Get in the mood for sunny days, more daylight and warm weather by browsing this list of free outdoor events in Manhattan to enjoy this summer. The list features festivals, music events, stargazing and so much more for fun seekers of all ages to enjoy.
Whether you love getting out in nature, listening to music or indulging in art, this list of free outdoor events in Manhattan will help you create a summer itinerary that will stay full and fun throughout the season.
Free outdoor events in Manhattan this summer
Drums Along the Hudson
WHEN: Sunday, June 1; 11 a.m.
WHERE: Inwood Hill Park; 218 Street and Indian Road
WHAT: Enjoy an exciting day outside at this event that features drummers and dancers from around the world, native arts and crafts, an environmental tent, storytelling and more.
WANT TO GO? Event is rain or shine. More information at drumsalongthehudson.org.
Dog Crafts at the Bryant Park Art Cart
WHEN: Wednesdays, June 4 – Aug. 20; 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park; bet. 40th and 42nd Streets
WHAT: The AKC Museum of the Dog will hold this dog-themed art series for all ages.
WANT TO GO? Feel free to bring your dog!
Family Activity Weekends
WHEN: Weekends, Jun 7 – 29; 11 a.m.
WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum; 12 Fulton St.
WHAT: Gather up the family and head to this series to learn about the history of photography and create cyanotype pieces using specially treated paper infused with light-sensitive chemicals.
WANT TO GO? Takes place on the cobblestone street in front of 207 Water St. but may move inside if it rains.
The Happening: Free Community Block Party
WHEN: Sunday, June 8, 12 p.m.
WHERE: Church Street School for Music and Art; 41 White St.
WHAT: Enjoy this annual celebration that includes live music, art projects, a student art show, games, raffles and more.
WANT TO GO? More information at churchstreetschool.org.
National Puerto Rican Day Parade
WHEN: Sunday, June 8; 11 a.m.
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, 44 to 79 Streets
WHAT: Head to this exciting parade that celebrates Puerto Rican culture, history and achievement.
WANT TO GO? More information at nprdpinc.org.
Pigeon Fest
WHEN: Saturday, June 14; 12 p.m.
WHERE: The High Line at 30th Street
WHAT: A full day celebration about all things pigeon! Enjoy games, art workshops, a pigeon impersonation pageant and a concert, all while learning about these iconic NYC birds.
WANT TO GO? More information available on the website.
Star Gaze Saturdays
WHEN: June 14, July 12, Aug. 9; 8 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park – Pier 1 and 70th Street
WHAT: Explore the stars with the Amateur Astronomers Association.
WANT TO GO? Events wrap up at 11 p.m.
Global Water Dances with Musical Seeds Concert
WHEN: Saturday, June 14; 2 – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park on the Locomotive Lawn
WHAT: This event features participatory activities to advocate for safe water. Learn dances and listen to music about water and the planting season.
WANT TO GO? More information at riversideparknyc.org.
Sun Gaze Sundays
WHEN: June 15, July 13, Aug. 17; 1 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park – Pier 1 and 70th Street
WHAT: Safely observe the central star of the solar system with the Amateur Astronomers Association.
WANT TO GO? Events wrap up at 4 p.m. More information online.
Harlem Library Kick-off to Summer
WHEN: Wednesday, June 18; 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
WHERE: Marcus Garvey Park at Richard Rodgers Amphitheater
WHAT: Enjoy a performance by Lady B and giveaways from The Children’s Storefront Harlem and The Studio Museum in Harlem.
WANT TO GO? More information at nycgovparks.org.
Juneteenth: Seneca Village
WHEN: Thursday, June 19; 1-2:30 p.m.
WHERE: W. 81 St. and Central Park West in Central Park
WHAT: Celebrate Juneteenth and learn about Seneca Village. Before Central Park was built, the area from West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, the largest community of African-American property owners in New York. Discover the history and lives of the village’s residents in the 1800s.
WANT TO GO? More information at nycgovparks.org.
Swedish Midsummer Festival
WHEN: June 20, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Rockefeller Park; Chambers Street and River Terrace
WHAT: Head to this fun festival that celebrates the summer solstice. Attendees will make floral wreaths, enjoy a parade and delight in Swedish foods.
WANT TO GO? More information is at bpca.ny.gov.
Porch Stomp
WHEN: Saturday, June 21; 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Nolan Park on Governors Island
WHAT: Immerse yourself in a volunteer-run music celebration featuring traditional folk, blues, roots, bluegrass and American genres.
WANT TO GO? More information is at govisland.com
FAD Market
WHEN: June 21-22, July 19-20, August 16-17; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: Liggett Terrace and King Avenue on Governors Island
WHAT: Take a day trip to Governors Island to browse this fun and vibrant market that features a rotating lineup of more than 40 of the city’s emerging makers, artists and small businesses. See handcrafted jewelry, art, apparel, home furnishings and more.
WANT TO GO? Check govisland.com for information on how to get to the island.
High Line Tour: From Freight to Flowers
WHEN: Through August; Tuesdays, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: The High Line at Gansevoort Street
WHAT: The event will spotlight the elevated city park’s history.
WANT TO GO? Information about more scheduled tours at thehighline.org.
Stargazing on the High Line
WHEN: Every Tuesday through Oct, 28, sunset until 30 minutes before park closure.
WHERE: The High Line at Little West 12th Street
WHAT: Discover the stars as you walk along the elevated High Line to get a closer look at the sky. Look through high-powered telescopes provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association.
WANT TO GO? No experience necessary. Just have fun!
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
WHEN: Friday, July 4
WHERE: TBA
WHAT: Enjoy this iconic, world-famous fireworks display that celebrates America’s independence.
WANT TO GO? More information to be announced.
Taikoza Drumming Performance
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8; 3 p.m.
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Park; 148th Street and Bradhurst Avenue
WHAT: Enjoy powerful rhythms at this exciting outdoor Taiko drum performance, which draws from Japan’s tradition of music and performance.
WANT TO GO? The event will be held in the bandshell in the park.
River & Blues Concert Series
WHEN: July 10, 17, 24 and 31; doors open at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City
WHAT: Enjoy free concerts set next to the scenic Hudson River.
WANT TO GO? More information at bpca.ny.gov
City of Water Day
WHEN: Saturday, July 12; 11 a.m.
WHERE: Rockefeller Park
WHAT: Learn all about local waters and take part in a fun art project.
WANT TO GO? More information at waterfrontalliance.org.
NYC Poetry Festival
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13; 11 a.m.-6p.m.
WHERE: Nolan Park on Governors Island
WHAT: Hosted by the Poetry Society of New York, the weekend will feature readings, workshops, open mics and more.
WANT TO GO? More information is available at newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com.
Summer on the Hudson: Locomotive Open House
WHEN: Saturday, July 19; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park South
WHAT: Check out the renovated locomotive in the park and discover Manhattan’s West Side rail yard history.
WANT TO GO? More information at nycgovparks.org.
Fly NYC
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 16; 12 p.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park – Pier 1 and 70th Street
WHAT: This all ages event will feature music and kite-flying. Kite kits provided for free while supplies last. Feel free to bring your own kit from home, too.
WANT TO GO? No kite flying experience is necessary!
Sketch Jam
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 30; 11 a.m.
WHERE: Riverside Park; Sakura Park at 122nd Street
WHAT: Calling all artists of all skill levels! Bring your art supplies to this fun observational drawing event led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain.
WANT TO GO? All experience levels are welcomed.
Wetland Wednesdays
WHEN: June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Randall’s Island Park
WHAT: Explore salt marsh habitat and learn about cool species that live in the marsh.
WANT TO GO? More information is at randallsisland.org.
