Summer in the City: NYC Edition

Most years, Central Park’s SummerStage hosts the iconic Shakespeare in the Park, where, each year, free tickets are available to Shakespeare plays at a Delacorte Theater, in the middle of the park. This year, the Delacorte is under renovation, so the plays aren’t happening. But luckily, they’re still screening Shakespeare. This June, July, and August, there will be free screenings of Much Ado About Nothing across all five boroughs – plus a summer block party in celebration of the Shakespeare in the Park program on July 28th at 425 Lafayette Street.

While this isn’t summer specific, we can’t think of a more sophisticated way to spend a weekend evening than strolling through the Met, taking in the Central Park views from the rooftop. Every Friday and Saturday night, the Met hosts “date night,” a pay-what-you-can program where visitors are allowed to stroll the collections until 9:00 p.m. It’s the perfect precursor to a late night dinner somewhere fancy on Fifth or Madison Avenue. Might we suggest Sant Ambroeus?

Looking for something a bit more active? You might be surprised to find that you don’t need to go as far as the Hamptons to find yourself a New York surfing spot. Rockaway Beach has long been a destination for those seeking surf culture. Rent a surfboard at Locals Collective, hit the beach, and grab an iced latte when you come back to return it. If you’re not too tired for a 20-minute walk after that, head over to Tacoway Beach for some fresh fish tacos. It only takes a few subway stops – but it’s a world away.

Every Saturday from April through October, from 4pm all the way through to midnight, there’s a serious food market scene in Flushing, Queens. It’s free to attend and packed with vendors–the next one has over 72. From a Bahamian conch fritters stand to Peruvian food to Haitian food to bao and beyond, there’s something to satisfy every palate, and to expand your culinary horizons.

If the amazing tennis isn’t enough to convince – or this year’s release of Challengers – maybe the famous honey deuce cocktails will be? Yes, it’s often during the hottest part of summer, but going to the U.S. Open at least once is a total bucket list item for any New York, or those who happen to be passing through the city while it happens. Come for the tennis (take the subway, the traffic is terrible) – stay for the cocktail.