7 NYC Nightlife Adventures That Will Remind You Why You Moved to the City
by Carl Camilla Lane
Brought to you by Heineken.
It’s been said that the essence of city life is the chance encounter — the idea that at any moment you could stumble upon something new and exciting you’ve never experienced before. The sheer number of people, places, neighborhoods and cultural attractions packed in to NYC can feel overwhelming in the best possible way. However, even with the city’s frenetic pace, it’s easy to get locked in to a routine. Before you know it you’re living your entire life along one Subway line and spending Friday nights in your underwear watching Netflix.
So how do you make the transition from jaded New Yorker back to enthusiastic city dweller? Just try your hand at these NYC adventures below.
NYC Night Cruise (AKA Party Boat)
The oft-forgotten NYC Night Cruise (AKA “Party Boat” AKA “Booze Cruise”) is one of those magical opportunities that tourists seem to love but New York residents think they’re too good for. This is unfortunate because there’s nothing like a party-on-a-boat to remind you of the majestic beauty of the city you’ve been taking for granted. While there are plenty of amazing cruises departing from Chelsea Piers at any given night, here is just one: The Spirit of New York dinner cruise. The Spirit City New York outdoor deck is a perfect spot to gaze at the stars on New York Harbor. Grab a brew in the lounge or head for the dance club and move to the latest sounds. There’s a full food menu, attentive service and Broadway style entertainment. Not a bad environment in which to enjoy the world’s most dramatic skyline, right? Photo: vtravelled.com
Live Piano Karaoke at the Manhattan Inn
You’ve been to more karaoke nights than you can count. That’s all fine and good. But why not re-invigorate your sad spirit with a new variety of intimate, live piano karaoke? Every Tuesday at The Manhattan Inn in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, pianist Joe McGinty “holds court behind a grand piano, enthusiastically accompanying anyone with the desire to croon, sing, belt, or whisper their favorite song.” (There are over 200 to choose from). The Manhattan Inn’s dim, inviting atmosphere is the perfect spot to relax the nerves and prepare you for a night of pouring your heart out in public. Photo: The Manhattan Inn
Galapagos — an arts and events space in the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn — is the perfect spot to unlock your inner nerd. Stop in for a host of eclectic events, including Nerd Night Trivia, Superhero Cabaret, special guest lectures and film showings. Galapagos is even hosting a Pun Competition they’re calling Punderdome this October (it’s sure to be equal parts awesome and cringe worthy). If you’re looking to party late in to the night, check out the famous Floating Kabarette, featuring “a rotating cast of amazing artists…burlesque, magic, trapeze and much more.” After the show, a dance party keeps the fun coming till 1am. Check the venue’s website above for each week’s cast. Photo: AIGA/NY
Bowling and Music at Brooklyn Bowl
Originally an iron-works foundry in the 1880s, Brooklyn Bowl was transformed in 2009 in to the powerhouse concert and bowling venue it is today. In addition to topnotch pub and diner fare (including fried chicken, potato and onion knish, French bread pizzas and trout salad), Brooklyn Bowl offers an eclectic mix of live bands, DJs and performances. Photo: Jason Lam
One night Talib Kewli may be playing a hot DJ set, and the next the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra will be taking over the dance floor. Anything is possible! And while Brooklyn Bowl does have an extensive events calendar on its website, perhaps the best course of action is to simply walk in on a random night and let yourself be surprised and delighted by the chance happenings of the evening.
Remember that romantic idea you had of New York City? Well, you can still have it. Just hop on over to the Village Vanguard in Manhattan, an intimate jazz club founded in 1935. Throughout its storied history, The Vanguard has hosted some of the great jazz musicians in history, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Bill Evans. Not to mention, the 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been the Monday-night regular for more than 30 years. Photo: Professor Bop
Comedy at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater
You’ve surely heard great things about the UBC Theater, but have you been yet? Maybe that one time with your friend from out of town? Well that’s simply not good enough. For those not in the know, here’s the deal: Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre hosts affordable comedy shows seven nights a week in NYC. You can watch the the best improv, sketch and standup in the country on UBC’s tiny stage. Not to mention, you never know when a surprise guest will show up out of no where. Oh you know, just people like Bill Murray or Chevy Chase. So stop making excuses and get over to the UBC theater this week. Photo: Marcin Wichary
BangOn! NYC is a somewhat mysterious event production company that produces one-of-a-kind themed nightlife spectacles. Here’s how it works: each party is carefully curated around a theme, like “Short Shorts” or “Warehouse of Horrors” or “3D.” Then DJs and partygoers (and people who are really, really good at setting up light shows) congregate at a unique location for up to 12 hours of music, stunning lights and all out dancing. It may sound simple, but it’s all in the execution. All you really need to know is that BangOn! NYC is notorious for throwing some of the craziest and best parties in NYC. So what are you waiting for? RSVP for their next one at their site now.
Learn more about how Heineken plans to get you to veer off the beaten path at www.routineinterruptions.com.