20 Things to do This Summer in NYC ☀️

Some heat friendly options for when you want to go on adventure without leaving the city

Greetings to you all as we step into the radiant, bustling days of late spring in our beloved New York City! As temperatures rise, each corner of our city buzzes with the unspoken promise of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered by the curious and the daring. Summer in New York isn’t just about braving the heat and the rats; it's about embracing the city’s vibrant spirit, exploring the unknown, and making memories in the most unexpected places. If you’re ready to spend the warmer days peeling back the layers of the city's typical touristy facade and diving into the heart of what truly makes our city pulse with life, then you’ve stumbled upon the right list.

This summer, I invite you to join me in rediscovering New York City. Although I have a lot of upcoming travels taking me away from the city this summer, I plan on making my limited time in the city this summer unforgettable, exploring what makes NYC truly special.

Here are some things I’m gonna check out! I’m sending them to you a month early because some involve planning, and as a planner myself, I’ve already added some of these to my calendar.

Secret Garden Tours - Venture into the unknown with tours of lesser-known green spaces like the Lotus Garden floating above West 97th Street or the enchanting 6BC Botanical Garden in the East Village. These pockets of tranquility offer a rare glimpse into the city’s private oases.

Rooftop Cinema Club - Enjoy an evening of nostalgia and charm watching timeless films on a rooftop setting. The Rooftop Cinema Club provides comfy seating, wireless headphones, and a selection of indie films and cult classics, alongside breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline.

Have a Death Row Meal Day - Go around the city eating your favorite things from your favorite restaurants, or as I like to call it, a build-your-own death row meal. If I were to die tomorrow, today, I’d get a chocolate croissant from La Cabra for breakfast, the Baan salad and Phat See Ew from Thai Diner for lunch, Portrait Bar for a pre-dinner negroni and french onion dip, a burger and cottage fries from JG Melon for dinner, and the yellow cake from Bar Bete for dessert. You can go to as many or as few places as you’d like, and you can get a lot of walking in if you opt to travel between locations on foot!

The Jazz Age Lawn Party - This glamorous event on Governors Island is your chance to live out a Gatsby fantasy. Don your finest 1920s attire and dance to live jazz, partake in Charleston contests, and sip on vintage-inspired libations crafted by period attired mixologists.

Prospect Park Soiree - Dress in your best summer whites and join hundreds of others for a dazzling evening at the Prospect Park Soiree. Bring a very fancy picnic, enjoy live music, and dance under the stars in one of Brooklyn's most beautiful parks. This is so fun and I’ve made it part of my summer NYC traditions!

Brooklyn Flea Market - Set off on an adventure at the Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO, searching for the quirkiest items among the stalls. What’s more, indulge in local gourmet snacks from Smorgasburg, offering everything from bahn mi to artisan ice cream.

Street Art Tour in Bushwick - Dive deep into the heart of Brooklyn's artistic movement with a guided tour through Bushwick Collective’s street murals. Learn about the global artists behind the vibrant paintings and the cultural stories they tell.

Queens Food Tour - Begin your summer adventure with a culinary tour through Queens, one of NYC's most diverse boroughs. Taste your way through delicacies from around the world, including authentic Tibetan momos, Colombian arepas, and Egyptian koshari, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant area.

Queens Night Market - As dusk falls, head to the Flushing Night Market where the flavors and sights of Asia come alive. Sample a vast array of street food, from spicy Szechuan noodles to sweet Hong Kong egg waffles, all while enjoying live music and performances. Pro tip: There are over 100+ stalls, so bring friends, divide and conquer the lines, and then reconvene to enjoy your food treasures. Cash only.

Sunset Sailboat Tour of the Harbor - Experience the beauty of New York from the water with a sunset sailboat tour around the harbor. Witness the skyline glow in golden hues and see landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in a breathtaking new light.

Attend a Rooftop Dance Party at Elsewhere - Dance the night away at Elsewhere, a popular rooftop venue in Brooklyn. With an eclectic lineup of DJs spinning everything from techno to classic hits, this party is a favorite among locals looking to experience Bushwick’s legendary nightlife.

MoMA PS1's Summer Dance Parties - This summer, unleash your inner dancer at MoMA PS1's electrifying Summer Dance Parties. Every weekend, their courtyard transforms into a vibrant celebration of music and movement for their Warm Up series. They host an eclectic lineup of the best local and international DJs and live bands, each bringing their unique beats to one of the city's most dynamic artistic spaces. Feel the energy of the crowd, enjoy innovative art installations, and let the rhythm move you under the sunlit sky.

Coney Island - Spend a day at Coney Island where you can catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at MCU Park. After the game, enjoy classic boardwalk amusements, including the famous Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel, for some old-fashioned fun.

Day at Rockaway Beach - Hit up Rockaway Beach for a sun-filled day on the sands. After a surf lesson from Locals Surf School, stroll or bike down to grab a burger from Rippers, the beloved beachfront joint known for its delicious l burgers and vibrant atmosphere. Wrap up your day at the Rockaway Hotel, where you can enjoy a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the ocean. The hotel often hosts live music and art exhibitions, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local culture.

SummerStage in Central Park - Celebrate the warmth of summer with New York City's most anticipated outdoor music festival, SummerStage. Set in the iconic Central Park, this series brings together an array of performances from renowned artists across genres. From jazz to indie, hip-hop to classical, each show is set against the lush backdrop of Central Park. Gather your friends, pack a picnic, and soak up the sun as you enjoy live music in one of the city's most beautiful settings. It’s an essential part of the New York summer experience!

Get Down at Nowadays’ Mister Sunday - Sunday afternoons are transformed at Nowadays with Mister Sunday, an outdoor celebration of music, community, and the spirit of Brooklyn. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this event features a mix of live and electronic music curated to please every ear. Dance on a sun-drenched rooftop or chill in lounge areas with friends new and old. Whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, Mister Sunday is your weekly escape to enjoy good vibes and great tunes in the heart of the city.

Shakespeare in the Park - Take part in a beloved New York tradition for mesmerizing performances of William Shakespeare's plays under the stars.Bring a blanket and a loved one, and enjoy world-class theatre in the open air—a truly magical summer evening that promises to captivate and inspire. Here’s a guide on how to get the coveted tickets.

Pickleball at Wollman Rink - Experience the fastest-growing sport in America right in the heart of Central Park. Wollman Rink transforms into a pickleball paradise, offering players of all skill levels a chance to indulge in this fun and social sport. In collaboration with CityPickle, anyone is welcome to book a slot from 8 am to 9 pm, starting at just $10 per person.

Celebrate Japanese Culture at Japan Fes - Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan without leaving New York City at the annual Japan Fes. This lively street festival spans several blocks, featuring a plethora of traditional and contemporary Japanese food, arts, crafts, and entertainment. Savor authentic Japanese cuisine, watch live performances ranging from martial arts demonstrations to J-pop concerts, and explore vendor stalls offering everything from kimonos to handmade crafts. It’s a perfect cultural getaway right in the heart of the city!

Discover the Extraordinary at the Tribeca Festival - Explore an incredible lineup of films, from indie gems to blockbuster hits, alongside immersive virtual reality experiences, captivating talks, and live music performances. This festival transforms Tribeca into a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation, offering something intriguing for everyone.

The Whitney Biennial - Immerse yourself in the forefront of contemporary American art at the Whitney Biennial, hosted by the Whitney Museum of American Art. Known for its adventurous and groundbreaking exhibitions, the Biennial offers a comprehensive look at the current state of contemporary art in the United States. Featuring an eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, this year's event showcases a diverse range of mediums and perspectives, reflecting the complex cultural dialogues that shape our times. Engage with a myriad of artworks—from painting and sculpture to installations and performances—and explore the themes and ideas driving contemporary creativity.

Ok, that’s it for now, see you next week!! Let me know if you end up checking any of these off of your list, or if there’s anything that I missed that should be on the list.