NEW YORK CITY, USA—In a special announcement, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for all five boroughs of New York City spotlights a curated selection of free and budget-friendly experiences for visitors to relish this summer.
“New York City offers an unparalleled array of attractions, catering to every interest, duration of visit, and budget. With an abundance of street festivals, cultural events, outdoor dining, and scenic parks and beaches, our city comes alive during the summer months,” remarked Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
View from the Manhattan Bridge. Image Courtesy of Tagger Yancey IV.
Embracing the spirit of the season, he cordially extends an invitation to all visitors, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the plethora of magnificent free and affordable activities scattered throughout the city, ensuring an unforgettable summer trip to NYC.
Explore The City That Never Sleeps
Highlighted activities include Free Annual Events, a Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, NYC Restaurant Week Returns, Island and Beach Hopping, Outdoor Entertainment, and Immersive Public Art.
Free Annual Events
Image Courtesy of NYC Summer Street.
Mark your calendars for the eagerly awaited return of SummerStreets, gracing select Saturdays this summer. Miles of open streets await, inviting you to revel in play, walk, and bike. This remarkable program will grace Queens and Staten Island on July 29, Manhattan on August 5, 12, and 19, and Brooklyn and the Bronx on August 26.
Attend the festivities from August 10 to 20 as Harlem Week marks its 48th annual celebration, showcasing the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural heritage. Be immersed in live music, captivating dance performances, delectable dining experiences, unique shopping opportunities, and much more.
Hop on the subway (for $2.75 one way) to Brooklyn for the West Indian American Day Carnival, starting on August 31. Don’t miss the vibrant parade on September
Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop
Image Courtesy of BRIC Arts Media.
Join the jubilation as they commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop’s inception in New York City on August 11, 1973. Engage in the revelry with free concerts like “Birth of a Culture,” featuring Grandmaster Flash and Friends in the Bronx’s Crotona Park on August 4, and the exciting BRIC Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Weekend on August 11–12.
Explore the hip-hop-inspired restaurant Beatstro in Mott Haven, combining Southern comfort and Puerto Rican flavors. Catch the happy hour from 4-8 pm or the weekend Beats n’ Brunch. Experience the rhythm of free classes and hip-hop workshops with expert dance instructors at Dance in Times Square Ailey Extension on August 10.
NYC Restaurant Week Returns
One Dine – One World Observatory, NYC. Image Courtesy of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
Crowd favorite NYC Restaurant Week® is back from now until August 20. Indulge in prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner at restaurants throughout the five boroughs. Navigate the full list of participating eateries at nyctourism.com/restaurantweek.
Island and Beach Hopping
Coney Island, NYC. Image Courtesy of New York City Tourism + Conventions.
Discover the islands of NYC! The NYC Ferry connects all five boroughs for just $4 one way. Experience Brooklyn’s Coney Island with its iconic boardwalk, amusement rides, and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. Head to Orchard Beach in the Bronx for scenic views and a glimpse of City Island. Enjoy Manhattan’s newest public park, Little Island, with free access to art, performances, and waterfront views. Don’t miss the car-free paradise of Governors Island, offering events, workshops, and food trucks every third Saturday until October.
Rockaway Beach. Image Courtesy of Rockaway Beach.
More islands await you like the Rockaways in Queens for surfing beaches and a delicious lunch at Tacoway Beach. Catch the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty before visiting South Beach and Midland Beach, both offering sandy shores, a 2.5-mile boardwalk, and a fishing pier.
Outdoor Entertainment
Image Courtesy of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn.
NYC’s summer is known to be filled with outdoor performances. Watch Hamlet for free at Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park until August 6. Enjoy diverse musical genres with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage in parks citywide. Catch BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn 45th season with free shows at Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell. Don’t miss outdoor movie screenings by Film at Lincoln Center, Flicks on the Beach in Coney Island, and Movies With A View in Brooklyn Bridge Park until September 1. Embrace the arts under the open sky this summer.
Immersive Art
Image Courtesy of Public Art Fund.
Enjoy free, contemporary art exhibitions brought to public spaces by the Public Art Fund showcased in parks, bus shelters, and transit hubs like LaGuardia Airport and Times Square. Midnight Moment lights up Times Square’s digital billboards with art from 11:57 pm to midnight. Seaport Arts exhibits diverse works throughout Lower Manhattan’s Seaport area, including Hip Hop at 50 and Fragments of the Dreams: A Surrealist Vision. Embrace the city’s rich culture with these captivating art experiences this summer.
Hip Hop at 50 by Janette Beckman. Image Courtesy of Seaport.
In a remarkable testament to New York City’s resilience, the economic recovery gained momentum in 2022 with a staggering 72.5% surge in travelers, totaling over 56 million visitors. This resurgence signifies the return of 85% of the City’s pre-pandemic visitation levels achieved in 2019. The City’s journey towards revitalization continues, with a projected target of welcoming 63.3 million visitors in 2023.
For a comprehensive guide to the myriad attractions and experiences awaiting you in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.