Summer in New York: Free and Low-Cost Events You Can't Miss

A few days ago, the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau unveiled a series of free and low-cost activities and events for this summer in New York City that visitors and/or residents can enjoy within the five boroughs. So if you're planning your visit, don't miss some of these events that may be of interest to you.

The following events take place annually, so if you can't make it this year, keep them in mind for next year:

• Summer Streets provides the opportunity to enjoy miles of open streets on summer Saturdays for recreation, walking, and biking. This program will be available in various locations: Queens and Staten Island on July 29; Manhattan on August 5, 12, and 19; and Brooklyn and the Bronx on August 26.
• Harlem Week in its 48th edition from August 10-20, which will highlight the vibrant cultural heritage of this historic neighborhood. The event will feature a variety of festivities including live music, impressive dance performances, culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and much more.
• The West Indies Day Carnival begins on August 31. The festivities in Brooklyn culminate with the September 4 parade.

Hip Hop is celebrating its anniversary!

• Hip-hop, which was born in New York City on August 11, 1973, turns 50. The celebrations include totally free concerts such as «Birth of a Culture», Grandmaster Flash and Friends in Crotona Park in the Bronx on August 4, and the BRIC Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary Weekend, on August 11 and 12.
• Beatstro, the Mott Haven restaurant, is a true hip-hop-inspired gem. It offers a unique menu that combines delicious Southern flavors with Puerto Rican cuisine. Plus, you can enjoy happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m., as well as an exciting Beats n' Brunch on weekends.
• Dance in Times Square Ailey Extension, free classes including a hip-hop workshop on June 30 and a 50th anniversary celebration of hip-hop on August 10.

New York City Restaurant Week Returns

• NYC Restaurant Week®The highly anticipated twice-yearly culinary event returns this summer from July 24th to August 20th, featuring a wide selection of restaurants across all five New York boroughs offering prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Discover a variety of culinary options on the full list of participating restaurants, which will be available on this page. nyctourism.com/restaurantweek starting July 6th.

The islands and beaches of NY:

New York, a city surrounded by water, is made up of a set of islands that are connected through the affordable NYC Ferry which costs only $4 each way.

• Coney Island, in Brooklyn, is famous for its iconic waterfront promenade featuring roller coasters like the Cyclone and Thunderbolt, the Wonder Wheel, rides, games, and Nathan's Famous hot dogs.
• Orchard Beach, in the Bronx, offers a fabulous view of City Island, the fishing village of the district.
• Little Island, with free access to a waterfront view, plus interactive art, performances and events.
• Governors IslandThe vehicle-free island features walking trails, bike paths, a hammock forest, and food trucks. Additionally, free Governors Island Arts events and workshops are held on the third Saturday of every month from May to October.
• Rockaways The Rockaways beaches in Queens are famous for being the only surfing beaches in New York City. Enjoy the sand, the surf, and don't forget to try the food at Tacoway Beach.
• Finally, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan and admire the incredible view of the Statue of Liberty before visiting South Beach and Midland Beach where you'll find beaches, a 2.5-mile boardwalk, and a fishing pier.

  

Outdoor shows:

• Outdoor shows are a classic of summer in New York. In Central Park, the famous Shakespeare in the Park  offers free performances of Hamlet at the Delacorte Theater until August 6.
• Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage presents free concerts in parks throughout the five boroughs, offering a wide variety of musical genres.
• BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! celebrates its 45th season at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, featuring free performances by artists such as NxWorries, Kelela, Marcia Griffiths, The Wallflowers, Jorge Drexler, The Head and the Heart, and many more.
• You can also enjoy free outdoor screenings with Film at Lincoln Center until September 1, Flicks on the Beach in Coney Island starting July 10, and Movies With A View Thursdays at Brooklyn Bridge Park from July 6 to August 24.

Public art:

New York is also known for its incomparable museums and galleries, and the public art that can be found throughout the city. Here are some of the events for 2023:

• He Public Art Fund, or Public Art Fund, offers free contemporary art exhibitions to the public. Currently, works are on display in New York City parks, JCDecaux bus shelters, and transit hubs such as LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, and Moynihan Train Hall.
• Midnight Moment brings public art to 92 digital billboards in Times Square, from 41st to 49th Streets, every night from 11:57 p.m. to midnight. This summer, the program features works by artists Zach Blas (through June 30), Victoria Fard (July 1–30), and Scott Eaton (August 1–31).
• Seaport Arts presents exhibitions throughout The Seaport in Lower Manhattan. This summer, you can enjoy a variety of exhibitions, including Janette Beckman's "Hip Hop at 50" (through October 31) and SuperRare's "Fragments of the Dreams: A Surrealist Vision" (June 22–July 29), among other highlights.