Free Activities for a Memorable New York Summer

Even before the thermometer hits and stays constantly at 70 degrees Fahrenheit (or above), New Yorkers begin to take to the outdoors to enjoy weather and the wide variety of free activities that the city offers.

Events are scattered throughout each borough so everyone can take part. From street festivals, to parades to concerts and movies in the park, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Here’s a partial list of some of the events I’ve attended over the years:

• SummerStage – 18 parks, 5 boroughs, music, dance, theatre – June 7-September 2
• Shakespeare in the Park – This year, two plays Measure for Measure and All’s Well That Ends Well – June 6-July 30. Limit 2 tickets per person on the day of the performance or on scheduled days in the boroughs.
• Farmer’s Markets – Farmers and vendors bring fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, arts, etc., to various venues around the city. One of the biggest, in Union Square, operates year round.
• Film screenings in Bryant Park – This year’s lineup includes One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The 39 Steps, Dirty Harry. Outdoors on the lawn at Bryant Park.
• River to River Festival – Movies, music, etc., June 19-July 16th
• Street Fairs – Block parties, festivals, music, food, fun
• Opera in the Park – free performances by the Metropolitan Opera in various parks
• Midsummer Night’s Swing at Lincoln Center – dance lessons and big band ballroom dancing
• Book Festivals – Harlem Book Fair – books, authors, readings on 135th Street
• Harlem Week – July and August in Harlem, a celebration of Harlem’s rich history

Good weather is the perfect excuse to get out and have fun.

Enjoy!

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Related articles

• ArtsBeat: River to River Festival Announces Lineup (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• The 5 Best (Free!) Shows at River to River Festival 2011 (blogs.villagevoice.com)
• Brooklyn Concert Series Finds New Home in Coney Island (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• ArtsBeat: Repertory Casting Returns for Shakespeare in the Park (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• Summer Preview Of ‘Shakespeare In The Park’ Is Saturday At Dottie Harper (b-townblog.com)
• Summerstage 2011 — complete NYC free show lineup (brooklynvegan.com)