Welcome, listeners, to “Things to Do in New York City”—your ticket to the city’s wildest adventures! I’m Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut, and today is Sunday, November 2, 2025. NYC is absolutely buzzing this morning: a crisp autumn chill makes the city feel alive, and there’s just enough sunshine to remind you why Central Park looks like it’s wearing its fanciest fall trench coat. Whether you’ve just finished a bagel as big as your face or you’re still waking up on the subway, get ready—because New York is having what I’d call a ‘marathon-level’ kind of day.

First up, speaking of full-throttle energy, it’s the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! Over 55,000 runners are tearing across all five boroughs, from Staten Island through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and straight into Central Park. Whether you’re running, spectating, or waving your “Go Grandma!” sign, it’s a citywide block party with cheers, cowbells, and some of the best people-watching imaginable. If you’ve dreamed of seeing people dressed as giant bananas sprinting through Midtown, today is your moment. As amNewYork describes it, it’s a “triumph of the human spirit”—plus, you get bonus points if you spot someone running in a dinosaur suit.

For sports fans who prefer the indoors (and heated seats), Madison Square Garden is hosting the New York Knicks vs. the Chicago Bulls tonight. Nothing screams “Big City Energy” like a high-stakes hoops showdown—including specialty eats like Paulie Gee’s Pizza and Fuku fried chicken. If the Knicks win, expect to hear spontaneous “MVP!” chants down 7th Avenue. MSG reminds everyone to arrive early, keep those digital tickets ready, and remember, oversized bags will face more rejection than a fourth-string quarterback.

Culture vultures, tonight is your playground! Radio City Music Hall is rocking multiple showtimes of the Christmas Spectacular—a dazzling swirl of Rockettes, sparkles, and high kicks guaranteed to make even your most Grinch-like friend smile. If musicals are more your jam, Broadway’s got a fresh lineup including old favorites and up-and-coming hits; just follow the sound of tap shoes and belting sopranos.

For the adventurous and the quirky—oh, you’re my kind of listener—there’s the Dark Side of Bohemia true crime walking tour this afternoon in the East Village. Find out where legend meets scandal and enjoy storytelling that’s more twisted than a pretzel cart. Over on 8th Avenue, you can paint your own watercolor masterpiece or hone your Riichi Mahjong game. Plus, don’t miss the “A Smokey Halloween Party” at 621 W 46th St tonight. Because why stop celebrating Halloween now? This is New York: every night deserves a costume.

Want family fun? Catch Disney’s Descendants at 10 AM for dazzling theatrical magic or join the Day of the Dead Family Celebration at Green-Wood Cemetery. Skeleton face paint is highly encouraged, and trust me, kids will be talking about it until July.

Hot local news! Several new restaurants have just swung open their doors in Midtown—just last night, a quirky ramen bar debuted with a karaoke stage in the bathrooms. Also, transit updates: subway trains are running on their Sunday schedules, but check the official MTA feed for marathon-related reroutes. If you’re biking, remember Manhattan’s cross-street ballet is extra spicy today.

My must-do picks for the day:
Don’t miss leaf-peeping around Central Park. Walk, bike, or roll and soak up autumn in Technicolor.
Catch a Broadway musical matinee for the full razzle-dazzle—or try ice skating in Bryant Park and earn your own triple toe loop.
Hit a street fair or grab dumplings at one of the city’s pop-up markets—the best way to eat your way through the world without leaving Manhattan.
Oly Bennet’s local tip: Want to navigate like a native New Yorker? When crossing the street, walk with purpose and pretend you’re late for an important meeting—even if...