New York City Tourism + Conventions, the city’s official destination marketing organization and visitors bureau, is highlighting a variety of free and affordable activities available this summer across its five boroughs. They have also launched the NYC on a Budget content hub on nyctourism.com, which provides a detailed guide to seasonal events, outdoor activities, affordable dining options, and tips for obtaining free or discounted tickets to events.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment:
This summer, avoid the heat by visiting one of New York City’s top museums. For a comprehensive list of museums that offer free admission—either always, on certain days, or during specific hours—visit the Free NYC Museums guide provided by NYC Tourism.
Experience a summer of music with SummerStage, featuring a mix of free and ticketed concerts in various parks, including the famed Central Park in Manhattan.
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City event is back, offering over 200 events, many of which are free or have a pay-as-you-wish admission. The lineup includes children’s musical storytimes, film screenings, stand-up comedy, workshops, and other performances.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Madison Square Park presents a series of free public art installations by four artists, including the exhibition “Seed” by Rose B. Simpson from New Mexico, available through September 22.
Enjoy free movie screenings this summer at Paramount+ Movie Nights, hosted in various locations like McCarren Park in Williamsburg, the Long Meadow in Prospect Park, Coney Island Beach, and Fort Greene Park. Make sure to RSVP online to secure your spot and enjoy free popcorn.
Annual Events & Celebrations:
Next month, NYC will honor Juneteenth, commemorating June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans were freed. Discover more through Juneteenth at NYPL—a free series of events, books, and resources, including the outdoor Schomburg Center Literary Festival in Harlem on June 17.
Celebrate New York City Pride, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, with events across all five boroughs. The NYC Pride March, one of the world’s largest Pride parades, will take place on June 30. Visitors can also explore the new Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, opening on June 28.
This Independence Day, enjoy the free Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks over the Hudson River; official viewing points will be announced soon. Alternatively, visit Coney Island for its iconic Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, boardwalk, and amusements.
Harlem Week celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer from August 7–18, with live music, performances, dining, and more, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich heritage.
Sports & Outdoor Activities:
Next month, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, cricket fans can watch matches on big screens at free outdoor viewing events on Lower Manhattan’s North Oculus Plaza. Notable matchups include Australia vs. England on June 8, India vs. Pakistan on June 9, and the Final on June 29.
Some of the world’s greatest national soccer teams will compete in the CONMEBOL Copa América and UEFA EURO tournaments this summer. If you can’t attend in person, many NYC locations will screen the games. Check out Football Factory at Legends, Soccer Republic at Bar 43, and other bars for viewing fun.
Open Streets returns with more than 130 car-free locations across the five boroughs, providing pedestrians and cyclists more public space. Details about this year’s Summer Streets program will be announced soon.
Explore NYC with PlaceChase, a self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt all in one mobile app. Additional walking tours can be found at nyctourism.com.
Dining & Shopping:
NYC Restaurant Week® returns from July 22–August 18, featuring hundreds of restaurants citywide offering prix-fixe menus. A full list of participating eateries will be available on July 6.
Grand Bazaar is a weekly retail market on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, with stalls by local independent artists, craft-makers, vintage/antique dealers, and more. Special events this summer include a Pride-themed Summer Brunch & Shop on June 30 and a NYC Summer Vintage Bazaar on July 14.
Industry City in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood offers restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and a Japanese food hall, with tours and events throughout the summer months.
In 2023, NYC welcomed 62.2 million visitors, including 50.6 million domestic and 11.6 million international visitors. This year, visitation is expected to grow to 64.8 million, a 97% recovery of 2019 record levels.
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