank. Even if I thought I was about to be on a true-crime doc for two days straight.
1Anonym
3 Stories of the Worst Date Ideas 😨 1. The Silent Treatment Date “I thought a movie night would be perfect for our first date. Turns out, sitting in silence for two hours with someone you barely know is painfully awkward. The post-movie conversation? Even worse—‘So, uh, how’d you like it?’ Don’t make this mistake!” 😰 2. The Sweat & Regret Gym Session “I wanted to impress them with my love for fitness, so I suggested a gym date. Big mistake. Between my failed attempt at benching too much and their visible discomfort, we both left feeling embarrassed and awkward. Lesson learned: not everyone finds sweat romantic.”🥴 3. The Meet-the-Family Surprise “I thought it’d be fun to bring my date to a family barbecue. Turns out, it was overwhelming and way too much pressure. They spent the entire time dodging questions from my overly curious relatives. Needless to say, there was no second date.”💩 What’s your worst date idea story?
12Anonym
All New Yorkers will defend the city, and the way of life. However, everyone has their “I hate NY” moment. I hate New York because there’s no space. Can’t breathe without something in your face. What’s yours?
1
Noel Y. Calingasan
Washington Square Park DOG HALLOWEEN today in New York City 👻 🐕 The beloved Halloween event in NYC Washington Square Park is back! I went to see the event today and it was a lot of fun! The parade and costume contest are bigger and better than ever.
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! 🎉
Infatuation
Shrine Bar Harlem A few of Harlem’s storied jazz spots are still around, but there are also some exciting spaces in the neighborhood where new artists are keeping the genre interesting. At the Shrine, you can listen to jazz and funk in a vibey purple room almost every night, and most of it is more danceable than the stuff at your dad’s favorite jazz club. This is a low-key spot where you’ll discover stray records in the crevices and mingle with a fun, younger crowd.
Infatuation
Tabú didn’t have to make their food delicious. The Tulum-themed Williamsburg spot could have just relied on their huge outdoor area covered with parasols, a DJ stand with its own water-feature as a backdrop, and their excellent cocktails to bring people in the door. But the food is good, bordering on great—making this a clubstaurant that’s as exciting on a Wednesday as it is on Saturday. On any of those evenings, you’ll find dancers in flowy costumes flitting between the fronded plants and two stone bars. And while we wouldn’t be surprised if the owners seriously considered filling the courtyard in with white sand at some point, there’s plenty of attention to detail in the seafood-oriented kitchen too. Tabú serves mostly smaller portioned food, so order a bunch of things, including a couple of tacos, a raw fish dish or two, and some stellar chips and guacamole.
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in Great Neck Near NYC: Local Insights, Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
New Art in NYC: Flower Market Stop in and “Pick” a complimentary plush flower keepsake from a stunning 120-foot by 40-foot greenhouse at the FDR Four Freedoms State Park. This vibrant installation, filled with 100,000 (!) beautifully crafted plush flowers, is inspired by the natural beauty and botanicals featured in Clé de Peau Beauté products. The creation is the work of renowned artist Cj Hendry, celebrated for her large-scale artistic endeavors. ARTIST: 🎨CJ Hendry WHEN: ⏰September 13 – September 15, 10am - 4pm. TICKETS: 🎟️ FREE and open to the public! Each attendee receives one flower for FREE. Each additional flower is $5. GOOD TO KNOW: 📕All ages welcome! FUN FACT: 📕 CJ Hendry is also the creator/founder of the amazing Space Club in Brooklyn (a kids playspace featured previously).
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
Bubby's Starting with the food, it’s my favorite brunch spot in the city. Whenever I have people visiting I always take them there. They have the best gluten-free pancakes in the world—my friends always say they’re just as good as the regular ones, they’re so sweet and fluffy and yummy. But I really like that their bathroom is gender neutral with floor to ceiling doors, and they also have a photo booth. It’s so fun when you’re out with friends and you want to take photos.
Time Out New York
Head to Lincoln Center for an end-of-summer tradition, the Met Opera's Summer HD Festival. This free, outdoor festival features 11 evenings of classic and contemporary operas with a little something for everyone. Here's the schedule: — Saturday, August 31, at 7:30pm: Bizet’s Carmen — Sunday, September 1, at 7:30pm: Verdi’s La Forza del Destino — Monday, September 2, at 8pm: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly This free, annual event features screenings of the Met Opera’s past Live in HD captures displayed on an enormous screen on the façade of the opera house at Lincoln Center. Seating is first-come, first-served on the plaza, and attendees are free to bring their own chairs elsewhere on the Lincoln Center plaza.
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Planet Playskool is officially open, and it is a must-visit! Planet Playskool is a game changer for family entertainment. It’s the perfect mix - a nostalgic (beloved!) memory for parents, and an innovative new way to play for kids. The design is brilliant and beautifully created, with over 20,000 square feet of fun! The larger-than-life attractions are inspired by your favorite Hasbro toys: Play-Doh, PJ Masks, Mouse Trap, Spirograph, Tinkertoy, Transformers, and more. (I still can’t get over the giant Mouse Trap!). Here’s a few favorites: •Build your own Tinkertoy car and race it down a track •Climb, crawl and slide through a life-size version of Mouse Trap •Hop on a bike for a wild ride with Transformers •Mold your own figure and watch it come alive at the Play-Doh Theater •And SO MUCH MORE Hungry? There’s even an Easy Bake Cafe on site for a yummy bite! It’s a fun way to keep you and your kids entertained for hours (trust me, they will not want to leave!).
Secret NYC
Fantasy Forest Amusement Park Fantasy Forest Amusement Park is located inside Flushing-Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The park features various rides, arcade games, live shows, guest amenities, and more. Visitors can play classic games like ring toss, basketball shootouts, high striker, and rising waters. They will also find 8 different rides they can enjoy to the fullest by purchasing an unlimited wristband. Plus, there’s plenty to do nearby in Flushing when you’re done, such as visit the New York Hall of Science, head over to Citi Field, or plan a trip to Governors Ball.
Secret NYC
Broadway’s Annual ‘Kids’ Night’ Returns To NYC All kids and teenagers 18 or under can attend a Broadway show at zero cost (so long as they're accompanied by a full-paying adult) on Tuesday, August 20th. Kids Night on Broadway (KNOB) has been a beloved yearly tradition started by The Broadway League that immerses young New Yorkers in the city’s rich arts & culture scene at no cost, “[making] Broadway accessible to a new generation of theatergoers.” Participating shows include: Aladdin, & Juliet, Back to the Future: The Musical, Chicago, The Great Gatsby, Hadestown, Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Hell’s Kitchen, The Lion King, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Notebook, Once Upon a Mattress, SIX, Suffs, The Outsiders, Water for Elephants and Wicked.
See alsoNetworking Events and Trending Community Gatherings in Great Neck Near NYC
Secret NYC
The Queens Zoo is an 18-acre zoo located in the heart of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. At this zoo, you’ll find exhibits on over 75 species of animals from all over the Americas, including Andean bears on the “Wild Side” and scarlet macaws in the “Aviary.” They also host interactive exhibits like the sea lion feedings, and even summer camp programs for kids. After visiting the zoo, you can also check out all the other fun attractions in the area. Swing by the New York Hall of Science for over 450 interactive exhibits on science and technology, or checkout a Mets game at nearby Citi Field.
Secret NYC
Enjoy miles of car-free streets with the return of Summer Streets Summer Streets is returning once again for four Saturdays of August (3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th). For those unfamiliar with the event, this is a pedestrian and cycling haven where miles of NYC streets will be closed off to cars and various activities will be taking place along the route.
Time Out New York
The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit To make a theatrical production shine, it's not just about the actors delivering their lines perfectly. The lighting must work just right. The music must pair with each scene. And the costumes must complement each actor, whether they're in a baroque gown, a military uniform or streetwear. The power of costumes will be in the spotlight at a new exhibit by The Public Theater. This free exhibit will be on view from Sunday, July 28, through Friday, August 30 in the theater’s Shiva Theater in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood. At The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit, see exquisite costumes spanning four decades of acclaimed Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park productions. Expect to can see pieces from iconic shows like A Chorus Line and Hamilton and Delacorte Theater productions of Twelfth Night, Richard III, Mother Courage and On the Town.
Time Out New York
Backyard Oyster Roast There are only five weeks until society tells you that it’s no longer socially acceptable to wear white and pumpkin spice is everywhere. So it’s time to make the most of the next few weeks, and what better way to bask in the summer heat than stuffing your face with oysters and Aperol spritzes? This Sunday, July 28, from noon to 4pm, The Noortwyck is hosting its second event for its Summer Series. The West Village American restaurant is pairing up with Popina, an Italian eatery, to bring you an “elevated oyster roast” and backyard barbecue. Popina, the host of the event, is right on the Columbia Waterfront in Cobble Hill, with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline and a garden patio with lots of seating. It’s the recipe for a perfect summer’s Sunday in Brooklyn. Highlights of Sunday’s offerings include Peeko Grilled Oysters with nduja butter, roasted Jimmy Nardello peppers with grilled carrots and spiced labneh and Elote with szechuan pepper and black lime. Alongside the buffet will be an extensive wine list, a Spritz bar by Aperol & Campari, live music and beer from Threes Brewing.
NYC Tourism
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm Paul McCartney documented the rise of Beatlemania with his Pentax camera. Come see 250 photographs, recently found in McCartney’s archives, that give a very personal feel to the band’s experience. The exhibit also includes video clips and archival material of the Beatles’ rise from concert halls in Liverpool to an Ed Sullivan Show audience of more than 70 million.
Secret NYC
Healthy on the Hudson turns Hudson River Park’s scenic spaces into waterfront gyms! Offering a variety of fun fitness classes in partnership with Tone House, MTHD BY OSCAR, Modo Yoga and IronStrength. Monday through Thursday, this series helps New Yorkers of all skill levels break a sweat and stay active while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. All sessions are free, however registration is required. Sign up early as space is limited, and remember to bring your own mat! Mondays: IronStrength | August 19 (Pier 64), September 16 (Pier 97) Mondays: Modo Yoga | July 29, August 26, September 30 | Pier 46 Tuesdays: Tone House – Conditioning | June – September | Pier 25 Wednesdays: Tone House – Yoga Flow | June – September | Pier 64 Thursdays: MTHD BY OSCAR | June – September | Pier 97
Time Out New York
Randall's Island Waterfront Festival in NYC Escape the concrete jungle and head to Randall's Island for a waterfront festival packed with family fun. Events include water-themed face painting, glitter tattoos, interactive environmental activities, lawn games, and cooking demonstrations, all along the park's verdant waterfront. Also expect educational activities with Science in the City, storytime with Boogie Down Books, water-based programming, musical performances and free treats for all to enjoy. The events run from 12-3pm on Saturday, July 20. It's hosted by the Randall's Island Park Alliance.
See alsoCocktails in Great Neck: Discover Local Cocktail Bars & Trending Rooftop Bars Near NYC Nightlife
Time Out New York
Step Into Hopper activation NYC! Some paintings have the power to make art come alive, but a new activation this week will truly make brushstrokes jump off the canvas. In honor of the late American painter Edward Hopper's birthday (he would be 142 years old!), the Meatpacking District is hosting a series of 3-D interactive painting installations that you can become a part of. The free event, titled "Step Into Hopper" pays homage to three of the artist's renowned works from July 19 through July 22 in Gansevoort Plaza. In this first-of-its-kind event, see life-size re-creations of “Nighthawks,” “Soir Bleu,” and “Early Sunday Morning.” You’ll be able to pose with these recognizable works and create your own interpretations of the art with the help of live performers. Activities begin at 1pm on Friday, July 19, then run all day Saturday-Monday, before wrapping up at 5pm on Tuesday, July 23.
Time Out New York
Hop aboard NYC's vintage buses at free festival in Brooklyn! The Bus Festival includes photo ops, a chance to meet some of the bus drivers who keep our city running smoothly, and a scavenger hunt activity sheet that'll help you learn about these cool vehicles. Stop by the pop-up shop to buy a souvenir to take with you; the shop includes toys and transit merch, including model buses of course. You'll be allowed to board the buses and take photos, but keep an eye out for off-limits areas (including the driver's seat!). Also remember not to eat or drink on these classic vehicles. It all comes with a view of the Manhattan skyline from the Emily Roebling Plaza underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. This September 8, the New York Transit Museum’s treasured Bus Festival returns, providing New Yorkers with the opportunity to board beloved vintage buses in Brooklyn at a free outdoor event.
Discover the Vibrant Local Music Scene in Harlem Near NYC
When it comes to America's deep-rooted musical history, the local music scene in Harlem near NYC stands out as a true gem. Known for its influential role during the Harlem Renaissance, this historic neighborhood remains a cultural beacon where jazz, blues, hip-hop, and R&B continue to thrive. For those looking to immerse themselves in this rich musical tapestry, here are some local secrets and must-visit spots.
The Apollo Theater: A Legendary Venue
No exploration of Harlem's music hotspots would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Apollo Theater. For over 85 years, the Apollo has been the go-to venue for aspiring artists and established performers alike. Whether you’re looking to catch a trending music event or witness the historic Amateur Night every Wednesday, the Apollo offers an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check their event calendar regularly for concerts by top-tier artists and hidden gems alike.
Ginny's Supper Club: A Culinary and Musical Delight
Located beneath the celebrated Red Rooster restaurant, Ginny's Supper Club provides a cozy, intimate setting where patrons can enjoy live music while savoring soul food and craft cocktails. This spot frequently features live jazz, R&B, and funk performances, making it one of Harlem's top nightlife venues for both music and entertainment. With a continuously evolving lineup of artists, Ginny's provides a platform for both local and renowned musicians, ensuring every visit offers something new and exciting.
Minton's Playhouse: Birthplace of Bebop
If you find yourself searching for the roots of modern jazz, a trip to Minton's Playhouse is essential. This legendary venue, often credited as the birthplace of bebop, remains a cherished part of Harlem’s local music scene. Hosting a variety of live jazz performances, Minton's continues to be a hub where artists come to innovate and audiences wade through time with swinging rhythms and soothing melodies. Make sure to secure your tickets in advance, as this historic venue tends to fill up quickly!
Silvana: A Diverse Musical Haven
For those looking to experience a wide array of musical genres in one spot, Silvana is the ultimate destination. This eclectic venue offers everything from reggae and indie rock to hip-hop and jazz, ensuring there's always something on for everyone. In addition to live music, Silvana features a well-curated selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere. Local insiders often rave about the open mic nights, where you can discover some of Harlem's next big talents.
The Shrine World Music Venue: Global Sounds in Harlem
The Shrine World Music Venue stands out as a unique hotspot dedicated to global musical styles. This space is perfect for those curious about different cultures and sounds, hosting artists from around the world. From Afrobeat and Latin jazz to funk and reggae, the diverse lineup promises to keep you engaged and entertained. The bohemian décor and community-focused atmosphere add an extra layer of charm, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Tips and Local Insights
Finding the best music events in Harlem doesn't have to be a challenge when you're in the know. One of the easiest ways to stay updated on the latest gigs and concerts is by using platforms like Kikihub, where you can tap into local anonymous chats for real-time recommendations and secrets. Whether you're looking for a last-minute concert or the hottest trending music event of the week, your fellow music enthusiasts will have the insights you need. Don’t forget to dress comfortably and arrive early, as many of these spots have limited seating and can become quite crowded.
In Harlem, music isn't just an activity—it’s a lifestyle that permeates the streets and lives of its people. From classic jazz clubs to contemporary live music venues, Harlem offers an unmatched experience for any music lover willing to venture beyond the typical tourist traps. So, join the local scene and let the rhythms of Harlem captivate your soul.
