NEW YORK — Summer in New York City is eventful, and is one of the most anticipated seasons for many tourists and locals.
The good news is that people can enjoy the Big Apple without spending a lot of money, and often for free.
For that reason, New York City Tourism + Conventionsthe city’s official destination advocacy organization and convention and tourism bureau, shared a selection of free and affordable experiences for New Yorkers, Hispanics and visitors to enjoy this summer.
“New York has something to offer for everyone, regardless of their interests, length of trip or budget – there is more to see and do here than in virtually any other city in the world,” said Fred Dixon, president and Executive Director of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “During the summer months, New York is packed with street festivals, a wide variety of outdoor dining, and cultural offerings, in addition to its beautiful parks, beaches, and green spaces.”
free events
- Pride March: It takes place on Sunday June 25. This year’s march is attended by grand emcees Billy Porter, Yasmin Benoit, AC Dumlao, Hope Giselle and Randy Wicker. More here.
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks: they will be held again on the East River.
- SummerStreets: returns on Saturdays this summer, offering miles of open streets for playing, walking and biking. Here the days and information for each county.
- herlam week: From August 10-20, the 48th edition of Harlem Week will highlight the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage, with celebrations that include live music, dance performances, culinary offerings, shopping and much more.
- West Indies Day Carnival: It begins in Brooklyn on August 31. The festivities culminate with the parade on September 4.
- New York Restaurant Week: The biannual dining program returns this summer from July 24 to August 20, packed with hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. The full list of participating restaurants will be available on July 6 here.
Beaches
- Surrounded by water, the city is made up of a group of islands. The five counties are connected through the NYC Ferrywhich is only $4 each way.
- The beach district of Coney Islandin Brooklyn, is perhaps best known for its boardwalk, with its Cyclone and Thunderbolt roller coasters, the Wonder Wheel, other rides and games, and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
- orchard beachin The Bronx, once known as “New York City’s Riviera,” sits on the Long Island Sound and offers a fabulous view of City Islandthe county’s fishing village.
- In Queens, the rockaways home to the only surfing beaches in New York. Enjoy the sand and surf and don’t forget to eat at Tacoway Beach.
- get on the Free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan and enjoy the extraordinary view of the Statue of Liberty, before visiting south beach and Midland Beach. These coastal neighborhoods offer their beaches for enjoyment, as well as a 2.5-mile boardwalk and fishing pier.
parks
- Treat yourself to visiting the new public park in Manhattan, Little Islandwhich offers free access to a view of the coastline, plus interactive art, performances, and events.
- Another summer season favorite is Governors Island, a car-free island with trails for walking and biking, a forest of hammocks and food trucks. Governors Island Arts’ free events and workshops are held on the third Saturday of each month, May through October.
outdoor shows
- Outdoor shows are a summer classic in the Big Apple. The famous Shakespeare in the Park Central Park will offer free performances of Hamlet at the Delacorte Theater until August 6.
- Enjoy free concerts in the parks of the five districts with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, with performances spanning a wide variety of musical genres. More here.
- BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! celebrates her 45th season in Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell. This year’s lineup includes free performances such as Jorge Drexler (August 3).
- Enjoy a free movie with the outdoor projections of Film at Lincoln Center Until September 1st; Flicks on the Beach at Coney Island starting July 10 with a lineup that includes movies for the whole family; and Movies With A View Thursdays from July 6 to August 24 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. EITHER at Bryant Park through August 21.
