![NYC skyline during sunset](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretnyc.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18114625/fi-nyc-skyline-1024x683.jpg)
Sure weekday plans are important, but with NYC’s hustle culture, we know the weekends are most people’s time to enjoy all the wonderful happenings in the city. So if you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend, we’ve got you!
Here are our top plans we know you’ll enjoy this weekend:
1. Get your tickets to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
From award-winning Rockefeller Productions comes The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, an incredible performance for the entire family all done in four parts to bring the children’s classics to life. It’s all happening at The Duke On 42nd Street. Learn more here.
2. Be among the first to explore this playful pop-up balloon bonanza
Step into the charming world of Balloon Story, an immersive, creative, and artistic inflatable wonderland! Enter an aquatic oasis or see an arctic landscape with penguins and glaciers, entirely made of balloons! Either way you’ll have a blast. Get your tickets here!
3. Attend Porte Festival, bringing music, food & fashion to Brooklyn
Join the waitlist to the highly-anticipated Porte Festival, soon taking over the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Get ready for a world where music, culture, technology and fashion all come together in an epic celebration. Learn more here and be the first to have eyes on the unreleased coveted lineup.
4. Celebrate the Olympics at Rockefeller Center
Beginning Friday, July 26th though Sunday, August 11th Rockefeller Center will be the ultimate hub for all things Olympics. Expect athlete visits, photo-ops and Parisian food. Find out all the details here.
5. Cool off with ice cream at Caffe Panna’s new Brooklyn location
Caffe Panna has officially opened its first Brooklyn location! The new location in Greenpoint spans 4,700 square feet with both indoor and outdoor seating. Customers can get excited for the new menu item, granitas, only available at the Brooklyn shop. Take a sneak peek at the first week’s flavors here.
6. Score tickets to the largest inflatable theme park in the world, coming to Queens
The “World’s Biggest Bounce House” is on its way to Queens and you don’t want to miss out! Bring out your inner child and explore climbing towers, confetti blasts, competitions, and live DJs. Yes, there are also adult only sessions! Find out more and grab your tickets here.
7. Score fabulous dining deals during NYC’s Restaurant Week
NYers’ beloved Restaurant Week has returned for its summer iteration and it’s going on now through Sunday, August 18, 2024. The bi-annual tradition celebrates NYC’s dining scene by offering prix fixe menus to some of the city’s most established restaurants and neighborhood favorites, and they’re offering a trio of pricing options. Read all about it here.
8. Soak in all the summer vibes at Governors Island’s jungle-esque beach club
NYC’s beloved seasonal restaurant and beach club Gitano Island has officially reopened for the season–just in time to enjoy the warm weather! Each year the 27,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant and beach lounge brings in truckloads of sand plus tropical plants and palm trees for total island vibes and offer a delicious modern Mexican menu. Read all about this fabulous summer destination here.
9. Hear from emerging artists at SummerStage
The 2024 season of SummerStage includes 85 free and benefit performances, ranging across all genres of music, and it’s the absolute best NYC summer activity! Learn more about this season’s performances here.
10. Check out all the best summer happenings in NYC
The weather is warm, the sun is setting late, and we’re here to make sure that New Yorkers make this summer count! Take advantage of the season’s gorgeous weather and get ready to make your way through the most ultimate NYC summer bucket list! Find ours here.
11. Dig into dirty martini dip, caprese martinis, & more creations
Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, you can’t deny the classic elegance of a martini. But if you’d like to take it a step further beyond the classic recipe, we suggest trying out NYC’s best creations–dirty martini dip, tiny ‘tinis, and even caprese salad…in martini form! Find all our favorite picks here.
12. Score tickets to this annual lavish jazz party inspired by the 1920s era
This Jazz and 20’s-themed extravaganza returns for its 19th edition! The Jazz Age Lawn Party is a limited event returning to Governors Island on August 10th-11th. And this year, this unique festival celebrates almost two decades of the unique, interactive experience! Get your tickets here.
13. Admire Union Square’s massive technicolor street mural
Union Square Partnership’s fourth rendition of their Street Mural Program is as colorful as ever! Volunteers have painted 14th street from Broadway to University Place in Queens-based artist Talisa Almonte’s vision. It’s titled “Flowing Together.” Read more about it here.
14. Grab a delicious bite at Mission Ceviche’s brand new Union Square location
Acclaimed Chef Jose Luis Chavez and partner Brice Mastroluca have debuted their second Mission Ceviche location in Union Square. In what is now the largest Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan, the new location has a dedicated sushi and ceviche bar and has all the original dishes that have been wowing New Yorkers since 2015. Read all about it here.
15. Explore the world’s largest collection of Banksy’s work at The Banksy Museum
Roam 15,000 square feet of artwork at The Banksy Museum in New York City. Expect beautiful projections and visual surprises at every corner, highlight beloved work from one of the world’s most enigmatic artists. Grab your tickets today!
16. Cool off in one of NYC’s public pools
All of NYC’s public outdoor pools are open to the public for the summer season! 50+ pools (as some are closed for construction) across the city will be open to swimmers, and some of our favorite ones can be found here.
17. Or take a dip in the longest outdoor hotel pool at the William Vale
The incredible Brooklyn hotel is teaming up with Miami sunscreen brand, Vacation, to bring New Yorkers exciting experiences and packages. Whether you’re an overnight guest or you purchased a day pass, enjoy a poolside Destination Vacation cocktail featuring vodka, lo-fi sweet vermouth, gooseberry, lemon and shiso, pick up your favorite Vacation products at the sunscreen bar and take advantage of their limited time staycation packages. Learn more here.
18. Enjoy a secret 12-piece “omakase” menu while blindfolded
Embark on a sensorial journey with a unique 12-course sushi tasting experience with a surprise menu. What makes this really so special? You’ll be dining entirely blindfolded! Dining in the Dark will heighten your senses of taste and smell for a culinary tasting you’ll never forget. Reserve your spot now.
19. Be dazzled by not one, but two meteor showers
This month, both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Perseids meteor shower will zip through skies. The Perseids begin on Sunday, July 14 and will peak on July 29-30, while the Southern Delta Aquariids begin on Thursday, July 18 and peak on August 11-12. Read more about the meteor showers so you don’t miss them here.
20. Try your hand at NYC’s first official disc golf course
NYC now has its first official Disc Golf course, which is similar to pickleball and has rules that mirror golf in a way, though players compete to land a disc into the delegated basket with chain netting in as few throws as possible. Read more about the sport and find out where the course is here.
21. Enjoy nearly 20 miles of NYC streets car-free
Summer Streets is returning once again this summer for the last weekend of July (27th) and the four Saturdays of August (3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th), and this year’s iteration is going to be the largest one yet! Summer Streets is an annual pedestrian and cycling haven where miles of NYC across the five boroughs are closed off to cars, and exciting programming and activities take place along the designated routes. Read all about it here.
22. Lace up your skates at this new intergalactic roller rink nightclub hybrid
Things are getting groovy down in Bushwick as Xanadu Roller Arts, a psychedelic roller rink and nightclub, has officially opened its doors to New Yorkers! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with the space’s top-of-the-line roller rink, massive music venue, and bar and restaurant! Read more here.
23. Catch the latest entertainment and/or sports event at Barclays Center
Some of the hottest events are happening in Brooklyn and you do not want to miss out! Whether you’re a die-hard Nets fan or love grabbing tickets to the next concert in town, you can find it all at Barclays Center. Plus, while you’re over there be sure to grab a slice at Fini Pizza! Find all the events on the Barclays Center website.
24. Check out some of the best concerts coming to NYC
NYC is constantly hosting a plethora of talented artists on stages across the five boroughs. From Candlelight Concerts to Doja Cat, see the entire roundup of concerts coming to the city here.
25. Explore the catacombs of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral by candlelight
Travel beneath the depths of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City’s only catholic catacombs by candlelight. The unique tour gives you insight on the rich history and spirituality hidden with a church that’s hundreds of years old. Grab your tickets now.
26. Have a picnic on Central Park’s Great Lawn
Back in October 2023, 12-acres-worth of Central Park’s Great Lawn closed to the public after September’s Global Citizen Festival and heavy rain caused substantial damage, but it’s now reopen to the public! $622,000 worth of repairs was done to the lawn, more of which you can read about here.
27. Enjoy a stunning concert bathed in candlelight
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like you’ve never seen before all across NYC! Here are some of our favorites:
28. Get a workout in al fresco
New York City certainly has no shortage of gorgeous views to see…so why not take advantage of this when working out?! Working out outdoors provides you with a ton of benefits, including reduced stress, better sleep, improved mental health, and a greater sense of happiness, and with the warm weather we want to be outdoors as much as possible. Find the best outdoor fitness classes here.
29. Soak up the sunshine with a meal al fresco
With summer finally here it’s time to snag a table under the sunshine! We’ve written many separate outdoor lists– from the best floral-decorated set-ups to all of NYC’s rockin’ rooftops–but we decided to compile all of those into one giant list so you have plenty of options for your next day out! Find the full list here.
30. Save your money with these 75 free activities to do in NYC right now
We understand it’s easy to step outside your door intending to spend no money, and somehow be out $70 by the end of the day in NYC. That’s why we created an incredible guide of fabulous things to do in the city that costs absolutely nothing. View it here and your wallet can thank us later!
31. Race down the Hudson River on this exhilarating speed boat ride
After months of hibernation Circle Line’s exhilarating speed boat ride The Beast is back for the season! As NYC’s only jet-powered speed boat ride, The Beast is best suited for thrill seekers and daredevils looking to roar through NYC waterways past iconic landmarks. Read all about it here.
32. Explore all of NYC’s best food trucks
New York City is no stranger to awesome street food, and you can find virtually any type of cuisine you could imagine being cooked up right on the streets! And now that the weather is warm it’s easy to stop by one to give it a try! Find some of our favorite food trucks here.
33. Escape on a Euro vacation without catching a flight
With a ginormous city such as New York, it’s incredible how each neighborhood or even corner can feel like you’re in an entirely different place in the world. So if you’re itching for your European vacation to come a little sooner, we recommend checking out these 11 spots in and around NYC that could be Europe at a first glance.
34. Dance the night away at NYC’s hottest clubs
Break a sweat and cool off with delicious cocktails at one of NYC’s hottest clubs this weekend. Whether you’re looking for a wild night at House of Yes or DJ sets at Wiggle Room, you’re sure to have a good night. Find some of our favorites NYC clubs here.
35. Grab a slice at the country’s best pizzeria, located in NYC
Us New Yorkers sure do have a sense of humor, but one thing we don’t take lightly is our pizza, and NYC’s Una Pizza Napoletana has officially been dubbed the Best Pizzeria in the United States for the second time. Una Pizza Napoletana is the sixth iteration of owner Anthony Mangieri’s pizzeria that focuses on naturally-leavened, wood-fired pizzas. Learn more here.
36. Search for hidden treasures at one of NYC’s outdoor flea markets
Whether you’re looking for something vintage, unique, or downright quirky, flea markets are arguably some of the best places to find interesting treasures. And thankfully there’s no shortage of them in NYC! Find the best ones here.
37. Check all these must-do activities off your NYC bucket list
New York City is a one of a kind place, and whether you’re a newbie or have been living here for years, there’s a few things that you have to do at least once! From visiting NYC’s most iconic landmarks to eating the best food out there, we’ve got a mix of “touristy” and “local” recommendations that we think everyone should follow, and you can find them all here.
38. See a movie for a discounted price at any NYC Regal Cinemas
You can now grab discounted tickets to any Regal Cinemas location so you no longer have to worry about breaking the bank next time you go to catch a movie! The discounted movie tickets are valid at any Regal Cinemas location in the United States and have no expiration date. Premier tickets are valid for any 2D movie, on any day, at any time, at participating Regal Cinemas! Learn more here.
39. Take advantage of the many museums that offer free admission days
A New York City outing can quickly get expensive, but it’s true when they say some of the best things in life actually are free. Whether it’s free admission every day or a once-a-month sort of deal, you can view some amazing art, without spending a penny, at these free museums in NYC.
40. Head to all of NYC’s newest openings
From a meatless Italian market serving up vegetarian and pescatarian bites to a Hong Kong café serving “slippery eggs,” these are some of our favorite new openings:
- This airy Fort Greene restaurant where wood-fired Mediterranean fare takes center stage
- This bar spinning records and slinging compost cocktails
- This new Chelsea cocktail bar where 70’s Italian disco & ‘cold ass martinis’ collide
- This restaurant solely focused on fungi
- A new spot from the Don Angie team specializing in seafood
41. Travel to Dublin without taking a flight…sorta
A sculpture known as The Portal recently opened in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood, and through groundbreaking technology it forms a visual bridge connecting NYC to Dublin, Ireland! The Portal creates a real-time, visual live stream connecting the two iconic cities, allowing people to meet others outside of their usual social circle and culture. Read all about it here.
42. Get some much needed R&R at this parking-garage-turned-bathhouse
Bathhouse, a beloved Williamsburg gem, has officially opened the doors to its second location in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood, completely transforming a 35,000-square-foot underground parking garage! The bathhouse features six heated pools, a steam room, a Russian style banya, and three saunas, along with 19 treatment rooms, perfect for both individuals and couples. Read more about Bathhouse here.
43. Stuff your face at Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg has returned for the 2024 season with more delicious vendors than ever. All locations (Williamsburg, WTC, Prospect Park) have opened, so if you can’t make it to one, you should be able to check out another. Find what vendors you can expect and more specific times and dates here.
44. Check out all of NYC’s current outdoor art installations and public sculptures
This year New York City has been adding so many wonderful outdoor public exhibitions for visitors to explore…and now you can too! Offering an alternative to museums, art galleries, and art exhibitions, these open-air installations are all free to check out and reside in the great outdoors of our city! Find our top must-see installments in the city here.
45. Catch comical renditions of classical plays at Drunk Shakespeare
Five fearless actors will entertain you with Shakespeare classics, all the while getting entirely inebriated throughout the performance. Feeding off the audience’s energy and the various alcohol consumption, each show is unique and different. It’s all happening at The Ruby Theatre NYC. Grab your tickets now.
46. Meet strangers at this passing notes wine bar
Attend one of Lavaux Wine Bar’s Secret Message Parties and pass notes with a stranger for what might be a life changing meet-cute. All guests will be given a piece of paper and asked to write anything from a poem, love note, or a simple conversation starter that will be given to a stranger via your waiter. Find out more and when the parties are held here.
47. Have the ultimate millennial experience: a fun night out & bed before 11pm
Millennials listen up! You may have used to love your 4am nights out in NYC, but let’s face it—we’ve grown up. It’s now the era of starting the night early to ensure you’re in bed well before midnight. And Matinée Social Club is dedicated to bringing you a fun night out, yet promising you’ll be in bed before 11pm! Learn all about it here.
48. Grab a drink at one (or all) of these NYC bars named among the 50 best in North America
The annual World’s 50 Best Bars list was recently unveiled, and twelve NYC bars made the ranking—more than any other city in the country–so gather your friends together and go get some drinks! Find out here which ones made the list here.
49. Take advantage of all the free perks from your library card
Did you know you’re privy to tons of incredible and free perks by having a New York Public Library card? Learn a new language, rent out an instrument, even record a hit single in a music studio, all with your card. Find more free things you can do with a New York Public Library card here.
50. Splash around at the beach
NYC Beaches are open right on time for the warm weather hitting us! Not sure where to head to enjoy the sunshine? Look no further. The best beaches in NYC can be found here.
51. Uncover unique finds at NYC’s largest and oldest weekly market
Grand Bazaar is THE place to shop on weekends, whether you’re on the hunt for vintage pieces, eclectic pottery or more! More than 100+ independent vendors are lined up each Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Learn more here.
52. Explore hidden waterfalls in Central Park
Sometimes you just need some peace and quiet from the city. We get it! But did you know you can find all of that actually still within the city? More specifically in Central Park. If you know where to look, you can find Central Park’s hidden waterfalls in The Ravine. For a more detailed location, read here.
53. Take in waterfront views on these giant swings
We’re still hoping the weekend weather forecast turns up, and if sunshine comes like we hope it does, there’s no better way to enjoy waterfront views in NYC than on the giant swings. They’re perfect to sit and chat, read a book, or meet a stranger. Find out more details here.
54. Spend the day sightseeing around NYC on a walking tour
It’s no secret that New Yorkers see much of the city by foot, but walking the same route day in and day out keeps you from seeing some of the most unique parts of the city! Whether you’re looking for new hidden gems in your neighborhood, wanting to learn more about the city, or explore somewhere you’ve never been, we’ve got some guided tours that’ll do the trick! Find our fav picks here.
55. Eat your way through NYC’s best night markets
As the weather warms up in NYC that also means the return of the city’s best night markets! From Queens to the Bronx and everything in between, New Yorkers can indulge in local, delicious food from NYC vendors all summer long–some every single weekend! Find some of the city’s best night markets here.
56. Grab your crew and sing your heart out at Baby Grand
It’s time to warm up the pipes with a good ol’ night of karaoke at one of NYC’s most beloved karaoke bars, Baby Grand! Located at 29 W 17th St, you can choose to live out your pop star fantasy on the main stage or book a private room with friends. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night.
57. Enjoy live music, drinks, & endless art at The Met Date Nights
If you’re looking to take in some culture, The Met Museum will once again be hosting date nights in the comfort of their beautiful indoor space every Friday and Saturday night! They invite you to bring your special someone, a friend, or come solo for an unforgettable night at one of the most enchanting and iconic establishments in the city. The evening will go from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., for three magical hours of live music, drinks, and sweeping gallery exhibits.
58. Escape to ‘Bubble Planet,’ a sensorial, pastel interactive landscape
A whimsical experience is opening just outside of NYC at American Dream Mall that will awaken your inner child in a bubble wonderland. Explore 10 wonderfully themed rooms, full of photo-ops, VR adventures and an indoor playground. Snag a spot on the waitlist here.
59. Set sail on NYC’s only floating Mexican restaurant during La Barca After Darka
La Barca Cantina is officially bringing its floating fiesta back to the Hudson this summer. La Barca After Darka sets sail from 11 pm to 1:30 am and will celebrate in style every Friday night this summer through August 30th. Guests can expect a Miami-Yacht inspired soundtrack from a DJ spinning all night long, a fully loaded Mexican snack bar, and a full menu of drinks including one of the most extensive tequila and mezcal offerings in the city onboard a three-story yacht with an expansive outdoor deck.
60. Discover the world of Hello Kitty at this limited time pop-up
Global icon Hello Kitty is celebrating her 50th anniversary with a Hello Kitty pop-up shop at Nordstrom’s NYC flagship store. The shop features exclusive collaborations featuring Hello Kitty and her closest friends with prices starting as low as $6. It’s only here for a limited time, and you can read all about it here.
61. Fill your July with fabulous plans to make the most of summer
How are we already at July? And with the season flying by we’re making sure you take advantage of all the summer sun and city fun this July. From taking in a dip in NYC pools to catching the year’s last Manhatttanhenge, find the best happenings here.
62. Listen to your favorite songs by Taylor Swift reenacted with Broadway Sings
Hear Taylor Swift favorites like Love Story, Blank Space, and Shake It Off at Broadway Sings Taylor Swift, an unmissable concert featuring Broadway singers, backed by a 14-piece orchestra, performing the best songs, no matter which album is your favorite! Get tickets here.
63. Shop local at this adorable new eclectic shop
The Locavore Variety Store recently opened in Greenwich Village, showcasing local brands and an eclectic mix of products all made within 100 miles of NYC. From homewares like beautiful brooms handmade in Brooklyn and table linens to beauty and wellness items, they have everything you could ever imagine. Read more about it here.
64. Enjoy nearly 20 miles of NYC streets car-free
Summer Streets is returning once again this summer for the last weekend of July (27th) and the four Saturdays of August (3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th), and this year’s iteration is going to be the largest one yet! Summer Streets is an annual pedestrian and cycling haven where miles of NYC across the five boroughs are closed off to cars, and exciting programming and activities take place along the designated routes. Read all about it here.
65. Enjoy art & food vendors, cultural performances, & more at Chinatown Night Market
Think!Chinatown is back for their fourth year of their summer series Chinatown Night Market (橋頭夜市), a market that showcases the best of Chinatown–and it’s returning this Friday, July 26th! An incredible lineup of new and returning food, artisan, and cultural goods vendors will take to Forsyth Plaza, and you can read more about it here.
66. Enjoy an elevated oyster roast & backyard BBQ at this collaboration between The Noortwyck & Popina
West Village gem, The Noortwyck, is teaming up with Brooklyn’s beloved Popina on Sunday, July 28th, for a special event featuring an oyster roast and backyard BBQ! Guests will be treated to an exploration of flavors with an “elevated oyster roast” menu, along with a steep list of wines and live music. It’ll be an epic summer afternoon, and you can save your spot here.