Picnic Season is now in session
Let's sit on the ground and save money.
The dregs of winter appear to be gone, and not a moment too soon. Ok, maybe one moment too soon; I haven’t gotten a pedicure yet. Don’t worry…I’ll remedy this...
Here’s what’s up in New York April 28-May 4:
STEAL OF THE WEEK
The $1 slice is back, and it’s everywhere. Order on Seamless for pickup and get up to 5 slices per order for just a dollar at any of these locations!
TIMELY IDEAS
Mon., April 28 – MOVIES – Monday Night Movies: Naughty Girl (1956) at the Jefferson Market Library
Weds., April 30 – DANCE – Dance Party: Salsa's Greatest Hits. “Superb bands and expert dance instruction”
Thurs., May 1 – MUSIC – Verdi’s Requiem at Trinity Church. In case you’re craving intensity 🎶💥
Fri., May 2 – SINGING – Sunset Singing Circle at the Irish Hunger Memorial
Sat., May 3 – OPENING RECEPTION – “Carnival,” Curated by Joe Coleman, SoHo
Sat., May 3 – DANCE PARTY – Rockin’ soul rhythm and blues night with The Prowlers at Salmagundi Club
ALL WEEKEND – CULTURE – The Municipal Art Society of New York presents Jane’s Walk NYC 2025, an annual celebration of New York City life, history, advocacy, culture, and more. Register for free tours on a ton of interesting topics!
THIS WEEK’S HOT DATE
It’s picnic in the park season! This is one of my favorite dates, romantic or otherwise, because it can feel incredibly lavish without spending much money at all. It only works in decent weather of course, but it’s the example I always give when men say, “Dating is so expensive.” Put in a little elbow grease instead, will ya?
While you’re there, you can always play my Chicnic playlist, which I created for a picnic I hosted a couple of years back. It’s very French, mostly vintage and still hits!
Here are a few places that make picnic-packing ridonkulously easy:
Murray’s makes cheese plates that you can either grab and go or have made fresh to your preferences. You cannot go wrong with some Manchego, quince paste, crackers and Marcona almonds! They also have a store inside the Grand Central Market if that’s more convenient for your adventures. (You probably have some other cheese or fine grocery goods store in your neighborhood that does something similar – always worth asking!)
Has some of the best pre-made food, truly, at reasonable prices. The sushi is fresh, and you could grab a little bouquet of flowers to bring with you while you’re there. You know, for romance? Or just vibes.
Dodge the lines and go straight for the more portable TJ’s offerings in the space where the wine store used to be (RIP for real). You’ll be near the train at Union Square to head to Prospect Park or Central Park (or any smaller parks in between), and you can even scamper into Target across the street for a blankie or cooler if you need.
Is perfect for toting to Central Park since it has a location only one block away on Madison. The food is DELISH, and the branding is cuter, so it’s a great outcome for little effort. Who doesn’t want to share homemade lemonade, a tub of chicken salad and some brownies with their crush? 😇
Any of the Eataly locations
Ofc the original Flatiron is easiest for bopping across the street to Madison Square Park, but any of them will sell you a lovely focaccia, caper berries, cheese, olive tapenade, a jar of those little peppers stuffed with tuna, tiramisu…
A big bag of beautifully branded candies and a bottle of wine would make for a great picnic. Just be sure to hide the bottle, or carafe it in advance, to avoid fines and keep our parks free of any broken glass :) (Several locations, plus they deliver same day!)
ONGOING THINGS
Free admission on Wednesdays at the New York Aquarium
Check out the Events at Drawing Room for some social crafting.
Pay-What-You-Wish at the Guggenheim on Mondays and Saturdays
Stargazing – Every Tuesday at The High Line at sunset.
Trivia Tuesdays at The Factory 380 – Come say hello to me, the emcee, and enjoy an incredible happy hour PLUS prizes for the winner.
AMC Tuesdays – On Tuesdays, tickets to any AMC movie only $8 each, and small combos (popcorn + drink) are only $5.
Wine Wednesday at Motel No Tell
Free Fridays at the Whitney – Just as it sounds. Pre-reserve a time slot, show up, and enjoy.
Free Friday evenings at The Morgan Library – Live music begins at 5pm! Damn, I love the Morgan. (Reservations are required.)
Not Your Standard Bingo at The Standard Grill every Sunday night at 10pm.