New York in the summer is like an endless carnival: live music, comedy, dance, art, parks, rooftop bars. No matter what kind of fun you’re after, you’ll find it here. The only problem? How do you decide what to do when there are hundreds of events from which to choose? We suggest you consult a local resident who has the real deal on what’s really special and what to take a pass on. Here, our Brooklyn-based correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum shares her luxury Gotham insider’s guide on what to do, with the top 10 events you really must make time to attend in New York City (NYC) this summer 2022.
how to find the top must-see events in NYC this Summer 2022
For three months every year, New York City transforms into the grown-up playground of our dreams. That’s the power of summer. And even though the season may not technically begin for another month, we all know summer really kicks off with Memorial Day Weekend.
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And yes, it may be hot and humid, but with all of the pop-ups, events, and activities, the city starts to feel like one big, never-ending carnival – and we can’t get enough of it. We all deserve to spend some time feeling like a kid again this season, and these ten fun and whimsical activations will help you do just that.
Our luxury Gotham insider’s guide on what to do: the top 10 events you must make time to attend in New York City (NYC) this summer 2022.
top 10 events you must make time for in New York City (NYC) this Summer 2022
1. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rock Center.
There are more places to roller skate in New York than you might think (not that we’re complaining!) but it’s been a while since we’ve been as excited about one as we are about Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace.
Located in the heart of Rock Center – think of it as the summer cousin to our favorite winter ice rink – the family-owned Flipper’s is our most-anticipated summer spot. As well as the skating, we’ve heard whispers of special events and custom Flipper’s merch, and we can’t wait to give this place a whirl.
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2. Greenpoint Terminal Market.
Greenpoint Terminal Market is back! And who can imagine a better summer day than one in Greenpoint, shopping local vendors with the view of the Manhattan skyline in the background? We can’t.
With food, clothes, accessories, art, and more, you can really make a day of it at Brooklyn’s best market. And new this year is Greenpoint Terminal Market’s Kid Zone, which adds a bouncy castle, bouncy slide, and pedal car into the mix. The perfection destination.
3. Open Streets
Did you know that New York is home to the largest Open Streets Program in the world? With 150 locations – that’s 300 city blocks – Open Streets has got to be one of our favorite summer traditions, and one of our favorite silver linings from the pandemic.
It doesn’t feel like summer until you are wandering through the street with your friends, eating, drinking, talking, and laughing. In many cases, you can also expect performances, entertainment, and other activities. Summer magic in the making.
4. Bronx Night Market
Beginning May 28th, The Bronx Night Market returns for a monthly pop-up. And you don’t want to miss it. As well as eating your way through the best food of the borough, you’ll also get to explore the work of local artists, and listen to music from both well-known and up-and-coming musicians.
Head to Fordham Plaza, and prepare to taste food from more than fifty vendors, representing the cuisines of over twenty countries.
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5. Manhattan Park Pool on Roosevelt Island.
If you missed the memo about Roosevelt Island’s swim club, sun deck, and 60’ rainbow pool, that’s totally okay. It opened in summer of 2020, when we weren’t spending a lot of time in public pools. But this should be the summer you finally take a dip.
Grab the tram to Roosevelt Island, and book a day pass to enjoy the city’s brightest swimming experience. And if you like it so much you want to become a regular? There are monthly passes available for both residents and non-residents.
6. Hammock Grove on Governor’s Island.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you live in New York. So, there’s also a good chance you don’t have a backyard. Well, this summer, let the whole city be your yard.
Next time you’re craving a lazy day, catch the boat to Governor’s Island, and spend some time lounging in Hammock Grove. You’ll never want to leave.
7. SummerStage in Central Park.
We’re not playing favorites, but if we were, we’d have to say that SummerStage is our favorite part of every summer. And further proof that you could spend all day every day in Central Park, and never do the same thing twice.
Beginning on June 4th, head to Rumsey Playfield every week to catch a different artist. The lineup this summer includes Modest Mouse, Trombone Shorty, Belle and Sebastian, Barenaked Ladies, George Clinton, and many other superstars. And on June 17th, head to Marcus Garvey Park for SummerStage’s Juneteenth Celebration, and a screening of the Oscar-winning Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised).
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8. Mini Golf at Hudson River Park.
If you’ve ever felt that strange summer urge to play a round of mini golf, there is exactly one place in the city where you can make that happen: Hudson River Park.
Head to the edge of Tribeca and make the most of their epic 13,000 square foot course. A good reminder that New York really does have everything.
9. Rooftop Films in Brooklyn.
As you probably know, there are – perhaps surprisingly – about a million places in New York where you can catch a movie under the stars. Well, we have to hand it to Rooftop Films, who might be our favorite of the bunch.
Their summer lineup features a carefully curated selection of films, such as favorite new titles, Neptune Frost, Memoria, and Encanto. There are also many evenings devoted to screening short films, including their opening night on May 20th. You can catch their events all over Brooklyn, taking over some of the borough’s most interesting locations – like Green-Wood Cemetery, and The Old American Can Factory.
10. Picnic Performances at Bryant Park.
Nobody pours their heart into summer programming like Bryant Park, and we are always amazed by their series of daily, weekly, and monthly pop-ups. Though we are big fans of their “reading room,” their movie nights, their dance parties, their board game meetups, and their bingo events, our favorite Bryant Park offering has got to be the annual Picnic Performances.
These are such an easy way to experience a taste of the summer’s best art and culture, and we are so grateful to see them back this year. This year’s program is still coming together, but we’re already excited about New York City Opera, The Baylor Project, Classical Theatre of Harlem, American Symphony Orchestra, and many others.
top 10 events you must make time for in New York City (NYC) this Summer 2022
That’s our luxury Gotham insider’s guide to the top 10 events you really must make time to attend in New York City (NYC) this summer 2022. What’s at the top of your list, dear reader?
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Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.
