Today is going to be downright unpleasant and tomorrow even worse. A big high pressure system off the Mid-Atlantic coast is pulling hot and humid air into the region. Look for highs this afternoon in the mid 90s in the city and lower 90s in the suburbs. The heat and humidity have set off a heat advisory as well as an air quality alert. In response to the heat the city has opened cooling centers and the Salvation Army is opening their community centers to help people keep cool. more ›

We've survived the sirens for many years, and if this truly was the last Siren Fest ever, it certainly went out with a bang. Coney Island was packed full of thrifty music fans for the 7th annual Siren Festival this weekend. Despite the current trend of awful weather for every worthwhile free outdoor concert this summer so far, nobody could complain about the perfect day at the beach this past Saturday. more ›

READING: It's New York Murder Mystery Night with novelists Jed Rubenfeld, Joel Rose, and historian Ben Feldman. The trio will be discussing New York’s famous 19th-century murders, including the bizarre events behind Butchery on Bond Street. more ›

Gothamist returned to Coney Island on Saturday for the second time in two weekends to take in a show at Keyspan Park. While both had stellar bands playing, the mood this week was far different from the energetic evening the White Stripes gave us . Seven acts were set to take the stage between 1:30 and 10:00 this weekend: Nine Black Alps, Mando Diao, Death From Above 1979, Rilo Kiley, Built to Spill, Gang of Four and The Pixies. Out of all four of the Across the Narrows concerts this weekend, this seemed to be, all around, the strongest lineup. Despite this, the turnout on a beautiful fall day was miniscule. Maybe it was due to the fact that the bigger bands have all played New York rather frequently over the past year, but the park was notably empty up until the Pixies came on, and even then, the 8,500 seats remained almost completely empty and there was still plenty of space on the field. Very strange for the caliber of talent on the bill. It gave the whole festival a very amateurish feel. more ›

It's time to get sweaty in the sand, surf and of course the long subway ride to Coney Island. Siren Fest is this weekend, and rain or shine we'll be there. But for those not up for the long haul and long day under the sun and stormclouds, there's always an alternative. Either way, it all seems to be about the surf this weekend... more ›

The Village Voice, the nation's largest alternative weekly newspaper, is excited to announce the initial line-up for the 5th Annual Village Voice SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL(tm) at Coney Island on Saturday, July 16th from 12:00 noon - 9:00 p.m. Scheduled performers include Spoon, Mates Of State, Brendan Benson, VHS Or Beta, Dungen, Q And Not U, and The Dears, with many more to be announced.

Are you tired of waiting around for festival season to officially begin? I mean, we've got a whole month to wait for the Siren Fest. So why not get over to the East River Park Amphitheater this weekend for some free music. The lineup this Saturday is as follows: more ›