With days that last well past 8pm and amazing warm weather, there’s no better time to visit New York City than during the summer months. Expect high temperatures in the mid 80s (high 20s celsius) and daylight from just before 6 am to well after 8pm. Given that you’ll have nearly 15 hours of sunshine to take advantage of, New York City is yours to explore.
So say goodbye to the short, blustery days of winter, grab your short sleeve shirts and take notes because we’re going to share all the best activities to enjoy when you visit New York City this summer!
Below you’ll find events, festivals, sites, and more throughout NYC that you can enjoy throughout the five boroughs this summer.
Since its first performances in 1979, the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival has been entertaining audiences of New Yorkers and visitors alike. This free festival hosts events all summer long that are a testament to culture and creativity.
With performances featuring “global music icons, legendary jazz artists, chart-topping indie bands, gravity-defying dance troupes, large-scale film projects” and even VR installations, this Prospect Park Bandshell-based series is a must-see for any NYC summer visit.
My tip: these are all summer festivals and concerts in NYC.
Located just off the West side of Manhattan between 13th and 14th Streets, the Little Island is a 2.4 acre public park that features a playground, an amphitheater, and stunning views of the Hudson River.
A beautiful natural oasis, Little Island is also a wonderful spot for families to stop by. A summer highlight for kids of all ages is the Little Island’s Art Cart, a mobile artmaking hub that provides step-by-step DIY activities, as well as the regular Perform In The Park Series of concerts featuring New Yorkers showing off their passions and talents.
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a grand celebration honoring a culture and a people that have made a significant impact both in New York and in the US.
This year’s theme, Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces (One Nation, Many Voices), promotes the creativity and diversity of thought in Puerto Rico and across the diaspora. Taking place on 5th Avenue throughout the day on June 14, 2026, this is one of the highlights for any summer visit to New York.
Taking place each summer in Lower Manhattan, the River to River Festival is a free summer arts festival that features live art performances and public art installations.
Put on by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, this event was started after the events of 9/11 as a way to help heal and celebrate New Yorkers’ resiliency. For tourists to New York, this is a moving way to connect with the city and to experience some beautiful, thought-provoking art.
My tip: These are the best art festivals and art fairs in NYC right now.
A day sail on this 105-foot schooner is perfect for family outings, dates, and entertaining guests from out of town and locals alike. A sail on America 2.0 is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.
We’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!
The Governors Ball Music Festival, originally held on Governors Island, will now take place in a new location. Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, with its green lawns and lofty trees, is the perfect location for a festival weekend in the summer.
In addition to an exciting lineup with great musicians, GOV BALL also offers a wide selection of food and drinks to suit every taste. With this, nothing can stop you from having an exciting festival weekend in New York!
When you visit New York during the winter, Broadway can be one of the best ways to take in world-class performances while also taking a bit of a break from the freezing temperatures.
While Broadway shows are just as amazing during the summer, it’s nice to have a way to enjoy them and still be outside. That’s why Broadway in Bryant Park is such a treat for folks visiting NYC.
Seeing the biggest hit numbers from on and off Broadway shows while enjoying the fresh air? Sounds like the perfect summer event to us!
The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
There are many ways to celebrate the 4th of July in New York City. For some visitors, the most iconic might be to witness the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. Sponsored by Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, this 10-minute event takes place on Coney Island and features the world’s top competitive eaters.
With reigning champ Joey Chestnut having just set a world record, will 2023 see him hitting new highs? You’ll have to be there live to see for yourself (and maybe try a hot dog for yourself, too!).
Get more information here about the legendary Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Twice a year, the sun sets at a specific angle. The streets and avenues of New York are set up as a grid. During this time, the sun will align perfectly in between the skyscrapers. This phenomenon is called Manhattanhenge and can be observed in May and July. Do not miss out on this one. What’s even just as astonishing is how many people show up and take pictures of this special occasion.
If you happen to be traveling to New York in early July, make sure to make a note for Tuesday, July 4th. As America’s Independence Day, cities all over the country will be marking the holiday with festivals, community events, and yes, fireworks!
Macy’s is returning with their annual fireworks show which will take place on Tuesday, July 4 at 9:25pm. To get a good view of the event, you’ll want to head over to the East River early!
My tip: this is the complete guide to 4th of July in New York and here you find the best 4th of July Cruises!
In celebration of the fifth moon (or the fifth month) of the lunar calendar, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race highlights traditional Chinese foods and performances as well as incredible displays from over 120 dragon boat teams from across North America.
This free event, tentatively scheduled for August 8-9, 2026, will be held on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York.
For more information on the schedule, arts and entertainment offerings, music and dance, and the culturally diverse food court, head to the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race official website
