Visitors and New York City locals alike have a lot to look forward to this summer, with a wealth of community festivals taking place throughout the five boroughs. NYC brings together cultures from all over the world into a vibrant melting pot that spills over onto the summer festival circuit.
From French wine tasting to the largest Pride Parade in the world, here are five of our favorite summer festivals in NYC.
CityParks SummerStage
June 1 to Sept. 24, Central Park & Various Other Locations
NYC boasts a wide array of music festivals appealing to every musical taste. This summer concert series brings everything from classic New York hip-hop to your favorite indie rock bands to the Central Park main stage. In addition to the main event, you can find a variety of affiliated shows in city parks throughout the five boroughs. Some 200 artists, from seasoned acts to up-and-comers, will perform throughout the summer. Many of the shows are free. Find the full schedule here.
NYC Pride March & PrideFest 2019
June 30, Manhattan
The Pride March on June 30 is set to be the biggest in history. The parade will include more than 100 floats, live music, and a constant party that cannot be missed. PrideFest will also be occurring on the same day and features food, performances, and vendors celebrating inclusion and equality. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend PrideFest this year, and it’s totally free. The entire month of June brings you a bevy of Pride events, all culminating with the biggest Pride March in the world.
Bastille Day Celebration
July 14, on 60th Street Between Fifth & Lexington Avenues
Francophiles, rejoice! The French Institute Alliance Francaise bring you one of the liveliest Bastille Day festivals in New York City. Enjoy French food, wine, culture, and entertainment on 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington avenues. The celebration commemorates the birth of the modern French nation and features attractions for the whole family. Highlights of the festival include wine, cheese, and beer tastings, French foods, shopping booths, film screenings, live music, and a Champagne tasting.
NYC Poetry Festival
July 27 - 28, Governors Island
The New York City Poetry Festival invites a variety of poetry organizations and collectives to bring their works to the beautiful festival grounds, which are surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes and century-old trees on Governors Island. The largest community of poets in the country gather to bring poetry to a new light in the public eye. The event includes open mic sessions, youth poetry activities, and a wealth of tasty food vendors.
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 3 - 4, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens
Experience multicultural tradition during the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. Roughly 180 dragon boat teams from around the world take to the waters of Meadows Lake. Back on shore, you’ll be treated to plenty of traditional food and live entertainment. Martial arts demonstrations, art demonstrations from the monks of the Shaolin Temple, and lion dance performances are on the schedule, as well as Chinese crafts and children’s activities.
For storage tips and ideas for more fun things to do in and around New York City, visit the CitiWide Self Storage blog.