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New York summer 2025 guide: Top events, festivals, and things to do© Getty Images

Summertime!

New York summer 2025 guide: Top events, festivals, and things to do

The city is packed with all sorts of events for the summer


Maria Loreto
Senior Writer
JULY 9, 2025 5:25 PM EDT

Summer in New York is special. The season draws in all manner of tourists and events, giving locals something fun and different to do every weekend, or even every day of the week. While the weather can get incredibly hot in the incoming months, New Yorkers love to enjoy the heat and the sun in any way they can, whether that means spending more time in the city's gorgeous parks, enjoying outdoor restaurants and special occasions, or simply taking advantage of some of the seasonal entertainment that's available to them. 

Here's all you should know about making the most of this summer in New York:

Health and fitness

Fit young Woman in black sportswear drinking water from a reusable metal bottle after running workout © Getty
There are many run clubs in the city depending on the borough you live in
  • Free yoga classes in Bryant Park: If you want to spend some time outdoors this summer without breaking the bank, there will be free yoga classes being given out in Bryant Park on Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 6 pm. 
  • Join a run club: There are many running clubs in the city, depending on your borough, but they provide a fun and social way to get a workout in without having to spend any money. 

Big shows and festivals

Lady Gaga is even taking the stage© Getty
Lady Gaga is one of the most anticipated performers this year across the US

When it comes to concerts and festivals, there's plenty of stuff to do, including hotly anticipated performances and tour stops, including awaited reunions for bands like My Chemical Romance, Linkin Park, and more. 

There's also the SummerStage performances, a series of free concerts hosted across different parks in the city. Some of the performers in the coming weeks include Camilo, Bob Sinclair, The Roots, and more.

  • Lady Gaga
  • Gracie Abrams
  • Linkin Park
  • SummerStage

Movies and theater

New York summer 2025 guide: Top events, festivals, and things to do© Getty Images
Different parks in the city are offering free movie screenings

This summer, multiple parks are offering free outdoor movies, with many providing guests with comfortable seats, popcorn, and snacks. Just be sure to get there early. 

When it comes to theater, Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City's most famous events, granting guests access to some of the best stage plays in Central Park for free.

  • Bryant Park's Paramount+ Movie Nights
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies With a View
  • NYC Parks' Movies Under the Stars
  • Shakespeare in the Park

A trip to the beach

A view of Coney Island beach in the summer© Getty Images
A view of Coney Island beach in the summer

New York is known for many things, including its beaches, which you can get to through the subway or the bus. 

  • Brighton beach
  • Orchard beach
  • Coney Island
  • Rockaway Beach

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