Natalia Alvarez, Author at Secret NYC

Escapes Things to do

Located under two hours from NYC, this 37th annual street festival transforms a historic Hudson Valley village with blueberry donut eating contests and free family fun

If you are looking for an easy summer day trip, put this upstate harvest celebration on your radar. Located under two hours from NYC, a vibrant street festival is preparing to take over the Hudson Valley....

The first-ever free Jamaica Day Parade takes over Brooklyn on August 8, bringing historic floats, live local DJs, and traditional culinary favorites to Flatbush Avenue

For the first time in New York City’s history, Brooklyn will host a designated festival celebrating Jamaican culture. The inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade is officially set for Saturday, August 8, 2026...

Food & drink Top news

Fresh deals and 49-cent croissants: A massive European Lidl supermarket is officially opening its doors in Williamsburg on August 26

Get ready to upgrade your weekly grocery run, Brooklyn. The hugely popular European supermarket chain Lidl US is officially opening its newest location in Williamsburg on Wednesday, August 26. Loca...

Escapes Things to do

Escape the city at this beloved 1841 country fair in Middletown, featuring wild motorcycle stunts, classic deep-fried food, and cheap entry.

We all love a good city street festival, but sometimes you just need a classic country fair. Enter the Orange County Fair in Middletown, NY. It is officially returning for its massive 186th season. ...

Things to do Top news

New York City is transforming Park Avenue into a massive car-free green oasis this August featuring free Shake Shack, outdoor fitness, and live DJ sets

New York City’s beloved car-free program is back, and it’s bringing a vibrant green oasis right to Midtown. The Grand Lawn at Summer Streets is officially returning to Grand Central Terminal for its third...

Food & drink Things to do

Swapping cars for an epic block party: Brooklyn prepares for the beloved free Summer Stroll on Third Avenue this July 31st with live music and outdoor dining

Unlike a traditional street fair packed with outside vendors, the Summer Stroll keeps the focus strictly on Bay Ridge. It's a hyper-local celebration. The restaurants and businesses serve right on the...

Food & drink Things to do

NYC’s legendary Union Square Greenmarket turns 50 this Friday, July 31, with a massive free evening festival featuring live jazz, a pop-up beer garden, and a 6 pm cake cutting

Long before popping down to the local farmers' market was a staple weekend activity, New Yorkers were flocking to the Union Square Greenmarket. It is hard to imagine the city's food scene without it. T...

Escapes Things to do

Forget modern skyscrapers: Manhattan’s spectacular Sylvan Terrace is a hidden 1882 cobblestone street lined with 20 preserved wooden townhouses—a “real-life movie set” tucked away in Washington Heights

A walk down Sylvan Terrace in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood is a true trip back in time. Located right next to the historic Morris-Jumel Mansion, this quiet, one-block street is completel...

Food & drink Top news

Serving “dressed-up classics for dressed-down people,” this new 70s-inspired East Village hangout just won Best U.S. Cocktail Bar for 2026.

New York City is no stranger to world-class drinks, but there is a new champion in town. Celebrated during the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans on July 23, 2026, the 20th Annual Spirited Aw...

Food & drink Top news

You can score a free scoop of ice cream in NoHo this Thursday

New Yorkers love a sweet summer treat. Finding one made with fresh, clean ingredients is just the cherry on top. This week, Matter is giving away complimentary scoops to celebrate their brand-new desse...