Summer in the city means hundreds of free concerts, performances, and festivals. We know how overwhelming it can be to sort through everything that’s going on, so we’ve picked out five of our favorite summer events. We’re even including extra activities nearby, if you want to make a day of it. What are you waiting for? Take out your pen and mark your calendars!
- June 3rd: Museum Mile Festival
Billed as New York's Biggest Block Party, The Museum Mile Festival has been taking over the Upper East Side for the past 29 years. Admission to nine different museums on 5th Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street (including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum) are completely free from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Bonus: Beforehand, rent a rowboat at the Central Park Boathouse for $10 and enjoy one of Manhattan's most scenic rides through nature. Cool off inside the Boathouse with a glass of wine. Enter the park at East 72nd Street. - June 7th: Big Apple Barbecue
The Snapple Big Apple Barbecue features award winning fare from the nation's top pitmasters. Food will run you $8 per plate, and a selection of beverages and desserts will also be available. The festival takes place from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm in Madison Square Park (on June 8th too) and will feature musical performances, seminars, and cooking demos.
Bonus: Afterwards, grab a beer at a local bar like Grand Saloon (158 East 23rd Street) and watch the running of the Belmont Stakes scheduled for 6:25 pm. After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Big Brown goes for the Triple Crown. - June 27th: Coldplay on the Today Show
For earlier risers, the Today Show Summer Concert Series (between 49th and 50th Street at 5th Avenue) features performances from some of today's hottest artists. When Coldplay takes the stage the week following the release of their new album, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, you'll have to set your alarm clock extra early to snag a good spot for their 7:00 am performance. Click here for a list of all this summer’s shows.
Bonus: Check out the Top Of The Rock Observation Desk at Rockefeller Center which opens at 8:00 am every morning or take an NBC Studio Tour. It could be your last chance to see studio 6A where Late Night With Conan O’Brien is filmed. The show moves to California early next year. - July 5th: New York Philharmonic on Governor's Island
The New York Philharmonic will perform a free show on Governor's Island beginning at 6:30 pm. The concert will take place on the Parade Grounds overlooking the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn waterfront. Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
Bonus: Spend your afternoon exploring the island, which features sixteen acres of recreational facilities and a mile esplanade for jogging and walking. Bring your picnic baskets and snag an early seat to one of this summer's most anticipated concerts. - August 14th: Rent at Broadway In Bryant Park
The cast members of Rent will sing about life in the East Village one final time at this weekly summer series in Bryant Park. Rent, which has been on Broadway for 12 years, will close the following month. Selections from Grease, Young Frankenstein, Legally Blonde, and 13 will also be performed at this 12:30 pm show.
Bonus: Take a leisurely walk to the Upper East Side and catch a ride on the Manhattan Shuttle Bus (3rd Avenue & 72nd Street) to the recently renovated Randall’s Island Golf Center. Even if you’re no Tiger Woods, there are batting cages, miniature golf, and a full service restaurant in addition to a bi-level driving range. Buses leave every hour.
