Summer is almost here, and in New York City, that calls for rooftop hangouts with friends, picnics in the park, outdoor concerts, and fun in the sun!
Whether you’re just here to visit or you are a native New Yorker, check out these top 10 things to do in NYC this summer!
1. Fourth of July in NYC
In town this Fourth of July? Watch people scarf down as many Nathan’s hot dogs (and buns) as they can in 10 minutes at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island! Pre-show performances start at 10 am with a variety of musicians and performers!
When the evening rolls around, find a spot to view the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. This year, the best viewing locations will be in the South Street Seaport, Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights and the Lower East Side. Fireworks start at 9:25 pm and the show runs for 25 minutes.
2. Movie Nights in the Park
Watching a movie in the park is a great activity for all New Yorkers; everyone from families to cozy date nighters are welcome. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens, all of the boroughs are having movie nights this summer. You can even catch a movie on the Intrepid in the Hudson River!
Here are some of the Whitman Team’s favorite movie nights of the summer:
- Carrie: Monday, July 8 from 5 pm to 11 pm at The Lawn at Bryant Park
- First Man: Friday, July 19 at 5 pm at The Intrepid Pier
- When Harry Met Sally: Thursday, July 18 at 6 pm at McCarren Park’s SummerScreen
- Moonstruck: Wednesday, July 24 at 8:30 pm at Chelsea Piers
- It Happened One Night: Thursday, July 25 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Brooklyn Bridge Park
3. Free Concerts at MoMa’s Summergarden
Want to listen to some tunes? This year’s Summergarden series is titled “New Music for New York” and is comprised of four Sunday evenings throughout July filled with contemporary music, with a focus on classical music and jazz.
Gates open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. Plus, admission is free!
4. Shakespeare in the Park
Are you a fan of the theatre? This summer, Shakespeare in the Park presents Coriolanus, a drama about a general voted into power by a populace hungry for change, and the unraveling that follows.
Performances will be held sporadically throughout the months of July and August at the Delacorte Theatre, and tickets are free!
5. Take a Day Trip to an NYC Beach
If you’re not looking for a full weekend getaway to Fire Island, The Hamptons or Montauk, there are plenty of New York City beaches you can get to by train or ferry for a day trip:
- Brooklyn: Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach
- The Bronx: Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park
- Queens: Rockaway Beach, Jacob Riis Park
- Staten Island: Midland Beach & South Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Wolfe’s Pond Beach, Cedar Grove Beach
Check out how to get there and more details about each beach here!
6. Get Out to a Ball Game
Whether you’re a Yankees fan or a Mets fan, there are plenty of baseball games to catch and an unlimited amount of Cracker Jacks to be consumed. Catch the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx or the Mets at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens.
If baseball’s not your jam, try out a soccer game! The Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey is the home of the New York Red Bulls. Don’t quite want to trek to Jersey? You can also check out the New York City Football Club, frequently playing at Yankee Stadium.
7. NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2019
Restaurant Week is highly anticipated by New Yorkers and it only takes place twice per year. From July 22 through August 16, over 370 restaurants will be offering exceptional pre-fixe meals that will make both your stomach and your Instagram happy.
Get yourself a two-course lunch for just $26 or a three-course dinner for $42. Then repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
8. Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge, also known as the Manhattan Solstice or Manhattan Stonehenge, is a unique phenomenon when the setting (or rising) sun perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s main street grid. It happens twice per year, typically around Memorial Day Weekend in May and again in July.
Manhattanhenge will take place on July 11th at 8:20 pm and July 12th at 8:21 pm. Where’s the best place to watch and take a photo for Instagram? Stop by 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, 57th Street or West 79th Street to catch a glimpse!
Pro Tip: Try to get nearby notable buildings in your photo, such as the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building!
9. Ozy Fest in Central Park
The New York Daily News calls Ozy Fest “an outdoor extravaganza that’s a mash-up between a music festival and a lecture series.” The weekend, which will take place July 20 – 21, is packed with live music sets, stand-up comics, panel discussions, political debates with politicians, cooking demos with celebrity chefs and business discussions with billionaires.
Ever heard of John Legend, Tove Lo, Alex Rodriquez, Barbara Cororcan, Trevor Noah, Malcolm Gladwell, Rachel Ray, Spike Lee or Mark Cuban? They’ll all be there, plus “special unannounced guests.”
10. New York City Poetry Festival
The 9th annual New York City Poetry Festival will take place July 27 and 28 at Colonel’s Row at Governors Island. Free and open to the public, this event gives poets the opportunity to put their unique formats, aesthetics, and personalities in the public eye.
With over 250 poets, the festival will unite the largest community of poets in the country and offer a one-of-a-kind setting for literary activity in a fun outdoor environment.
Will you be attending any other events in NYC this summer? Email us!
Looking to move to New York City to be closer to all of this summertime fun? Contact Bailey Gladysz!
