I think…the warm weather is here to stay. Whew, I said it. Couldn’t wait for that moment, you know the one where you really really feel safe putting your winter jacket away for the season, and brandishing sentences around like, “the warm weather is here to stay,” without fear of getting jinxed. YOU CAN’T BE TOO CAREFUL AROUND THESE PARTS.
In honor of the hot weather (I’m not complaining), I’ve created your very own New York City Summer Bucket List. A compilation of those “get em while they’re hot” events, mixed with the iconic NYC outdoor to-dos, this list will act as your summer Bible:
New York City Summer Bucket List:
*Original post May 2015, updated May 2017
Food Fairs & Festivals:
Taste of Times Square – June 5
Big Apple Barbecue – June 10-11
Egg rolls, egg creams and empanadas – June 18
Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest – July 4
Street Fairs – (see which ones are happening weekly on my blog)
Music & Arts Events:
Governor’s Ball – June 2-4
Outdoor fest – June 3-12
Museum mile festival – June 13
Gay Pride Parade – June 16-25
The Mermaid Parade – June 17
Panorama Music Festival – July 28-30
New York Philharmonic in the Park
Celebrate Brooklyn music and dance parties
Brooklyn Night Bazaar – on the beach!
Chihuly at the New York Botanical Garden
Outdoor Summer Activities:
Manhattanhenge – May 29-30 & July 12-13
Belmont Stakes – June 8-10
Jazz Age Lawn Party – June 10-11 and August 26-27
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks – July 4 (Obvs.)
City of Water Day – July 15
Harlem Week – July 30 – August 26
2017 US Open – August 21 – September 13
Bryant Park lawn events
Other great parts of summer? Central Park picnics, walks across the Brooklyn Bridge and general outdoor time. Enjoy every minute of it!
What did I miss? Let me know in the comments section or on Twitter @maryinmanhattan. I will continue to add to this list!
Mary in Manhattan 
Thank you for this list! Wow, you are an amazing event planner for everything NYC! I’ve never done the Mermaid Parade so that’s high up on my list…Great stuff here!
PS Where is that street art of the sailor kissing the girl ? I’ve seen that building pic before but not sure which borough or where exactly? Thanks!
Hope you had a great weekend,
*Lia
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Thanks Lia! The art is at 25th street I think…you can see it best when walking the High Line. Mermaid parade seems hilarious – I haven’t done it yet either. Coney Island seems so far…
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Oh, from the Highline! Sure! Thanks I haven’t paid attention but now I will..it’s very cool!
Yeah, Coney Island is a great place but indeed, spending 1+ hours on the subway more or less is hard!
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I was just writing my NYC Summer Bucket List yesterday! Haha. Love this!
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Nice! We can combine them for the ultimate summer!
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For sure!
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Awesome list! thank you! 🙂
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Let me know if you end up checking any off the list!
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OK. I will! 🙂
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Summer is my VERY favorite season in NYC, for all these reasons (plus the 90 degree weather I just can’t get enough of!;-) Outdoor yoga in Bryant Park is the summer event I look forward to all year long!
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I agree – NYC is pure happiness in the summer!
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