Fun summers in New York City are like nowhere else in the world—alive with energy, creativity, and culture on every corner.
Summer in NYC is buzzing. The city transforms into one massive playground, with something happening day and night: block part...
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New York’s biggest free outdoor performing-arts festival across all five boroughs:
Runs May to October, with ~75–80 free and benefit performances in parks citywide, including Rumsey Playfield in Central Park and neighborhood parks .
The season offic...
SummerStage in Central Park
Governors Ball Music Festival (June 6–8, Flushing Meadows)
Headliners include Olivia Rodrigo (who even brought out David Byrne for Burning Down the House), Tyler, the Creator, and Hozier.
The Governors Ball
SummerStage & Lincoln Center Out of Doors (Lincoln Center)
Diverse lineup of free performances – film screenings, dance, live music.
Lincoln Center's Summer for the City Series
Hudson River Music Festival & Hot 97 Summer Jam
Riverfront music events and Hip-Hop/EDM parties.
Hot 97 Summer Jam Tickets | North to Shore Festival
Atlantic Antic (September, Brooklyn)
Mile-long extravaganza of food, crafts, music.
Craft Vendor - Atlantic Antic
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Summer Streets (August, Manhattan)
Car-free days on Park and Lafayette avenues with fitness, performances, activities.
Summer Streets - NYC DOT
Queens International Night Market & Bronx Night Market
Global food, vendors, performances across boroughs.
Queens Night Market | NYC's Night Market
Coney Island Mermaid Parade (around June 21)
Largest US art parade marking summer’s arrival .
The Mermaid Parade
Puerto Rican Day Parade (June, Fifth Ave)
Massive cultural celebration with music, dance, over a million attendees.
NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025 is today. See the route, street closures ...
Movies Under the Stars (Park screenings)
Free outdoor film series in Bryant Park and others .
Movies Under the Stars
Bryant Park Movie Nights & Dance Parties
From salsa to swing and a giant musical chairs event—with ~900 playing this year .
Paramount+ Movie Nights at Bryant Park NYC
Public Pool Days & NYC Beaches
Cool off at any of the city’s public pools or Coney Island/Rockaway beaches.
Free Outdoor Pools
Governors Island offers bikes, hammocks, art installations, and Jazz Age Lawn Parties
Governors Island
Rooftop bars, food trucks, and open-air restaurants overflow with locals and tourists.
Daintree
Denzel Washington has returned to Broadway in a high-profile revival of Shakespeare’s Othello, currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (formerly Barrymore Theatre).
