Fun on the go: Grand Central Terminal hosts new lineup of summer events

Commuting in NYC is about to get more fun with an array of events coming to Grand Central Terminal this summer, the MTA announced on Monday.

MTA officials said the summer fun series includes a mix of free and ticketed events in various categories, including book clubs, children’s events, fitness activities and stand-up comedy.

The lineup, developed after public requests at last year’s Summer Streets for more community-building activities, comes as more dining establishments are slated to enter the hub’s retail space, including the long-awaited Tracks Raw Bar & Grill restaurant in Grand Central Madison.

Grand Central Terminal is dishing up other restaurant happenings that foodies will enjoy. Palladino’s Steak & Seafood is expected to open next month in the balcony space adjacent to Vanderbilt Avenue with a formal dining room, a more casual space and a dramatic outdoor terrace. San Wei, featuring ramen, dumplings and bao is expected to open shortly after, in August 2025 in the terminal’s Dining Concourse.

New Yorkers and visitors can get to Grand Central Terminal by subway, bus, Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The summer events and restaurant openings come as both commuter lines are operating with “record high on-time performance,” MTA officials said.

On-time performance for both railroads remains historically high with Metro-North at more than 98% and the LIRR at an overall 97%, according to the agency.

“We are very excited to bring a first-of-its-kind series of summer events to Grand Central, providing the public an opportunity to enjoy one of the most iconic spaces in New York City, and quite frankly, the world,” David Florio, MTA chief real estate transactions and operations officer, said. “Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, served by the busiest two railroads in the country and multiple subway and bus lines, Grand Central is a perfect space to bring people together. And complemented with new restaurant openings, Grand Central is further solidifying its reputation for premier dining and shopping.”