Top Things to Do in NYC This Summer (2025 Edition)
Looking for summer things to do in NYC? Here’s your curated guide for NYC summer activities—perfect for visitors and locals exploring summer events NYC 2025, or simply wondering what to do in NYC in July. Read on for unforgettable experiences and don’t forget to stay with us at The Leo House for a welcoming retreat.
1. NYC Summer Restaurant Week (July 21 – August 17, 2025)
Savor unforgettable meals at all of the prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus across the five boroughs. NYC Summer Restaurant Week deals range from $30 to $60 and are usually available Monday through Friday and sometimes Sunday, at the restaurant’s discretion. Look into making a reservation before you head to your favorite restaurant. Below we’ve listed a few suggestions that are newer to the list for 2025. Be sure to check out:
- Oceana: Indulge in a three-course seafood dinner with optional wine pairings ($95). Visit their website to view Oceana’s Summer Restaurant Week menu.
- Akoya: Craving a Japanese-style roasted duck with scallion relish? At Akoya, you can enjoy a fresh seafood-focused prix-fixe menu in Midtown. Visit their website to view the menu at Akoya.
- BLACKBARN Restaurant: Celebrating its tenth anniversary, you can enjoy sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine in the Flatiron District in the north end of Madison Square Park at BlackBarn Restaurant.
Make reservations early and taste the best of the city without the splurge.
2. SummerStage Concert Series (free)
Experience free live music at SummerStage in Central Park and 12 additional parks across NYC. The 2025 lineup includes Big Freedia with Resistance Revival Chorus, Rhiannon Giddens, and Chris Tomlin: Worship Under the Stars. Check the SummerStage website when you are thinking of attending as there are frequent updates.
3. High Line Stroll & Art Installations
Combine leisurely walking with vibrant art on the High Line. Bring a picnic and enjoy elevated views of the Hudson and city skyline, perfect on a warm July afternoon. Check their calendar to learn more about special events including West Side Fest, park tours, stargazing, storytime, and more.
*Local Tip: From July 7 through late August, there will be construction so please refer to their website for information related to changes to access.
4. Ferry Rides & Waterfront Views
Hop on the Staten Island Ferry (free!) for iconic views of the Statue of Liberty, or try the NYC Ferry which features stops in Brooklyn, Queens, and Roosevelt Island. Enjoy this budget-friendly way to enjoy NYC summer activities.
5. Outdoor Movie Nights
Catch free screenings under the stars at Bryant Park or Hudson River Park. Cozy blankets, snacks, and classic film picks—check park websites for showtimes.
Paramount+ Bryant Park Movie Nights feature classics like Pretty in Pink, Stand By Me, Pulp Fiction and others. The lawn opens at 5pm and movies start at 8pm. Check the website for the full schedule.
Hudson River Park Movie Nights are held on Wednesdays between July 9 through August 20 with seating beginning at 6:30pm and the movies start at dusk which is usually around 8:30pm. This year the theme is “Dynamic Duos” highlighting films like “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and “Dirty Dancing.”
6. Feast at Food Festivals
Embrace the flavors of summer at pop-up events like Smorgasburg in Brooklyn or seasonal street fairs around Manhattan which are ideal for foodies and casual strolls alike. Other popular options include Bronx Night Market, Uptown Night Market, and Queens Night Market. While it’s held in September and not really over the summer, the Feast of San Gennaro is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
7. Attend Elsie Fest: Broadway Meets Pop (September 8, 2025)
Celebrate show tunes and stars like Darren Criss, Lea Michele, and Aaron Tveit with live performances bridging Broadway and mainstream pop. Check the Rooftop at Pier 17 website for tickets. If Broadway tunes aren’t your speed, the Rooftop at Pier 17 has a whole list of music events that suit every taste. It’s a truly unique venue that offers incredible views of the city and surrounding areas.
8. Governors Island Summer Activities
Just a short ferry ride away, enjoy bike rentals, hammocks, art installations, workshops, markets, dance shows, film screenings, lawn games, and stunning views of lower Manhattan. Visit the Governors Island Summer 2025 Event List to select the events you’d like to attend.
9. Festivals & Cultural Events
Discover neighborhood-specific summer fun:
- LIC Summer Film Series in Queens
- Harlem Week events celebrating local culture
- Chelsea Music Festival in August (Bonus Tip: Walking distance from The Leo House!)
Stay at The Leo House for a Centrally-located Home Base
Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Leo House offers a peaceful, faith-centered haven after long, exciting summer days. Enjoy calm reflection, comfortable rooms, and proximity to subway lines—perfect for your NYC adventure.
Plan Your Summer Stay
Make the most of summer things to do in NYC and book your stay with us today. Check availability and reserve your room now—you won’t want to miss the best of NYC summer activities from a home base that truly cares.
Friends, did we forget anything? Please visit us on Facebook and add to our list by making a comment on the article shared.
