2010 Concierge Choice Awards WInner

The NY See It All! Tour from OnBoard Tours has been the highest rated bus tour in NYC for the past three years on both TripAdvisor.com and Viator Tours. OnBoard New York is proud to be a 2010 Concierge Choice Awards Winner. Our NY See It All! Tour is the best way to see all New York City's best attractions. This NYC Tour combines a bus tour, a yacht cruise, and short guided walks to see the attractions up close. Your tour guide will hop off with you at each stop, so it's great for kids and adults of all ages. The NY See It All! Tour is extremely popular, and routinely sells out. Please book early if you plan to take this tour. Click the link below to reserve your seats.

Steampunk Haunted House

(October 23- October 31, 2010; Abrons Art Center at the Henry Street Settlement; 466 Grand Street (Grand/Pitt); $10–$25; for more information, visit www.thirdrailprojects.com)
The Steampunk Haunted House is a created by award winning performers Third Rail Projects and features a haunted creation with punk aesthetics in a mod setting. For more information, visit www.thirdrailprojects.com.

Fashion Institute of Technology Fashion Talks

(October 21 – November 18, 2010; Fashion Institute of Technology, Katie Murphy Amphitheatre; Seventh Ave at 27th St; Free; for more information, visit www.fitnyc.edu)
The Fashion Institute of Technology is hosting two wonderful events that will showcase some of fashion’s hottest insiders. British designer Matthew Williamson will be featured in a panel discussion with FIT’s director Patricia Mears and Harpar’s Bazaar’s Laura Brown. In November, fashion director and senior vice president of Barney’s New York, Julie Gilhard will be providing visitors will a lecture on how to make a distinct impression on the fashion world. To get more information on these great discussions visit www.fitnyc.edu.

NYC August Events

Bryant Park Movie Festivals
Tired of fighting movie theater crowds? Bring your date down to Bryant Park on Monday night now through August to enjoy a free film on the lawn. Spread out a blanket and uncork a nice bottle of vino from 8p.m.-10:30p.m. and enjoy classics like Goldfinger, The Goodbye Girl and Rosemary’s Baby. For more information and a movie schedule, check out www.bryantpark.org.

New York International Fringe Festival
(fringenyc.org)
The New York International Fringe Festival is an exciting time for New Yorkers and tourists alike to enjoy huge performances in music, comedy and acting. The festival boasts a surplus of 1,000 performances from all over the world. Join the parade of events which span a period of two weeks for these great shows. Visitors can also purchase a multi-day pass to spend the entire day soaking in the amazing atmosphere.

New York Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
(Flushing Meadows–Corona Park; www.hkdbf-ny.org)
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of the 5th month of the lunar calendar. This year is no exception to the amazing dragon boat show that takes place on Meadow Lake where more than 100 boats compete alongside one another. Stop by with friends and family to enjoy Chinese arts, crafts, dance, cuisine and more.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors
(lincolncenter.org)
“Out of Doors” at The Lincoln Center is an outdoor dance and music festival in Damrosch Park. Take friends or family to watch riveting performances from talents like Centrifugal Force, Asphalt Symphony and more. The festival will be running from July 28th- August 15th so come by for the free shows.

Summer Streets
(www.nyc.gov)
There is hardly a time when New York City is known for a quiet, peaceful environment but during Summer Streets from 7a.m. to 1p.m. on August 7th, 14th, and 21st, the city will be consumed with sounds of dancing, strolling and bicycle rides. This year’s third annual Summer Streets is being sponsored by NYC Dot who will be closing off the infamous Park Avenue for three consecutive Saturday mornings in August. Be sure and stop by to enjoy the fresh air void of honking and car accelerators for a few hours.

Enjoy Before Summer's Over

Swell
(July 1- August 6, 2010; Nyehaus; 358 W. 20th St. at 9th Ave.; Manhattan, NY 10011)
The beautiful seacoast life has long been an inspiration to artistic impressionists everywhere. Metro Pictures, Nyehaus and The Freidrick Petzel Gallery are showcasing the amazing talents of artists that connect their love of the coastal waters with their lives and artwork. The works hail from both coasts and feature artists who created some of the first Surf art in Venice Beach. Be sure and check out this amazing exhibit now through August 6th. For more information, visitnyehaus.com.

Summer Nights at El Museo
(Every Thursday evening in July)
New York City’s El Museo del Barrio, the haven of Latino art, is presenting Thursday night concerts which feature various artists and musicians whose backgrounds range in geographical locations from Cuba to Venezuela and more. Reserve a space for these free performances or view more information at www.elmuseo.org.

Lincoln Center Festival
(July 7–25, 2010)
The Lincoln Center Festival’s astounding forty-five performances attract a fair amount of attention and this Summer’s shows are about to come to an end so take advantage of the amazing theatrical, musical and dance concerts that are still to come. This year, the festival will include artists from over 12 countries worldwide. For more information, see www.lincolncenter.org.

Broadway in Bryant Park
(July 8–August 12)
If lunchtime is the only hour you can spare from your busy schedule to enjoy the quickly passing summer days, then stop by Bryant Park during midday for hour long performances on the lawn for shortened Broadway shows. Pack your lunch and head to Bryant Park for these midday, hour-long performances featuring some of Broadway’s most popular shows. For more information, check out www.bryantpark.org.

OnBoard Tours NYC by Night Itinerary

One of the best ways to tour The Big City is under the stealthy cover of the night which allows careful avoiding of the massive crowds of tourists. Why not plan an evening tour of NYC where visitors can bask in the glory of the bright city lights, cool breeze and the amazing nightlife that New York City is renowned for? Try out some infamous restaurants with amazing dinner menus including the likes of Serendipity, Balthazar or Mario Battali’s eateries Lupa or Babbo.

Take a nighttime stroll through Central Park for The American Museum of Natural History’s Evening Bar Walks where bat experts will point out various species of bats present in the park. (American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.; www.amnh.org; Fri 16, July 23, 30 8:30–9:30pm; $30). Afterwards, join The Amateur Astronomer’s Association to gaze at the beautiful stars and planets through advanced telescopes in the High Line. (The High Line at 10thAve. & 14th St.; Tuesdays now through October, 8:30p.m.–10p.m.; free; www.thehighline.org). Another great nighttime activity is joining Time Up sponsored Moonlight Rides in Central and Prospect Park where visitors can enjoy the scenic natural beauty of the parks without the distraction of daytime crowds. (Central Park: Meeting place at Columbus Circle, southwest corner of Central Park & 59th St.; First Friday of every month, 10p.m.; free • Prospect Park: Meet at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West at Union St, Park Slope, Brooklyn. Second Saturday of every month, 9pm; free; www.times-up.org).

Or perhaps you are better suited for a trip to Coney Island for their Full Moon Ride which entails a pitch black roller coaster ride in the dead of the night during the full moon of the lunar cycle. (Coney Island Cyclone, 834 Surf Ave at 8th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn; coneyislandcyclone.com). Book a private night time tour with Onboard Tours and plan your own itinerary or enjoy a few of the above activities. For more information, visit www.onboardnewyorktours.com.

Bastille Day 2010

(Free; 12pm-6pm; Located at 60th Street from 5th Ave. to Lexington Ave; Visit bastilledaynyc.com for more information)
Celebrate Bastille Day in the heart of New York City and get a taste of France without ever leaving The Big Apple. Stop by 60th St with the entire family for this cute street fair filled with mouth watering French cuisine, charming little market stalls and more. Finish off with a stroll through the arts and crafts stations and enjoy performances to French music. For more information, visit www.bastilledaynyc.com.

Missing Beatles Photos Revealed

Twenty unpublished photos of the Beatles were recently discovered by a Beatles’ family member archive. The iconic photographs capture an incredible era of musical genius and were immediately scooped up by The Morrison Hotel Gallery for display. Visit www.morrisonhotelgallery.com for more information.
(On display now at The Morrison Hotel Gallery, 124 Prince St, 212-941-8770)

NYC Restaurant Week

(July 12- July 25, 2010)
New York City Restaurant Week is one of the best deals to take advantage of the hottest restaurants in the city for a fraction of the regular price of a meal. The culinary experience has evolved into a full blown affair hosting a delicious assortment of eateries ranging from tradition American fare AJ Maxwell’s Steakhouse to fancy French delicacies at Capsouto Frères. This season’s restaurants continue to push the gastronomical envelope by introducing newbie joints and maintaining old classics with over 275 participating dineries. The lunch prix fixe menu price is $24.07 and the dinner price is $35 for a three course meal so foodies rejoice for this special dining occasion.

How to Spend Your Summer 2010 in NYC

Luna Park
Amusement parks are always a number one cult summer classic and Luna Park fits into that category with utter perfection. The park finally opened after a period of rapid construction and renovation which quietly honors the original Coney Island amusement park past. Check out some of the latest and greatest in rides, funnel cake galore and much more in Luna Park. For more information visit www.lunaparknyc.com. (Daily ride pass $26, weekend ride pass $30)

Governors Island
Govenor’s Island has long remained a popular East Coast haunt which will remain open to the public every weekend during the summer from 10a.m.-7p.m. Check out the island’s eerie vacant buildings and chilling historical past and then take the Water Taxi to continue your journey along the New York City Harbor. (Slip 7 at South St.; www.govisland.com)

Hudson River Park- Piers 62 and 63
The Hudson River Park’s newest addition to Pier 64 includes a beautiful rock garden, gigantic picnic lawn spanning 9 acres, a public garden, a carousel and a skate park that would make even teenagers blush. Be sure to stop by on a sunny summer day for a day at the park. W. 22nd to 23rd Sts. at the Hudson River; www.hudsonriverpark.org)

The Delancey
If you have to time to waste for a true New York City summer experience, start directly in the rooftop bar at The Delancey where the views of the Lower East Side are nothing short of spectacular. enjoy frozen margaritas while basking in the glow of the tropically altered ambiance. $10 cover begins at 9p.m. so get there early for a great seat and no cover. (168 Delancey St. at Clinton St; www.thedelancey.com; 5pm-4am)

"Race to the End of the Earth" at the Museum of Natural History
Perhaps one of summer’s coolest exhibits to hit New York City, "Race to the End of the Earth" chronicles the expedition of two South Pole travelers with life size artifacts, base camp models, and more. Visitors can also experience an underwater video featuring Antarctica sea life like blooming jellyfish and colorful violet anemones. The exhibit also includes a rare personality test which determines your ability to survive the South Pole’s harsh weather and living conditions. (Central Park West at 79th St; www.amnh.org; $14-$24)

Time’s Up Prospect Park Moonlight Ride
Prospect Park’s Moonlight Ride is a great opportunity to delve into some late night exercise whether it is bicycling or throwing on your old school skates. The guided tour is beautiful, scenic and has no shortage of romance with all the waterfalls, ponds and quiet nature surrounding the paths. Time’s Up also ensures safety first by providing riders in the front and behind the group. The group will meet at Grand Army Plaza. For more information visit www.times-up.org. (Prospect Park West at Union St.; Park Slope, Brooklyn; Second Saturday of every month, 9pm; free)

Lincoln Center Festival 2010

(www.lincolncenter.org)
The Lincoln Center Festival is one of the most exciting summer festivals in New York City. Events run from July 7-25th and celebrate the debuts of 10 premieres and over 45 performances that cover a span of 18 days. The festival features stunning performances in theater, dance and music in venues all over New York which promote innovative and daring risks. In the past, The Lincoln Center Festival has produced amazing collaborations between artists like Elvis Costello and Metrople Orkest and productions like Twelfth Night and The White Raven. By 2009, The Lincoln Center Festival is responsible for over 1050 performances and the commissioning of over 30 new productions.

Harlem Week

(www.harlemweek.com)
Harlem Week is an annual celebration held in various venues that celebrates the culture, history and significance of the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. The events are an eclectic combination of dance, music, and art which includes “A Great Day in Harlem” on July 25th, “Uptown Saturday Nite” on August 14th and much more. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.harlemweek.com and keep in mind that most of the events are completely free!

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

(Coney Island, www.nathansfamous.com)
Coney Island’s infamous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (which has been going on since 1916) is always a summer favorite amongst New Yorkers and visitors alike. Witness the incredible abilities of contestants to admirably devour as many hot dogs as humanly possible in a ten minute time span. Stop by on July 4th in Coney Island or on June 26th in either Citi Field NYC or Splashtown Park in Fishkill, New York to enjoy the antics.

Battery Park 4th of July Concert

Stop by Battery Park this 4th of July for a performance by Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band, also featuring Jenny Lewis. The show starts at 3:30p.m. and space is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks

The best way to celebrate America’s birthday is at the Macy’s Independence Day Parade in New York City. The amazing fireworks display begins at approximately 9:30p.m. and will be accompanied by the musical talent of the New York Pops orchestra and special guest appearances. The fireworks will be set off from barges placed strategically on the Hudson River. Visitors can view the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks from a number of locations around the city.

Free Museum Visits

(June 8, 2010; El Museo del Barrio; 5:45p.m.; www.museummilefestival.org)
Enjoy a free day of museum visits this Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 in NYC. Nine of The Big Apple’s most amazing museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Museums will also be offering live musical performances, activities and games for a younger crowd and street acts. Stop by El Museo del Barrio at 5:45p.m. to get schooled in New York City culture.

• El Museo del Barrio
(212) 831-7272
www.elmuseo.org
• Museum of the City of New York
(212) 534-1672
www.mcny.org
• The Jewish Museum
(212) 423-3200
www.thejewishmuseum.org
• Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution
(212) 849-8400
• National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts
(212) 369-4880
www.nationalacademy.org
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
(212) 423-3500
www.guggenheim.org
• Neue Galerie New York
(212) 628-6200
www.neuegalerie.org
• Goethe-Institut New York/German Cultural Center
(212) 439-8700
www.goethe.de/newyork
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
(212) 535-7710
www.metmuseum.org

Newfest 2010

(June 3- June 13, 2010; SVA Theatre; 333 W. 23rd St.; Manhattan, NY 10011
Opening and closing nights, $50; all other screenings, $12–$25)
The New York LGBT Film Festival, better known as NewFest is a compilation of film projects from over 20 countries that vary in genre from documentaries to animated shorts. This year’s presentations include “Children of God” and “Billy and Adam”. For a full schedule of films and further information, see www.newfest.org.

Good Morning America 2010 Concert Series

("Good Morning America" in Rumsey Playfield in Central Park; Fridays, May through August; 7a.m.- 9a.m.; Free!)
The Good Morning America Concert Series has been a long standing summer tradition taking place in New York City’s Central Park for years. The performances are free and offer amazing shows by Top Forty artists which include the likes of teen queen Miley Cyrus and 80’s legends, The Go-Go’s. Be sure to get to the Park early for a good spot.

Friday, May 21 - Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, Camp Rock 2
Friday, May 28 - Sugarland
Friday, June 4 - Diddy-- Dirty Money
Friday, June 11 - Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan
Friday, June 18 - Miley Cyrus
Friday, June 25 - Alicia Keys
Friday, July 2 - Mary J. Blige
Friday, July 9 - To Be Announced
Friday, July 16 - The GO-GO'S
Friday, July 23 - Sheryl Crow
Friday, July 30 - Black Eyed Peas
Friday, Aug 6 - TBD
Friday, Aug 13 - Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, Camp Rock 2
Friday, Aug 20 - Rihanna
Friday, Aug 27 - Lady Antebellum

Toyota Concerts in Rockefeller Center 2010

(Today Show window, World Studio; 49th & Rockefeller Center; Fridays, mid-May through September; 7a.m.- 10a.m.; Free!)
Friday, May 14- Sting
Friday, May 21 - The Script
Thursday, May 27 - “American Idol” winner and runner-up
Friday, June 4 - Justin Bieber
Tuesday, June 8 - Christina Aguilera
Friday, June 11 - Rascal Flatts
Friday, June 18 - James Taylor and Carole King
Friday, June 25 - Maxwell
Friday, July 2 - Maroon 5
Friday, July 9 - Lady Gaga
Friday, July 16 - Enrique Iglesias
Friday, July 23 - John Mayer
Friday, July 30 - Carrie Underwood
Friday, August 6 - Train
Friday, August 13 - Ke$ha
Friday, August 20 - Keith Urban
Friday, August 27 - Katy Perry

New York Philharmonic for FREE

New York Philharmonic in the Parks
The New York Philharmonic Series in the Parks is a great and inexpensive way to enjoy classical music in a beautiful setting while basking in the summer glow which envelops New York City. The series offers performances in various boroughs around New York including the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Friends can sit around with a picnic and blanket to enjoy the sounds and one another’s company in this free event. The shows generally begin at 8p.m. so arrive early for a great seat. See below for a schedule of times and locations.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 8p.m.
New York Philharmonic- Andrey Boreyko, conductor
• Tchaikovsky - Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
• Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
• Ravel - Boléro
• Intermission
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
Long Yu, conductor
Lang Lang, piano
Ying Huang, soprano
Changyong Liao, baritone
• Wagner - Overture to Tannhäuser
• Rossini - Largo al factotum della città from The Barber of Seville
• Gounod - "Je veux vivre" from Romeo and Juliet
• Mozart - "La ci darem la mano" from Don Giovanni
• Jin Fizai - Go and See the World
• Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue

Concerts in the Parks - Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 8p.m.
New York Philharmonic- Andrey Boreyko, conductor
Branford Marsalis, saxophone*
• Liadov - Baba-Yaga
• Glazunov - Concerto for Alto Saxophone
• Schulhoff/Bennett - Hot-Sonate for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra
• Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet (selections)

Concerts in the Parks - Cunningham Park, Queens
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 8p.m.
New York Philharmonic- Andrey Boreyko, conductor
• Tchaikovsky - Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
• Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
• Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet (selections)
Directions: Enter at 193rd Street, near 81st Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field

Concerts in the Parks - Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Friday, July 16, 2010 at 8p.m.
New York Philharmonic- Andrey Boreyko, conductor
• Tchaikovsky - Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
• Bernstein - Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
• Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet (selections)
Directions: Enter at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West at 9th Street or Bartel-Pritchard Circle at the intersection of Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest and 15th Street.

Free Summer Concerts - CUNY Center for the Arts, Staten Island
2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 8p.m.
New York Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble- Daniel Boico, conductor

Free Summer Concerts - Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, Bronx
Hostos Community College, CUNY
450 Grand Concourse, Bronx
Monday, July 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM
New York Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble- Daniel Boico, conductor