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
- 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 through September 17th. All you need to bring is your yoga mat and some water.
- 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
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: She'll be performing at Madison Square Garden for her Mayhem Tour. She has four dates: August 22nd, 23rd, 26th, and 27th.
- Gracie Abrams: She'll be performing twice in Madison Square Garden on July 28 and 29.
- Linkin Park: The band will be performing at Barclays Center this July 29th.
- SummerStage: Shows run through October 9th, at Central Park Rumsey Playfield.
- Ruidosa Fest: This free festival is the first women-led music festival in Latin America, making its return to the big city for the summer. This year's performers include some of the best in Latin talent, including Snow Tha Product, YENDRY, Empress Of, Sofia Rey, and more. The show will be hosted in Lincoln Center, which has different stages set up. It kicks off at 4 PM this Saturday, August 9th.
Movies and theater
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. Screenings are on Mondays and run from June 9th, through August 11th, with the lawns opening at 5pm and the movie beginning at 8pm pending on weather.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies With a View: Screenings are on Thursdays, at Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn. The lawn area opens at 6pm, with the films beginning on sunset.
- Shakespeare in the Park: This year, Shakespeare in the Park is bringing "Twelfth Night" to the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, with the play marking a reopening for the space that was closed for renovations for 18 months. The play stars Lupita Nyong'o, Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and more. Shows kick off on August 7th and run through September 14th.
A trip to the beach
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