Upper West Side – Culture

 Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and Riverside Park are the Upper West Side’s best-known cultural hot spots—so much so, that we’ve discussed them previously. They’re hardly the end-all and be-all of things to UWS attractions, however. From playgrounds to nightclubs, the neighborhood is rich in places to be and things to do, whatever your interests.

 

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

If you have kids, you’ll love having the Children’s Museum of Manhattan in your figurative backyard. In addition to interactive exhibits and play spaces for toddlers and kids up to the age of 10, the museum offers art sessions, after-school classes, and other programs. Few things are certain in life, but you can all but guarantee that your little ones will love it here.

Beacon Theatre

The lineup at this 2,600-seat venue continues to be nothing if not eclectic. Jerry Seinfeld, Mitski, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Jon Batiste, and Neil deGrasse Tyson are just a few of the comedians, musicians, and in the case of Tyson, scientists who have taken the stage here recently. The interior is a landmark of Art Deco allure, and the innovative sound system makes the venue a favorite of bands and audiophiles alike.

Triad Theater

This 115-seat theater might best be known as the home of the monthly “Bound for Broadway” singer showcase, but it hosts other cabaret shows as well, along with concerts and stand-up comedy. Dorothy Bishop’s tribute show, “The Dozen Divas,” also takes place monthly; Pam Ann, the comic creation of writer/performer Caroline Reid, dubbed “cruelly funny” by Madonna, recently graced the stage, and Jessica Sherr with her one-person show “Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies” are among others who recently headlined here.

 

Stand Up NY West Side Comedy Club

 With two comedy clubs, the Upper West Side offers twice the laughs as many other neighborhoods. Regular shows at Stand Up NY include We Wear Pink, an open mic for women and LGBTQIA+ comedians on Tuesdays, and Voltage Mic, another open mic show on Thursdays. On Tuesday nights, West Side Comedy Club has Not Ripe Bananas, where established comedians work out new material, and the New Talent Showcase on Saturdays. Both clubs also feature touring comedians and one-off events, so you’re never short of chuckles.

 

 

Smoke Jazz Club

 A throwback to the golden age of supper clubs, Smoke serves up fine food (smoked trout pâté, New York strip steak, ratatouille), tasty cocktails, and exceptional jazz. The Eddie Henderson Quintet, Tierney Sutton, and Jazz Messengers alumni paying tribute to Art Blakey were among the club’s recent shows. Those who prefer their jazz straight up without food, though accompanied by a drink or two, can attend the 10:30 pm shows.