Summer in the City
Soak up the sun with our list of recommendations for the best things to do during the summer in New York City. From iconic sights to the latest exhibits and outdoor performances, the city has got it all – the summer is one the best times to experience everything New York City has to offer.
R-CADE (barcade) at The Rink
Come play and cool off with vintage arcade games, from pinball to racing, right off the iconic Rockefeller Center has opened a vintage arcade pop-up in The Rink’s skate hut in partnership with Barcade. The pop-up includes a variety of beloved arcade games from the 80s and 90s, featuring classics like pinball, racing, and fighters, as well as larger social and multiplayer games. All games take tokens and are available via machines located throughout the skate hut (May 27 – October 2, 2024).
Balloon Story
For a limited time, explore the iconic Park Avenue Armory building, transformed into a playful dreamland of larger-than-life, eco-friendly balloon art. Dive into larger-than-life sculptures, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable moments of joy for the whole family (July 3 – August 24, 2024).
South Street Seaport
From music and art to food, cocktails and beyond, explore Pier 17 with special programming this summer. The Seaport’s waterfront playground is perched over the East River with front-row seats to the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline.
Intrepid Museum’s Summer Movie Series
Celebrate the ship’s 80th commissioning anniversary and enjoy special programs, including our free summer movie series, featuring classic “ship” themed films. Enjoy views of the Hudson River and city skyline while screening classic films on the flight deck (Fridays from 5:00 – 9:00pm May – August 2024).
The Met: Roof Garden Commission
Witness sweeping views of Central Park, with this year’s Roof Garden commission at The Met, a sprawling 3-D sculptural installation, and enjoy drinks on the Met’s rooftop garden bar. Petrit Halilaj’s Abetare, offer a look inside the collective minds and imaginations of schoolchildren growing up in the midst of conflict (April 30, 2024 through October 27, 2024).
Seaport Fit
Get Seaport Fit with the city’s top trainers with free classes, panel discussions and more every week along while enjoying the iconic views of the city.
Museum of Ice Cream
Be transported to an ice cream wonderland when visiting the Museum of Ice Cream that transforms concepts and dreams into spaces that provoke imagination and creativity. MOIC is designed to be a culturally inclusive environment and community, inspiring human connection and through the universal power of ice cream.
High Line Art
Head to the High Line along the west side and walk across the 1.45-mile-long hybrid space of lush gardens and trails while taking in the impressive views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Admire the newly added pastel-hued floral wall mural, “Thank You Darling” to the High Line’s extensive artwork installations while strolling along the High Line, which aims to bring a moment of gratitude and joy to all who pass by it.
Little Island at Pier55
From June through September, Little Island presents a series of live dance, opera and theater performances with food at a unique greenspace unlike any other in New York City on the Hudson River. Take a seat in their amphitheater and watch the colors dazzle over the Hudson River.
Hudson Yards Summer Concerts
Enjoy free outdoor concerts at Hudson Yards every Wednesday from June through August featuring music’s emerging artists, like Keke Palmer, David Archuleta and Chayce Beckham.
Boat Rentals at The Central Park Boathouse
With the Central Park Boathouse fully reopening – a row boat rental is the perfect way to enjoy a day on the Central Park Lake.
Coney Island
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Cyclone, a relaxing day strolling the boardwalk or catching the rays on the beach.
Pride Month
Come together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance with NYC Pride – from vibrant marches and concerts to art installations and food festivals all month long in June.
The Met Cloisters
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson River while discovering the wonders of medieval Europe through the art, architecture, and three cloister gardens.
Carl Schurz Park
Enjoy the waterfront view across the East River to Roosevelt Island and Queens and walk along the promenade or relax on a bench with a book. Bonus Tip: Make a reservation to take a tour of Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City and is known for its historic architecture and picturesque surroundings along the East River.
Picnic Performances at Bryant Park
Bryant Park’s outdoor performing arts free festival, Picnic Performance, is back this summer and consists of 26 live music, dance and theater events in collaboration with renowned NYC institutions such as Carnegie Hall, NYC Opera, Classical Harlem, American Symphony Orchestra, along with additions such as Grammy winners and a James Bond-themed finale. (May 31- September 13, 2024).
Governors Island
Take the ferry to the city’s urban oasis and experience transformative public art, unforgettable events, cultural and educational programming.
