Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in New York City!” Today is Friday, November 14, 2025, and if you’re ready to squeeze the most out of your NYC adventure, you’ve just landed in the right spot—because I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting, sports-obsessed guide to the wildest corners of the Big Apple. The streets are buzzing, the air is crisp with autumn’s golden touch, and the city is swirling with both locals and travelers, all bundled up for a day packed with quirky fun.

Out the window this morning, it's classic NYC November: a brisk chill perfect for those stylish scarves, but with dazzling sunshine setting Manhattan’s skyscrapers aglow like guilded toothpicks. The mood across New York is part festive, part frenzied—just the sort of energy that makes stumbling into a street performance or a spontaneous chess match in Bryant Park absolutely inevitable.

Now, if you’re hunting for what’s hot and happening today, clear your calendar for these epic events:

The PAC-MAN 45th Anniversary Pop-up at Macy’s Herald Square opens today, and let’s be honest, nothing screams “New York quirk” like watching grown adults battle on the World’s Largest PAC-MAN console. There’s also a meet-and-greet with PAC-MAN himself (he’s shockingly round in person), arcade battles, and exclusive merch galore. Challenge your buddy or go solo for pixelated glory!

If pickles are your love language, the Grillo’s Pickle National Pickle Day Party at Bar Snack will have you pickled pink! This bash serves up free pickle-themed tattoos, Grillo’s merch, and probably more brine than your average Wednesday at Katz’s. It’s free, raucous, and (if you’re brave) delicious.

Broadway Under The Stars returns to The Shops at Columbus Circle this evening, bringing live performances from standout Broadway hits like *Moulin Rouge!* and *The Lion King*. Holiday lights, jaw-dropping musical numbers, and a Q&A with the stars—all free and open to everyone. Toss your hat, hum along, and maybe catch a selfie with a musical star festively lit by a cavalcade of glowing stars.

Got kids or just hankering for some pop culture fun? Head to Carnegie Hall at 8 pm for *An Evening of Traditional Japanese Arts*, featuring Noh and kabuki theater, taiko drumming, and other marvelous spectacles. It’s a culture-booster and a perfect evening for feeling worldly—without leaving Midtown.

Sports fans—assemble! The New York Knicks are taking on the Miami Heat tonight at Madison Square Garden. Hotdogs, hoops, and rowdy fans—it’s practically a spiritual experience. If you want a classic dose of American sports adrenaline, this is your ticket.

For family adventurers, the largest indoor holiday light show dazzles hourly at Columbus Circle, while Passport to Santa offers little ones a chance to send a wish into the twinkling ether—and yes, rumor has it, even the plaza pigeons are feeling festive.

Big news on the city beat: The Waldorf Astoria just reopened after a historic restoration. Sneak in for free guided tours and check out the Guerlain Shalimar exhibit—think art-deco meets perfume meets serious New York nostalgia. For foodies, whispers around town say that a hot new ramen spot is dropping in the East Village this weekend—hunt for giant noodle bowls and don’t be shy to slurp like a local. Transit tip for today: Subway construction means C trains are running express until 4 pm, so zip from uptown to downtown faster than a New Yorker late for brunch.

No trip—or local stroll—would be complete without a spin through Central Park, the autumn colors peaking right now. If you want to spot a wild sport, keep an eye out for impromptu Quidditch matches on the Great Lawn. Yes, brooms included. New York’s unofficial motto: If it’s weird, we’ll play it.

Oly Bennet's tip of the day: When crossing busy intersections, stick close to the dog walkers. New Yorkers respect determined pups and you’ll...