There’s nothing like that out-of-office ping to turn Friday into a mini-holiday. When the clock strikes “close enough,” head west and let the cobblestones set the pace. Here is a sunset-to-starlight plan that stacks culture, play, and open-air lounging without any Hamptons traffic.

4 PM – Reset on the Promenade

Start with a stroll (or an iced coffee pit stop) on the brand-new West 14th Street Promenade. Five wooden decks, sculptural Vestre furniture, and just-planted evergreens turn the block between Ninth and Tenth into your breezy runway for the night.

5 PM – Level Up at Puttery

Two blocks south, swap spreadsheets for scorecards at Puttery. This isn’t your childhood mini-golf; think craft cocktails and themed courses. Play a quick nine, toast the winner, and let the loser buy the snacks.

6:30 PM – Little Island Intermission

Drift west to Little Island and catch golden hour from one of the tulip-shaped lookout points. Live music and Hudson breezes handle the unwinding for you.

7 PM – Art After Hours at the Whitney (Free!)

Every Friday from 5 to 10 PM, the Whitney Museum opens its doors without charge. Reserve a ticket in advance, glide past the elevator queues, and wander Hopper, Sherald, or other spotlight shows. The rooftop terraces make perfect sunset photo ops.

8:30 PM – Patio Bites & Nightcaps

Back on street level, keep the momentum with a Neapolitan pie from Simo Pizza under the red umbrellas in Gansevoort Plaza, or head to the Standard Biergarten to raise a stein, play a round of ping-pong, and soak up the easygoing atmosphere.

10 PM – Choose Your Own Nightcap

If you’re still buzzing, swing over to NBetween Bar for late-night DJs; if you’re winding down, take one last lap along the Promenade—now glowing under the streetlights—before catching the subway or a rideshare home.

One Friday, Four Spots, Infinite Summer Energy

Culture, competition, river views, and a brand-new public space—all inside a half-mile loop.