Though summer officially begins at the end of June, there are plenty of warm weather activities already taking place. Not to mention, June is Pride Month! So get ready for a fun-filled June, packed with plenty of fantastic events that will be popping up all month long. Here are 60 of our favorites:
1. Impress the Queen at NYC’s Bridgerton experience
If you’re like us and you just binged the entirety of Queen Charlotte on Netflix, you know there’s no better time than now to head over to NYC’s Queens Ball: A Bridgerton Experience. Live out your rengecy-era fantasy and dress to impress the Queen as you bow before her majesty. Learn dances, take portrait photos and be sure to grab a Bridgerton-inspired cocktail. Grab your tickets now!
2. You’re invited to one of Jay Gatsby’s infamous parties
The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show is the hottest party in town. At Gatsby Mansion, immerse yourself in a world of red-hot rhythms, bootleg liquor, and pure Jazz Age self-indulgence as you dance, gossip, and drink the night away with Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and the perfect host, Mr. Jay Gatsby himself. Dress to the nines and travel back to the roaring twenties at this heart-racing theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale. Snag your invitation here.
3. Show your Pride at the NYC Pride March
June is Pride Month and that means there will be plenty of opportunities to support the community! With the official 2023 theme “Strength in Solidarity,” this year’s march will take place on Sunday, June 25th. Find out more details like this year’s grand marshals here.
4. And at all the other Pride happenings going on in NYC
There’s truly nowhere like NYC, being the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, to celebrate Pride all month long. From educational art installations to food specials that give back to non-profit organizations centering the Queer community, find all the Pride events this year here.
5. Step into your own fairytale world at this immersive art exhibit
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland have come to life here in NYC with Alexa Meade’s 26,000-square-foot floor-to-ceiling hand-painted immersive exhibit! Wonderland Dreams lets you become the subject of each painting with 20 rooms to roam through. Plus, once you’re done exploring the magical exhibit you can recharge with delicious small plates and drinks at the storytelling-themed wine bar and café. Grab your tickets today!
6-7. Listen to enchanting music by candlelight in beautiful NYC spaces
Hear everything from classical masterpieces to current day tracks in a stunning candlelit venue. These are some of our favorites below:
8. See your favorite Star Wars characters in a saucy burlesque parody
Empire Strips Back is delighting fans across the world after beginning in Australia and then touring San Francisco, and now NYC! Taking over the Orpheum Theatre, catch sultry Stormtroopers, an enticing Boba Fett and more. Let’s just say, the force is definitely with this production. Get your tickets here.
9. Chase movies all over Manhattan at the 2023 Tribeca Festival
Film buffs get excited because the Tribeca Film Festival is returning on Wednesday, June 7th. Experience everything from screenings to TV debuts, panel talks to live music. The entire festival will run until Sunday, June 18th. See here for a complete guide to Tribeca Film Festival.
10. Pose on the iconic orange couch at NYC’s The FRIENDS Experience
Enter into the classic NYC sitcom like never before at The FRIENDS Experience. Take a load off on the iconic orange couch, order a coffee from Central Perk, and even take a seat at Monica & Rachel’s kitchen table. There’s tons of memorable set recreations, costumes, and props to explore. Buy your tickets today!
11. Read up on Juneteenth
Juneteenth (a.k.a. Freedom Day) marks the end of enslavement of people of African descent in the United States, which happened on June 19, 1865. In 2020, Former Governor Cuomo declared the date an official state holiday, followed by NYC schools. Learn more about Juneteenth here.
12-15. Join in the celebrations for Juneteenth
See how you can celebrate Juneteenth this month all across NYC with the events listed below:
- Enjoy The Bell House’s variety show of comedians, storytellers, (whatever!) featuring Black/POC performers
- Check out the 14th annual virtual summit, festival, and concert
- Learn the history of Seneca Village in Central Park—a predominantly Black community that existed where Central Park stands today
- Check out the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for a Juneteenth celebration
16. Take in this captivating Titanic exhibition anchored in NYC
Explore personal artifacts from real life passengers that have never been seen before in America at this captivating exhibit about history’s most legendary ship. Get a look at recreated interiors of the ship’s many rooms and embark on an emotional journey you can’t miss out on while it’s in NYC. Buy your tickets now.
17. Welcome the summer with tons of fun, free programming at Manhattan West
Manhattan West is gearing up to provide New Yorkers with an exciting slew of events this summer. From Pride celebrations and a hip-hop dance series to a psychedelic art installation, there’s so much to see and do there this June. Plus, their mouthwatering food options and easy access to the High Line make it the place to be this summer.
18. Or at Hudson Yards
“Backyard at Hudson Yards” is returning for a second season! The free 8-week concert series programmed by The Bowery Presents is featuring today’s emerging artists. In addition to concerts, there will also be sports screenings, fitness classes and street vendors at the complex. Find out more here.
19. Visit the new Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Chelsea
Explore Yayoi Kusama’s largest exhibition to date at DAvid Zwirner gallery now. Titled I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers, the Japanese artist has brought back her notorious infinity mirrored room in an all new iteration. You definitely can’t miss checking it out! Plus, admission is entirely free—but beware, there’s sure to be a line! Read more about the exhibition here.
20. Boogie down at Lincoln Center’s new massive dance floor
Lincoln Center’s iconic plaza is once again transforming into a massive dance floor for the summer. In addition to the dance floor, the property will host a plethora of free events, thousands of artists, and food from across the city for New Yorkers to peruse and enjoy. Learn all about the festivities to come with Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City here.
21. Celebrate World Bicycle Day (June 3rd)
There’s nothing like getting some fresh air during the warmer months in the city so don’t forget to enjoy the outdoors every once in a while! With World Bicycle Day this month, there’s no better time than now to get back into the cycle of exercising. Bike around Central Park or on the Brooklyn Bridge, even on the Hudson River Greenway
22. Jam out to your favorite artists at Governors Ball
The most anticipated music festival in NYC is coming in hot this year with a stellar lineup that will have you rocking out all weekend long. The festival is happening from Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11, featuring unmissable performers like Lizzo, ODESZA, and Kendrick Lamar. Find out everything you need to know about Governors Ball 2023 here.
23. Get giggly at Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest
The Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest is returning from June 14-18 for a week-long celebration, amplifying historically marginalized voices. The annual festival spotlights incredible talent and powerful storytelling for an event you absolutely can’t miss. Learn about the hilarious headliners and more details here.
24. Pack your schedule with all the free concerts coming to NYC this summer
Thanks to all of our fantastic parks, New Yorkers have plenty of choices for where to spend time outdoors during the warm weather months, like enjoying incredible music performances in NYC Parks this summer all for free! From Bryant Park to Hudson River Park to Hudson Yards, the options are seemingly endless. Check out a roundup of free summer concerts here.
25. Take part in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is celebrating its 66th anniversary with its parade on the Sunday, June 11. Celebrating and honoring the Puerto Rican leaders, educators, artists and celebrities that have left a cultural footprint on the nation, the event will march up Fifth Avenue! Learn more here.
26. Do something special for dad on Father’s Day
With Father’s Day just around the corner, coming up with a plan can seem daunting. But, when in doubt, you can never go wrong with a delicious meal and some drinks. Give your dad a break from being the grill master with Korean BBQ, or pair some cold beers with a big, juicy burger.
27-29. Take in skyline views at these stunning rooftops
Nothing beats a drink in hand and a skyline in sight. Here are some of our favorites:
- Experience a backyard vibe at The Ready
- Escape to the Hamptons right in the city at this beachy-themed bar
- Sip on cocktails at Overstory in the Financial District
Check the entire list here and adventure to one of these fantastic rooftops across the city for the most unbeatable scenery and not to mention, refreshing cocktails!
30. Relax at NYC’s beloved seasonal restaurant and beach club Gitano Island
Once called “Gitano Garden of Love” and located in SoHo, the Mexican-inspired escape has reopened on Governors Island instead with the name “Gitano Island.” Learn more here.
31-32. Check out some of NYC’s newest speakeasies
There’s something about having a drink in a speakeasy that blows the experience of having a drink in a regular bar straight out of the water. Some of of favs include:
Some more good ones can be found here.
33-35. Taste international fare at outdoor food markets
With warm weather comes nights spent outdoors, and there’s no better way to celebrate some of the city’s most delicious food than at one of its beloved markets. Some of our favs are:
36-39. Enjoy happy hour with friends
Celebrate everyone’s favorite hour with incredible happy hour deals all across the city. Let’s be honest, there’s not much New Yorkers like more than cheap drinks! Definitely check out our favorites like:
- The Mermaid Inn for $1.25 East Coast oysters & select $6 beers
- Villanelle for delicious beer, wine, & cocktails for only $9
- Lido for cheap drinks and tasty bites
- Gray Mare for $5 app options to go with your drink
40. Get your tan on at the beach
The weather is finally looking up. And with that in mind, it’s time to start working on that summer tan and soaking in all of the vitamin D. Check out the 10 best beaches in NYC.
41. Hit up Coney Island’s Luna Park
Whether it’s Luna Park or Deno’s WonderWheel Amusement Park, take a day trip to Coney Island for some exhilarating coasters and other exciting rides!
42. Kayak for free at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (family sessions only) through the end of August this summer you’ll be able to walk up to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse Pier 2 for free kayaking. The sessions only run for 20 minutes but the views are worth it and at the end of the day, it’s a free activity! So why not? Learn more here.
43. Catch the return of SummerStag
Just shortly after all the Memorial Day festivities are over, SummerStage will kick off the summer season with their opening night on Saturday, June 10. The lineup for the season will include notable performances by renowned and local artists from around the world in a variety of genres spanning salsa, jazz, hip-hop, indie, reggae, and more. Read more here.
44-46. Enjoy waterfront dining for delicious food and incredible views
From eating on historic boats with insane views of the sunset to checking out secluded seafood hotspots on NYC’s smaller surrounding islands, these are some of our favorite spots for a breezy cocktail and bites.
- Grand Banks, Pier 25 in Tribeca
- Baylander Steel Beach, Harlem
- La Barca Cantina, Pier 81 Midtown West
47-50. Dine al-fresco in a low-key hidden spot
As the weather warms the city, it’s time for enjoying all of the incredible outdoor dining setups all summer long. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a secluded dining experience in peace, you’ll want to add these spots to your list:
- Blume, UES
- Terrace at Cathédrale Restaurant, East Village
- sek’ənd sun, Astoria
- Milk and Roses, Greenpoint
51. Take yoga in the park
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or have never taken a class, it’s an experience for everyone! Reserve your spot now because the classes fill up fast.
52. Visit NYC’s first-ever floating park ‘Little Island’ for their third summer season
The city’s only floating park Little Island just announced the return of its summer performances starting Wednesday, June 7. The summer-long programming will be the culmination of festivals highlighting music, dance and storytelling. Check out their third summer season lineup here.
53. See a free outdoor movie at Bryant Park
Always a warm-weather staple in NYC, the free sunset movies at Bryant Park will return once again. The movie nights are sponsored by Paramount+. Learn more here.
54. Feast at NYC’s first Vegan Night Market
The city’s first-ever Vegan Night Market will take over Central Park’s Wollman Rink beginning Tuesday, June 6th and every Tuesday thereafter. Try bites from 25+ micro-businesses, all the while enjoying live music and a rotating selection of food and product tastings. Read more about NYC’s Vegan Night Market here.
55. Explore a world of miniatures at Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition
Check out the first exhibition to bring the miniature art phenomenon from social media to a dedicated physical space at NYC’s Small Is Beautiful: Miniature Art Exhibition. The exhibition features 120 exclusive artworks from international artists that play on politics, humor, and poetry. Score your tickets today. Plus, children have the opportunity to try their hand at miniature art with the Small Is Beautiful: Creative Workshop For Kids.
56. Speed down the track at this indoor go-kart raceway
In need for some speed? Grab your pals and go go-karting at this indoor raceway located in the Showboat, the largest hotel on Atlantic City’s iconic boardwalk. Take your pick from the 30 state-of-the-art electric karts and see who’s really the fastest out of your friends. One race (10 laps) starts at $25. See more pricing options and info here.
57. Cool down in a pool with a view
There are several hotels and rooftop pools that you can visit with a day pass or membership that might be worth getting for the summer. They’re the perfect way to stay cool while also enjoying gorgeous views of NYC. Check out some of our recs here.
58. Stroll down one of the oldest streets in America
Looking for a little educational trip? Drive over to New Paltz, New York (just around 40 minutes by car from the city) to check out Huguenot Street, one of America’s oldest streets. Explore the centuries-old stone houses and learn about American history throughout the architecture and preservations of the historic district. Read more about Huguenot Street here.
59. Rely on your every sense but sight at this unique dinner experience
Dining in the dark invites you to elevate your tasting experience by being blindfolded throughout a curated 3-course meal. Guests will be able to tap into their tastebuds full potential once sight is removed and really experience dishes in a new way. Reserve your spot now.
60. Get into your favorite museums for free during ‘Museum Mile Festival’
‘Museum Mile Festival’ is returning to NYC on Tuesday, June 13th from 6pm-9pm. Fifth Avenue will be blocked off from 82nd Street to 105th Street to let New Yorkers roam in and out of their favorite museums, at no cost. Read all about Museum Mile Festival here.
Also published on Medium.