New York City in June is truly alive. Summer is in full swing, with outdoor events galore that let you enjoy the long, sunny days. One of my favorite things about New York City in summer is just how easy it is to enjoy the best the city has to offer, from food festivals to celebrations of local communities that are uniquely NYC.
Oh, and did I mention that several of the best things to do in NYC in June are free? Whether you’re looking for free events or coveted tickets to one-of-a-kind festivals, I’ve got you covered with this list of the best of NYC in June!
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The 15 Best Things to Do in NYC in June
1. Take the Ferry to Governor’s Island
Governor’s Island may be open all year round, but June is a prime time to visit this beautiful green island. Enjoy stunning views of the city while you wander through 120 acres featuring gardens, a bee sanctuary, and a spa. What makes visiting this spot one of the best things to do in NYC in June is the lavender field, which blooms this month, painting Governor’s Island in waves of purple, blue, and gray.
2. Get Risqué for a Good Cause with Broadway Bares
Broadway Bares might not be the most family-friendly event of the year, but it’s still one of the best NYC events in June. Featuring incredibly choreographed numbers and dancing that definitely isn’t allowed on a typical night of Broadway, Broadway Bares is a fun and sexy night out. And it all goes to a good cause as sales support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
3. Marvel at the Sight of the Mermaid Parade
Coney Island is the place to be in New York City in June for several reasons. For one thing, summer is a great time to stop by Coney Island’s Luna Park.
But June in NYC also marks the return of the annual Mermaid Parade, inspired by the old Coney Island Mardi Gras parades! This parade, which is the largest art parade in the country, features merfolk of all kinds donned in elaborate, eye-catching costumes.
4. Celebrate Pride in NYC
New York City is home to a vibrant, inclusive LGBTQ+ community, so it’s no wonder why NYC in June features tons of Pride celebrations in honor of Pride Month. Take part in the Pride March, participate in the annual Stonewall Day in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, and attend Queer|Art|Pride’s summer festival to connect with local LBQTQ+ businesses and artists.
5. Honor All Things Theater at the Tony Awards
If you’re a theater fan, there’s no bigger night of the year than the Tony Awards, which arrive in June in NYC. Your favorite Broadway stars, live performances of today’s best shows, and celebrations of all things theater – what’s not to love?
In years past, non-famous folks could still score tickets to the biggest night on Broadway, but they went for hefty price tags. If you’re not able to get tickets, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, including the watch parties that pop up around the city.
6. Dine Out at Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market and one of the most fun things to do in NYC in summer. The market has grown to three locations happening throughout the weekend, with the World Trade Center location on Fridays, Williamsburg on Saturdays, and Prospect Park on Sundays.
It’s so easy to spend a whole day dining on delicious food thanks to this outdoor market. From creole to cookies, burgers to bao buns, you’ll find treats from local NYC restaurants here, inspired by cuisine from all over the world.
7. Take in a Free Concert from SummerStage NYC
Looking for one of the best free things to do in NYC in summer? We’ll raise you one better and give you 80 of the best free things to do! Summer brings about the return of Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage.
From June through October, SummerStage puts on nearly 80 free or benefit concerts across 13 parks. Performances take place in all five boroughs, making it easy to find one in your neighborhood in the summer.
8. Rock Out at the Governors Ball Music Festival
If you’re a music lover, the Governors Ball Music Festival is another must if you’re in New York City in June. Over in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, you can catch three days of music, from pop stars to hip-hop icons to R&B queens and every other genre you can think of.
With more than 60 artists across three stages, there’s a reason why it’s considered one of NYC’s biggest parties.
9. Relax and Take in Little Island’s Summer Season
Little Island is a new public park on the Hudson River providing stunning views, gorgeous greenery, and, in the summer, the Summer Season. Little Island’s Summer Season is one of the best New York City summer events, featuring free shows put on by some of New York’s best. These shows are some of the best free things to do in NYC in summer, thanks to Little Island’s superb location!
10. Catch a Flick at the Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival is one of the coolest NYC events in June, especially if you’re a movie fan. This 11-day festival invites guests to celebrate all things storytelling, highlighting both feature and short films that share culturally diverse perspectives.
But this festival goes beyond film, showcasing stories through TV, games, audio, music, and even immersive experiences.
11. Enjoy the Free Bryant Park Picnic Performances
For another one of the best free New York City summer events, head over to Bryant Park for the Bryant Park Picnic Performances.
Running from June through September, this outdoor festival features collaborations with many of NYC’s most prominent cultural institutions, inviting them to come perform in Bryant Park. From opera to contemporary dance to jazz, the lineup is filled with unique artists.
12. See Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is a true NYC tradition and one of the best New York City summer events. Over at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, you’ll find huge, free productions of classic Shakespeare plays, running from early June through August, often with unique twists and even big-name stars.
13. Get Artsy at the Summer for the City Festival
Lincoln Center is a New York City institution, and I love how its Summer for the City festival invites people to experience the NYC arts scene for free. This NYC summer event lasts from mid-June through mid-August and features hundreds of things to do, from weeklong festivals that celebrate a unique culture to diverse takes on orchestral classics. Summer for the City is truly for everyone.
14. Dine and Shop Through Night Markets
Summer in NYC is night market season, when you get to spend those long evenings exploring the city’s many neighborhoods and experiencing diverse cultures and cuisines. The Bronx Night Market runs every first Saturday of the month in summer, the Uptown Night Market in Harlem on the second Thursday, and the Queens Night Market every Saturday.
One of the newest additions to the night market scene is the Vegan Night Market in Central Park, which runs every first Tuesday.
15. Wander Through the Museum Mile Festival
When it comes to things to do in NYC in June, attending the Museum Mile Festival is one of the best, as it invites NYC residents and visitors alike to enjoy some of the city’s best cultural institutions, all for free!
Taking place on the evening of the second Tuesday in June, this festival closes down a stretch of Fifth Avenue, with the eight participating museums and landmarks on this street opening up for extended evening hours.
Throughout the night, visitors can wander up and down the street and see some of the greatest art and artifact collections in the world. On the street are local vendors, live performances, and fun kid-friendly activities.
