What is the Blankman List?
The Blankman List is a monthly curated list of things to do in NYC. Although most posts are free to all subscribers, seeing the full main list—which includes at least one event for every day of the month—requires a paid subscription.
How did this come about?
In February 2023, I asked myself the question, “what would I do if I could retire next month?” The result, which I wrote before knowing what Substack was, was a carefully planned imaginary month full of music, theater, film, and everything that makes me never want to leave New York City.
I wasn’t retired—and don’t think I could actually go out every day even if I were—but I enjoyed researching events and curating a list, so I kept the list going as a hobby for several months. Though the lists were fun to make, the time commitment was unsustainable. For me, my choices were to either give it up or evolve into a paid newsletter. So here we are today.
Stay up-to-date
The Blankman List offers a monthly curated list of things to do around New York City each month. The events on this list are chosen carefully to showcase the full spectrum of arts, events, and activities there are across every borough of NYC.
By subscribing, you will get updates on events ranging from all-night raves to early morning hikes. Every month includes many cheap and free events, along with world-class art that for many define this city—everything from obscure gallery exhibitions to Broadway musicals.
What makes the Blankman List unique?
There are lots of lists out there: lists paid for by event promoters, lists that stick to a certain genre of music or medium of art, lists that use the same ticketing service, and so on. But I pride myself in keeping an eye out for all of it—raves and hikes alike. New York City is home to world-class . . . everything: art, theater, music, dance, food, shopping, and everything that comes when you have so many people in just a few square miles.
Then, every month, I create a custom list of highlights. This includes standouts from prominent venues like Madison Square Garden, Forest Hills Stadium, and all of the Broadway theaters. But it also includes notable events at venues that fly under many other radars, like experimental music venues, Off-Off-Broadway theaters, and restaurants deep into outer boroughs. There’s no AI at work and no glut of low-quality promoted listings. There’s just me, an actual human being who loves art and culture and experiencing all of it in a city that never sleeps.
