Probably the West Side’s most well-known cultural powerhouse, the Whitney Museum of American Art is obviously a part of the fun. Kick off the weekend by popping by tonight (Friday, July 12) for one of the Whitney’s Free Friday Nights. From 5-10p you can enjoy free admission, live music, and special programming. Although you definitely need to book in advance as tickets sell out quick! And on the subject of live music, this weekend kicks off musical programming by coolstuff fave, Public Records, with the first performance by Joy Guidry. Check out the full lineup of PR curated performances here.
If you’re more of an early riser, you're in luck. This Sunday, July 14th, happens to be the second of the month meaning the Whitney also has free admission as well as special programs, all-ages art making, bilingual tours, and Story Time with The New York Public Library at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. And don't you worry, there's live music on Sunday too! Beginning at 11:30a, Jazz at Lincoln Center presents the Charles Turner Quartet. Much like Free Fridays, this newsletter recommends you book in advance!
Photo by Filip Wolak
On Saturday from 12-5p, Poster House at 119 W 23rd St will host a block party! You can expect free admission, tours, music and dance performances, print and poster-making activities, children and family workshops, and much more all day long! There’s almost too much fun happening to list here, but our two biggest highlights are Live Letterpress Printing with The Arm and Wish Plaque-making with Welcome to Chinatown. RSVP (for free) here!
The Chelsea Factory is hosting the Ladies of Hip Hop on Sunday (July 14) from 1-10p for an all day dance battle. You can expect an all-female DJ line-up spinning hip-hop, funk, house, and soul classics, plus an afternoon of top-tier dance. Learn more about it here.
This year, the Whitney Museum’s annual Staff Art Show, STAFF ONLY, will be held in conjunction with the West Side Fest. Hosted at the Westbeth Gallery, the show is free and open to the public all weekend long from 1-6p. If you're stopping by on Saturday, don't miss the Westbeth Art & Craft Market with music, food, and more, also from 1-6p. The activities at Westbeth include the staff art show on view along with self-guided tours of the artist studios on its campus, a vintage poster sale from The Kitchen's archive, and Tai Chi workshops among the list – check it all out here.
If getting physical is your thing, the High Line will host a special edition of its popular wellness classes for West Side Fest. Stop by to explore Zumba, Senior Stretch, and Tai Chi available for all ages and levels of fitness. RSVP here to secure a spot and learn more about the classes offered this weekend.
Photo by Carlos Sanfer
Once upon a time, long before many coolstuff readers lived in New York City, there was a place called the Fat Radish. While the Fat Radish has come and gone, The Orchard Townhouse remains! This chic-yet-casual spot is operated by Cool Friend Nat Freihon, and serves elevated American fare for lunch, dinner, and Saturday brunch.
Once again, we are surprised we’re outing a coolstuff fave that you better promise won’t end up on T!kT*k. Anton’s is a cozy, Italianish cafe on the north end of the West Village. This is 100% the spot that we always end up at the bar when, inevitably, we’re in the village sans-resy.
Sometimes a classic is a classic for a reason. For all the pomp and circumstance that can surround many a Meatpacking restaurant, Pastis invariably has a space for you – even if that means the bar. While the menu is large, the real reason this spot is on the list is the fries. Get whatever you want, but if you go here, promise us you’ll share some with the table.
Somehow this gem of a coffee shop hasn’t made its way into a guide yet, and that’s our bad. Yanni’s is a jewelbox of a cafe serving up SEY coffee and warm, homemade cookies. There’s absolutely nothing more you could ask for.
Right in the heart of Chelsea, St. Kilda is the place to be if you’re a specialty coffee lover. The first time we walked in, on an afternoon where caffeine was not a want but a need, the sight of espresso served alongside soda water was like spotting an oasis. Don’t miss their impeccable cortado made with an ever-rotating selection of beans from independent coffee roasters.
Friends of coolstuff and Irish Brooklynites know that the best place in BK for a pint is Hartley’s…but do they know that Hartley’s has a sister bar on W 14th Street? Meet Grace’s: where you should go to get a hearty pour of Guinness and classic pub food after a day (or night) of the arts.
Did you know the West Side has a BEACH?! The recently revamped Gansevoort Peninsula just across the West Side Highway from the Whitney has TONS of outdoor spaces to relax, stroll, and exercise. Coolstuff intel™ has even learned of a very hip cool friend hosting a (private) birthday party at the Gansevoort Peninsula beach this weekend…certified cool!
This Saturday at 1p, get a fill of the outdoors as well as art and head to the Little Island for “Creative Break.” This weekend’s edition features a celebration of Haitian Culture with artist Riva Nyri Précil. You can expect traditional artmaking, storytelling, drumming, singing and dancing!
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The West Side Fest is hosted by the West Side Cultural Network whose members include Center for Art, Research and Alliances; Chelsea Factory; Dia Chelsea; Hill Art Foundation; the High Line; Hudson Guild; Hudson River Park; The Joyce Theater; The Kitchen; The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center; Little Island; NYC AIDS Memorial; Poster House; Print Center New York; Rubin Museum of Art; The Shed; Westbeth; West Village Rehearsal Co-Op; White Columns; Whitney Museum of American Art.
Coolstuff.nyc hopes that even after the West Side Fest is over you’ll continue to support these organizations which help make New York City the greatest on the planet.