Best Free Things to Do This Summer in NYC

Alyson Penn
06/24/2016

With colorful festivals, concerts by big-name artists and Shakespeare performances, there are fun, free things to do every day in NYC this summer. And, of course, outdoor activities like relaxing in Central Park and strolling the Brooklyn Heights Promenade also cost nothing. Here’s a roundup of some great events that’ll leave you with extra cash in your wallet.

Free Summer Events

Aug
18

Arts & Culture
SummerStage

New York City's biggest summer concert series takes place in Central Park and other green spaces all around the five boroughs.

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Aug
18

Outdoors & Recreation
Harlem Week

Harlem Week is actually a monthlong celebration of the community’s rich economic, political and cultural history. Events include an auto show, children’s festival, small-business expo, fashion show, educational fair, outdoor film screening, dance party and a 5k run.

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Aug
21

Music
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival

Bird has been gone a long time now, but NYC celebrates the jazz legend with this annual festival taking place in Tompkins Square Park and several other venues throughout the City.

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Aug
22

Film & TV
Movies with a View

Movies compete with the Manhattan skyline at these screenings in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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Aug
31

Arts & Culture
Shakespeare in the Park

Each summer the Public Theater presents two Shakespearean shows, with free tickets distributed in the park and other locations around the City. Shows take place at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.

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