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NYC events: Your ultimate guide to 200+ summer activities

NYC Events -- summer 2024 guide
Photo via Getty Images

You hear that? That’s the sweet sound of summer — NYC events free or on the cheap! 

The summer season is swiftly approaching, and with that is figuring out how you can spend those gorgeous sunny days, warm nights, and summer Fridays. And with a plethora of things to choose from, you could find yourself hitting a festival or an outdoor movie, or even venturing outside the Five Boroughs to Long Island or the Jersey Shore.

You might be thinking: I’ve got all this free time coming up, and I have no idea how to spend it. Where do I ever start?? Well, luckily for you we’re not hanging you out to dry.

We and our sister publications Brooklyn Paper, Bronx Times, QNS, Dan’s Papers, Gay City News, Metro Philadelphia and New York Family have compiled a list (actually, lists upon lists, including more than 200 events) of things you can do to truly embrace summer in the city and beyond. This is your Ultimate Summer 2024 Guide to NYC Events! 

CHECK OUT THESE FREE NYC EVENTS

NYC Events -- summer 2024 guide

The best stuff in life is free, and that is doubly true for summertime events. Check out below to find some of our favorite NYC events from across the Five Boroughs.

Plus, if you’re headed to the beach (which is always free!), Brooklyn Paper is here to tell you which beach fits your vibe!

FESTIVALS FOR ALL AGES TO ENJOY

2022 NYC Pride Parade.Dean Moses

Life’s too short to not have funnel cake. All summer long, New York City will be home to various festivals and street fairs that really bring the summer together.

We’ve got a few of our favorite festivals compiled below, here’s what you need to know before you go!

GO OUTDOORS FOR A MOVIE

Visitors relax on the lawn at Pier 1 as they wait for the movie to begin at the Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Movie With a View series. Photo Credit: Linda RosierFile

Pull out your comfiest blanket and pack some snacks! Outdoor movies take your regular movie night plans and plants them under the stars.

There is something for everybody, with movies playing on the big outdoor screen all summer long. Check out which films are playing near you!

ENJOY OUTDOOR MUSIC

Photo courtesy of the City Parks Foundation

Live summer music in New York City is more than just Gov Ball. All summer long, you can find free and low-cost outdoor concerts where you can dance the night away under the summer sky.

Here’s a look at where you can find some affordable outdoor concerts in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

PUT THESE ON YOUR ENTERTAINMENT TO-DO LIST

Sandy the Seagull throws socks down to the stands during the Brooklyn Cyclones’ first home game of the season on April 9.

There’s so much to behold in this city of ours! Though there is no Shakespeare in the Park this summer, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get your fill of the Bard. 

Plus, it’s Cyclone season yet again! Their games are already fun, but there is a lot in store for the summer! Check out this summer’s upcoming schedule of themed nights and celebrations at Maimonides Park.

NYC EVENTS FOR FAMILIES

NYC Events 2024 summer guide
Photo via Getty Images

As Alice Cooper would say, school’s out for summer! And with that comes a lot of free time for your kiddos to take a break from academics and just having some good old-fashioned fun.

If you are looking for some kid-friendly ways to spend the summer, we’ve got you covered. From pools to fairs and even some must-do activities, New York Family has rounded up the best ways for you and your kids to have a memorable summer before the dreaded school year returns.

VENTURE OUTSIDE NYC — THERE’S FUN THERE, TOO

Fancy a trip to the Jersey Shore?Photo via Getty Images

Need to get out of the city for a few days? We get it. To get away from the hot hustle and and bustle of the Big Apple, you can get away as near or as far as you feel is right for you.

Check out some of the summer activities and getaways you can find from out on Eastern Long Island and upstate New York to Jersey Shore and Philadelphia.