New York Dearest
The guide, $35
An event · Upper West Side · on 3 of my lists

Summer on the Hudson.

Worth it, says Antonina. Every summer, I make it a point to check out at least a few events in Summer on the Hudson, a free outdoor arts and culture series along Riverside Park.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my New York Summer bucket list
Address
Riverside Park Directions
Subway
1 to 79 St, 6 min
Cost
Free
Website
nycgovparks.org/events/summer_on_the_hudson
What this page is

Everything I’ve written about Summer on the Hudson on New York Dearest, in one place. It’s on 3 of my lists, from New York Summer bucket list to Best things to do in New York in July, and each one says something the others don’t. Below you’ll find what I go for and when I go, in my own words from those lists, every list it’s on with what I wrote there, and where it is and what’s near.

  1. New York Summer bucket listWorth it
  2. Best things to do in New York in AugustWorth it
  3. Best things to do in New York in JulyWorth it

Before you go, in my words

Quoted from my own lists
What I go for

If I’m visiting friends or hosting out-of-towners, it’s one of the first summer activities I recommend.

From New York Summer bucket list
When to go

If you’re visiting NYC in summer and want to feel like a local for a night, this is one of the best ways to do it. Bring a blanket, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy a sunset event with the Hudson River as your backdrop.

From New York Summer bucket list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Where it appears on New York Dearest

3 of my lists, the fullest first
Worth it
What I wrote thereFold it away

Every summer, I make it a point to check out at least a few events in Summer on the Hudson, a free outdoor arts and culture series along Riverside Park. From West 59th Street to 181st Street, you’ll find dance nights, movie screenings, yoga classes, and live concerts, most of them free and open to anyone.

What I love about this series is how hyper-local it feels. You’re not in Times Square; you’re on a pier in the early evening watching a salsa band, surrounded by neighbors. If I’m visiting friends or hosting out-of-towners, it’s one of the first summer activities I recommend.

A few standout options. Silent Disco nights at Pier I, Locomotive Lawn movies for kids, and Sun Gaze Sundays with telescopes and music. Check the calendar, it’s packed.

If you’re visiting NYC in summer and want to feel like a local for a night, this is one of the best ways to do it. Bring a blanket, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy a sunset event with the Hudson River as your backdrop.

Read it on the list
  • Costfree
  • AddressRiverside Park, New York, NY
  • From my guide, published May 2025.
Worth it

Luckily all the fun events that take place on the Hudson are free and easy to join.

What I wrote thereFold it away

Summer on the Hudson is an annual festival put on by NYC Parks in collaboration with the Riverside Park Conservancy. There are endless activities all summer long to partake in for both kids and adults alike so adding this to your NYC itinerary during August is a no-brainer.

The activities include things like movie showings, musical performances and Tai-Chi lessons. There’s a full PDF schedule available for you to survey the options and choose which you’d like to participate in. Luckily all the fun events that take place on the Hudson are free and easy to join.

If scheduling isn’t your style and you’re more go with the flow consider following Summer on the Hudson’s social media pages. This way you’ll get consistent reminders as to that day’s activities. August in NYC has never been more eventful!

Some events to look forward to this August in New York City.

The full event list can be found here.

Read it on the list
Worth it

There are endless activities for both kids and adults alike lasting all July in New York City.

What I wrote thereFold it away

Summer on the Hudson is an annual festival put on by NYC Parks in collaboration with the Riverside Park Conservancy. There are endless activities for both kids and adults alike lasting all July in New York City. The activities include things like movie showings, musical performances, and Tai Chi lessons. There’s a full schedule available for you to survey your options and choose which you’d like to participate in.

The two I’m most looking forward to are the silent disco and the birding walk. The best things to do during this July in New York City are all taking place on the Hudson! If scheduling isn’t your style and you’re more go-with-the-flow, consider following Summer on the Hudson’s social media pages. This way you’ll get consistent reminders of that day’s activities.

Some Summer on the Hudson events to look forward to this July in New York City.

Read it on the list

Where it is, and what’s near

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
Open it on my map
Nearby, from my lists
On The Best of New York

I put Summer on the Hudson on 2 of my best lists.

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