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
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.
- 22 free outdoor NYC events to enjoy this summer (amny.com)
- 10 free waterside events in Manhattan to enjoy this summer (amny.com)
- Parades, parties, concerts and camping: Your guide to Brooklyn’s best free events this summer (brooklynpaper.com)
- Summer fun 2024: Check out these free activities in the Bronx (bxtimes.com)
- Summer fun on a budget: Free activities to explore in Queens (qns.com)
- Photoville to bring diverse stories, snaps and experiences to Brooklyn Bridge Park on June 1 (brooklynpaper.com)
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
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!
- Brooklyn’s summertime spectacle: The ultimate guide to street fairs and festivals (brooklynpaper.com)
- Summer fun 2024: Check out these Bronx festivals, markets and more (bxtimes.com)
- Guide to Pride in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island (gaycitynews.com)
- Make way for the mermaids! Coney Island USA gears up for 42nd annual Mermaid Parade (brooklynpaper.com)
GO OUTDOORS FOR A MOVIE
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!
- Where to find Manhattan’s outdoor film screenings (amny.com)
- Starry cinema: Your guide to free and low-cost outdoor movies in Brooklyn this summer (brooklynpaper.com)
- Summer fun 2024: Check out these free outdoor movies in the Bronx (bxtimes.com)
ENJOY OUTDOOR MUSIC
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.
- Get some bands for your buck at Brooklyn’s free summer concerts (brooklynpaper.com)
- Here’s where you can listen to outdoor music this summer in Manhattan (amny.com)
- Juniper Valley Park Summer Concert Series kicks-off next week (qns.com)
PUT THESE ON YOUR ENTERTAINMENT TO-DO LIST
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.
- Not hard to find the Bard: Where to catch Shakespeare around NYC this summer (amny.com)
- From Fireworks to ‘Seinfeld Night,’ Brooklyn Cyclones summer schedule promises something for everyone (brooklynpaper.com)
NYC EVENTS FOR FAMILIES
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.
- New York City Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids 2024
- Long Island Summer Bucket List for Kids and Families
- NYC Public Pools to Cool Off In This Summer
- Best Amusement Parks for Kids In and Near NYC
- NYC Parks’ Beaches Open May 25: 9 FREE Family Beaches
- Best Water Playgrounds and Sprinkler Parks in New York
- 6 Family Friendly Hotel Pools for NYC Staycations
- Summer Craft Fairs in New York City and on Long Island
- Catch Free Outdoor Movies in Four Brooklyn Locations This Summer
- Your Family Guide to East End Sleepaway Camps
VENTURE OUTSIDE NYC — THERE’S FUN THERE, TOO
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.
- Summer 2024 Calendar: Things to Do in the Hamptons & North Fork (danspapers.com)
- 2024 Guide to Hamptons & North Fork Farmers Markets & Farm Stands (danspapers.com)
- Worth the trip across the bay: A Fire Island summer fun guide (amny.com)
- Your ultimate guide to visiting the Jersey Shore in 2024 (metrophiladelphia.com)
- Fun things to do in Philly this summer (metrophiladelphia.com)
- Enjoy a summer getaway at Antrim Streamside in the Catskills (amny.com)
