Things To Do In NYC July 18-20
New York City is bursting with summer energy this weekend. From free outdoor festivals and live music to family-friendly adventures and food markets, there’s something for everyone across all five boroughs. Before you plan your days, imagine having an NYC insider curate your entire weekend—that’s exactly what Karissa Eats offers.
Plan Your Weekend with Karissa Eats (Your Personal NYC Insider)
Karissa Dumbacher, creator of Karissa Eats, has spent years exploring every corner of NYC’s food scene, art spaces, and hidden gems. Her personalized NYC guide is like having a local friend design your perfect weekend itinerary, helping you skip tourist traps and discover authentic city experiences. Whether you’re hunting for the best bagel, an atmospheric speakeasy, or family-friendly outings, Karissa’s custom recommendations ensure you see your NYC, not just another cookie-cutter list.
Want to elevate your weekend? Let Karissa create your tailored plan. (Request your custom NYC guide here: Karissa Eats Guide)
Your personal NYC insider: Karissa curates the perfect local spots for your next adventure.
Festivals, Fairs & Summer Fun
Randall’s Island Waterfront Festival (Saturday, July 19, 12–3 PM)
A free family-friendly festival on the East River Picnic Area of Randall’s Island. Expect live music, giant bubble play, interactive science booths, kayak demos, and an Arm-of-the-Sea puppet show. Great for kids and adults alike. (More info: Randall’s Island Events)
Governors Island FAD Market (Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20)
Hop the ferry to Governors Island for a pop-up art and design market featuring dozens of local makers. Shop handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and clothing in a scenic, car-free setting. (More info: FAD Market on Governors Island)
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City transforms the plaza with free music, dance, and art all weekend.
Lincoln Center Summer for the City: Brazil Week (through Sunday, July 20)
Part of Lincoln Center’s free Summer for the City series. Brazil Week features live samba, choro, and pop performances, dance workshops, and family art events daily. Highlights include Friday’s Roda de Choro jam and Saturday’s Samba-Fit class. (Full schedule: Lincoln Center Summer for the City)
SummerScreen Outdoor Movies (Thursday, July 17)
Free outdoor movies in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Check the NYC Parks schedule for the featured film. Bring a blanket and snacks for a perfect night under the stars. (Schedule: NYC Parks Movie Nights)
Neighborhood Street Fairs
Keep an eye out for local street fairs and block parties across all boroughs. Expect food vendors, live music, and local crafts. (NYC Street Fair Listings: NYC Street Fairs)
Concerts, Shows & Performances
SummerStage Concerts (Friday–Sunday, July 18–20)
NYC’s iconic free outdoor concert series is in full swing.
Friday: French music bash in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. DJs, bands, lively crowd.
Friday: DJ Rekha’s Basement Bhangra at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. High-energy Desi beats.
Saturday: The Roots with DJ Scratch at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Free hip-hop show starting at 7 PM.
(All details: Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage)
Enjoy live music and a laid-back vibe at Bryant Park’s free Picnic Performances this Friday night.
Bryant Park Picnic Performance (Friday, July 18, 7 PM)
Catch La Excelencia, a top salsa/Latin-funk band, performing a free show on the lawn. Bring a picnic and dance the evening away. (More info: Bryant Park Picnic Performances)
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot (Thursday–Saturday, July 17–19, 7 PM)
A beloved Lower East Side tradition. This year’s production is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, staged in a Stanton Street parking lot. Free admission—bring your own chair or borrow one there. (Event page: Shakespeare in the Parking Lot)
Broadway & Off-Broadway Picks
Broadway is hopping. Big shows like Wicked, The Lion King, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow are running. Sunset Boulevard has performances through July 20. Off-Broadway highlights include Heathers: The Musical and Maybe Happy Ending. (Broadway schedule: Broadway.org)
Outdoor & Beach Adventures
NYC Beaches
All city beaches are open daily through early September with lifeguards on duty from 10 AM to 6 PM. Hit Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, Orchard Beach, or Staten Island’s South Beach for classic summer fun. (NYC Beaches Info: NYC Beaches)
Soak up classic summer vibes at NYC beaches like Coney Island, Rockaway, and Orchard Beach.
Kayaking and Water Sports
Free and cheap kayak rentals are available at Pier 96 in Hudson River Park and East River Park. Governors Island offers car-free paths perfect for biking and exploring. (Kayak details: Downtown Boathouse Free Kayaking)
Cycling and Walking Tours
Rent a Citi Bike and cruise the Hudson River Greenway or the Staten Island Greenbelt trails. Consider biking to Randall’s Island for the Waterfront Festival or enjoying a cool evening ride in Central Park. (Citi Bike Info: Citi Bike NYC)
Manhattanhenge (Preview Tip)
While not this weekend exactly, plan ahead for Manhattanhenge next Friday (July 25). Watch the sun set perfectly aligned with NYC’s grid streets. Best viewed from 34th, 42nd, or 57th Street. (Event preview: AMNH Guide to Manhattanhenge)
Foodie Alerts: Markets, Eats & Drinks
Union Square Greenmarket (Friday and Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM)
A must for local produce, baked goods, and summer specialties. Over 100 vendors with peaches, tomatoes, bread, cheese, and more. (Market details: Union Square Greenmarket)
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket (Saturday) and Museum of Natural History Greenmarket (Sunday)
Excellent options for local meats, seafood, baked treats, and produce. Great for picnic shopping. (Brooklyn Info: Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket)
Brooklyn Flea (Saturday–Sunday)
Held in DUMBO under the Manhattan Bridge. Vintage clothes, art, antiques, and crafts from dozens of local vendors. (More info: Brooklyn Flea)
Brewery Visits and Rooftop Bars
Cool off at NYC breweries like Other Half (Red Hook), Threes Brewing (Gowanus), or SingleCut Beersmiths (Astoria). Rooftop bars like Westlight in Williamsburg and 230 Fifth in Midtown deliver skyline views. (Rooftop guide: NYC Rooftop Bars)
Restaurant Week Reminder
NYC’s Summer Restaurant Week starts Tuesday, July 22. Browse the full list and make reservations for multi-course prix-fixe deals. (Full details: NYC Restaurant Week)
Make It Your Own
Whether you’re watching Shakespeare in a parking lot, dancing at a free concert in the park, shopping for local art on Governors Island, or planning the perfect custom itinerary with Karissa Eats, NYC is ready to deliver an incredible summer weekend. Stay cool, stay safe, and make it yours.
