Summer in New York City is a vibrant time, especially in June. Longer days and warm sunshine create the perfect backdrop for a tons of exciting activities. The city buzzes with energy, drawing both locals and tourists before the weather gets too hot. From rooftop bars to lively festivals, June in NYC offers a fantastic array of experiences.
This article covers the top events, excluding typical year-round activities, serving as your ultimate guide to enjoying New York City in June.
Things to Do in New York City in June
Table of Contents. Things to Do NYC in June
Table of Contents. June Things to Do NYC
- Things to Do in New York City in June
- Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park
- Hunt Down the Best Donut on National Donut Day
- Explore Photoville
- Attempt to Score Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park
- Watch the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
- Watch the NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
- Spend the Evening Bopping Around a Night Market
- Catch an Outdoor Movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
- Or at the Seaport Cinema
- Join the Today Show Concert Series
- Or Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
- Rock Out at a Hudson Yards Summer Concerts
- Make Reservations at Grand Banks
- Spend the Evening Eating Your Weight in Food at Smorgasburg
- Mermaid Parade
- Pride Parade
- Kick Off the Summer Season by Going Rooftop Bar Hopping
- Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for Free
- June Festivals in New York City
- Best Things to Do in New York City in June (Post Summary)
- Map of New York City June Activities
Experience the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
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!
Stroll the Museum Mile Festival
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).
Watch New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
Date. June 12, 2024
Website. NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Park
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!
Cheer on the Pride Parade
Experience Smorgasburg
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 food delight.
One of the best things to do in it is meet up with friends and jump from vendor to vendor trying all the delicious food. This one of the most popular events in New York City in June, drawing 20,000 – 30,000 visitors every weekend!
The locals aren’t gatekeeping this one. they’re proud of it.
Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park
Date. Thursdays at 6:30pm
Calendar. Hudson River Park
Address. 408 12th Ave West, New York, NY 10018
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.
Attempt to Score Tickets to Shakespeare in the Park
If you’re visiting it 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 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 it 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.
Catch an Outdoor Movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
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 it.
On the roof 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.
Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
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!
Local tip. Here’s something most visitors don’t know. the best time to visit is right when they open.
Rock Out at a Hudson Yards Summer Concerts
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 it 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.
Score Reservations at Grand Banks
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 it. 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.
Mermaid Parade in Coney Island
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 it.
Celebrate National Donut Day
Enjoy Rooftop Bar Hopping
Need suggestions on which rooftop bars are worth visiting in it? Until then check out 10 Tasty Lower East Side Rooftop Bars (You Won’t Want to Miss).
Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for Free
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 it 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.
June Festivals in New York City
Brooklyn Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival
SummerStage Festival
Skip the tourist version and do it like a local. here’s how.
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 it.
Governors Ball Music Festival
Rum Festival
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.
Five Points Festival in Brooklyn
Tips for Visiting NYC in June
June Weather in New York City
If you’re visiting it be prepared to sweat a little. The humidity starts to kick in and by the end of the month you’ll be utilizing your AC, daily.
One of the biggest perks about summer making a comeback is that the comfortable climate opens the door to a tons of wardrobe options. You won’t be limited by the weather while visiting it, so pack your best outfits.
Pros of Visiting it
- The temperature is near perfect
- Late sunsets
- Tons of outdoor activities (some free & some at night)
Cons of visiting it
- The start of summer means tourist season/ crowds.
- Prices of flights + hotels start to rise
- Occasional rainy day
Best Things to Do in New York City in June (Post Summary)
Map of New York City June Activities
We highlight the top activities and attractions in New York City in June in this comprehensive guide, from popular landmarks to hidden local favorites.
Absolutely! New York City in June offers a unique mix of experiences that we detail in this guide.
You May Also Enjoy
- 20 Incredible Things to Do in New York City in July (Festivals + Events 2024)
- 30 (FUN) Things to Do in New York City in August
- What to Wear in New York City in June (Helpful Summer Packing Guide)
- 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District (Local's Guide)
- 20 Epic Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Things to Do in New York City in June (2026). Have a favorite spot we missed?
Have you been here before?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
Leave a Reply