Seven Fun Things to Do in New York City, Summer 2024
Looking for NYC parks, beautiful gardens, foodie fairs and more to visit this summer?
For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. So, it is the perfect time to start planning your to do list and we are here to help you make the most of your time. Whether you just want to soak in some sun or perhaps do some al fresco dining, here are seven fun things to do in New York City, summer 2024.
Watch Shakespeare in the Park
P.C.: centralpark.com
Attending Shakespeare in the Park is a fun annual tradition for us. The bad news is that the Delacorte Theater in Central Park is being renovated and it won’t reopen until 2025. But the good news is that instead, Shakespeare in the Park will take place in parks across all five boroughs. You can watch The Comedy of Errors in parks like Bryant Park, Hudson Yards, Sunset Park, Wolfe’s Pond Park and more. Plus, on July 28, the Public Theater is also having a free block party and that sounds like a lot of fun.
See New York Botanical Garden’s Wonderland: Curious Nature Exhibit
P.C.: nybg.org
The New York Botanical Garden will have the Wonderland: Curious Nature exhibit from now until October 27. It will feature whimsical Wonderland themed floral displays and art. Plus, on June 1, 8 and 15 from 7–10 PM, they will host Wonderland nights which will have the Wonderland characters, specialty themed cocktails, light displays and even a Mad Hatter themed dance party.
Take Advantage of NYC Beaches and Parks
P.C.: nycgovparks.org
The summer is a great time to be outdoors, and New York City is home to world class beaches and parks. They are now all open and have a calendar packed with special events. You can cool off in the waters by Coney Island, plan a relaxing picnic with friends and family in the iconic Central Park or watch a movie in Bryant Park. Honestly, you can easily visit a new beach or park every weekend this summer!
Get Dinner or a Snack at the NYC Night Markets
One foodie trend that we love that is becoming more and more popular are night markets! The Queens Night Market is probably the most popular but there are also the Bronx Night Market, Brooklyn Night Market, Uptown Night Market, Vegan Night Market and Chinatown Night Market. You can check out exciting new dishes to try during the cooler summer hours.
Go on an Ahoy New York Food Tour
A great, stress-free way to explore New York City this summer is joining us on one of our food tours, the Market 57 Chelsea Food Tour, Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest or Tasty Global Bites – A Culinary Journey through Nolita. Learn about the fascinating history and get the inside foodie scoop to popular NYC neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Nolita and Chelsea.
Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks
P.C.: yelp, Cynthia Z.
Watching Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is a popular New York City summer tradition. This year the fireworks will launch on barges between West 14th and 34th streets on the Hudson River. This is the first time this iconic fireworks show will be on the West Side since 2013 so you can get great views in different parts of the city compared to other years.
Find Some Deals in NYC Restaurant Week
Finally, NYC Restaurant Week is from July 24 to August 20 this year. You can get prix-fixe meals from some of the most popular restaurants across New York City. If you can’t wait, you can also check out Black Restaurant Week, which is from June 16 to June 30. It offers even more yummy options from black owned business across the Tri-State area.