July in NYC is like a glass of lemonade on a hot, sweaty day—refreshing, filled with the city’s very best summer experiences and a hint of melting garbage.
From catching Fourth of July fireworks to going for a dip in the ocean, here are the best July activities in NYC.
1. Join in on a real life version of Squid Game
Can you successfully cross the Glass Bridge, or leave unscathed by the Young-hee doll in Red Green Light? It’s time to find out by testing your skills IRL at the Squid Game Experience in NYC.
After making it through, you’ll be able to shop exclusive merch and explore a Korean-inspired night market. Grab your tickets today.
📍Corner of 32nd and 6th, 100 W 33rd St, New York
2. Catch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
It’s almost that time of year to “ooo” and “ahhh” with a hotdog and beer in hand. This year’s Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks are sure to dazzle viewers for its 49th anniversary.
The fireworks will launch from the East River in sync with a musical score to make for one absolutely magical night. The show will begin at 8pm on Friday, July 4th, 2025.
3. Take a dip in the ocean or catch a wave at the beach
With the heat sure to melt the city day by day, there’s nothing like a trip to the beach to get some reprieve. Whether you’re surfing at Rockaway or tanning at Coney Island, here are the best beaches to check out this summer in and around NYC.
4. More of a pool person? There’s plenty to check out in NYC
Roosevelt Island’s waterfront pool has undergone a complete makeover for the 2025 summer season and its as beautiful as ever! This year’s mural design is from Parisian artist Meri Karapetyan, and took 14 days and 26 gallons of paint to create. Find more about entrance fees here or other popular NYC pools here.
📍36 River Rd, New York
5. Explore NYGB after dark with botanical beauty inspired by Van Gogh
Van Gogh’s Flowers after dark is taking over the NYBG, showcasing the botanical beauty that served as the artist’s muse. While you roam, enjoy French melodies floating around you as you savor handcrafted cocktails and light bites. Plus, you can even look to the skies to see a glittering drone display celebrating Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Buy now.
6. Experience a stunning sky-high Candlelight concert at Edge NYC
Visitors to Edge NYC can enjoy a series of pop-up Candlelight concerts on select Thursdays this month between 9:30pm – 11pm. These atmospheric live string quartet performances will combine unparalleled views of New York City with classical renditions of hits from the likes of Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Coldplay and Lauryn Hill.
Find out more.7. Or explore other Candlelight concerts across NYC
Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night activity or solo event, you can’t go wrong with a Candlelight Concert. See which other concerts are available this month.
8. Attend Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer For The City’ Fest
Lincoln Center’s ‘Summer For The City’ has returned with over 200 performances spanning dance, theater and opera. We promise there’s something for everyone! Find the line up here.
9. Head to Bryant Park for a free concert, movie, or yoga
Bryant Park is one of the best places to be in NYC during the summer. Stop by for free outdoor yoga, one of their epic movie screenings or Picnic Performances.
10. Have a summer adventure at Bubble Planet
Surround yourself with hundreds of bubbles through 10 mesmerizing bubble-themed rooms at Bubble Planet. After touring cities like Milan, London, and LA, Bubble Planet has floated its way towards NYC to help you unleash your inner child, and you don’t want to miss out! Get tickets now.
📍1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford
11. Journey through ancient landscapes at Life Chronicles: an immersive VR journey through the Earth’s history
Come face to face with a Tyrannosaurus or a massive sea creature at this unbelievable VR journey that will take you back more than three billion years. Taking place at Eclipso NYC in Hell’s Kitchen, you can’t miss this historical adventure, perfect for all ages! Secure your tickets now.
12. Take in skyline views at an NYC rooftop bar
Nothing beats a drink in hand and a skyline in sight. Here are some of our favorite rooftops around the city:
- Sushi Lab Rooftop
- Daintree
- Haven Rooftop
- Ainslie
- Elsewhere
Explore our full guide to the best rooftop bars in NYC here.
13. Or enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront
80 degrees, sunny skies and slurping down oysters on an 83-year-old wooden sailboat sounds like the perfect summer evening to us! Make your reservations at Grand Banks, NYC’s iconic floating restaurant on the Hudson River, to make the most of summer nights in the city. Learn more here.
📍Pier 25 Hudson River, New York
14. Kayak for free at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 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 how to make your reservation here.
📍 334 Furman St, Brooklyn
15. Roam through magical lavender fields on Long Island
Make some time to stop & smell the lavender this July. Lavender By The Bay is a lavender farm on the East End of Long Island that offers the perfect weekend visit out of the city. Typically, it’s in full bloom from mid-June through July, so stay updated on their Instagram so you can plan a visit right when they are their most vibrant. Read more here.
📍 7540 Main Rd, East Marion
16. Pick sunflowers at this New Jersey farm
Nothing says summer quite like getting lost in a field of sunflowers, and being able to take some home! Happy Day Farm in New Jersey is opening its sunflower field for the summer in early July, for those looking to come out and pick their own fresh flowers. And honestly, even if you decide not to take any home (though, why wouldn’t you?) the sight of a sunflower field alone is worth the visit. Find out more details here.
📍 106 Iron Ore Rd, Manalapan Township
17. Get a bite to eat at an outdoor food market
If one thing’s for sure, New Yorkers know how to eat! And with summer weather here, your next delicious bite to eat is at one of NYC’s open-air food markets. Some of our favorites include:
18. Catch a ball game
Whether you’re a Yankees or a Mets fan (we don’t judge 👀), there’s nothing like scarfing down a hot dog and slugging back a beer at a baseball game during the summer.
19. Take a vintage subway train to Coney Island
New Yorkers will have the unique opportunity to ride on a vintage NYC subway train en route to Coney Island on Saturday, July 19th. The two-hour journey will use 1930s R1-9 vintage train cars. Find out more about summer nostalgia rides now.
20. Marvel at this hidden garden tucked away in Central Park
The Central Park Conservatory Garden is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the city. Dating back to 1937, the garden is an often forgotten about treasure, even though it spans about six acres of land. There you can admire its many designs from its French-style North Garden, to the Italianate Center Garden, and the English-style South Garden.
📍 717 5th Ave, New York
21. Travel back in time to Ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu
Embark on a VR expedition across ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu. Here, you’ll be able to explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if you were really there. Buy your tickets now.
📍 555 W 57th St, New York
22. Attend the 20th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party
Get on over to Governors Island for the 20th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. The event transports attendees to the Prohibition-era with dance lessons, contests and a whole lotta jazz! Get your tickets today.
23. Laugh your head off at Brooklyn Comedy Collective’s 4-day improv festival
Brooklyn Comedy Collective’s 4-day improv festival is coming up from July 10-13th and it’s “a summer camp in Fool’s Heaven”! Get ready for over 750 performers as 200 teams will be performing. You can either Festival or Single Day Passes. View the full schedule online. Rather be the brave one on stage than sitting in the audience? Check out BCC’s workshops to learn more.
24. Head to the best boardwalk in the U.S.—just two hours from NYC
Enjoy 38 blocks of boardwalk magic, from retro amusement rides to neon-lit arcades, as the Jersey Shore boardwalk just scored number one on a USA Today list. Read more here.
25. Find the best family-friendly activities in NYC
Find something to entertain the kids with whether it’s a trip to Coney Island or a game of miniature golf. NYC offers tons of family-friendly events and things to do all summer long. Check them all out for yourself with our official guide.
26. Relive one of the most revolutionary nights in art history with this VR experience
Tonight with the Impressionists, Paris 1874 is bringing New Yorkers to April 15, 1874 to explore the birth of Impressionism. Meet Monet and his contemporary artist buddies and walk through locations central to the Impressionist movement, from the official Salon to Le Havre. Grab tickets now.
27. Step into a 270º immersive experience at Artechouse
You won’t want to miss all that’s happening this month at ARTECHOUSE NYC, a century-old boiler room turned digital art space.
🎸 Rock fans can explore a 270º immersive experience showcasing over 1000 photographs, 200 videos, and 1300 Rolling Stone covers at ROLLING STONE PRESENTS AMPLIFIED: THE IMMERSIVE ROCK EXPERIENCE at ARTECHOUSE. Grab your tickets now.
💐 Otherwise, those more interested in a whimsical experience can check out ARTECHOUSE Presents: Blooming Wonders, a digital dreamscape that brings beautiful blooms to life. Buy your tickets today.
28. Camp under the stars on Governors Island
Wake up to jaw-dropping views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan when you spend a night glamping at Collective Retreats on Governors Island. Make s’mores by a crackling fire, enjoy nature through morning yoga or sit back and relax to live music. Explore accommodation options here.
📍825 Gresham Rd, New York
29. Listen to hits from your favorite artists sung by Broadway stars
Enjoy songs from your favorite artists like Taylor Swift, ABBA, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, reimagined by Broadway singers and a full orchestra. Find a concert and date that works for you!
📍 The Cutting Room