Summer in New York City is more than just a season—it’s a full-on celebration. After months of waiting, the city bursts to life with rooftop sunsets, open-air markets, dance parties, waterfront escapes, and warm nights under the skyline. Whether you’re looking to picnic in Central Park, kayak on the Hudson, catch a movie on a rooftop, or dance at a block party, this guide curates the very best ways to welcome summer across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. From iconic must-dos to under-the-radar gems, these are the experiences that make summer in NYC worth the wait.
Central Park Picnic
Spread out on the Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow, or by the lake with friends and snacks for a relaxed start to summer. Pick up picnic supplies from places like Zabar’s or Whole Foods.
Estimated cost: Free park access; $15–$30 per person for food.
Rooftop Bars with a View
NYC rooftops come alive in summer with skyline views, music, and cocktails. Try popular spots like The Ready, Harriet’s, Somewhere Nowhere, Berry Park, or Mr. Purple.
Estimated cost: Free entry at most; drinks $14–$22; some venues may have minimums.
Smorgasburg – Outdoor Food Market
Held in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, and the World Trade Center, this open-air food market features over 60 vendors offering a variety of global street food.
Estimated cost: Free entry; food items $7–$18 each.
Beach Day – Rockaway or Coney Island
Take the subway to the beach for a classic NYC summer day. Rockaway offers a surf-friendly vibe, while Coney Island brings boardwalk energy, hot dogs, and amusement rides.
Estimated cost: Subway $2.90 each way; food $10–$20; Luna Park rides from $35.
Free Outdoor Events
Catch a SummerStage concert in city parks, a movie night in Bryant Park, or Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater. These events offer live culture under the stars.
Estimated cost: Free; optional food or drink $8–$15.
NYC Ferry & Governors Island
Ride the ferry to Governors Island for hammocks, art, food vendors, and open green space, or cruise the East River for skyline views and fresh air.
Estimated cost: $4 ferry each way; food or rentals on the island $10–$25.
Kayaking on the Hudson or East River
Free kayaking is available at spots like Pier 26, Pier 96, and Brooklyn Bridge Park for a low-key waterfront adventure.
Estimated cost: Free (donations welcome).
Little Island at Pier 55
A floating park on the Hudson with winding paths, unique design, and seasonal performances. Ideal for a sunset stroll or a casual daytime visit.
Estimated cost: Free entry; ticketed shows start around $25.
Museum Pay-What-You-Wish Evenings
Museums like the Whitney, The Met, and Brooklyn Museum offer discounted or donation-based entry during evening hours, great for art after dark.
Estimated cost: Pay-what-you-wish; suggested donations typically $1–$10.
Outdoor Comedy and Poetry Nights
Find free or low-cost shows in parks or on rooftops. Popular venues include Fort Greene Park and The Tiny Cupboard in Bushwick.
Estimated cost: Free–$10 suggested donation in parks; rooftop/comedy clubs $10–$25 with drink minimums.
Hester Street Fair or Grand Bazaar NYC
Browse vintage finds, handmade goods, and food vendors at these lively outdoor weekend markets featuring local makers and DJs.
Estimated cost: Free entry; shopping or food $10–$30.
Citi Bike Ride through a Scenic Route
Rent a Citi Bike and explore the city by pedal. Scenic routes include the Hudson River Greenway, Brooklyn Bridge, and loops around Prospect Park.
Estimated cost: $4.79 for a single ride; $19 for day pass.
Green-Wood Cemetery Sunset Tour or Stroll
Explore this historic, park-like cemetery in Brooklyn known for its sculptures, skyline views, and quiet atmosphere. Guided evening tours offer a mix of history and storytelling.
Estimated cost: Free for self-guided visits; guided tours $20–$30.
Bushwick Street Art Walk
Wander through Bushwick’s open-air art museum, with murals and graffiti by world-famous street artists covering building walls and warehouses.
Estimated cost: Free; guided walking tours range from $20–$30.
Outdoor Yoga in the Park
Join open-level yoga classes offered in city parks like Prospect Park, Bryant Park, or Astoria Park. Classes often feature music and draw large weekend groups.
Estimated cost: Free–$10 suggested donation.
Queens Night Market
Open on Saturday nights, this lively market near Flushing Meadows features international food stalls, live music, and a community vibe.
Estimated cost: Free entry; most food items capped at $6 each.
Jazz in the Garden at MoMA or Lincoln Center Plaza
Relax with live jazz performances in iconic cultural settings. MoMA’s sculpture garden and Lincoln Center’s outdoor plaza both offer summer programming.
Estimated cost: MoMA concerts included with admission ($14–$25); Lincoln Center Plaza events are often free.
Harlem Meer or Prospect Park Paddle Boats
Rent a paddle boat for a calm spin across the Harlem Meer in Central Park or the lake in Prospect Park. Great for couples, families, or just low-key solo time.
Estimated cost: $20–$30 per hour rental.
Sunset at Domino Park or Hunter’s Point South
Unwind with unobstructed waterfront sunset views across the East River. Both parks offer seating, food stands, and space for lounging.
Estimated cost: Free; optional snacks/drinks $5–$15.
Outdoor Dance Parties and DJ Sets
Catch summer dance sessions like Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park or indie DJ nights in McCarren Park and Knockdown Center’s backyard space.
Estimated cost: Free–$20 depending on the venue and event.
Roosevelt Island Tram Ride + Picnic
Take the scenic tramway over the East River to Roosevelt Island, then hang out at Lighthouse Park or Southpoint for a waterfront picnic with skyline views.
Estimated cost: $2.90 each way with a MetroCard; picnic food $10–$20.
Live DJ Sets at Nowadays in Ridgewood
This beloved indoor-outdoor venue hosts summer-long day parties, outdoor dancing, and chill sessions with food, hammocks, and craft cocktails.
Estimated cost: Entry $10–$25 depending on the event; drinks $10–$18.
Coney Island Fireworks Fridays
Head to Coney on a summer Friday night for fireworks over the boardwalk after sunset. Pair it with a ride on the Cyclone or a hot dog from Nathan’s.
Estimated cost: Free to watch; subway $2.90 each way; optional rides $10–$35.
Summer Boating or Party Cruises
From chill daytime sails to full-on DJ sunset party cruises around Manhattan, boat events make the most of warm weather and city views.
Estimated cost: $20–$60 depending on cruise type and time.
Outdoor Roller Skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center or Pier 2 in Brooklyn
Roller rinks pop up in warm months with music, themed nights, and rentals. Pier 2 in Brooklyn has waterfront vibes, while Rockefeller Center is central and festive.
Estimated cost: $10–$22 including skate rental.
Sunset Movie Nights at Rooftop Cinema Club or Skyline Drive-In
Catch cult classics, new hits, or summer favorites on rooftops or by the water, complete with headphones, lounge chairs, and skyline views.
Estimated cost: $20–$35 per ticket.
Open Streets + Car-Free Days (e.g., Summer Streets)
Stroll, bike, or dance in the middle of major city streets closed to cars on select weekends. Summer Streets in August opens up Park Ave for pedestrians.
Estimated cost: Free; food trucks or pop-ups $10–$20.
No city does summer like New York. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, sampling global eats, dancing in the streets, or just soaking up every warm breeze and skyline view, these experiences are what make the season unforgettable. Use this guide as a starting point—but let the energy of the city lead the way. Plan a few outings, say yes to last-minute invites, and leave space for spontaneous adventure. Summer’s here. Go live it.
FROM THE SIDEWALK
FROM THE SIDEWALK highlights Moments and events that capture NYC’s attention.
