The Best NYC Events Apps & Websites to Stay In-The-Know

Discovering the best NYC events apps and websites is the key to navigating the city’s vibrant scene.

Through these tools you can also stay informed about the latest happenings, snag discounts, and access special offers you might not have known about.

Check out our recommended resources to stay connected and make the most of your NYC experience.

Table of Contents

Our favorite NYC events apps

Time Out

A free mobile version of the go-to NYC magazine. This easy-to-navigate app includes listings for art, comedy, museums and attractions, music, nightlife, film, theater, and things to do (as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping).

You’ll also find curated lists, reviews, booking for tickets and reservations, and discounted offers. If you want to know about new places and read more about them before visiting, this may be the right app for you.

Of course, you can also visit the website dedicated to New York to read all about what’s happening in NYC.

Time Out Market and events space in New York with people sitting — How good is this restaurant? What kind of food can I find in that market? Time Out will surely have all the answers you’re looking for. Photo credit: Shinya Suzuki

The New York Times

If anyone has their finger on the pulse on the city, it’s definitely the staff of the New York Times. You can find, both on their website and on their app, up-to-date listings of cultural offerings, events, and experiences (plus restaurants and bars). It also includes reviews and category lists by Times’ critics.

“Goings On” app and website by The New Yorker

This website and app by the venerable magazine provides NYC event listings and recommendations from its critics. Browse curated listings by category—movies, art, night life, theater, dance, classical music, readings—and find recommendations. There are also audio tours, created by their esteemed writers, podcasts, and much more.

person kicking a ball at an event in Times Square — All sort of events happen daily in New York City, it can be hard to keep yourself up to date. Photo credit: Save the Dream

Guide of the Arts and Events in New York by PBS

Produced by New York’s acclaimed PBS television program, the app and the official website include an arts calendar and video previews. The listings can be browsed by category, location, or venue, and you’ll find a detailed map to find anything your heart desires.

Go beyond museums to explore the cities and maps with Culture Now. This app allows you to explore public art collections, historical and recent buildings, and cultural institutions.

Over the years their mission remains the same, to “develop a holistic understanding of a place”, so this is definitely an app you should keep in hand for exploring and understanding all areas of the city. You can listen to related artists, architects, historians, or watch their videos by checking their website or downloading their app.

streets of New York City architecture and history — Explore events happening at historical and recent buildings, among other interesting activities in New York with Culture Now. Photo credit: Fabien Bazanegue

The Theater Development Fund app and website

TKTS by TDF provides a real-time display of what is currently on sale at all TKTS Discount Booths. You have the opportunity to get last-minute tickets up to 50% off, and get additional benefits through the app.

TDF also includes detailed information on NYC theater, dance, and music, including performance schedules, theater locations, and links to official show websites, it’s definitely a must for theater and musical events in New York.

Broadway events in New York by night — Broadway’s musicals and events will never cease to amaze you, and with TKTS by TDF you can get discounted tickets! Photo credit: Florian Wehde

Official Broadway website and app

Produced by the Broadway League, the trade organization of the theater industry, this app provides in-depth information about current and upcoming shows (including rush ticket policies), links to buy tickets, maps, and information on restaurants and hotels in the theater district.

When planning what events in New York you are going to attend, we recommend saving a night for Broadway. Choose your favorite from a plethora of amazing musical performances on Broadway.org.

Make sure to check the rush ticket policies and other discounts available, and even check when your favorite musicals may be touring other cities in the United States, and internationally.

Broadway musicals stage in New York City — There is something magical and unforgettable about attending a Broadway show in New York City. Photo credit: Ted McGrath

MTA Arts & Design

Previously known as the Arts for Transit program, MTA Arts & Design provides comprehensive information about the wide variety of permanent artwork throughout NYC’s subway system, as well as dynamic visual and performative events in New York City’s public transportation.

Besides the permanent art, you can find digital art, photography, transit-related posters and illustrations, poetry, and music events. Works can be searched by subway line or artist.