Art, Culture and the New York State Fair: this Week’s Round-up of Fun in the Big Apple

In the lead up to Labor Day, there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had. From a hilarious comedy variety show, to the high brow Bard himself, there’s always culture and unique experiences galore in New York City. We have a round up of a few fun items for this week and weekend that you won’t want to miss!

If you like to laugh, don’t mind some song and dance and enjoy an intimate atmosphere that won’t break the bank, get yourself over to the famed West Village Music Inn World Instruments for a riotous musical comedy extravaganza that happens not just in August, but each and every month. The variety show, with truly funny comedians, is the main draw, but the Music Inn World Instruments store sets the super cool backdrop as New York’s oldest continually-run music store, having been open since 1958. The shop was also featured in the hit series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Another great part about Live at the Inn is that it’s BYOB. So grab your drink of choice, a few friends and snag some tickets to head out for a night of laughs!

169 West 4th Street

New York, NY 10014

Mohammed Rashid Al-Thani is the man behind the newly opened Institute of Arab and Islamic Art, a creative not for profit in the West Village whose mission is to advance the artistic and cultural exchange between New York and the Arab and Islamic world. The gallery is currently showing the work of Behjat Sadr (1924–2009), an Iranian abstract modern art painter. Later this year, expect a show that will examine the dialogue between Islam and jazz in the U.S. With an open concept that encompasses a wide variety of different cultures, Al-Thani is full of ideas and excitement about conversations to be had and new ways to engage the community.

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, noon-6pm

22 Christopher Street

New York, NY 10014

While the arrival of fall marks the end of the Public Works theater season, it’s also your last chance to catch the Bard under the stars in Central Park until 2025 (renovations on the historic Delacorte Theatre are beginning soon). The theatre is ending its season with deliberate panache in an epic production of The Tempest. The play will run for a limited week-long engagement from Sunday, August 27, through Sunday, September 3. Catch one of the Bard’s final plays and discover (or revisit) the magical human story of shipwreck, abandon, romance and more. Tickets are available online for 8pm performances.

81 Central Park West

New York, NY 10024

Last but not least in our round up of ways to end the summer in New York City, is the New York State Fair. While it involves a little travel, Amtrack is making it easier than ever to catch a train from Manhattan to Upstate for visitors and New Yorkers alike. Get ready to take in some old fashioned, traditional fair fun. Five trains will make daily stops at the fair throughout its 13-day duration, starting Wednesday, August 23, and through Monday, September 4.

Get ready for the thrill of stomach dropping rides, warm hot dogs, sticky cotton candy, skeeball tosses, and the plush stuffed animals to be won. In addition to the traditional trappings, there will be a new Asian Village adding to the fair’s unique offer of Indian, African and Latino Villages. The villages offer a more insightful look into the history and contributions of each ethnic community through music, dance, food and events.

If musical performances are your jam, you can catch shows with Rebecca Black, Theory of a Dead Man, Doechii, Gayle, Julio Iglesias Jr., and more. For more comprehensive information on the tickets and the fair, see the New York State Fair website.

Wednesday, August 23 — Monday, September 4

581 State Fair Blvd

Syracuse, NY 13209

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.