Best things to do in New York in June

You can’t tell the story of New York City without mention of Puerto Ricans. From the mid-1800s until the present, folks from the small island have weaved themselves into the fabric of NYC (Puerto Ricans make up nearly 10% of the city’s population).

And since 1958 one of the best things to do in New York City in June has been to celebrate your Caribbean neighbors at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. The parade marches down Fifth Avenue from 43rd to 79th Streets on June 11th, beginning at 11 AM.

It’s estimated more than one million spectators cheer on the parade annually. Meaning it’s one of the most popular things to do in New York City in June. It only makes sense, boricuas (Puerto Ricans) know how to party!

Date Jun 18, 2024 from 6pm-9pm (rain or shine)

During the Museum Mile Festival in June, Fifth Avenue closes to car traffic from the Met to the Museum of the City of New York (82nd Street to 105th Street). The area transforms into one large block party full of street musicians, artists, food vendors and live entertainment, it’s great fun for everyone in the family.

The best part? All museums along the stretch open their doors to the public for free. However, the lines wrap typically wrap around the block, with wait times exceeding an hour. If you’re keen to see something in particular, the wait might be worthwhile (considering average museum admission averages $30 per person).

Catching a performance by the New York Philharmonic has been considered one of the best things to do in New York City in June since 1965. Pairing world-class classical music with incredible open-air venues would normally cost an arm and a leg, but thankfully these events are completely free.

Classical music isn’t to everybody’s taste but seeing it live is entirely different. The shows are epic and monumental, and an experience you won’t soon forget. Summer in New York City wouldn’t be the same without Concerts in the Parks!

Date June 30th, 2024

June is Pride Month in the United States and there are events made to celebrate the plight of our LGBTQ+ neighbors throughout the country. New York City goes all out for Pride Month, the whole month becomes a celebration of inclusion, acceptance, and love!

You won’t struggle to find things to do in New York City in June since the whole month is full of Pride events to partake in. You can show your support & ally-ship through a plethora of events ranging from parties to the parade.

Most Pride events require RSVPs. Click here if you’re interested in reading more about Pride and how to participate this June in New York City.

Date Fridays (World Trade Center) Saturdays (Williamsburg), Sundays (Prospect Park)

For foodies, a must-do in NYC in June is welcoming the return of Smorgasburg, the largest outdoor food market in the country., known as “The Woodstock of Eating.” With over 60 vendors across three neighborhoods — World Trade Center on Fridays, Williamsburg on Saturdays. And Prospect Park on Sundays — it’s a culinary delight.

One of the best things to do in New York City in June is meet up with friends and jump from vendor to vendor trying all the delicious food. This is one of the most popular events in New York City in June, drawing 20,000 – 30,000 visitors every weekend!

Want to try dancing in NYC? Starting in June, Pier 76 at Hudson River Park transforms into a dance floor every Thursday until August. Salsa lessons for beginners kick off at 6:30 PM, making everyone loose and confident. The open dance session at 7:15 PM is a lively mix of locals, visitors, and all dance levels. With the talented and friendly instructor Talía Castro-Pozo, it’s one of the best things to do in NYC in June.

Something to Note This is a free event. However, Hudson River Park is not funded by the city so free events thrive off of donations. You can show your support by donating here.

If you’re visiting New York City in June make sure you don’t miss Shakespeare in the Park! The event is hosted by The Public Theater, an organization that has performed Shakespeare’s plays for over 60 years, for free! You’ll find the plays being performed at the 1,800-seat Delacorte Theater in Central Park. For tickets, you’ll have to arrive at the theater the day of the performance, but they’re a hot commodity.

There’s some serious, professional-level production value going into the performances. You’ll quickly understand why folks are so eager to get in line for tickets. Plus, the shows are enjoyable for audiences of all ages and interests.

Shakespeare in the Park is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in June so you’re going to want to show up early. Or you can always attempt to win digital lottery tickets. Stand-by tickets are distributed at noon every day there is a performance.

More info on how to get tickets, as well as what to expect can be found here.

Prepare yourself for a movie-viewing experience unlike anything you could imagine. Thanks to the Rooftop Cinema Club, you can watch some of the most timeless films under the open sky in New York City in June.

On the roof of the Embassy Suites in Midtown, you’ll find lounge chairs and personal headphones to maximize comfort during your movie. The hotel provides a full bar and restaurant, and you’ll also find a concessions stand with typical movie snacks. This fun New York City June activity is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Arriving early and with your full party is paramount since the seats are first come first serve. Doors open an hour before the showing so there’s ample time for drinks and snacks too. The summer in New York City is never boring thanks to the Rooftop Cinema Club.

Similar to the Today Show Concert Series, one of the best things to do in New York City this June is to join Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series. Every summer at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, ABC’s Good Morning America holds its Friday Summer Concert Series. Doors open at 6:00am, live performances start at 7am.

Tickets are free but must be requested. Since this June activity in NYC is also broadcast, be prepared to be to filmed. The more energetic you are the better, we’re trying to make good TV here, people!

Date Wednesdays in June

If all else fails, another great spot to catch an outdoor concert is the Hudson Yards Summer Concerts at The Wells Fargo Stage. I’m telling you June in New York City is unmatched when it comes to entertainment!

Now you may not get as big of performers at the Hudson Yards Summer Concerts but you’ll still be getting a hell of a show. Every Wednesday from June 21st – August 9th at 6:00 PM the Public Square & Garden will host the free outdoor concert.

What makes the concerts one of the best things to do in New York City in June is the fact that after the performances, a few restaurants and bars in The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards will hold “After Hours” events with a live DJ and specials.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, oyster barges dotted NYC, fading over time. Grand Banks revives this tradition, offering sustainably harvested oysters in one of the city’s best waterfront restaurants. Closed in colder months, its summer reopening is eagerly awaited.

Located on Pier 25 in Tribeca, Grand Banks earns acclaim from CNN Travel, The Observer, and New York Magazine. With so many eyes focused on Grand Banks, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t let you know dining here is one of the best things to do in New York City in June. Consider this an inside scoop and make reservations now!

Fun fact, The ship (technically it’s a schooner) is named the Sherman Zwicker and was hand-built in 1942 In fact, it’s the largest wooden vessel in New York City.

Date June 22nd, 2024 at 1pm

For over 40 years Coney Island has been hosting an annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island to ring in the summer. Not only is cheering on this vibrant parade one of the best things to do in NYC in June, you can even join the festivities!

Just register and join thousands of other New Yorkers and visitors as you march down the streets of Coney Island dressed as mermaids. The event is like the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but in New York City.

In fact, Mardi Gras was the inspiration behind this event back in 1983. Since then folks have come in from around the world to partake in this parade. Dress as creatively as you can and join fellow mermaids as you take part in one of the best things to do in New York City in June.

Date June 7th, 2024

Visiting New York City in June (especially at the beginning of the month) has so many perks. The comfortable weather, rooftop bars, and of course, National Donut Day. One of the best things to do in New York City this June is to get your hands on the city’s premier donuts.

Date All of June

Although most rooftop bars start dusting off their tables in early spring, the best time to visit isn’t until closer to summer. That’s because June in New York City is when the temperature finally averages T-shirt level. The warm climate makes being at the top of a windy restaurant more manageable.

There’s no windchill to worry about. And the dip in temperature after the sun sets is still manageable with a sweater.Speaking of sunsets, during the month of June in New York City the sun set around 8pm, you can linger longer!

Need suggestions on which rooftop bars are worth visiting in New York City in June? We are currently working on a roundup of the best? Until then check out 10 Tasty Lower East Side Rooftop Bars (You Won’t Want to Miss).

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is considered one of the 10 best aviation museums in the world, reason alone to visit. Fortunately visiting is one of the best free things to do in New York City in June thanks to Free Fridays.

During the event the Intrepid Museum extends its hours and is open, free of charge from 5 to 9PM on the last Friday of each month, April through September.

More than 1 million visitors per year choose to visit this important New York City museum to explore the exciting collection and you get to do it for free! Expect to find authentic WWII fighter planes, aircraft carriers, a submarine used during the Cold War, a supersonic jet, and the NASA space shuttle Enterprise.

A lesser-known neighbor to the Tribeca Film Festival, the Brooklyn Film Festival is in its 26th year. Screening a slew of films from all over the world, the Brooklyn Film Festival offers a unique experience and it won’t cost you your firstborn child (like the Tribeca Film Festival will).

As an added bonus, all my antisocial friends will rejoice in learning the festival also offers virtual screenings so you don’t even have to put on pants. Tickets are available here.

Date June 14th – 16th, 2024

Few names resonate with the casual movie lover more than the Tribeca Film Festival. Up-and-coming filmmakers get their opportunity to be showcased along with their established counterparts. This June in New York City will be the 20th anniversary of this beloved summer festival and I anticipate it’ll be a good one. For the opportunity to see the newest and greatest films passes can be bought here.

Date See 2024 schedule here

SummerStage is a festival that takes over New York City starting in June The flagship venue for their concerts is at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park but they also put on shows at other parks in all 5 boroughs. The free shows don’t require advanced reservations and are first come first serve, however, they also put on benefit concerts that require a ticket.

SummerStage’s music varies in genre, so make sure to check the calendar to see who is performing before heading to the park. The event gets lively with people of all different generations and backgrounds. It’s a great way to spend your time if you’re looking for things to do in New York City in June.

If you’ve never been to a music festival you’re missing out. You get to enjoy multiple concerts over the course of a few days at a single venue taking all the stress out of planning. One of the best things to do in June in New York City is to swing by the Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing-Meadows Corona Park Queens. General admission tickets start at $139. Tickets, full lineups, and more info is available here.

Had I told you I was going to a rum festival in college you’d think shots and hangovers. Instead, the Rum Festival is one of the best things to do in New York City in June and is a respectable experience.

At the June NYC festival, you’ll learn about premium rums from the brands that produce them (and get a few samples). Speaking from first-hand experience, having someone guide you through the layers of liquor is an invaluable experience.

I struggle to put the Five Points Festival into words. At its core, it’s an expo with street artists, toy makers, craft breweries, and collectors meet – so essentially an adult recess. You can visit and leave with a new tattoo or a Japanese vinyl, who knows where the night will take you.

The eclectic bunch makes for one of the best festivals in New York City in June, and for a full list of participants be sure to visit the official website. The event takes place in Gowanus, Brooklyn and tickets consists of two full days of fun.