New York City is known for world-famous Summer events, including Shakespeare in the Park and the Central Park SummerStage. But there are also an incredible number of lesser-known but just as fabulous festivals and summer activities in NYC. Here are some of the most memorable:
Grab your foodie friends and come to #TimesSquare’s annual food & music festival, Taste of Times Square! On June 5, you’ll be able to feast on delicious dishes from over 50 restaurants while listening to live music.
2. Museum Mile Festival
Billed as the biggest block party in NYC, this cultural festival features free admission to many of the world’s premium art exhibits during extended evening hours. Covering 23 blocks and seven museums, the celebration also includes plenty of outdoor fun, like live music, face painting, street chalk drawing, and countless other offerings. June 13th.
3.River to River Festival
A tradition started over 15 years ago, the River to River Festival fills downtown Manhattan with 10 days of free cultural exhibitions, performances, and events. Enjoy the many artistic experiences offered along the waterfronts and in parks, plazas, hotels, historic landmarks – and even vacant offices. Music, dance, art, drama, and so much more fill these spaces with movement, energy, and light.
4. NYC Summer Streets
For the first three Saturdays in August, almost seven miles of NYC streets, reaching from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, are taken over by the public so they can walk, run, bike, and play safely. Celebrating the most valuable public space available in New York City, this festival focuses on encouraging healthy recreation and the use of public transportation. All activities are free of charge and enable everyone to enjoy NYC from a different vantage point.
5. Feast of San Gennaro
Marking the end of summer and taking over the streets of Little Italy, this delicious festival in lower Manhattan offers 11 days of ethnic celebration. From parades and religious procession to live music and celebrity guests, there’s something for everyone here. And, of course, incredible Italian food, served fresh from street vendors, local restaurants, and charming cafes.
6. Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Celebrating the start of the summer season in Coney Island, the annual Mermaid Parade is a magical, colorful tribute featuring floats, marchers, and antique automobiles, all rejoicing in the arrival of the summer solstice and the opening of popular Coney Island activities. Blending ancient mythology with seaside honkey-tonk traditions, this spectacular pageant attracts hundreds of thousands of participants and celebrants each year. June 17.
Take in the NYC summer like a local & enjoy a picnic in Central Park surrounded by all the lush greenery our beautiful city has to offer. When you book our summer package enjoy two cocktails upon arrival, complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a picnic basket that includes two sandwiches, a bottle of Rosé and a blanket.Just ask our concierge for directions to these or other exhilarating summer events.
