Happy Monday, New York!
Today’s issue covers Monday’s flood risk, another possible MTA fare hike, and the latest city policy changes. Plus: the best events across Manhattan and Brooklyn, free things to do, family activities, and notable restaurant openings for the week.
Best Links
Every New NYC Restaurant That Opened In July — Eater’s running list includes dozens of new restaurants, bars and cafés, from Persian street food in Kips Bay to Shanghai dumplings on the Lower East Side. See The Full List
The Complete Summer Streets Schedule And Map — More than 20 miles of streets are going car-free this summer, with Manhattan dates on august 8 and 15, followed by Brooklyn and The Bronx on august 22. See Routes
Get Into More Than 100 NYC Institutions For Free — New Yorkers with an NYPL, Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Public Library card can reserve free passes to museums, gardens, theaters and other cultural institutions through Culture Pass. Browse Passes
Top News
Heavy Rain And Flash-Flooding Risk Return Monday — Storms and periods of heavy rain are expected across the city on monday, with localized flash flooding possible during the afternoon and evening commute.
Another MTA Fare Hike Is Already On The Table — Just months after the base subway and bus fare increased to $3, the MTA’s preliminary financial plan includes another potential 4% increase to fares and tolls in 2027.
Pied-à-Terre Tax Exemption Deadline Extended — Owners of qualifying second homes now have until september 18 to apply for an exemption from the city’s new tax after residents reported confusing notices and application requirements.
New York Sues Prediction Market Kalshi For Up To $36 Billion — State officials allege the federally regulated platform is operating an unlicensed gambling business and accepting sports wagers from New Yorkers under the state’s legal betting age. Kalshi argues that it falls under federal rather than state regulation.
Upper East Side Legionnaires’ Outbreak Declared Over — The Health Department says the source has been eliminated and people who live in or visit the neighborhood are no longer considered at heightened risk.
The Bronx’s First Busway Will Begin Construction This Month — The half-mile East Tremont Avenue busway will restrict most through traffic between Third Avenue and Southern Boulevard, helping approximately 39,000 daily Bx36 riders avoid one of the city’s slowest corridors.
MTA Agrees To Keep Subway Elevators Working At Least 95% Of The Time — A new legal settlement also requires better outage alerts, station announcements, signage and accessibility training for transit employees.
Vending Machines Are Coming To 26 Subway Stations — The machines will sell snacks and drinks from former station retail spaces, with the first three already operating at 2nd Avenue, 23rd Street and 116th Street. Future machines may also sell technology, beauty and convenience products.
Five Government Reform Questions Are Heading To The November Ballot — Voters will decide whether to shorten outdoor-dining approvals, accelerate bike and bus lanes, speed up city contracts and building permits and establish a stronger rainy-day savings process.
Mamdani Appoints New Leader Of The NYPD’s Oversight Board — Jennifer Jones Austin will chair the Civilian Complaint Review Board, filling a position that had lacked a permanent leader for several years.
Major 1, 2 And 3 Train Work Continues Through August — Weekend construction through august 24 will suspend the 3 train, end downtown 1 service at 14th Street and limit the 2 between Manhattan and Brooklyn while crews replace aging switches near Chambers Street.

Bar Veloce
Events In Manhattan
Mon Aug 3: Secret Book Club at Bar Veloce — Join a casual discussion over wine at the Bowery wine bar as readers gather to chat about this month's book
Mon, Aug 3: Handmade Gnocchi Class — Master the art of handmade gnocchi from scratch. Interactive CocuSocial cooking class, no experience necessary.
Thu, Aug 6, 6:30pm: Industrious + NYC Backgammon Club Present: Backgammon Night — Team up with Industrious and the NYC Backgammon Club for an evening of open backgammon play at 190 Bowery. New to the game? The club's founder will lead a crash course.
Sat, Aug 8, 11am–6pm: Farmacy Beauty x Sephora | Green Clean Pop Up — Chelsea Triangle is hosting a special Green Clean Pop Up by Farmacy Beauty and Sephora. Snag complimentary froyo, deluxe samples of Sephora's #1 Cleansing Balm, and the first 100 guests will even get a full-size Green Clean Cleansing Balm and other branded goodies. Free.
Sun, Aug 9, 10:30am: Matcha & Central Park Walk! — Longevity New York is hosting their inaugural event, beginning with delicious matcha at Cha Cha Matcha (Madison Ave) in Midtown East. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing walk through Central Park while connecting with fellow enthusiasts of health and wellness.
Thru 8/31: Glossier Balmdega Pop-Up — Head to Glossier NYC in SoHo for their Balmdega pop-up, inspired by classic New York corner stores. Shop their newest balm and exclusive merchandise.

Smorgasburg Williamsburg
Events In Brooklyn
Mon, Aug 3, 7pm: Biology on Tap — Head to Pete's Candy Store for a night of science and beer. Local scientists and educators lead games and trivia.
Tue, Aug 4, 5pm: Sculpt Series with Nike Trainer Taina Manigat — Join Nike trainer Taina Manigat for a sculpt-focused fitness class at Atlantic Terminal Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn. This session uses resistance bands and bodyweight training to build tone and endurance.
Fri Aug 7: The Kindling x ZāR: Sauna Night of Ritual, Rhythm and Release — An intimate social wellness night at Othership Williamsburg combining sauna, music, and guided experiences.
Sat, Aug 8: First Saturdays, Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn Museum’s monthly First Saturdays series celebrates Caribbean culture with live music, dancing, performances, readings, talks and art-making throughout the evening.Sat Aug 8: Smorgasburg Williamsburg — Brooklyn's legendary outdoor food market returns with dozens of local vendors, seasonal specials, and some of the city's best skyline views from Marsha P. Johnson State Park.

Best Free Events
Mon–Sat, Aug. 3–8: Free Dirty Sodas at Crumbl: Crumbl is giving away one free featured Dirty Soda at participating NYC locations, with no purchase required. Download or open the Crumbl app, sign in, and find the offer under “More” → “Vouchers & Promotions.”
Saturday through Aug 22: BFF x PopUp Bagels Free Bagel Saturdays — Join the PopUp Bagels group on BFF, and if you're one of the first 100 members to show the code at any NYC PopUp Bagels location, you'll score a complimentary three-pack of bagels with schmear. Free.
Sat–Sun: NoMad Jazz Festival — Jazz is coming home to NoMad with a weekend of live music and community vibes in Madison Square Park. The inaugural festival will feature headliners like Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band, alongside other performances and kids' programming. Free.
Best Things To Do For Kids & Families
Daily, 9am–9pm: Impulse Glowing Seesaws (Herald Square): Eight giant seesaws light up and make music as kids ride them. Free, with no reservation required.
Wed, Aug 5, 3:30pm: Hippo Playground Summer Concert (Upper West Side): Children’s musician Suzi Shelton performs a free outdoor concert at Hippo Playground in Riverside Park.
Summer Streets Returns (Sat Aug 1) — One of NYC's best family outings of the summer. Walk, bike, scooter, or rollerblade along miles of car-free streets while enjoying climbing walls, games, fitness activities, and live entertainment. Manhattan. Free.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Comes To The Bronx Zoo (daily) — Kids can explore an immersive version of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn about wildlife throughout the zoo. Bronx. Included with zoo admission.
Broadway Magic Hour — This interactive magic show blends Broadway production with comedy and illusions designed to entertain both kids and adults, making it an easy family outing regardless of age. Midtown. Tickets required.
Openings
Zig Zag Oyster Bar (Crown Heights): A new seafood spot from the team behind Hart’s, Cervo’s and Eel Bar, serving oysters, clams, shrimp and seafood towers.
Liba (Williamsburg): A new kosher Mediterranean restaurant at The William Vale serving grilled meats, vegetables and family-style dishes.
Taftoon (Kips Bay): A modern Persian spot focused on kebabs, street food, Persian pizza and freshly baked taftoon bread.
Keepers (West Village): A retro pizzeria and cocktail bar serving thin tavern-style pies, wings, spritzes and frozen drinks.
Mary’s Fish Camp (West Village): The beloved seafood restaurant has reopened in a new Hudson Street location with lobster rolls, oysters and seafood classics.
Kings Co Imperial (Park Slope): The popular Chinese restaurant opened its third NYC location with dumplings, noodles and modern Chinese dishes.

This Day In NYC History
On This Day in NYC History: On August 3, 1949, representatives from two rival professional basketball leagues met inside the Empire State Building and finalized a merger creating the National Basketball Association. The new NBA began with 17 teams, combining the major-city arenas of the Basketball Association of America with the players and smaller-market teams of the National Basketball League.
