New York is the city that never sleeps with bustling nightlife from Broadway to Lincoln Center.
Whether you are in the mood for a classical concert, riveting drama, sing along musical, ballet, opera and more…New York offers something for everyone.
With so many performers moving to NYC to pursue The Broadway dream – on any given night you are apt to discover an unknown talent at a piano bar or local music hall.
I’ve included a few of the most ICONIC spots for live events in NYC, as well as links for you to discover more events and local talent.
It starts with broadway:
As of March 2023, there are currently 41 Broadway Theatres and 85 Off-Broadway Theatres showcases the best in NYC live entertainment.
- Fun fact:
While sadly my favorite musical Phantom of the Opera is closing up shop in 2023 (April) – there are so many amazing shows to discover.
Mainstays: Wicked, Chicago, Hamilton, Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Aladdin
I saw Aladdin and The Lion King during my last visit and both productions blew me away. I’ve seen The Lion King several times, and yet the quality of the music and production never fails to disappoint.
Quick Tips:
- You can check a list of current Broadway Shows here (broadway.com)
- You can purchase tickets directly from the theatre’s website or I recommend TodayTix.com for good deals (especially last minute)
- Most productions run 8 shows a week and Monday is DARK, but it depends on the theatre.
- If you want to catch two shows in one day – schedule a matinee and then evening performance. I did this for Aladdin and The Lion King and it worked out great. We got dinner at the touristy but fun Hard Rock in between shows.
Lincoln Center – Opera to Ballet and More
It’s never a dull night at Lincoln Center…Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, he 16.3 acre complex is home to 11 resident arts organizations including: film, opera, music, ballet, theatre and more. It has thirty indoor and outdoor facilities to showcase events to over 5 million visitors annually.
- Check out a show by the New York Philarmonic
- Discover the Drama of Music at The Metropolitan Opera
- Discover Dance with the New York City Ballet
- Catch a show by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School, Children’s Theatre and so much more!
We were fortunate to catch a performance by the renowned New York City Ballet in February 2023…They performed a Bob Fosse piece that inspired the Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra film “Anchor’s Aweigh”
Click here for a list of all the happenings at The Lincoln Center
Carnegie Hall – the Venue of Legends
From Ella to Judy and beyond Carnegie Hall is considered by most to be the premier music venue in the US. The acoustics are unrivaled, as the walls ooze history of the music of ages past.
Located at 881 Seventh Avenue, it was designed by architect William Burnet Tuthill under the directorship of philanthropist financier Andrew Carnegie. It has 3,671 seats divided among three auditoriums, with Stern Auditorium being the largest.
Carnegie Hall is open for daily tours and hosts over 250 concerts and events each year. Check out their website to learn more.
Radio City Music Hall
Home to the Rockettes and the iconic light up Radio City sign this is a can’t miss on your tour of New York venues. The Art Deco design takes you back to an era of glamor…
The best time to visit is during the holidays when The Rockettes do their spectacular special. However you can catch a show year-round. Click here for an upcoming schedule. You can discover more about the history here.
Madison Square Garden
Has hosted a ‘who’s who’ of rock n’ roll since its opening in 1968 from Elvis to Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and more. It is also the site of the New York Knicks home games as well as tons of basketball championships including the NIT games. Click here for fun facts about MSG
Rockwood music Hall
When I was a booking agent for bands, Rockwood was a pilgrimmage site, showcasing great emerging and established talent in an intimate venue. If you are looking for a great folk-rock-funk and everything in between music experience check out Rockwood.
