Though Summer Fridays actually began in NYC (really! supposedly it dates back to the ’60s when execs wanted to make it out to the Hamptons before weekend traffic), now over 50 percent of North American companies offer them.
If you’re wondering what to do with your extra time, whether it’s a full day or just a few hours, we’ve got you covered.
Our new “Summer Fridays” series will round up the best Friday activities to do in NYC all summer long, so you can jumpstart your weekend in style!
1. Visit The FRIENDS™ Experience at a special summer rate
From July 1 to August 31 (so only a few days left!), Summer Fridays are in effect for NYC’s nostalgia-filled FRIENDS™ Experience! All standard tickets are just $41.50 + fees (down from $47). So, it’s the perfect time to get together with your own Central Perk gang and relive your favorite moments from the show. The experience will completely transport you into the world of FRIENDS™ with set recreations, photo ops, filming insights and more — so whether you’re lounging on Chandler and Joey’s recliner or sipping on an imaginary coffee at Central Perk, prepare to be filled with FRIENDS™ frenzy!
Could we BE anymore excited? Get your tickets here, and bring your ‘lobster’!
2. Head to the Intrepid’s last free movie night on its massive flight deck
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum holds free movie nights on its giant flight deck throughout the summer, and the last one is tonight! Showing “Blade Runner,” seating is first come, first served and the show starts at sunset.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for the museum’s Free Friday series, which allows guests to visit the ship for free with extended hours, and last entry is at 8:30 p.m. Read more here!
3. Take in Hudson River Park’s final Sunset on the Hudson concert
Hudson River Park has been hosting tons of free events and performances all summer long, and this Friday is the Park’s last “Sunset on the Hudson” concert. Head to Pier 45 (Christopher St.) at 7 p.m. to hear from both established and emerging NYC artists across a broad range of genres. If you miss it, however, free Jazz at Pier 84 is happening on August 31! See more details on free events here.
4. Hang with your pup at this awesome outdoor sports bar in Brooklyn
Tailgate is Brooklyn’s newest outdoor sports bar — and it’s basically an adult playground with cornhole, giant jenga & Connect 4, and even oversized Beer Pong with trash cans and soccer balls! It’s always dog-friendly, but this Friday (8/26) they are also hosting a fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. with proceeds from frozen lemonade cocktails going to Badass Animal Rescue.
Where: 86 N. 11th St.
5. Celebrate the last days of August (and unofficially, summer) by hitting up one of NYC’s best ice cream shops
It’s hot out in NYC, which means there’s one thing you absolutely must have in your hand at all times—ice cream! There’s certainly no shortage of ice cream shops throughout the city, but there are quite a few that stand out from the crowd as summertime must-trys. Soak in those final summer feelings and see our full list here.