Sunny skies over the skyline, longer days and warmer temperatures mean only one thing in Manhattan: Summer is here! And there are plenty of summer events in Manhattan planned throughout the season for New Yorkers of all ages and interests to enjoy. From free concerts to vibrant outdoor festivals, New Yorkers can plan their summer days throughout the borough.
As a bonus this year, many events will be held in recognition of America’s 250th birthday, including an amazing International Naval Review featuring a massive fleet of some of the world’s grandest tall ships!
Here is a list of events that New Yorkers can look forward to in the borough this season. Be sure to check each event’s website for any updates and ticket information before heading out.
2026 Summer events in Manhattan
River & Blues
WHEN: Thursdays in July; Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Battery Park City
WHAT: Battery Park City’s outdoor summer concert series returns on Thursdays in July, bringing blues music to the waterfront. This year will feature Rebirth Brass Band, The War and Treaty, Allen Stone and Amelia Day.
MORE INFORMATION: Concerts are free. More information at bpca.ny.gov.
WHEN: Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., June 4-Sept. 3
WHERE: Little Island, Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at W. 13 St.
WHAT: A relaxed space for kids and their caregivers to start the day together. Unstructured play outside.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 3; Doors open at 5 p.m.; opening act 6 p.m.; Jordin Sparks at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Hudson Yards
WHAT: “American Idol” winner and multi-platinum artist Jordin Sparks will perform a free concert at the famous Wells Fargo Stage at Hudson Yards.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit Hudsonyardsnewyork.com
WHEN: Select Thursdays at dusk
WHERE: Wollman Rink in Central Park
WHAT: Zootopia 2, Hamilton, Wicked: For Good and more favorites will be among the featured flicks.
MORE INFORMATION: Free; Schedule is online at wollmanrinknyc.com.
WHEN: Tuesdays, 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Sugar Mouse, 47 3rd Ave.
WHAT: Singers and musicians can sign up or sit in. Other amenities are a game room, food and bar serving cocktails, wine, champagne and beer.
MORE INFORMATION: The open mike is free, more information online.
WHEN: Tuesdays at sunset
WHERE: High Line at Little West 12 St.
WHAT: Explore the stars with the Amateur Astronomers Association. No experience necessary!
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Events wrap 30 minutes before park closes.
WHEN: Select Sundays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Wollman Rink in Central Park
WHAT: These fun family days feature entertainment and free scoops of ice cream from Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, a New York-based brand founded by Michael Cole.
MORE INFORMATION: Free scoops are while supplies last; more information at wollmanrinknyc.com.
WHEN: Tuesdays, 8 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. during spring and fall migration.
WHERE: Bryant Park info kiosk, on 6th Avenue across from 41st Street
WHAT: Learn about the majestic birds who call Bryant Park home during the migratory season.
MORE INFORMATION: No registration required.
WHEN: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church, 15 Mount Morris Park West
WHAT: Hear gospel music in Harlem and celebrate with world-famous congregational choirs.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit halemjazzboxx.com.
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m., through July 26
WHERE: Banksy Museum, 277 Canal St.
WHAT: Embrace your inner street artist at this fun class for all ages. Trained instructors will show students how to make Banksy-inspired art.
MORE INFORMATION: Ticket information at museumbanksy.com
WHEN: Monday-Friday 12 to 1 p.m.; Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Various locations in Bryant Park
WHAT: All skill levels are welcome, and equipment is provided.
MORE INFORMATION: Free; details online.
WHEN: Saturdays, May 23, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22; 10 a.m.
WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 45 at Christopher Street
WHAT: Attendees will enjoy relaxing walks along the park’s esplanade led by park naturalists.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit hudsonriverpark.org.
WHEN: Various dates.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: Lots of games will be available on the park’s Games Cart, including Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Catan and more.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit bryantpark.org.
WHEN: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 24-Sept. 6
WHERE: Dyckman Street at the Hudson River
WHAT: Take a free, guided 20-minute kayak trip on the Hudson River just north of the George Washington Bridge. Kayakers will see the city from a different vantage point: the water!
MORE INFORMATION: Details about waivers, age restrictions and more information is at inwoodcanoenyc.org.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 26, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Seaport Square, 89 South St.
WHAT: To celebrate World Redhead Day, Wendy’s is honoring its redheaded roots by calling on New Yorkers to join a look-alike contest. There is a grand prize: Free Dave’s Single hamburgers for a year.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
WHEN: Thursday, May 28, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wagner Park, 20 Battery Place
WHAT: Red Baraat will take the stage, bringing a blend of Bhangra, funk, jazz, and rock for a wild, joy-filled party led by dhol master Sunny Jain.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Visit bpca.ny.gov for details.
Blue Ballroom 17th Annual Spring Showcase
WHEN: May 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and May 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: City Winery NYC, 25 11th Ave.
WHAT: Students ages 3 to 18 from Blue Balloon’s Songwriting School perform their own original songs.
MORE INFORMATION: blueballoonschool.com
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE
WHEN: Select Dates in May and June
WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd St.
WHAT: A brand-new stage musical from The Jim Henson Company based on the Emmy Award-winning Apple TV series.
MORE INFORMATION: $30; visit newvictory.org for more information.
Cast Aside the Clouds at Cinema Village
WHEN: May 29 – June 4; see times online
WHERE: Cinema Village, 22 E. 12 St.
WHAT: The screening is a cross-cultural love story set in modern-day Iran.
MORE INFORMATION: $16; schedule online.
In the Heat of the Moment Exhibit
WHEN: June 3-24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Agora Gallery, 530 W. 25th St.
WHAT: This exhibit looks at heat as a transformative catalyst, a state of high kinetic energy that accelerates the filtering of complex human experience into fixed visual form.
MORE INFORMATION: An opening reception is June 4 at 6 p.m.; more details at agora-gallery.com.
Terry Waldo and the Gotham City Band
WHEN: June 3, 17, July 8, Aug. 5, 19 and Sept. 2 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: Live music with Bryant Park Piano regular Terry Waldo.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
WHEN: Wednesdays, July 1, 15, Aug. 12, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: A pop-up party brass band of award-winning musicians.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner Pride Month Fundraiser Concert
WHEN: Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Ellen’s Stardust Diner, 1650 Broadway
WHAT: A fun performance by Ellen’s singing waitstaff will provide an upbeat night of live vocals and community support for LGBTQ+ elders.
MORE INFORMATION: $38
WHEN: Friday, June 5, 3 p.m.
WHERE: 676 Broadway
WHAT: Join the Village Preservation for a tour of the Keith Haring Foundation, whose mission is to sustain, expand and protect Haring’s legacy, art and ideals.
MORE INFORMATION: villagepreservation.org.
WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Alzheimer’s Association NYC Chapter, 60 E. 42 St. Suite 2240
WHAT: Attendees will learn how they can use their skills to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Jamz And Conversation Featuring Jimmy Jam
WHEN: Thursday, June 4, 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Sony Hall, 235 W. 46 St.
WHAT: The evening will feature conversation, unfiltered storytelling, and intimate live piano performances.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $45.
Impress Performance
WHEN: Saturday, June 6; 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wagner Park, 20 Battery Place
WHAT: In celebration of Pride, Impress will ignite the night with their crystalline voice and irresistible melodies.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. More information at bpca.ny.gov.
WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Pier 84 at West 44th Street
WHAT: Features a daylong celebration with Hetrick-Martin Institute featuring music, resources and community.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Puppet Show: The Three Little Pigs
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: A puppet show retelling this classic story for kids.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit bryantpark.org.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: An outdoor pop-up performance.
MORE INFORMATION: Free and open to the public.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 3 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Sadie’s Garden Bar, 19 Fulton St.
WHAT: Audiences will have the opportunity to discover their next favorite Australian artist at this outdoor event.
MORE INFORMATION: Free
69th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade
WHEN: Sunday, June 14
WHERE: Fifth Avenue
WHAT: This exciting parade celebrates Puerto Rican culture, history and achievement. This year’s Grand Marshal is global reggaeton star Daddy Yankee. Queen of the Parade is TV Host and Miss Universe 1993 Dayanara Torres.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit nprdpinc.org
Puppet Show: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: A puppet show retelling this classic story for kids.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit bryantpark.org.
The Swedish Midsummer Festival
WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 4 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Battery Park City in Rockefeller Park
WHAT: The festival, now in its 27th year in the neighborhood, will feature traditional music by Paul Dahlin with fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute, dances around the Midsummer pole led by Scandinavian Folklorist Ross Sutter, floral crowns, Swedish delicacies and more.
MORE INFORMATION: More information at bpca.ny.gov
WHEN: Sunday, June 21, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Piers 45 and 46 at Christopher Street
WHAT: Attendees will enjoy a fun time alongside hundreds of kindred spirits with the 21st edition of Improv Everywhere’s annual Mp3 Experiment.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
America/Beautiful – Chelsea Music Festival
WHEN: June 22, 7-9 p.m
WHERE: St. Paul’s German Lutheran Church, 315 W. 22 St.
WHAT: America/Beautiful is pianist Min Kwon’s project, which commissioned variations on “America the Beautiful” from over 70 composers across the country.
MORE INFORMATION: $65
Puppet Show: The Little Red Hen
WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: A puppet show retelling this classic story for kids.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit bryantpark.org.
WHEN: June 24, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: Live outdoor music.
MORE INFORMATION: Free
Hidden Histories of Jazz Age New York
WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Parish Hall of St. Mark’s on the Bowery
WHAT: A discussion will feature author Jonathan Ezra Goldman and his new book, Hidden Histories of Jazz Age New York: From the Suppressed to the Strange.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. More information online
Tour of Greenwich Village Federal Style Architecture
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Online
WHAT: The program is part of Village Preservation’s Semiquincentennial series of programs celebrating its Revolutionary Village.
MORE INFORMATION: Free but registration required; villagepreservation.org.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Honoring 250th birthday of the United States
WHEN: Saturday, July 4
WHERE: Lower East River in the Seaport District, areas near the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and near the Brooklyn Bridge.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit macys.com/fireworks.
Sail 4th 250 for America’s Birthday: International Naval Review
WHEN: Saturday, July 4; 7:30 am to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Battery Park City Esplanade
WHAT: Magnificent tall ships from around the world will sail into New York Harbor.
MORE INFORMATION: Details on available viewing areas in Battery Park City visit bpca.ny.gov.
WHEN: Multiple dates in the season.
WHERE: Wollman Rink in Central Park
WHAT: The Modern Marionette Company will put together storytelling, artistry, and imagination for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
MORE INFORMATION: Free
West Harlem Summer Jazz Festival – Jackie Robinson Park
WHEN: Friday, July 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Park – Bandshell
WHAT: Park-goers will enjoy outdoor summer music.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
West Harlem Summer Jazz Festival – Morningside Park
WHEN: Saturdays, July 11 and Aug. 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Morningside Park Waterfall, 113 St. and Manhattan Avenue
WHAT: Park-goers will enjoy outdoor summer music.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
West Harlem Summer Jazz Festival – St. Nicholas Park
WHEN: Fridays, July 24 and Aug. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: St. Nicholas Park, 135 St. and St. Nicholas Ave.
WHAT: Park-goers will enjoy an outdoor summer concert.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Chris Q. Murphy and the Automat
WHEN: Wednesday, July 29, 3:30
WHERE: Bryant Park
WHAT: Live outdoor music.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
WHEN: Aug. 1, 2 p.m.
WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave.
WHAT: PHILADANCO! returns with a program continuing its mission for over five decades to preserve Black traditions in dance.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $12.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Josie Robertson Plaza at 10 Lincoln Center
WHAT: globalFEST is known for opening hearts and minds to new music. For this year’s Summer for the City, they’re bringing a triple bill that highlights the musical diversity of Africa.
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Central Park Comic Run 5K and 10K
WHEN: Aug. 2, 9 a.m.
WHERE: Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell (Enter the park via East 72nd Street and 5th Avenue and walk west to the Bandshell)
WHAT: Participants will dress up as their favorite superhero or villain choosing between a 5K or a 10K to zip their way through a comic-filled Central Park course.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit events.elitefeats.com.
National Night Out Against Crime
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 4
WHERE: TBA
WHAT: Events that promote police-community partnerships.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit natw.org
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Birdland, 315 W. 44 St.
WHAT: Singer and guitarist Elaine Amherd blends world music into a retro pop feel that showcases her jazz vocals.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $35.46; Visit birdlandjazz.com.