SUMMER IN THE CITY
Make The Most Of Those Warm And Sunny Days
By Natasha Bazika
Around every New York City corner is an adventure. But add sunshine, vibrant flowers, and streets overflowing with people—and what do you get? Fun in the city. So get ready to revel in long warm days in the park, rooftop bar nights and music-filled nights. Here, just some of the hot events to add to your list.
MoMA PS1
As the weather warms up, why not Warm Up the dance floor at MoMA PS1’s pioneering outdoor music series, returning for its 21st season this summer from June 30th through September 1st. The series will feature the best in live and electronic music, featuring a wide range of emerging and established artists. The program’s alumni include contemporary creators Solange, Black Dice, Jamie XX and legendary DJ’s Ritchie Hawtin and Derrick May. Each year, Warm Up takes place within a site-specific installation by the winners of the annual Young Architects Program and this summer, MoMA PS1’s courtyard will be transformed by Dream the Combine, an installation featuring large-scale mirrors that create unexpected visual connections. Tickets can be purchased for $99. Info: moma.org/calendar/events/3897.
SUMMERSTAGE
New York City’s biggest free summer music festival is upon us once again, and we couldn’t be more excited. For all music fans, SummerStage, presented by City Parks Foundation is a popular event to kick up their heels and let loose as they listen to everything from New York hip-hop artist’s in outer borough city parks to big-name indie-rock bands on Central Parks’ mainstage. This year’s festival runs from June 2nd through September 27th, with events happening almost every day, including dance parties, concerts, live poetry, theater, ballet and outdoor opera series. SummerStage also brings family-friendly activities, including dance and drum workshops from the experts themselves. Info: cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage.
Shakespeare in The ParkSHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
“If music be the food of love…play on,” said Shakespeare in his famous play the Twelfth Night. One of the great summer traditions of Central Park is Shakespeare in the Park at Delacorte Theater. The annual free event includes two productions over the summer course, which this year include Othello and Twelfth Night. This summer Tony winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson directs a sumptuous new production of Othello, while critically-acclaimed songwriter Shaina Taub showcases her music and lyrics in the beloved Twelfth Night production. This free production is an unmissable New York City experience, as crowds are seen lining up at the crack of dawn to watch the play begin as the sun sets behind the charming Delacorte Theater. Info: publictheater.org.
Rooftop BarsROOFTOP BARS
With the warm weather rolling in, city dwellers are gearing up for all manner of seasonal activities including outdoor dining and savoring a Manhattan on a rooftop bar with stunning panoramic views of the real Manhattan at sunset. Rooftop bars are a great way to see the city from above without having to pay for a ticket to the top and drinking is permitted on this deck. There are endless options of rooftop bars, including some with pools, others with lounges and, of course, the classic brick architectural details that make a rooftop bar romantic and traditional to New York City’s bar scene. So, here’s to raising a glass in front of the best views of the city. Info: nycgo.com/photo-galleries/nyc-hotel-rooftops.
Kayaking UpriverKAYAKING UPRIVER
Escape the city by water, with free kayaking on the Hudson River. Adventurers will head out to two locations along the Hudson River for a chance to see New York City from a new perspective. Pier 96 or the dock at 72nd street are two locations of the Manhattan Community Boathouse that offers free kayaking to anyone looking for an adventure, while also getting some exercise in. After signing a waiver and strapping on a life vest, climb into a kayak from the water-level floating deck and float away for 20 minutes on the serene waters of the Hudson, while witnessing the city from the outside. It is a first come, first-served basis, so make sure to get in early. Info: manhattancommunityboathouse.org.
Midsummer Night SwingMIDSUMMER NIGHT SWING
Midsummer Night Swing brings together crowds of people to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center looking to swing, flip and tap away the night under a starry sky. From June 27th through July 15th, dancers will partake in group dance lessons that kick off at 6:30 pm, learning everything from ballroom to salsa and everything in-between. Dancers can also attend a late night silent disco on selected nights, which sounds like a perfect romantic date. Twirl under the stars by music provided by incredible live bands and artists such as The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Loser’s Lounge, Harlem Renaissance Orchestra and more. Tickets range from $20 to $170, depending on how many sessions you choose. Info: lincolncenter.org/midsummer-night-swing.
Grape Escapes in BklynGRAPE ESCAPES IN BKLYN
This summer, visit the world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard, located in Brooklyn’s innovative Navy Yard. Rooftop Reds occupies a space of 14,800 square feet, with 42 planters, containing 168 grape vines and offers visitors the chance to try a variety of wines from New York’s Finger Lakes region. You can sip on a glass of Cabernet Franc Rosé from a picnic table or hammock overlooking downtown Brooklyn. A familiar sight is crowds of young professionals mingling over a game of corn hole or catching a rooftop movie with wine and pizza included. Every Wednesday evening starting at 7 pm, tour the rooftop space, partake in wine and cheese tastings as you learn about the operations and visions of New York City’s first rooftop vineyard. Info: rooftopreds.com.
Day Trip to The HamptonsDAY TRIP TO THE HAMPTONS
Escape the city for a day to enjoy the beautiful scenery and seaside charm of the Hamptons on Long Island. Choose to look into a guided tour or catch the train out and make your own itinerary. Walk the pristine beaches, scour boutique shops, sip on rosé, enjoy a contemporary art exhibit or tour a Hampton show house for an all-around experience in the Hamptons. You can also opt in for a sunset cruise or a ride on a yacht to appreciate the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Info: Empire Vacations, empirevacations.com; Hampton Jitney, hamptonjitney.com; Long Island Railroad, mta.info.
JUNE  June 12th – 17th June 16th Mermaid Parade June 21st June 23rd – 24th  June 24th JULY  July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest July 13th – August 24th  July 17th – 26th July 29th |