The Artist Fellowship Awards are one of Great Performances’ most cherished traditions and every year, they remind us just how deeply creativity runs through our community. In 2025, GP proudly awarded four $5,000 fellowships, investing $20,000 in the artistic projects of team members whose work reflects imagination, heart, and the cultural vitality of New York City.
This year’s winners are:
Yuleima Gonzales - El Manifesto del Duelo
A poetic and conceptual audiovisual piece that explores memory, the body, and the spiritual connection to the land. This project aims to create a sensory and symbolic experience where nature, the female body, and voice intertwine in a visual and sonic invocation.
Ananda White - The Butterfly Vase
A short film about a girlfriend who suddenly finds herself at her boyfriend’s funeral, closed off from her feelings and everyone around her, leaving with his urn in hopes of getting closure on the secret she harbors.
Dane Terry - Record with Dad
An audio-fiction musical podcast about Dane’s childhood, being raised evangelical and experiencing the loss of his mother in a car accident. Dane examines loss, faith, and queerness through memoir and song, which he brings full circle by recording in his hometown with his father on drums.
Michael Russell - Everybody Eats
An illustrated children’s book geared toward ages 3 to 6, Everybody Eats aims to promote inclusivity through what and how people eat and to combat body shame. Everybody Eats is the unofficial prequel to Everyone Poops.
The fellows were honored at a ceremony on January 12 at Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop, an event that has become a favorite among GP employees. The gathering brought colleagues together to celebrate one another’s creative ambitions and hear directly from the artists about the work they’re bringing into the world. Founder and CEO Liz Neumark presented the awards alongside New York State Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, who also presented each awardee with an official Citation from the New York State Assembly in recognition of their artistic achievements.
Rooted in GP’s founding mission to provide flexible employment that empowers women in the arts, the Artist Fellowship Awards continue to be a source of pride across the company. Year after year, the program reflects what makes Great Performances special: a shared belief that supporting each other’s creativity makes us all stronger.
Read More
When we asked Tira Adams, one of GP’s 2024 Fellowship recipients, how the award helped her artistically, she didn’t hesitate: “I finally got to make the thing! This award was exactly what I needed to move Conjure from idea to a real, living, breathing pilot.”
Conjure, a supernatural audio drama set in Brooklyn, has been living with Tira in one form or another for nearly twenty years. The Fellowship helped her clear one of the biggest creative hurdles artists face, funding, by allowing her to move the project out of development limbo and into production.
“In New York there’s always that can-do attitude of ‘come on, guys, let’s put on a show!’” she explains. “But there are very real costs that come with storytelling. Especially when you’re making a full season of 13 thirty-minute audio episodes. That’s like saying you’re going to make 13 short films.”
With Fellowship support, Tira entered the studio, heard actors speak lines she had written and rewritten, and released a fully produced 30-minute pilot. “To put my baby out into the world makes me giddy with excitement,” she says. “I have such confidence now that I can create this story on my terms and that it not only works, but other people want to hear it.”
The project also marked a major professional shift. “This was a real leveling-up moment for me,” Tira shares. Beyond the creative work, she stepped into leadership by managing production, contracts, meetings, and community-building. “No one tells you in drama school how much of this work is emails and meetings,” she laughs. “The creative part is often the cherry on top.”
Through Conjure, Tira expanded her network, connected with the New York audio community, and secured fiscal sponsorship through AIR Media, gaining critical infrastructure to support the project’s future.
While the journey didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it reshaped the work for the better. After submitting the pilot to the Tribeca Festival audio division, Tira realized the scope of the project required a pivot of more time, more care, and long-term sustainability. She restructured Season One into Volumes I and II, making space for both artistic integrity and personal realities, including navigating the loss of her father.
In Conjure, Tira’s characters live by a family symbol: the turtle, with the motto “the race doesn’t belong to the swift nor the strong, but to those who endure till the end.” As she puts it, “Yeah — sometimes your work comes back to bite ya.”
Next up: Volume I of Conjure will be produced as a live radio play under a SAG New Media contract, with rehearsals beginning in early 2026. The pilot will be exhibited this fall at the Urban Action Showcase in Times Square, with additional festival appearances and a virtual premiere to follow.
“The turtle still won,” Tira says.
We’re proud to have supported Tira Adams through the Great Performances Artist Fellowship and we are excited to see Conjure and Tira continue to grow.
Check Out Tira's Work
More From the Fellowship Awards
NYC venues destined to bring social events to life.
New York City offers an extraordinary range of settings for social events—each with its own character, history, and sense of occasion. At Great Performances, we’ve had the privilege of producing celebrations across the city for decades, and we know that the most memorable events begin with the right venue.
We work with many spaces we love throughout NYC. Below, we’re highlighting just a few of our standout partner venues—places we return to time and again for weddings, galas, milestone celebrations, and cultural gatherings that feel both elevated and deeply personal.
The Harold Pratt House is a timeless choice for elegant social events. This historic mansion offers richly detailed interiors, warm proportions, and an intimate atmosphere that feels refined without being formal. We often recommend it for seated dinners, milestone celebrations, and nonprofit galas that benefit from a classic New York setting.
The flow of the house allows guests to move naturally from cocktails to dinner, creating an experience that feels gracious and thoughtfully paced.
Accommodations & Capacity:
Seated dinners and receptions for approximately 150 guests, with multiple salons and dining rooms that support flexible event flow.
For celebrations that call for scale and grandeur, Gotham Hall’s Park Avenue location delivers undeniable impact. With soaring ceilings and a dramatic central space, it’s ideal for large social gatherings that still require structure and polish.
We often recommend this venue for galas, large receptions, and milestone events where production, guest experience, and presence all matter equally.
Accommodations & Capacity:
Large-scale receptions and seated events for several hundred guests, with robust production capabilities and flexible layouts.
Set against sweeping views of the Hudson River, Wave Hill offers one of the most naturally beautiful backdrops in New York City. This venue is a favorite for outdoor-forward celebrations that feel romantic, serene, and connected to nature—while still being fully within the city.
Wave Hill works beautifully for weddings, seasonal celebrations, and nonprofit events that want a sense of escape without leaving NYC.
Accommodations & Capacity:
Indoor and outdoor event spaces accommodating intimate gatherings through mid-sized receptions, with flexibility depending on seasonal layouts.
Few venues feel as distinctly New York as the Central Park Zoo. Surrounded by iconic city views and unexpected natural elements, it offers a playful yet sophisticated setting for evening celebrations.
We often recommend this space for receptions and social events that want to surprise guests and create a truly memorable experience—especially when paired with thoughtful lighting, music, and food.
Accommodations & Capacity:
Reception-style events for several hundred guests, with outdoor and covered spaces available seasonally.
The Brooklyn Museum offers a bold, cultural backdrop for social events that want to feel modern, artistic, and impactful. Its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and contemporary galleries provide a striking contrast that works beautifully for galas, benefit events, and large celebrations.
With expansive spaces and strong infrastructure, the museum allows for highly customized event designs that still feel cohesive and intentional.
Accommodations & Capacity:
Large-scale receptions and seated events for several hundred guests, with multiple event spaces and production flexibility.
Planning a Social Event in NYC?
From intimate celebrations to citywide galas, we partner with venues across New York City that bring character, flexibility, and a strong sense of place to every event. At Great Performances, we pair these exceptional spaces with thoughtful planning, seasonal cuisine, and seamless execution—so every gathering feels as meaningful as it is memorable.
Want to learn more? Start exploring our venue search system to find the ideal space for your next meeting or conference.
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and even in New York—where you can find romance on every corner and reservations are practically a sport—sometimes the best table is the one you already have. A night in means you can slow down, cook together, and actually hear each other talk (no competing with a packed dining room or a server sprinting by with three martinis).
This year, we’re leaning into a vegetable-forward, one-pot dinner with a little elegance built in: a silky, lemony pot of orzo that eats like risotto, a crisp bright salad for contrast, and an easy dessert that still feels special. It’s cozy, beautiful on the plate, and—most importantly—low-stress.
A Simple, Elegant Valentine’s Night In
The Vibe
Think soft lighting, a playlist you both love, and one pot bubbling on the stove. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s comfort with a touch of restaurant energy. We love meals like this because they don’t trap you in the kitchen all night. You cook, you taste, you pour a glass of something, and you stay present.
The Menu
Bright Starter: Citrus + Fennel Ribbon Salad
This salad is the “sparkle” on the table—crisp, fresh, and instantly fancy without any real effort.
Ingredients
- 1 fennel bulb
- 1–2 oranges or grapefruit
- Olive oil + lemon juice
- Salt + pepper
- Optional: shaved parmesan, pistachios, arugula
Method
Shave fennel thin (knife or mandoline), toss with citrus, olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. Finish with parmesan and pistachios if you want it to feel extra “date night.”
The One-Pot Main: Creamy Lemon-Parmesan Orzo with Spring Veg
This is our favorite kind of dinner: one pot, big flavor, vegetable-forward, and it looks like you worked harder than you did. Orzo gives you that creamy, spoonable texture—like risotto—but it’s much faster and more forgiving.
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup orzo
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter)
- 1 small shallot (or 1/4 onion), finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or use broth and add extra lemon)
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup asparagus or broccolini, bite-size pieces
- 1 big handful spinach (or baby kale)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- Zest + juice of 1 lemon
- Salt + black pepper (pinch chili flakes optional)
Method
- Sauté aromatics: Warm oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook shallot 2–3 minutes until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Toast the orzo: Stir in orzo for 1 minute. (This tiny step makes it taste “restaurant.”)
- Deglaze: Add wine and let it simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer: Add broth, season lightly, and stir often. Cook 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in zucchini and asparagus for the last 3–4 minutes so they stay bright.
- Finish: Stir in spinach to wilt. Turn off heat, then mix in parmesan + lemon zest/juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Elegant finishing touches (pick 1–2)
- A drizzle of really good olive oil
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill)
- Toasted breadcrumbs (2 minutes in a dry pan)
- A few dollops of ricotta or goat cheese for a beautiful, creamy finish
Easy Dessert: Honeyed Yogurt + Warm Berries
Dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to feel romantic. Warm berries over creamy yogurt in a glass feels like something you’d get at a cozy café—without turning your kitchen into a bakery.
Ingredients
- 1–2 cups frozen berries
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Pinch of salt
- Greek yogurt
- Optional: a splash of vanilla
Method
Warm berries in a small pot 3–5 minutes with honey and a pinch of salt. Spoon over yogurt and serve in a wine glass or small bowl.
The Little Things That Make It Feel Like a Date
- Set the table even if it’s just Tuesday energy in disguise.
- Plate the orzo in shallow bowls and finish with lemon zest at the table.
- Put the phones away for the first ten minutes—just long enough to toast and take a breath.
Great Performances has always been about connection—around tables, behind the scenes, and sometimes unexpectedly in the middle of the workday. Over the years, a few of those connections have turned into something much more lasting. This month, we’re sharing two GP stories that prove you never really know what an event day might bring.
Mat & Véronique
Mat and Véronique met at a GP office party overlooking the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting on December 2, 2015. According to Véronique, the moment that sealed it was seeing Mat scraping food off a plate into the trash and thinking, “Oooh, who’s this guy?”
It was an immediate connection. They were naturally flirty with each other all night, and it was obvious there was a spark. Their first date happened that very same evening. Mat and Veronique were married this past September.
Proof that sometimes the spark is instant, the path is winding, and the ending is sweet.
Anastassia & Mike
Anastassia and Mike met at Hudson Mercantile during a Ronnie Davis event. Mike was the chef, and the staff list simply read “NEW HIRE.” That new hire turned out to be Anastassia—her very first day, sent straight from the office.
She showed up in a chef’s coat with a logo and someone else’s name on it. She was very nervous. Mike was stuttering. He also felt a little bad putting her on a rooftop station for an event in October.
It became more than just a work connection later, when Anastassia was booked for a VIP dinner at Liz’s house and called Mike for help. He answered the call, they worked through the event together, and ever since then, they’ve just clicked.
Early on, they tried to avoid drama and kept things quiet, hiding from coworkers when they had to. Once they told Liz about the relationship, things felt easier. They booked a three-week vacation, changed their Facebook statuses, and by the time they got back, all the dust had settled.
Today, they say it’s great to have someone at home who understands the hours, the stress, and the feelings that come with the work.
Love Happens Around Food®
Together, these stories capture something familiar at GP: long days, shared responsibility, and moments that start out ordinary but end up meaningful. Whether it begins at an office party, on a rooftop in October, or during a last-minute call for help, connection has a way of finding its place here.
Each month, our Food Festival series highlights a single dish through a chef- and community-driven recipe, practical cooking tips, and serving inspiration.
This February, we’re sharing Ilgaz’s Mercimek Çorbası, or Turkish Lentil Soup — a simple, nourishing dish built for real life. Made with red lentils, warm spices, and pantry vegetables, this soup is filling without being heavy and comforting without being fussy. It’s the kind of food you make when you want something that takes care of you — especially at the end of a long day or late night.
Want more seasonal ideas? Explore the full Food Festival series here.
Dish Spotlight:
A staple across Turkish homes, red lentil soup is everyday food by design. It’s affordable, adaptable, and deeply satisfying, often served smooth and finished with lemon for brightness. While versions vary by household, the foundation stays the same: lentils for body, gentle spices for warmth, and a texture that feels both light and grounding.
This is not ceremonial food — it’s sustaining food. The kind you return to because it works.
Recipe: Ilgaz’s Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 small Yukon Gold potato, diced into cubes
- Fine sea salt and black pepper
- Lemon wedges and fresh herbs, for serving
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and Aleppo pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring to combine.
- Add the stock, red lentils, and potato. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- If desired, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until completely smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Chef Tips (From Ilgaz’s Kitchen Habits)
- Don’t overthink it. Measurements don’t need to be exact — this soup is forgiving.
- Blend or don’t. Smooth is traditional, but texture is a personal choice.
- Lemon matters. A squeeze at the end brightens everything and keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
- Good late, good reheated. This soup holds well and tastes just as good the next day.
How to Use It: Serving Suggestions
- As a late-night meal when you want something filling but gentle
- Alongside bread or a simple salad
- Packed for lunch and reheated during the week
- Served in small bowls as a warming starter
From Our Farm to Your Table: Meet Katchkie Farm and Our CSA
Dishes like this remind us that good cooking starts with intention, not excess. Seasonal vegetables, pantry staples, and thoughtful preparation come together to create food that nourishes — body and mood alike.
Through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, you can enjoy the very best of the season each week—from just-picked produce to specialty pantry items and surprises from our kitchen.
Want a deeper connection to your food? Learn more about our CSA and Katchkie Farm →
Learn More
Read more about how and when Ilgaz enjoys this dish in our interview with her here.
Get recipes, seasonal stories, and event tips delivered each month? Sign up for our newsletter →
Related Articles
More from the Food Festival series—seasonal recipes, chef tips, and ingredient inspiration.
Ilgaz Sen is an Event Producer at Great Performances. For our Food Festival Series, she shares Mercimek Çorbası, a Lentil Soup from Turkey.
Dish: Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup)
Country: Turkey
The soup is a traditional Turkish soup, naturally vegan, rich in protein and fiber, made with pantry staples, and is incredibly delicious.
In this conversation, Ilgaz talks about this dish that she comes back to often — especially late at night.
Try Ilgaz’ Mercimek Çorbası (Turkish Lentil Soup) Recipe
GP: Tell me about this dish.
Ilgaz: It’s something I eat when I actually need food. Not just a snack. It’s filling, it’s warm, and it makes you feel taken care of. That’s really what it is for me.
GP: When do you usually have it?
Ilgaz: A lot of times it’s late. Sometimes it’s after going out, after clubbing. You get home, you’re tired, maybe a little wired, and you’re hungry. You don’t want to think too much — you just want something that works.
GP: Why this dish?
Ilgaz: Because it does what it’s supposed to do. It has nutrients, it gives you energy, but it’s also comforting. It’s not just about being full. It makes you feel better. Especially after a long night, or a long day.
GP: Is it something you plan for?
Ilgaz: Not really. My schedule isn’t very regular, so I don’t plan meals the same way other people do. This is just something I know I can make easily. I don’t measure anything. I don’t follow a recipe exactly. I just make it how I like it.
GP: And you don’t get tired of it.
Ilgaz: No, because I’m not trying to make it special. It’s not a big thing. It’s just good food that fits into my life. Sometimes you need food that nourishes you — not just your body, but your mood. This does that for me.
GP: Is it something you’d share?
Ilgaz: If someone’s there, of course. But most of the time it’s just for me. It’s not fancy. It’s not performative. It’s just something that feels good to eat.
This conversation took place as part of Great Performances’ 2026 Food Festival series.
More 2026 Food Festival Stories & Recipes
Eight years ago, I walked into my first mayoral inauguration as a new hire with GP. My role then was simple: show up, serve hot chocolate to 400 people, and depart.
On January 1st, 2026, I returned to City Hall for the inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. While my responsibilities have grown significantly, my perspective on what makes a GP event successful has remained constant: the craft of hospitality is often about what you don’t see. Our role is to be the silent engine that allows a historic moment to shine—supporting and uplifting the event so the hosts and the city can take center stage.
Precision Within the Parameters
Every event we produce is tailored to fit the client’s story while navigating its unique circumstances, and working in the high-security environment of a mayoral inauguration requires a specific kind of logistical expertise.
For this inauguration, the margin for error was zero. With intense security and scheduled street closures around City Hall, we had to ensure every staff member and piece of equipment was through the perimeter and in place by 9:00 AM. To stay ahead of the gridlock, we coordinated with Party Rental Ltd. to load in everything a full day early.
Despite all of our careful planning, the weight of that responsibility is something you feel. I spent a sleepless New Year’s Eve mentally checking every delivery time and vendor confirmation; the level of dedication that GP is committed to is what ensures the “seams” of an event never show. At GP, we manage those obstacles discreetly so that – from the perspective of the Mayor’s office and the guests – the morning appears effortless.
Hospitality with Intent
Our goal is to provide service that is both fluid and restorative. We make sure that there’s plenty of food and drink, and ensure it’s delicious so that guests reach for more because they’re delighted, not because they’re parched.
For Mayor Mamdani, the menu was curated to tell a personal story of his life in New York:
- Qahwah House: Qahwah House was thrilled to present the traditional preparation of their famous chai—a meaningful touch, as their Williamsburg location is where the Mayor and his wife had their first date.
- Kabab King: Bringing this beloved Jackson Heights institution to City Hall was a priority to ensure the inauguration felt like a true representation of his identity.
Supporting the Energy of the Day
The energy in the room on New Year’s Day was palpable. Seeing the ceremony unfold alongside guests like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a reminder of the magnitude of the moment.
While the public saw the historic transition, our team stayed focused on the “trenches,” working quietly to ensure the flow of the event was never interrupted. By the time the final guest departed, we knew we had done our job—not by being the center of attention, but by being the steady hand that allowed the history to happen.
As I look back on the morning, being part of the energy of the day was extraordinarily rewarding. It was a fulfilling way to start the year and a testament to the standard we strive for at GP: making sure the foundation is perfect so the event can truly shine.
Great Performances in the Kitchen (and on the Ground)
When the storm rolled in, something else started bubbling up across Great Performances: pots of soup, trays of baked goods, simmering stews — and a whole lot of heart.
Yesterday, Liz and Holly realized they’d both been cooking up a storm (pun fully intended). Curious if the feeling was company-wide, they checked in with a few other GP folks. Turns out, while the snow was piling up outside, our team was busy turning their kitchens into places of warmth, comfort, and creativity.
What followed was a flurry of photos and dishes that felt too good not to share. Consider this a peek inside how the GP family rides out winter weather: feeding ourselves, feeding others, and feeding the soul.
Comfort Food, GP Style
Mindy Birnbaum, Chief Legal Officer
A classic comfort trifecta: meatballs, matzah ball soup, and chicken soup — the kind of lineup that can cure just about anything winter throws your way.
Rachel Taffet, Operation Administrative Coordinator
Freshly baked bagels and English muffins, made from scratch. Because sometimes snow days call for carbs — the good kind.
Meghan Doheny, Business Development Director
Homemade chicken noodle soup for a cozy lunch and from-scratch granola, perfect for snacking or a delicious breakfast.
Ronnie Davis, Managing Director
A rich, soul-warming chicken and wine stew, perfect for long, slow evenings indoors.
Chef Andrew Smith, Culinary Director
A full spread that reads like a winter dinner party:
- Pasta with pork sausage meatballs and vegetables
- Pecorino bread
- Radicchio, cucumber, and feta salad
Balanced, bold, and very chef-driven.
Liz Neumark, CEO and Founder
An impressive snow-day lineup:
- Bean stew
- Christine Ra’s kimchi on avocado toast
- Lunch prepared for her building staff
- Pear and mixed fruit jam
Equal parts nourishment, generosity, and flair.
Holly Prochilo, Administrative & Project Coordinator
Because no storm is complete without a little indulgence: fried chicken and waffles — crispy, cozy, and unapologetically joyful.
Holly used the NY Times recipe for Waffles by Melissa Clark, noting they were very airy and light and absolutely delicious!
Morgan Golumbuk, Senior Event Director
A deeply comforting cassoulet, slow-cooked and soulful — the kind of dish that feels especially right when the weather outside calls for patience, warmth, and a good long simmer.
Rachel Gillman, Event Director
Fresh, beautiful sushi, bringing precision, balance, and a little brightness to a snowy weekend — proof that comfort food comes in many forms.
Behind the Scenes: Keeping GP Moving
While many of us were cooking indoors, another kind of work was happening outside.
Huge gratitude goes to Willie and our Logistics Team, who were out in the snow clearing pathways in and around our building to make sure our trucks could get out safely. Their behind-the-scenes effort is what keeps everything moving — no matter the weather.
Snow removal might not come with a recipe, but it takes just as much care, coordination, and commitment.
More Than a Snow Day
What stood out most wasn’t just the food (though, wow). It was the way our team instinctively turned to cooking, sharing, and supporting one another — whether that meant soup for the freezer, lunch for neighbors, or clearing the way so the work could continue.
This is Great Performances: feeding people, taking care of each other, and showing up — even in the middle of a storm.
Stay warm out there. And keep cooking.
Intro
Asia Society
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 6–8:30 PM
Tickets $25
Raise a glass to the Year of the Horse at this festive happy hour at Leo Bar. Enjoy drinks, conversation, and a celebratory atmosphere inspired by Lunar New Year traditions.
Moon Over Manhattan: Lunar New Year Family Day 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 1–4 PM
Tickets $20 adult; $10 child
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a lively afternoon of lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, music, and hands-on art activities. Designed for families, this celebration offers cultural performances and creative fun for all ages.
Brooklyn Museum
First Saturday: Imitate No One
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 5–10 PM
Tickets $14–$20 suggested; Free with registration
Celebrate Black History Month with an evening honoring artistic innovators across the African diaspora. Inspired by Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens, the night features music, poetry, art-making, and performances throughout the Museum.
Valentine’s Day Celebration
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM–5:30 PM
Free with Museum admission
Spend Valentine’s Day your way—romantic, platonic, or solo—through art- and poetry-based activities. Explore the galleries, spark conversation, and enjoy playful ways to connect and create.
Weekend Art – Lunar New Year Celebration
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Time varies
Free with Museum admission
3rd Floor
This Weekend Art program celebrates Lunar New Year with creative activities inspired by the Year of the Horse. Families can explore traditions through hands-on making and gallery inspiration.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 12–4 PM
Free with Museum admission
Ring in the Year of the Horse with performances and interactive activities for all ages. This joyful celebration blends creativity, culture, and community throughout the Museum.
Jazz at Lincoln Center
Dizzy's Club
Ashley Pezzotti with the Steven Feifke Big Band: A Valentine’s Weekend Special
Friday, February 13, 2026 | Evening
Approx. $250 per person
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with sweeping big band sounds, skyline views, and a special prix fixe menu. This performance sets the tone for a romantic and refined night out.
Valentine’s Day with Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Evening
Approx. $250 per person
Spend Valentine’s Day with powerhouse jazz vocalist Camille Thurman in an intimate club setting. Expect soulful interpretations paired with a festive dining experience.
An Evening of Love: Morgan James – A Valentine’s Weekend Special
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | Evening
Approx. $250 per person
Morgan James brings a genre-spanning celebration of love to close out Valentine’s weekend. The evening combines jazz, soul, and pop with an elevated dining experience.
Rose Theater
Dianne Reeves: Valentine’s Weekend
Friday, February 13 & Saturday, February 14, 2026 | Evening
Tickets start at $47
Five-time Grammy Award winner and NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves returns for her annual Valentine’s performances. Her powerful vocals and expressive storytelling explore love in all its forms.
The New York Historical
Clara Restaurant
Restaurant Week
Through Wednesday, February 12, 2026
Prix fixe lunch $30; Prix fixe dinner $45
Celebrate Restaurant Week at Clara, the refined restaurant inside The New York Historical. Enjoy thoughtfully composed prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that balance seasonal ingredients with classic technique—ideal for pairing a museum visit with a relaxed, polished meal.
Platform by the James Beard Foundation
Queer All Year: Queers at the Table
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM (ET)
Free (registration required)
This virtual panel continues the Queer All Year webinar series, exploring LGBTQ+ identity and food culture. Featuring contributors and editors of Queers at the Table, the discussion highlights community, challenges, and hope within queer food spaces.
Taste America®: New York
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | Premier 6 PM; General 7 PM
Tickets Premier $215; General $150
Market 57
A walk-around tasting celebrating chefs and restaurants making an impact nationwide. Hosted at Market 57, the event features food stations from New York’s culinary leaders alongside national TasteTwenty chefs.
Wave Hill
Valentine’s Tea
https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/valentines-tea-2026
February 10–15, 2026 | 11 AM or 2 PM seatings
$$ Price varies
Wave Hill House
Great Performances presents an elegant Valentine’s Tea featuring a custom seasonal menu. Perfect for dates or gatherings with friends, each seating offers a relaxed and refined afternoon experience.
Valentine’s Night Out at Wave Hill
https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/valentines-night-out-at-wave-hill
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 5–9 PM
$$$ Price varies; tickets sold in pairs
Armor Hall
Enjoy a candlelit evening with garden strolls, wine and cheese pairings, a buffet dinner, and live music by Garrett and Tamara. This exclusive 21+ event offers a romantic escape with sweeping views and curated hospitality.
Family Art Project: Fan of Lunar New Year!
https://www.wavehill.org/calendar/family-art-project-fan-of-lunar-new-year-4
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10 AM–1 PM
Free with grounds admission
Wave Hill House
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with hands-on art-making inspired by Lunar New Year traditions. Families can create decorative fans and enjoy a holiday-themed storytime in the Gund Theater.
Wollman Rink
WRAP: Wollman Rink Access Program
https://wollmanrinknyc.com/wrap/
Ongoing during public skating hours
$$ TIX $16
WRAP offers discounted rink access—including skate rental and hot cocoa—to increase accessibility for New Yorkers. Tickets are available in person with valid IDNYC or NYC Public Library ID.
Community Day – President’s Day
Monday, February 16, 2026 | All day
Free admission (with proper ID)
In honor of President’s Day, Wollman Rink offers free admission to first responders, essential workers, public sector employees, and their families. A winter outing celebrating community and service.
Other Events Around The Bronx
Bronx Museum of the Arts
Bronx Museum’s First Fridays: Game Night
Friday, February 6, 2026 | Evening
Free
Kick off First Friday with an interactive game night inspired by Forms of Connection. Enjoy playful, social experiences that invite collaboration, creativity, and friendly competition throughout the Museum.
Bronx River Art Center
2021–2025 BRIO Retrospective
On view February 2026 | Hours vary
Free
This retrospective highlights work created through the Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) program from 2021–2025. The exhibition celebrates Bronx-based artists across disciplines, showcasing the depth and diversity of creative voices in the borough.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
World Music Concert: Tribute to Johnny Pacheco
February 2026 | Time varies
Price varies
Honor the legacy of salsa pioneer Johnny Pacheco with an evening of world-class music and dance. This tribute celebrates his lasting influence on Latin music and culture through vibrant live performance.
Lehman College
32nd Bronx Parks Speak Up
February 2026 | Time varies
Free
Bronx Parks Speak Up brings together environmental advocates, artists, and community members to explore the future of Bronx green spaces. The annual event blends dialogue, performance, and activism focused on environmental justice and community health.
New York Botanical Garden
The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle
February 2026 | Daytime & evening hours
$$ Included with grounds admission; special pricing for evenings
The Orchid Show transforms NYBG’s conservatory into a bold floral cityscape designed by Mr. Flower Fantastic. Expect vibrant orchids, sculptural installations, and immersive displays inspired by urban life.