Things To Do In NYC July 24-27
Experience the best of summer in the city this weekend. From lively street festivals and outdoor concerts to beach days and food markets, there’s no shortage of things to do. And if you want your weekend curated by a true local, Karissa Dumbacher of Karissa Eats is here to help. Karissa has spent years exploring NYC’s hidden gems, and her personalized guides make sure your New York experience is “unforgettable, perfectly tailored to your vibe” . Use the suggestions below to plan your own adventure – or let Karissa create a custom itinerary just for you.
Karissa Dumbacher, founder of Karissa Eats, enjoying a drink at a trendy NYC restaurant. Karissa’s years of exploring the city mean she can match your interests (from foodie spots to family fun) to the perfect NYC weekend .
Your personal NYC insider: Karissa Eats offers custom weekend guides tailored to your vibe, from hidden foodie gems to family-friendly adventures.
Summer Restaurant Week
Summer Restaurant Week (July 21–Aug 17): New York’s prix-fixe Restaurant Week kicks off Monday 7/21 and runs through Aug 17 . Hundreds of restaurants (from casual to upscale) offer $30-$60 multi-course deals for lunch or dinner. It’s a great excuse to try that trendy spot or chef-driven eatery. Reservations fill up fast, so check NYC Tourism’s site or OpenTable and book ASAP if you want to take advantage of the savings. Link
Summer nights in NYC: Enjoy al fresco dining during Restaurant Week with views of the Empire State Building and vibrant city streets.
Festivals, Fairs & Summer Fun
Randall’s Island – “Dance in the Park!” (Sat 7/26, 11:00 AM): Join free outdoor dance classes (Bachata & Salsa) on the East River waterfront . All skill levels are welcome – bring water and a towel for this fun cardio workout in the sun. Link
Queens Night Market (Sat 7/26, 4:00 PM–Midnight): NYC’s first and most affordable night market returns under the New York Hall of Science. Over 100 vendors sell global street food, art and crafts in this free, family-friendly open-air festival . Sample everything from Afghan mantu dumplings to funnel cakes as you stroll. Link
Bronx Night Market (Sat 7/26, 4:00–11:00 PM): Head to Fordham Plaza for the Bronx’s monthly market. This free community festival on the last Saturday of each month features multicultural food stalls, local artisans and live music celebrating the Bronx’s diversity. Link
Riverside Park – Children’s Performance (Wed 7/24, 10:00 AM): Bring the kids to Pier I (at West 70th St) for a free show by Michael & the Rockness Monsters. It’s music and storytelling designed for young audiences (ages 0–7) – think kid-friendly rock ‘n’ roll, dancing and puppet antics to start your morning. Link
Harlem – Hudson Beach Party (Wed 7/24, 6:00–9:00 PM): Each Wednesday night, William F. Moore Park (131st & 12th Ave) hosts the Hudson Beach Party. This free concert series features live Latin jazz, funk and soul under the elevated train tracks (also known as Ellington in the Park) . Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music from DJs and bands in a family-friendly atmosphere. Link
Free Outdoor Movies: Several parks offer free evening film screenings. For example, Bryant Park shows cult classics on Wednesday nights (the Paramount+ series runs in July and August) . And Brooklyn Bridge Park presents “Movies With A View” on Thursday evenings at Pier 1 – bring snacks and your own seating (the lawn opens at 5 PM) . Check park websites for titles and exact start times (usually just after sunset). Link
Concerts, Shows & Performances
Free SummerStage concerts bring live music to NYC’s parks all weekend—pack a blanket and enjoy the show.
SummerStage Free Concerts: The CityParks Foundation series continues all weekend with big acts – and it’s all free. On Saturday 7/26, head to Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield for The Saw Doctors (Irish rock) , or make your way to Coney Island Amphitheater for Gorillafest (hip-hop with Onyx, special guest DJ, etc.) . On Sunday 7/27, SummerStage at Rumsey Playfield presents Femi Kuti & The Positive Force – the Afrobeat legend and his band (African jazz/funk) . All concerts start in the evening (around 7–8 PM) and are free. Bring a picnic and a blanket for a fun summer night. Link
Bryant Park Picnic Performances (Fri 7/25, 7:00 PM): Pack a picnic or grab takeout and head to Bryant Park (between 40th & 42nd St). This week Carnegie Hall Citywide presents Cécile McLorin Salvant, a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist known for her expressive live shows . The free show starts at 7 PM on the lawn – just bring a blanket or chair. Link
Prospect Park Bandshell – BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!: Prospect Park’s famed Lena Horne Bandshell hosts free festival concerts. On Friday 7/18, Montreal’s indie-pop band Men I Trust plays a free show under the stars . On Saturday 7/26, the festival puts on a special Tribute to The Wiz (Quincy Jones’ classic) . Both shows start around 7:30 PM; arrive early to grab a lawn spot. Link
Broadway & Off-Broadway Picks
Broadway is bustling with hits this summer. Long-running blockbusters like The Lion King and Aladdin (Disney musicals) are playing nightly , as are other classics like Wicked, Chicago and Hamilton. There’s also a new revival of MJ The Musical and family-friendly shows (Phantom, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, etc.). Check Broadway.org or ticket sites for dates and times. More broadway shows
Off-Broadway stages offer unique smaller shows. This week’s highlights include musicals like Maybe Happy Ending (at Manhattan Theatre Club) and cult hits such as Heathers: The Musical. Comedy theaters often have award-winning plays running. In short, whatever kind of show you like – drama, comedy or musical – you’ll find it somewhere in town this weekend.
Outdoor & Beach Adventures
Stroll or bike the Hudson River Greenway for breezy waterfront views, perfect for a summer sunset.
NYC Beaches: It’s beach season! City-run beaches on the ocean (Coney Island, Rockaway, Manhattan Beach on Staten Island, Orchard Beach in the Bronx) are open daily through early September . Lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM–6 PM , so you can safely swim, sunbathe or play volleyball. (Tip: weekdays are quieter, but even weekends get lively with families.) Link
Kayaking & Water Sports: On sunny days you can get out on the water for free. The Downtown Boathouse offers free sit-on-top kayak rentals at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park (open May–Oct) . Along the East River, check Pier 96 (Manhattan Boathouse) for free kayak sessions. If you prefer stand-up paddleboarding, some parks rent boards for modest fees. Or hop the summer ferry to Governors Island (free to visit weekends) and rent a bike or go kitesurfing on its car-free lanes. Link
Cycling & Greenways: New York is surprisingly bike-friendly. Rent a Citi Bike and cruise the Hudson River Greenway – an 11-mile car-free path from Battery Park up to the Bronx waterfront . A 1-day pass is only $12 (a 3-day pass is $24) , which gives you unlimited 30-minute rides (dock anywhere to reset). For an easy ride try the flat Promenade along the West Side, or bike over the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge to Pelham Bay Park. (See CitiBike info for more routes and pricing.) Link
Sunset Views: Even if Manhattanhenge (sun aligned with the street grid) isn’t happening this weekend, you can still catch a great sunset. Good spots include the East River Promenade (Pepsi-Cola sign at Queensboro Plaza), the 34th/42nd/57th Street corridors, or rooftop bars like Westlight (Williamsburg) or 230 Fifth (Midtown), which offer skyline vistas at dusk.
Foodie Alerts: Markets, Eats & Drinks
Farmers Markets: Summer’s bounty is everywhere. Key markets this weekend include Union Square Greenmarket (Friday & Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM) , Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket in Brooklyn (Saturday, 8 AM–4 PM) , and the 79th Street Greenmarket on the Upper West Side (Sunday, 9 AM–4 PM) . You’ll find local peaches, tomatoes, heirloom corn, artisanal bread, cheeses, fresh flowers and more. Perfect for shopping picnic fixings or enjoying prepared eats from market vendors. Link
Weekend Markets & Flea: Don’t miss Smorgasburg (NYC’s famous open-air food market): Fridays at the Seaport/WTC Oculus, Saturdays in Williamsburg, and Sundays in Prospect Park. And the Brooklyn Flea market operates Saturday–Sunday (10 AM–5 PM) in DUMBO under the Manhattan Bridge . Browse vintage clothes, handmade crafts, antiques and tasty street food – ideal for unique souvenirs or outdoor snacking. Link
Breweries & Bars: New York’s craft beer scene is hot. Brooklyn hotspots include Other Half (Red Hook/Gowanus) and Threes Brewing (Gowanus) for hoppy ales, and SingleCut Beersmiths in Astoria . Queens has Strong Rope and LIC Beer Project. Many breweries have taprooms or beer gardens where you can hang out. Afterwards, cool off on a rooftop: try Westlight (Williamsburg), Mr. Purple (Lower East Side), or 230 Fifth (Midtown) for cocktails with a view. Link
Make It Your Own
Whether you spend your weekend dancing at a free concert, exploring a neighborhood fair, lounging on a beach, or hunting down the city’s best tacos, NYC is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience. Pick and mix from the list above to suit your style – every borough has something unique. And if you’d rather skip the planning, let Karissa Eats do it for you. Her custom NYC guides will craft the perfect itinerary based on your interests (foodie, artsy, family-friendly, you name it) . Enjoy your trip, stay cool, and make it your own!
