New York City is one of the places you can always find something to do, whether it’s snowing outside, the sun is shining, or you are stuck in the midst of a spring shower – the Big Apple always has something to offer. New York in June is a charming time. The summer temperatures are rolling in, the parks are filled with people, outdoor activities are in full effect and the city colors come alive. In the evening, many restaurants and rooftop bars welcome you to sit outside. June also offers some exciting events and attractions. See below for some of New York’s most popular events in June!
If you are looking for a shortcut: These are the 👉 most popular tours and activities in June.
My 34 Favorite Things To Do in NYC in June
Some of our favorite things to do in NYC in June are listed below, as always, NYC has something on offer for everyone and we are sure that you will find something that excites you!
-
01
Celebrate Gay Pride & Christopher Street Parade
Other Art & Culture in Greenwich Village
The New York Gay Pride Week is the oldest in the world. The beautiful Greenwich Village invites thousands of people each year to Gay Pride. Christopher Street is especially colorful and you will notice that the well-known rainbow flags, which is a symbol of the LGBTQ community, everywhere. Even the global company Google adorns its exterior with the flag in support of the community. Gay Pride Week recalls the first homosexual homicide by the police in 1969.
The parade has become a tradition, with an average of 500,000 visitors per year. It makes it one of the biggest parades in New York City and will most likely be one of the top events in New York in June. It usually moves through 5th Avenue (Madison Square Garden) to Greenwich Street. The parade ends at Pier 54 and is met with an exuberant party.
Here you can see our Guide to Gay Pride in New York.
-
02
The Whitney Biennial 2022 (April 6 – September 5, 2022)
Museum in Meatpacking District
In addition to regularly changing exhibitions, there is one Whitney Museum of Art event that tops them all: the Whitney Biennial. It’s been around since 1932, making it the longest-running exhibition of American art and the museum’s signature event.
To get tickets check the website here.
-
03
Museum Mile Festival (June 14, 2022)
Other Events in Upper East Side
As the name suggests, the Museum Mile Festival is a mile-long celebration of art and culture. The annual festival is geared towards letting people experience special art collections amassed from various museums along Fifth Avenue in New York. During the event, visitors can enjoy artistic masterpieces that stretch over 20 blocks.
The Museum Mile Festival is a fan favorite among locals and is completely free to the public. It also features inclusive activities like face painting, chalk art drawing, and live shows by street performers.
My tip: these are all summer festivals in NYC this year.
-
04
Experience New York in June quite relaxed with a cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
Our Highlight
New York in the June is amazing and there are lots of things to do outside. 👉 These are the best cruises in summer.
-
05
Tribeca Film Festival (June 8 – 19, 2022)
Other Attraction in Tribeca
In 2002, Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal created the Tribeca Film Festival to bring life back to the neighborhood near Ground Zero. New York City suffered greatly from the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Di Niro’s intention in creating the festival was to help New Yorkers out of this deep-seated depression and give them reason to celebrate again.
The Tribeca Film Festival has grown over the years, and now all the big names from the film industry show up each spring. There are many associated events like short film presentations, film premiers, and various awards.
-
06
The 26 Best Broadway Shows in June 2022 in New York
Broadway Show in Theatre District
The answer to whether you should or should not see a Broadway show when visiting New York in June is crystal clear: YES, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list! What is not always as clear, however, is which show to pick.
In order to help you out, we’ve created an overview of the absolute best Broadway shows in NYC in June!
-
07
Picnicking in Central Park
Other Events in Upper West Side
Picnicking in Central Park is always a must-do activity during the summer. There are countless large and small lawns that invite you to relax, making for quite a few spots that are suitable for picnicking in the park, not just the popular Sheep Meadow.
The largest lawn in Central Park is the Great Lawn, where the popular Central Park Concerts are held. The Great Lawn is a large, green space and is a wonderful spot to relax and have a picnic in the park after a long walk. For the athletes among you, there are even some baseball fields on the green, oval area. You’ll find the Great Lawn in the middle of the park at the 79th to 86th street level.
Another picnic option is East Green. Here you can sit on a blanket between the trees and enjoy your meal. The East Green is located on 5th Avenue between 69th and 72nd Street.
The most romantic picnic spot in Central Park is definitely Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge. It has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, such as You’ve got Mail. You can make yourself comfortable on a small slope and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and the bridge. The bridge is located in the middle of the park around 72nd Street.
-
08
The MLB is on in June!
Sport Events in Bronx
Baseball is New York. Whether it’s a game of the New York Yankees or the Mets, both baseball teams are definitely worth checking out.
-
09
Discover New York from an observation deck
Building in Midtown Manhattan
You know what’s really unique about New York? The view of the (most likely) snow-covered Central Park from one of the observation decks! With the Top of the Rock, The Edge Hudson Yards and the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt you have three to choose from! And then there’s the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building. You will love it!
-
10
Brklyn Film Festival (June 3 – 12, 2022)
Other Events in Greenpoint
If you can’t get enough of movies in the summer, New York is the place to be. The Brooklyn Film Festival features more than 100 films from around the world – this year’s 25th anniversary also features many premieres! There’s everything from documentaries to animation and other film experiments.
-
11
Bryant Park Film Festival and Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
One of the best things to do in July in New York is visiting the free Bryant Park Film Festival and picnic performances in Bryant Park. In the heart of Manhattan, people gather in the summer months with blankets and chairs they’ve brought themselves to relax at the outdoor movie theater and concerts by the New York Philharmonics. Bryant Park is just under a 5 minute walk from Times Square, surrounded by tall trees, so it’s a bit secluded from the rest, but you’re still in the middle of it all: Awesome!
-
12
National Puerto Rican Parade
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
The Puerto Rican Day Parade has been held annually since 1959 on Fifth Avenue in the Manhattan district. The parade is held on the second Sunday in June in honor of almost four million Puerto Rican citizens and all people of Puerto Rican descent living on the US mainland.
There will be a lot of dancing and celebrating everywhere. Even if you’re watching the parade, the event will surely have you dancing as well. It’s really worth seeing the parade and is definitely a summer highlight.
-
13
New York Philharmonic
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
The New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the US, founded back in 1842. I have seen them for the first time at the Free Concerts in the Park and was very impressed. For anyone who likes art and culture, a visit to the New York Philharmonic is a MUST!
Photo: Diamond Schmitt Architects
-
14
Experience New York like a local: Willy Wall!
Cruise in Lower Manhattan
Our Highlight
The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.
-
15
BEAST Speedboat Ride
Cruise in Midtown Manhattan
Probably the most popular boat tour in New York in the summer is the fast ride on the speedboat “The Beast”. It is an extremely thrilling experience that you should not miss out on. This custom-built, 70-foot speedboat speeds in the direction of the Statue of Liberty at 45 mph! Make sure you are ready to get splashed with water because this is not an easy ride! Definitely a must for all of the adrenaline junkies out there!
-
16
Visit Little Island at Pier 54
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Photo credit Michael Grimm
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
-
17
Shakespeare in the Park
Other Art & Culture in Upper West Side
A really great summer tradition is Shakespeare in the Park. The free event features classic plays by William Shakespeare every summer at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Outdoors, the play is really a great experience. The Delacorte Theater is located pretty much in the middle of Central Park next to Turtle Pond.
-
18
Every Friday once a month: Free Admission at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Museum in Hell’s Kitchen
One Friday per month, The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum will open its doors to the public for free. Free Fridays will take place on:
- April 29, 2022
- May 27, 2022
- June 24, 2022
- July 29, 2022
- August 26, 2022
- September 30, 2022
For more information on these special nights, please click the link here.
-
19
Summer Stage Festival
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
At this event you can visit over 100 concerts & shows for free in many parks all over New York. It’s one of the most popular summer events in New York and a MUST DO for locals. If you’re in New York this summer, be sure to check out one of the shows!
-
20
Walk the High Line
Park in Meatpacking District
Our Highlight
The green terrace in the middle of Manhattan is a great experience in fine weather. The decommissioned freight rail track was once overgrown completely as it fell out of use. Based on the plants that grew there, a park was built in homage to the interesting plants that flourish in the city.
Walk from the Meatpacking District (Gansevoort Street) on the High Line towards Uptown and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Since 2014, Manhattan has been enjoying this highlight and attracts countless visitors every day. The High Line in May is the ideal place to relax or a wonderful place to take a walk (1.5 kilometers). All the details of the High Line Park can be found here.
-
21
Summer Solstice Festival
Other Events in Long Island City
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. You can experience the sunset either in one of the many parks in Manhattan or you can go to Socrates Sculpture Park. Here every year the summer solstice is celebrated with its own event. There are various live acts, ceremonies and smaller art exhibitions. From Socrates Sculpture Park you can enjoy the sunset over the East River and the New York skyline.
My tip: these are the best Summer Solstice events in New York.
-
22
Spend some time in Little Italy, SoHo and Chinatown
Walking Tour in Hudson Square
Our Highlight
Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.
-
23
Spend your evening at one of the rooftops of New York
Rooftop Bar in Lower East Side
Our Highlight
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
My tip: these are the best rooftop bars in NYC.
-
24
Head over to Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
The car-free island offers so much for young and old that you must have seen it for yourself. With everything from historical military buildings to awesome bike paths and even public hammocks, the island offers a variety of activities that are especially interesting when the weather becomes a little nicer! This is definitely one of the nicest things to do in June in NYC.
-
25
Spend the day in one of the best museums of NYC
Museum in Upper West Side
The season is perfect for a museum visit to New York, and the Big Apple really doesn’t lack choices. After the theatrical release of “The Night of Museum” series, (The first movie took place in the New York Museum of Natural History) you really feel like going to the place of the event? In the footsteps of dinosaurs, aborigines and many other historical creatures, the Natural History Museum on Central Park West is always a good idea for a museum outing.
My tip: These are the 36 Best Museums in NYC
-
26
Museum of Arts and Design
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) at Columbus Circle is dedicated to con- temporary crafts and design. The museum shop is fantastic and offers a range of items centered around design. Be sure to drop in at the café for a break and enjoy the fabulous view of Central Park. Every Thursday there is a 50% discount on the ticket (from 4 to 7 p.m.). Since the MAD is one of the smaller museums, you don’t have to wait much. By the way: every Friday and Saturday there is a free tour at 11.30 a.m..
My tip: These are the best art exhibitions in NYC. and here you find my complete (!) guide to Contemporary Art in New York.
-
27
Enjoy the Sun at the Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in Tribeca
Our Highlight
Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.
-
28
Mastercard New York Mini 10K
Sport Events in Upper West Side
In June, the largest women’s 10-kilometer run takes place in New York City. The world’s elite comes here to run the 6.2 miles through Central Park. Among them are of course many amateur runners as well. If you do not want to miss out on this special running event then be sure to drop by the NYRR website and secure your spot.
-
29
Spend a Day at the Beach
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
Coney Island Beach
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a relaxing day on Brighton Beach in Coney Island. If you don’t want to be in Coney Island, you can also check out some of our favorite beaches in New York here.
-
30
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Other Events in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is one of the craziest events in New York. Every year thousands of dressed up people make the pilgrimage to Coney Island’s Surf Avenue. Pirates, squids, sailors, mermaids, paired with music and many floats, seem like a mixture of Christopher Street Day and Cologne Carnival.
-
31
Father’s Day in New York (June 21, 2022)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
With all New York City has to offer, there’s no better way to celebrate the father in your life than by treating him to a day dedicated to dad in NYC!
-
32
Summer on the Hudson
Other Events in Upper West Side
Summer on the Hudson is Riverside Park & West Harlem Piers Park’s annual outdoor arts and culture festival. Between 59th and 153rd Streets on the Hudson River, you can experience live DJs, exhibits, special shows for kids, and of course, the outdoor movies. And the best part? All the events are free!
-
33
Celebrating Juneteenth
Other Events in Brooklyn
This official holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery, has only existed in the USA since 2021. The name is a combination of the words Nineteen and June – hence “Juneteenth”. The story behind it is really exciting: on January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln passed a law banning slavery. From that point on, Union soldiers marched into Confederate territories and gradually freed the enslaved people. But it was not until two and a half years later that their mission was accomplished, for on June 19, 1865, Galveston Bay was reached by Texas – the people here being the last to be freed, so to speak.
In New York itself, there has been a Juneteenth Festival since 2009, which always takes place around June 19 in Brooklyn.
-
34
Scooper Bowl Ice Cream Festival at Bryant Park
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
Hot weather means, cold food. And what cold food is better than ice cream? At Bryant Park, you can eat as much ice cream as you want in the first three days of the month! For $20, an all-you-can-eat ice cream extravaganza takes place. Here, famous New York-based ice cream shops such as Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, Big Gay Ice Cream, Waffle & Dinges and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Now that’s some big-time names all in one park. Something like this only exists in New York!
My tip: check out the best events in June and the 30+ best ice cream shops in New York.
Budget tip
If you want to visit several observations deck, attraction and tours in New York, check out the New York sightseeing passes. You can save up to 60% on the ticket price!
To find out which New York Pass is the best for you, check out my New York Pass Comparison.
