Who knew there was such a rich variety of free summer entertainment and goodies offered in the parks, on the streets, shores, and great plazas of New York City? I sure didn’t and thanks to my recent research, next month I’ll be hightailing it over to the Hudson River to take advantage of free Hatha Yoga “in a beautiful sunset setting.”
And what else is going on this summer that costs zippo? Plenty. How about free kayaking or salsa and bachata lessons? Or picnicking in the park with the Philharmonic or Metropolitan Opera, or catching a concert of Chilean/French hip hop or electronic rock from Mexico. Or maybe attending a pirate party or puppet pageant or a “Mamapalooza Extravaganza.” Or enjoying a premier movie under the stars. And where else could you groove to so many internationally inspired performers — the sounds and colors of Turkey or a Slavic soul party or a Chinese lion dance. And all free. So dust off your dancing shoes and let the New York summertime party begin.
- Summer on the Hudson is the Park Departments annual arts and culture festival in Riverside Park on the cool shores of the Hudson River. With activities for all ages, the festival features concerts ranging from hip hop to reggae to Balkan brass, dance performances, movies under the moon, DJ dance parties and wellness projects, plus vibrant programs and adventures for children.
- Lincoln Center Out of Doors. It’s back and dynamic as ever! Free music and dance on the plazas of Lincoln Center. Some of the imaginatively titled performers include: The Asphalt Jungle, Asylum Street Spankers, Los Straitjackets, Spyder Turner, The Velvelettes, The Party Stompers, Balkan Beat Box and The Welfare Poets. Also, performing there, that Chinese Lion Dance.
- Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks. These concerts starring our own Philharmonic Orchestra with a guest appearance by the Shanghai Symphony orchestra are really two shows in one. Not only do you get to hear an exciting first class concert, but after the music ends, they throw in a sizzling fireworks display. The fireworks are first class too. When they explode over Central Park’s Great Lawn, many blocks away from my apartment, they sound like booming “the British are coming” cannons.
- Summer Stage. Highlighting contemporary, traditional and emerging artists, the City Parks Foundation presents high-energy performances with international flair to New York’s diverse communities in the parks of all boroughs. Catch the rhythms of a free style jam band, Motown, underwater pop, soul, funk, jazz and disco classics. And tap your toes in step with dance genres from all over the globe.
- The Met’s Summer Recital Festival. As many do, prepare to arrive early and claim your space on Central Park’s Great Lawn. Then in the fresh night air, enjoy a picnic meal and glass of wine listening to rising Met stars. Six performances coming in all five boroughs.
- Staten Island Ferry. Still, after all these years, one of the world’s great water voyages. Pulling away from the waterfront with fabulous panoramas of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, you’ll soon have an excellent view of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island and 25 minutes to relax and rejuvenate while gliding through breezy harbor waters. After arriving at Staten Island, turn around and repeat. And marvel that it’s all free.
If you know of any other free New York summer entertainment (not including street fairs that exist mainly to sell things) please add them in a comment and, after review, I’ll be happy to include them.
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- Spring Break in New York
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