Shakespeare in the Park – May 24 – August 14, 2016
Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. But Shakespeare in the Park’s popularity means that tickets aren’t easy to come by.
photo by: Tammy Shell
NYC Gay Pride March – June 26, 2016
The Gay Pride Parade in NYC may go down over just one day, but with five boroughs of partying, protests and celebration, you can count on having plenty of LGBT things to do all month long for Gay Pride 2016. NYC is home to a lot of LGBT history, so whether you want to know where to park your hot rod for the big March or you're looking for the best gay bars and lesbian bars in NYC, there are Gay Pride activities all planned out for you.
photo by: Filip Wolak
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks – July 4, 2016
For this mother of all pyrotechnic displays, Macy's will explode more than 40,000 fireworks choreographed to a 25-minute patriotic score. Stake out a nice spot near the Brooklyn Bridge, and bring your own picnic basket with beverages to toast our country's birthday.
photo by: Grace Chu
Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center – June 28 – July 9, 2016
Whether your favorite dance genre is swing dancing or salsa dancing, this event has a night for you, and for people who really love to get down, the best nights to go are June 23 and July 2, when the four hours of dancing are followed by an additional hour-and-a-half of silent disco where DJs spin tunes channeled directly into wireless headphones. Don’t be bummed if a particular night sells out—you’ll still be able to hear the music and dance thee night away from outside the tent with other toe tappers in Damrosch Park.
photo by: Filip Wolak
Bastille Day in NYC – July 14, 2016
Ooh la la! Francophiles have their choice of fetes to celebrate Bastille Day. NYC's annual events include street fairs, outdoor parties, dance events and performances (the cancan!), and more great things to do outside.
photo by: Tazi Phillips
NYC Pizza Festival – July 23, 2016
Who doesn't love Pizza? Pizza is something you can eat anytime of the day. Any day of the week and any week of the year. When it's pizza time, it's pizza time. And you can eat pizza in any occasion. This festival will offer more than 200 different kind of pizzas. From thick to thin from small to big. From pizza to calzones. From healthy ones to nice and cheesy unhealthy ones.
photo by: Ty Comer
Jazz Age Lawn Party – August 13 & 14, 2016
The Jazz Age Lawn Party 2016 is a spectacular summer tradition on gorgeous Governors Island. Step onto the ferry, and back in time, with thousands of others dressed to the 1920s nines and enjoy music from Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, learn the Charleston and sip on cocktails in the sunshine. It’s one of the best things to do outside.
Photo by: Lauren Spinelli
US Open Tennis Tournament – August 29 – September 11, 2016
For two weeks, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park will be the tennis capital of the world for the U.S. Open tennis tournament. While Wimbeldon has its white, New Yorkers bring the party to the National Tennis Center with a celebrity-studded crowd, international food vendors and live musicians performing on the grounds—not to mention tennis's top pros. Whether you're heading to the courts during the day or for a match under the lights, check out how to score autographs from the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams, catch the best action and hobnob with the VIPs.
Photo by: Matthew Stockman
Electric Zoo Festival – September 2-4, 2016
Look out New York City dance clubs, the Electric Zoo 2016 Festival is poised to take over Labor Day weekend, bringing hoards of EDM fans to Randall's Island for the event's eighth summer. The festival has become an unmissable attraction on the electronic-dance-music circuit, featuring a wide range of artists both top name and underground. Get on your dancing shoes and best festival clothing and enjoy the tunes.
photo by: Bennett Skill
Beyonce at Metlife Stadium – September 7, 2016
On the most talked-about tour of the year so far, Queen Bey serves up songs from her emotionally complex, meme-generating Lemonade amid a megamix of hits running all the way back to her Destiny's Child days.
photo by: Schure Media
