How to 'Performa': A Strategic Guide

Performa isn't a single museum show; it's a city-wide marathon of live events. A smart plan is essential. Here is our strategic approach.

  • Passport vs. À La Carte
    Do the math. The Performa Passport ($150) is your best value if you plan to see 4-5 or more ticketed performances (averaging $20-$45). If you only want to see 1-2 key commissions, buy tickets à la carte.
  • Study the Map & Group by 'Zone'
    The city is your campus. We've grouped venues into three tactical 'Zones' (see below). Plan your days by Zone—do not attempt to cross from Brooklyn to Uptown in one evening.
  • Book Premieres First
    One-night-only events and the opening weekend commissions *will* sell out, often weeks in advance. Prioritize and book these now.
  • Build a Tactical Itinerary
    Save your venues in Google Maps. A '30-minute' subway ride can easily be 50 minutes with delays and walking. A Brooklyn-to-Chelsea jump is a 60-90 minute commitment. Be realistic.
  • Follow the Official Live Feed
    Follow @performa_nyc on Instagram and Twitter. This is your *only* source for last-minute schedule changes, sold-out notices, and surprise pop-up events.

Venue & 'Zone' Navigator

Do not underestimate travel time. Planning your days by geographic zone is the single best way to maximize your time.

📍 Downtown / Hub Zone

Venues: Performa Hub (424 Broadway), Federal Hall, Connelly Theater, Abrons Arts Center, 'Canyon' (site-specific).

The Vibe: The biennial's epicenter. This is your home base for free talks, research, and a dense cluster of experimental shows.

Travel Tip: Most venues are walkable from the Hub (10-20 mins) or a short subway ride. Federal Hall is a high-security building; arrive 20-30 minutes early and travel light.

📍 Brooklyn Zone

Venues: BRIC (Fort Greene)

The Vibe: High-production commissions in a formal theater setting. A destination event.

Travel Tip: This is a commitment. Allow 45-60 minutes by subway from the Downtown Hub. Do not schedule a Manhattan performance within 2 hours of a BRIC show.

📍 Uptown Zone

Venues: Harlem Parish (258 W 118th St), Americas Society (680 Park Ave).

The Vibe: Grand, historic venues used for major commissions and special events (like the Opening Night Gala).

Travel Tip: These venues are far from each other and from the Hub. Treat each as a single, dedicated event for your evening.

Performa 2025: Curated Event Calendar

Here is our curated guide to the biennial's key commissions, talks, and free events, based on the official schedule. Book all tickets via performa2025.org.

Week 1: The Premieres (Nov 1 – 7)

Walking Tour

McKenzie Wark: Walking Tour

Date: Sat, Nov 1 (2, 3, & 4 pm)

Venue: Tompkins Square Park

Duration: 45 mins

Price: Check Official Site

Tactical Tip: A great, low-commitment way to start the biennial. Kicks off before the main gala.
Hub Event / Free

Performa Hub Official Opening

Date: Sun, Nov 2 (2:00 pm)

Venue: Performa Hub (424 Broadway)

Duration: N/A

Price: Free

Tactical Tip: Your first stop. Get oriented, see the Diller Scofidio + Renfro design, and plan your week.
New Commission

Diane Severin Nguyen: WAR SONGS

Date: Sun, Nov 2 – Tue, Nov 4 (7:00 pm)

Venue: BRIC (Brooklyn Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: An early, major commission in the Brooklyn Zone. Book this now and dedicate your evening to it.
Hub Event / Free

Moriah Evans: Every Body Knows

Date: Thu, Nov 6 & Fri, Nov 7

Venue: Performa Hub (Downtown Zone)

Duration: Ongoing

Price: Free

Tactical Tip: A recurring, free performance at the Hub. Perfect to drop into between ticketed shows.
New Commission

Tau Lewis: No one ascends...

Date: Thu, Nov 6 & Fri, Nov 7 (7:00 pm)

Venue: Harlem Parish (Uptown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: Takes place in the same stunning venue as the Gala. A major commission in the Uptown Zone.

Week 2: The Deep Dives (Nov 8 – 14)

Hub Talk / Free

Camille Henrot & RoseLee Goldberg

Date: Sat, Nov 8 (4:00 pm)

Venue: Performa Hub (Downtown Zone)

Duration: 90 mins

Price: Free

Tactical Tip: This will be packed. A must-see conversation. Arrive 30-45 minutes early to guarantee a spot.
Performance / Free

Regina José Galindo: New Performance

Date: Wed, Nov 12 (6:00 pm)

Venue: Americas Society (Uptown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Free (RSVP Required)

Tactical Tip: A rare chance to see this legendary artist for free. RSVP *immediately* on the official site.
New Commission

Lina Lapelytė: The Speech (NYC)

Date: Thu, Nov 13 (6:30 pm)

Venue: Federal Hall (Downtown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: Site-specific at a national monument. Expect airport-style security. Arrive extra early.
New Commission

Ayoung Kim: Body^n

Date: Thu, Nov 13 (8:30 pm)

Venue: 'Canyon' (Downtown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: 'Canyon' is a secret, site-specific venue. The address will be revealed to ticket holders. Book this on a flexible night.

Week 3: The Finales (Nov 15 – 23)

New Commission

Pakui Hardware: Spores

Date: Sat, Nov 15 & Sun, Nov 16

Venue: Connelly Theater (Downtown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: A key commission from the Lithuanian Pavilion. A hot ticket. The Connelly is an intimate East Village venue.
New Commission

Aria Dean: The Color Scheme

Date: Fri, Nov 21 & Sat, Nov 22

Venue: Abrons Arts Center (Downtown Zone)

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: A major new work from one of the biennial's most anticipated artists. Book this, or regret it.
Performance

Lucinda Childs: Street Dance

Date: Fri, Nov 21 – Sun, Nov 23 (11am & 12pm)

Venue: Check Official Site

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Check Official Site

Tactical Tip: A historical re-staging of a 1964 classic. A must-see for performance art history buffs.
New Commission

Sylvie Fleury: Instructions for Twilight

Date: Sat, Nov 22 & Sun, Nov 23

Venue: Check Official Site

Duration: Check Official Site

Price: Ticketed (Est. $25-$40)

Tactical Tip: The grand finale. Fleury is a major international artist; this closing weekend performance will be a major event.

Veteran's Insider Tips

A few hard-won lessons from Performa veterans to help you navigate the biennial.

  • Wear Comfortable Shoes. This is the golden rule. You will walk more than you expect, stand in long lines, and often stand *during* performances.
  • Download Your Tickets. Cell service and WiFi in repurposed warehouses, historic basements, and crowded Hubs can be non-existent. Screenshot your QR codes or add them to your wallet *before* you leave.
  • Check Performance Durations. A "performance" can last 45 minutes or 12 hours. Know what you're committing to before you plan a dinner reservation.
  • Arrive 45 Minutes Early. We are not joking. Seating is almost always general admission, and popular shows *will* overbook. For free Hub talks, make it 30 minutes.
  • Eat Before You Go. Most venues are *not* theaters. They are repurposed spaces with no concessions. Grab a coffee or meal *before* you head to the performance.