TLD 26 ✨ Gilded Age Gossip 💰 Nordic Upcycling 🇸🇪 Cheesemonger Showdown 🧀
Hey friends,
Happy Friday! As you know, I’m on a mission to find the magic in the everyday—and this past month didn’t disappoint. Here are a couple highlights that sparked joy recently…
🎭 Maybe Happy Ending: I recently saw Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway, and it completely stole my heart. Set in near-future Seoul, this original musical follows two obsolete helper robots, Oliver and Claire, as they navigate loneliness and discover unexpected connection. It’s tender, funny, and surprisingly moving. The visuals are stunning, and the performances by Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen are unforgettable.
🧠 Lifeshop: Lately I’ve been going to these workshops in Williamsburg, and they’ve quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. They’re all about honest communication, self-awareness, and connection—with yourself and others. This is the last month they’re running, so check them out before they close on 6/16.
Any highlights for you?! Drop a comment below or reply to this email.
PS: This month’s FOTN event is Love Isn’t Blind on 6/27. Hope to see you there!
🧑🎨 NYCxDESIGN Festival
Now through May 21 | Citywide
“The NYCxDESIGN Festival brings together thousands of global design leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts for a week-long celebration of creativity, community, and inspiration. New York City will be transformed into a vibrant hub of design, featuring a dynamic lineup of exciting events, talks, exhibits, and gatherings. This year’s unifying theme ‘Design is for Everyone’ exemplifies NYCxDESIGN’s commitment to inclusivity and the power of design to create a positive impact for all.”
☕ Mùa Xuân — Café Pop-up
May 17 | telos.haus (303 Ten Eyck St.)
“Tomorrow in East Williamsburg, tatosando will be popping up for a Viet-inspired one day only event! They’ll be serving drinks like kumquat strawberry matcha and Bac Xỉu (Saigon-style coffee) alongside a selection of sweet treats and DJ sets! Come by tomorrow from 12-3 and RSVP here for free.”
💰[Walking Tour] Fifth Avenue in the Gilded Age: Address to Impress
May 17 and 31 | New York Public Library (5th Ave.) | $49
“Step back in time to New York’s glittering Gilded Age as you stroll along Manhattan’s most prestigious Avenue. This fascinating journey reveals how Fifth Avenue transformed from a quiet residential street into America’s grandest address. Marvel at the magnificent architecture of surviving mansions and learn the captivating stories of the powerful families who called them home. From Caroline Astor’s legendary ballroom to the Vanderbilt’s French château, discover how New York’s elite used their vast industrial fortunes to reshape the city’s landscape. Your guide will unveil the hidden histories, architectural details, and social intrigue that defined this extraordinary era, while showing how Fifth Avenue’s golden age continues to influence the vibrant heart of New York City today.”
🇸🇪 Design Exhibition Showcase @ Scandinavia House
May 17 | Scandinavia House (58 Park Ave.)
“The Design Exhibition Showcase will highlight and explore work from Baltic and Nordic designers, focusing on upcycling, recycling and sustainability. In coordination with Spring Design Showcase events at Scandinavia House throughout the day, including the workshop “Denim Reborn | Upcycling with Reet Aus” and “Leather Bracelet Workshop with KARLOTTA” in the morning, and a Panel Discussion at 2 PM that will touch on themes relating to the international sustainable fashion industry, visitors will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Nordic and Baltic designers working with recycling, sustainability and upcycling, and purchase select items on display.”
🪄 A Magical Secret Speakeasy
May 18 | The Loft at Prince Street (177 Prince St.) | $20 or 2 for $30 (includes admission to Secret Speakeasy too)
“The NYC Magic Ensemble presents a night of world-class magicians and mentalists in Manhattan. Your jaw will hit the floor and your brain will warp as you experience impossible mind-reading and astonishing eye-opening illusions during this one-of-a-kind evening. World-Class Entertainment: Carl Mercurio has wowed audiences across America, namely at Chicago's Magic Lounge, Mohegan Sun, Smoke & Mirror's Theater, and more! Sara Crasson is the founder of Flavors of Magic, recently starred at the main showroom at Harrah’s Casino, Atlantic City. Mike Kurylo has performed at the Rose Room, a Taste of Magic, the Broadway Magic Hour”
😂 John Oliver & Seth Meyers
May 18 | Beacon Theater (2124 Broadway) | $126+
“Join these two titans of Late Night for a double headlining show, where they'll be delivering their sets in a two-for-one show. Following a tough year for the entertainment industry, Meyers and Oliver teamed up for a three-night residency at the Beacon Theatre, and by popular demand, it's now continuing into 2025!”
👂 How to Listen
May 19 | 199 N 8th St, Williamsburg | $25+
“Have you ever been in a conversation that feels more like two people taking turns monologuing? Or noticed yourself drifting mid-story — already forming advice, an opinion, or something about yourself to say next? Or, on the other side, shared something big just to be received by someone making it all about them? Good listening is shockingly hard, and painfully rare. It's also the most powerful tool we have for emotional connection — and yet, most of us were never taught how to do it. We’re trained to respond, to fix, to relate back to ourselves. But what people actually need isn’t our answers — it’s our presence. In this Lifeshop, taught by our founder Alex Simon, we’ll practice the lost art of real listening. You’ll learn what gets in the way, what to do instead, and how to ask questions in a way that makes people feel safe, seen, and deeply heard. You’ll leave with tools for more meaningful conversations — and a better ear for tuning into yourself, too.”
🤝 The Power of Friendship: Mohamed A. Khashoggi & Thomas S. Kaplan on Enduring Partnerships in a Complicated World
May 20 | 92Y (1395 Lexington Ave.) |. $25
“Join 92NY Talks Chairman Thomas S. Kaplan and his longtime friend Mohamed A. Khashoggi for an intimate conversation moderated by their friend Charlie Rose in which they will discuss on politics, faith, loyalty, and what has made their multi-decade partnership so rewarding.”
📚 [Book Talk] Amy Larocca: How to Be Well with Ana Gasteyer
May 22 | Books are Magic (122 Montague St.) | $11
“A deeply researched, lively, and personal exploration of the multibillion-dollar wellness industry -- about why women are feeling so un-well and how this trend has shaped our thinking about health and self-care. Peloton. Pilates. Biohacking. Colonics. Ashwagandha. Today, the wellness industry is a $3.7 trillion behemoth that touches us all. In this timely and clear-eyed book, journalist Amy Larocca peels back the layers behind the wellness movement and reckons with its promises and profits. How did we get here and how did the idea of wellness become integrated with women's lives? And how did we end up spending so much money on products that may not work at all?”
💃 DanceAfrica Bazaar 2025
May 24 -26 | Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Ave) | Free
“DanceAfrica’s beloved bazaar returns, featuring more than 150 vendors from around the world, offering African, Caribbean, and African-American food, crafts, and fashion. Celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa and its diaspora—and see the streets surrounding BAM transformed into a global marketplace.”
🦐 Brock Middleton's Seafood Boil
May 25 | Farm.One (625 Bergen St.)
Chef Brock Middleton is a culinary innovator renowned for his expertise in fermentation and his contributions to plant-based fine dining. He currently working on Eleven Madison Park’s Research & Development team.
🎤 As You Mic It: An Open Shakespeare Slam
May 27 | Under St Marks (94 St Marks Pl.) | $15
“Join us for a one-of-a-kind slam where you can compete to be crowned Best of the Bards! If you are slamming, come prepared to perform up to two of any Shakespeare monologue or sonnet of your choice (within 3 and a half minutes, memorization not required but encouraged). If you are don't want to slam, come join us for some merriment, libations, and maybe even become a judge (no experience necessary)!”
💘 Maria Avgitidis in Conversation with Chrissy Rutherford: Ask a Matchmaker
May 28 | 92Y (1395 Lexington Ave.) | $45
“Renowned matchmaker Maria Avgitidis — or Matchmaker Maria, to her 70,000 Instagram followers — joins us for a fresh, modern look at dating in honor of her new book, Ask A Matchmaker, and a live taping of her hit podcast of the same name. Finding love isn’t easy — and these days, dating can often feel like a never-ending cycle of swipes and small talk, where real connections are hard to come by. But finding your person isn’t impossible, and Maria Avgitidis is here to help. How do you find someone who shares your values? How do you develop realistic expectations? How do you find love in your community rather than relying on the apps? Blending personal stories and expert insight, Avgitidis offers the kind of straight-talking, no-nonsense advice that only a true friend can give. In a special live taping of her popular podcast, join Matchmaker Maria for a fresh, funny, modern perspective on romantic connection and true love.”
🎥 Films on The Green Festival
May 30, June 13, June 27 | Various parks | Free!
“This free outdoor French film festival is back with a fashion-focused lineup. The festival is hosted by Villa Albertine, and this year's edition features three French films with English subtitles across several Manhattan parks.
— Friday, May 30 – Central Park, Cedar Hill: Coco Before Chanel by Anne Fontaine
— Friday, June 13 – Washington Square Park, Garibaldi Plaza: The Young Girls of Rochefort by Jacques Demy
— Friday, June 27 – Riverside Park South, 70th Street Pier Plaza: Falbalas by Jacques Becker”
🛍️ FAD Market Pop-up
May 31 and June 1 | Brooklyn Brewery (79 N 11th St.)
“We are thrilled to announce the return of FAD Market this spring continuing our partnership to bring the best in local craftsmanship to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Join us for a curated pop-up market featuring over 30 makers, artists, and creative small businesses. Save the date(s) for a day of shopping, sipping, and supporting local artisans this fall!”
😴 How to Sleep Like a Caveman
June 2 | The Netherland Club of New York (3 West 51st St.) | $15
“There are all sorts of life hacks on how to lead a happier, healthier, longer life. Yet, how to sleep, is not something widely written or spoken about, eventhough sleeplessness is a major problem for millions of people the world over. Sleep scientist, Merijn van de Laar, explains in his newest book, How to Sleep like a Caveman, why insomnia provided an evolutionary advantage. How cavemen used stimulants, and how modern day substances effect our sleep, ranging from caffeine to cocaine. He shares techniques on how to transform nightmares and wether or not the 8-hour rule of sleep is a myth.”
🥟 Eldridge Eats Food Tour: A History of the Lower East Side
June 6 | 12 Eldridge St |. $35
“Visit historic Lower East Side sites and nosh on delicious rugelach, pickles, knishes, and dumplings! Once one of the most densely populated districts in the world, the Lower East Side has witnessed numerous changes during the past hundred years. This walking tour is a resourceful glimpse of the past. The tour will focus on a few of the remaining vestiges and surviving buildings and structures of an era of mass Jewish immigration, when the streets were lined with stores and pushcarts, including Jewish delicatessens, bakeries, pickle stands, and cafeterias, to name a few. Your seasoned guide will speak about the neighborhood’s transformation and conclude with a discussion of several food establishments that still exist today. Along the way, we’ll stop at a couple of these to nibble on both Jewish and Chinese bites!”
🎤 Love Isn’t Blind: A Comedy/Dating Show Where the Men Can’t Speak
June 27 | Littlefield (635 Sackett St.) | $30
“Tired of swiping? In this dating experiment, men compete on stage for one lucky bachelorette, with the little caveat that the men can’t speak. Through a series of games – which includes calling the boys’ moms and unlocking their phones – we narrow it down to two men. Finally, we hear their voices, and the lucky winning man is sent with our bachelorette to the bar for an immediate date. Audience members wear wristbands according to their relationship status, and a wingcouple (who wear actual wings) helps those of you who are too shy to make a move.”
🧀 The Cheesemonger Invitational
June 29 | Brooklyn Steel (319 Frost St.) | $97
“Find out what happens when we inspire the best cheesemongers from around the country to showcase cheese like you have never seen before. Upon entering, you will experience an all-you-can-eat cornucopia of cheese featuring some of the finest purveyors from around the world. From Cheddar to Gruyere, it will be there. As well as things like mac and cheese, raclette and "perfect bites" of cheese created by the participating cheesemongers. We are talking so much cheese that you will definitely eat too much so pace yourself and come hungry. The main event is a cheesemonger vs cheesemonger competition where the people who sell you cheese will literally battle as they showcase job related responsibilities like cutting, wrapping and rapping about cheese. Imagine 1,000 people chanting "Moo Baa Maa" and celebrating a perfectly cut quarter pound of cheese as if the US Women's Soccer team just scored a goal.”
Who’s down?!
xx Anna