New York is known for its arts scene, but did you know you can catch a live show without ever leaving The Bronx?

The legendary historic Pregones Theater/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater has given Latin storytellers center stage for decades. What started as a group of artists looking for a space to showcase their own work has grown into a global leader in the theater community with two physical spaces: the living piece of history that is the Walton Avenue theater in The Bronx and a 47th Street location in Manhattan’s Broadway district. Much of the building’s original walls are still intact. Residents can enjoy original works in the 130-person Bronx theater, as Pregones regularly puts on the work of local artists through grants and residencies.

Just 15 minutes away is the Bronx Music Hall, the new home of WHEDco’s Bronx Music Heritage Center and your next spot for live music. From their musical happy hours to a community choir, Bronx residents can flex their creative muscles through live music of all kinds from jazz to salsa. Attached to the venue is residential housing, where neighbors regularly get free admission to BMH.

Both locations aim to keep the arts accessible by offering low-cost (sometimes, free!) events year-round, both in-person and virtually.