Hello New York!
Smorgasburg has officially debuted its new weekday residency at Columbus Circle, while philosophy, astronomy, and local food market events go on in the city this week. In other news, Mamdani is throwing a Jewish Heritage Event, which some Jewish leaders are boycotting, and LIRR issues affect commuters. More events and news in today’s issue.
Let's get to it.
– Sofia Kurd.
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Best Events May 19 – May 23
Tue, May 19, 7:15pm: Astronomy on Tap NYC: News & Views — Head over to Somethin' Else in the DeKalb Market for fascinating talks from space scientists followed by trivia and prizes. Free.
Tue, May 19, 7pm: The Metropolitan Review brings its spring reading series back to KGB Bar’s historic downstairs theater. Expect a night of literary readings from local writers, drinks, and a crowd of editors, writers, and downtown literary types. Entry is free, though a $10 suggested donation helps fund TMR’s writers—and the first 10 donors get a free drink ticket.
Tue, May 19, 7pm: Animation Nights New York at The Gutter Spare Room — Head over to this Williamsburg spot for a curated screening of independent animated shorts from filmmakers around the globe.
Wed, May 20, 7pm: New York Philosophy Club: Special event with Princeton University Press and New Books Network.
This is a special event featuring author Steve Ramirez, a neuroscientist at Boston University. He will give a brief introduction and comment on his research with NYPC-style discussion throughout.Fri, May 22, 6pm: Curated Local Food Market and Panel at Fabrik DUMBO, focused on making seasonal, sustainable eating actually workable in New York. Expect local makers, samples, drinks, light bites, and a conversation with founders from Farm to People, Seasonal, and Groundcycle on CSAs, composting, farm-fresh groceries, and better ways to shop locally. Registered guests receive a market tote with seasonal produce and locally made goods
Thru 9/19: Smorgasburg Central Park — The city's favorite open-air food market has landed at Columbus Circle with over 25 vendors serving everything from artisanal sliders to t.
Thru 8/17: Greater New York 2026 — Head over to MoMA PS1 in Long Island City to catch this massive survey featuring over 50 multidisciplinary artists from across the boroughs. The exhibition occupies every level of the museum, showcasing site-specific commissions and new performances.
A sun-drenched cactus shop in Williamsburg that becomes a Mexican speakeasy after dark — This gem masks a vibrant cantina behind a plant storefront. You can swap your afternoon plant shopping for a night of mezcal flights and house-made tortillas in their secret courtyard.
A rare behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City — This historic workshop, where countless iconic Muppets were brought to life, is finally offering intimate weekend tours for those who want to see the craftsmanship behind the magic. Browse drawers of puppet parts and historic film props, including the original throne from The Dark Crystal.
The 20-square-foot Mmuseumm 2 in TriBeCa — Tucked away in a space no larger than a standard West Village closet, this tiny museum curates a fascinating look at the human experience through an ever-changing collection of contemporary artifacts.
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Local News
Long Island Rail Road commuters face a massive Monday morning gridlock — Thousands of Long Island Rail Road riders woke up to a total service suspension today as contract negotiations between the MTA and union leadership hit a breaking point. While city officials have deployed emergency shuttle buses to bridge the gap, these vehicles can only handle a sliver of the system's usual 275,000 daily passengers. The gridlock at major hubs like Jamaica and Penn Station is reaching a fever pitch as commuters scramble for alternate transit routes into Manhattan. However, experts warn that these workarounds are unlikely to hold up throughout the work week, potentially leaving massive sectors of the workforce stranded. The city is officially urging all remote-capable employees to stay home until a resolution is reached.
Puerto Rico policy becomes a proxy battle in the race to replace Nydia Velazquez — As the race to replace retiring Representative Nydia Velazquez in New Yorks 7th District heats up, Puerto Rican policy has unexpectedly become the defining issue of the campaign. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, holding the endorsement of Velazquez, is currently drafting a robust platform on the islands status to solidify his support in the district. Meanwhile, Assemblymember Claire Valdez and Councilmember Julie Won are aggressively courting the same constituency by championing territorial self-determination and equity. However, critics point out that none of the current frontrunners claim Puerto Rican roots, raising questions about whether this focus on island policy is a genuine priority or merely a strategic maneuver to capture a vital voting bloc. The outcome of this contest will dictate which local power broker inherits the mantle of one of the most influential seats in the city.
Jewish leaders snub Mamdani Jewish Heritage Event over his anti-Israel stance — Mainstream Jewish leaders are boycotting Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s upcoming Jewish Heritage celebration at Gracie Mansion. High-profile figures from the Jewish Community Relations Council and the UJA Federation of New York have officially declined their invitations, citing the Mayor's vocal opposition to Israel. However, the Mayor's office insists the event is intended to celebrate the diversity of the city's Jewish community despite the heated political climate. This public split highlights the growing tension between City Hall and traditional advocacy groups as local leadership navigates an increasingly fractured geopolitical landscape Read the full report from the Post.
NYC Featured
If you’ve ever walked through the West Village, you might have passed the skinny townhouse at 75½ Bedford Street without a second glance. It is the narrowest house in the city, clocking in at just under ten feet wide. While its charm is undeniable, the real shocker isn't the architecture; it’s the footprint of the plot itself. Built in 1873, it sits on what was once a carriage alleyway between larger buildings. In 2025, it was listed for $4m.