The Harlem Holiday Lights celebration offers an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. Every year, community groups and merchants throughout Harlem host in-store activities and promotions, as well as outdoor activities, to celebrate Harlem’s culture and the start of the holiday season. The event takes place along 125th Street, and stretches from Fifth Avenue to Marginal Street on the East River. From karaoke and trivia to the Parade of Lights and giveaways, this event offers something for everybody.
Harlem truly has a unique, arts-focused culture, and it’s filled with an indescribable energy when it’s lit up. We’re thrilled to share the excitement with you.
Harlem Holiday Lights offers entertainment all night long, so stop by 125th Street and join in on the fun. It’s a free event and open to the public—you don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking lights and family-friendly excitement!
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In Partnership with:
Barnes & Noble
With Special Guest - Michael Strahan
Join the Emmy award-winning multi-hyphenate superstar Keke Palmer in a powerful and personal experience as she embarks on the first part of a nationwide tour to connect with you!
At this event, Keke is sitting down to talk with TV host and journalist, Michael Strahan – a modern "master" and visionary, to have an inspiring and empowering conversation on what it takes to master yourself.
This is more than a book tour—it’s an empowering experience where Keke and Michael will share personal stories and valuable lessons of self-mastery that come from the inside – whether you're looking to boost your confidence, unlock your potential, or navigate life's challenges with grace – Keke Palmer’s Master of Me tour is a perfect opportunity to learn and unlock your potential.
About Master of Me:
A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF FALL 2024: Bookshop, Apple Books, and more!!
Keke Palmer thought she knew who she was. What it means to be a good person and what it takes to be a success. It all seemed so simple, until she realized the challenges she would have to face to prove to herself who she wanted to be. From feeling alienated to having to restart her career after ten years in to becoming a single mother just months after her son was born―everything she worked for in life that she felt granted her what she wanted now also reminded her that “life is going to life” and throw curveballs regardless of what you deserve. She found herself asking, Where do I find my power? How do I master myself?
In her own raw and intimate words, Keke talks about everything from her struggles with boundaries to unconditional love, forgiveness, and worthiness. “Don’t block your blessings and potential opportunities by allowing the voices of other people to influence your actions,” she says. “How you’re choosing to set yourself up for success is between you and the person looking back at you in the mirror.”
Throughout the book, Keke also poses readers with the questions needed to get them through their own challenging times by sharing personal stories and lessons she’s learned along the way. She gets candid about the tools she’s developed to take the reins, harness her vulnerability, and recognize ownership in the narrative of her life―which allowed her to turn personal power into major power.
In this exhilarating, deeply poignant, and often laugh-out-loud book, Lauren Keyana Palmer gets real about life, work, love, and belief. These pages will encourage readers to empower themselves with the truth, leverage their currency, and find the keys to master themselves and the art of alchemy. Keke writes, “You are not on anyone else’s timeline, only your own.”
The result is a tour de force.
They said, “Jack of all Trades, Master of None.”
She said, “No, I am the Master. Of Me.”
Keke Palmer Bio:
Keke Palmer is an Emmy award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, producer, author, television host, and passionate voice of the millennial generation. She rose to prominence through her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee at age 12 starring opposite Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne and has gone on to star in over 25 films and 30 TV shows including the iconic True Jackson, VP. Most recently, Keke starred in Jordan Peele’s Universal summer blockbuster, Nope, and hosted NBC's reboot of Password with Jimmy Fallon, which had the most-watched new unscripted series premiere of the summer across the broadcast networks. She is the CEO of both KeyTV—a digital network dedicated to spotlighting a new generation of diverse creators and democratizing the entertainment industry—and the record label Big Bosses Entertainment. Palmer has broken barriers from a young age, becoming the youngest actress to receive a SAG Award nomination in a lead actor category for her work in The Wool Capat the age of 10, the youngest and first Black Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic musical, Cinderella on Broadway, the first black woman to star as Marty in the Emmy-nominated TV movie version of Grease Live!, the first Black woman to host the MTV Video Music Awards, the youngest talk show host in history, and she recently made history as the first Black woman to win 'Outstanding Host For A Game Show’ at the 2023 Emmys for her work hosting NBC's reboot of Password.
Michael Strahan Bio:
Emmy winner, Super Bowl Champion, and Peabody award-winning journalist Michael Strahan currently co-anchors ABC’s Good Morning America, serves as an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday, and hosts ABC’s primetime game show favorite The $100,000 Pyramid. Strahan also headlined the Thursday Night Football Pregame Show live on the Fox Broadcast Network. Strahan is the co-founder of SMAC Entertainment, a multi-dimensional talent management, music, branding, and production company which has created a major presence in the sports and entertainment arena. For four years, Strahan co-hosted the hit talk show LIVE with Kelly and Michael, and prior to joining the ranks of the top sports broadcasters in the country, Strahan had a spectacular NFL career that resulted in him being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. In 2015, Strahan launched his lifestyle brand, Michael StrahanTM, a men’s and boys’ apparel line that includes everything from tailored, sportswear, denim, accessories, underwear and beyond. Going back to Strahan’s football roots, in 2020, the line expanded with MSX by MICHAEL STRAHAN for NFL, a men’s and women’s NFL licensed apparel line. In 2022, the brand entered the CPG space with Michael Strahan Daily Defense, a skin and shave collection for men of all ages and ethnicities. The Michael Strahan lifestyle brand continues to expand and is available at JCPenney’s, Men’s Wearhouse, CVS, Jos A Bank, HSN and QVC and more retailers nationwide. Strahan released his best-selling book, Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life,” which includes personal stories and motivational advice. Dedicated to many charitable works, Strahan donates his hands and heart to charities including St. Jude’s.
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
Experience a powerful exploration of music, art and cultural liberation with Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton by renowned installation artist Bayeté Ross Smith.
Engage with a dynamic soundscape featuring freedom songs cherished by Harlem residents, their stories, and historical insights about the impact of the sugar and cotton industries on our present and future. These two sculptures continue the conversation about preserving our nation’s history and its broader significance.
Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton will be on view at The Laura and Frank Baker Gallery at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria through December 18, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful exhibition.
The Apollo is pleased to partner with Rolling Stone for the sixth installment of their Musicians on Musicians series. Busta Rhymes, GloRilla, Brittany Howard and Doechii will take our stage for an evening of engaging discussions and power-packed live performances that will showcase the dynamic talent of the featured artists as well as celebrating the intersection of genres and exploring the power of music and culture. For the first time, this series comes to life on the legendary Apollo stage to present stars from the worlds of hip-hop, rock, R&B, and pop for an unforgettable night of music and conversation.
Longtime Rolling Stone contributor Touré will moderate both conversations, with musical direction by Louis Cato.
Talent subject to change.
In partnership with Rolling Stone.
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome volunteers of all ages to The Apollo to celebrate a full Gobble Gobble Give NYC event!
Join us on Thanksgiving, with shifts starting at 8am, for an inspiring day of giving back to people in need in Harlem and across the city. After focusing on a toy and donation drive in recent years due to the pandemic, we’re bringing back meal preparation, donation sorting, toy distribution, and our special Children’s Holiday Workshop, where kids can create holiday crafts for the families we help. This is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids; children are not only welcome but encouraged to help!
- Meal Assembly Station: Volunteers will prepare individual meals to be delivered to local shelters, families, and individuals in need.
- Meal and Donation Deployment Area: This is where volunteers will organize meals, donations, and supplies for pickup and delivery by the different organizations we’re helping.
- Kids Holiday Workshop: A creative space where children can make holiday crafts, such as cards, ornaments, and friendship bracelets for children in need.
- Toy, Food, Clothing, and Toiletry Sorting: Volunteers will help organize the donations of toys, non-perishable food, clothing, and toiletries we receive, ensuring that every item gets to the right place.
- Family Portrait Corner: As a thank-you for their participation, volunteers will receive a professional portrait to commemorate the meaningful day.
Join us on Thanksgiving Day to make a lasting impact—because your time and kindness could be the reason someone feels the warmth of the holiday season.
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Rashan Brown presents poetry me, please at The Apollo—Back by Popular Demand!
After selling out in 2023, we're bringing PMP back to the iconic theater for an unforgettable night of poetry in 2024. Join us on Saturday, November 30th as we continue to put spoken word on the main stage.
Hosted by the dynamic duo Young Prince & The Comedian, with sounds by DJ Complete, this night promises to be the LARGEST and most electrifying pure poetry show in New York and the greater Eastern Region. Expect performances from some of the world's most acclaimed poets, surprise guest appearances, and musical talents that will inspire you. Experience poetry like never before—the PMP way.
poetry me, please isn’t just an event series; it's a movement. We are a content production studio dedicated to giving artists a platform, providing access to a community of over 2,500 creatives, and offering high-quality video content to enhance their portfolios. We are your one-stop shop for expression and creativity, always putting poets first. This is more than a night out; it’s a chance to be part of history.
no expectations, just a night at ease; but only one request; poetry me, please
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
Join THE A-LIST
Celebrating 90 Years of Black Culture, Creativity, and Community!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Get behind-the-scenes access to the place “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made!”
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The Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artists, and as a place to celebrate life moments and cultural revolutions. Bring your next performance, fashion show, television or photo shoot to The Apollo.
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ABOUT
A Legacy of Culture
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
The Apollo is led by a predominantly Black and women-led executive team, steered by Michelle Ebanks, the organization’s President and CEO. She succeeded Jonelle Procope, who helmed The Apollo for nearly two decades.
Apollo Education
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Celebrate the past, present, and future of Black art and creativity. Your generosity enables The Apollo to fulfill its mission and sustain its legacy of excellence.
