The Beat

New Acquisition in Cattaraugus County Expands Recreational Access, Protects Forests, and Supports New York State’s 30x30 Open Space Conservation Initiative

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy today announced the acquisition of more than 689 acres in the Towns of East Otto and Otto, Cattaraugus County, to add to the East Otto State Forest. The acquisition from The Nature Conservancy preserves critical open space and establishes the forest for timber production, watershed protection, and public recreation.

Howes Cave, NY - The Iroquois Museum will be opening for the season on April 2, 2026, and will remain open through November 29, 2026. The 2026 Special Exhibitions are as follows:…

New York, N.Y. (April 2, 2026) – The Public Theater (Artistic Director, Oskar Eustis; Executive Director, Patrick Willingham) announced casting today for the world premiere production of GIRL, INTERRUPTED, written by Martyna Majok and based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen. The new stage adaptation will feature music by Aimee Mann from her 2021 album Queens of the Summer Hotel, with choreography by Sonya Tayeh and direction by Jo Bonney. GIRL, INTERRUPTED will begin performances in The Public’s Martinson Hall on Wednesday, May 13 with a Joseph Papp Free Performance. The production runs through Sunday, June 21 with an official opening night on Thursday, June 4.

Ten destinations featured in 30-second spot

Orange County, N.Y. (April 2, 2026) — For an eye-catching tour of Orange County, N.Y.’s activities, rich history and spectacular scenery, check out the new promotional video that debuted April 1 on the Orange County Tourism and Film website and in a multi-platform marketing campaign.

Free Family Fun for All Ages and Abilities Beginning on April 11

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Onondaga County Parks today announced a series of all-ages, all-level, all-abilities, family-friendly, catch-and-release fishing events from April 11 to September 12 at various locations on Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County.

Jamestown, New York (April 2, 2026) – The National Comedy Center, the United States’ museum and national archive dedicated to the art form of comedy, announced today that Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer and Seth Meyers will headline its annual comedy festival, held in Jamestown, New York, August 6 – 9, 2026.

Plattsburgh, N.Y. – The Clinton County Historical Association is pleased to announce the receipt of $50,500 in grant monies through two 2026 Local Heritage Grants from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.

New York, N.Y. (April 1, 2026) – Trial Run Productions rides into New York City with a double bill of wild West hijinks and sci‑fi heart: the award‑winning musical comedy Gunfight at the Not‑So‑OK Saloon and the near‑future musical comedy Does Not Compute. Together, the two modern musicals mash up Gilbert & Sullivan‑style wit, classic musical‑theater melody, and contemporary questions about love, ego, and artificial intelligence. Four performances only will be staged May 15–17, 2026 at the John Cullum Theatre at The American Theater of Actors, 314 West 54th Street, New York City 10019. Suitable for audiences 12+.

Free for businesses, region-wide program to drive foot traffic, connect fans with local shops and restaurants, and unlock once-in-a-lifetime FIFA World Cup™ match experiences

Opportunity for two fans to attend FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final

NY/NJ – (April 1, 2026) — With less than 100 days until the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off on June 11, the New York New Jersey Host Committee announced the launch of the Welcome World Rewards Program, a region-wide initiative designed to connect millions of fans with local small businesses and help drive economic activity across communities throughout the region.

Rochester, N.Y.  —The updated 2026 official app for the 23rd Edition Rochester Regional Health Rochester International Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank is now available to download or update. The free app, for iPhones and Android smartphones, is a comprehensive digital guide to the nine-day festival, which returns June 19 to 27 to 19 venues in downtown Rochester, NY.