Here’s another opporuntity to embrace your inner child in NYC!
Starting tomorrow August 5 at 4 p.m.*, “Pop in the City,” a massive walk-through inflatable experience, is taking over 32nd and 33rd Streets between Broadway and 6th Ave.
Open for four weeks straight (until August 28), the custom-built installation is 120 feet long and includes “a series of interconnected domes, each housing separate interactive elements
that reflect an immersive and abstract take on New York, its people, and its culture,” a press release shares.
Enter through a giant slide that will deposit you in a ball pit “ocean” of 500,000 translucent balls — and that’s only the beginning! Within the elaborate space there will also be oversized sculptures paying homage to NYC (so expect big apples, big buildings, big pizza and lots more inflatable art!).
The most striking part is the “glitterball dome,” inspired by Studio 54 with an actual performance stage, cutting-edge lighting, and special effects, alongside 100 shimmering disco balls suspended from the ceiling! Within the glitterdome itself, there will be live performances from specially selected DJs, MCs, musicians, and performers.
Then take a break from summer with the “Winter in the City” room, filled with “snowballs,” snowmen and actual, real snow!
The event was created by XL Event Lab, who also hosts The World’s Largest Bounce House — coming to Brooklyn this summer. And it’s hosted by the 34th Street Partnership to bring the fun to NYC!
“New York has seen some pretty wild things, but we don’t think there’s ever been anything like this before,” Josh Kinnersley, from XL Event Lab. “We’re taking inspiration from the city and mashing it together with balls of every shape and size. It’s an ode to the orb, a rejoicing of the round. You’ll have a ball!”
If you’re wondering about safety measures, Pop in the City ensures that enhanced cleaning protocols are in place and include:
- A focus on the regular cleaning of high-touch areas between sessions as well as their regular deep cleaning schedule for the attraction
- Using a specific ball pit cleaning machine for cleaning the ball pits regularly, and the actual balls themselves feature technology called ‘GermBlock,’ which gives antimicrobial protection.
- Before entering the attraction, every ticket holder is given brand new disposable covers to put over their feet
There is no age limit, but children aged 12 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Very young infants that will be worn/in a carrier whilst on the inflatables do not require a ticket.
Tickets start at $19 and since events are expected to sell out, advanced tickets are encouraged. 25-minute slots are available beginning at 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. daily Find more info on their website here!
*a previous version of this article started it would open to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, but it has been pushed back to 4 p.m.