NYC's Top July Activities: Fireworks Displays, Music Concerts, Festivals, and More Fun
Summer in NYC is like a refreshing glass of lemonade on a sweltering day, offering the city's top summer experiences with a hint of unexplored adventures. To make the most of July, check out these activities that range from thrilling surprises to relaxed escapades.
1. Live Action Squid Game Experience:
Can you conquer the Glass Bridge or evade the Young-hee doll in Red Light, Green Light? Test your skills at the Squid Game Experience in NYC, happening at the corner of 32nd and 6th, 100 W 33rd St. After proving your worth, enjoy shopping for exclusive merchandise and exploring a Korean-inspired night market[2][3]. Don't miss out on the fun; grab your tickets today!
2. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks:
Join the crowd to "ooo" and "ahhh" with hot dogs and beer in hand. The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, celebrating its 49th anniversary, promises a spectacular display. Set to blast off from the East River in sync with a musical score, the show is guaranteed to create a magical night. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 4th, 2025, at 8 pm[4].
3.become Beach Bound:
Escape the city heat with a trip to the beach. Whether you prefer surfing at Rockaway or tanning at Coney Island, these are some of the best beach destinations around NYC for a perfect summer getaway[5].
4. Dive into NYC Pools:
Prefer pools over ocean water? Check out the revamped Roosevelt Island waterfront pool or explore other popular NYC pools[6]. The 2025 summer season's mural design by Parisian artist Meri Karapetyan adds a touch of beauty to the experience[7].
5. Camp Under the Stars on Governors Island:
Spend a night glamping at Collective Retreats on Governors Island and wake up to panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. Enjoy nature through morning yoga, sit back and relax to live music, or make s'mores by a crackling fire[8]. Find more about accommodation options here.
6. Delight in a Candlelight Concert:
Ideal for dates or solo events, let the soothing melodies of classical music immerse you in a stunning venue bathed in flickering candlelight. Check out this month's concert listings[9].
7. Float through Bubble Planet:
Experience hundreds of bubbles in 10 mesmerizing bubble-themed rooms at Bubble Planet. After its successful runs in cities like Milan, London, and LA, Bubble Planet has finally set up shop in NYC[10]. Get your tickets now!
8. Experience Lincoln Center's 'Summer For The City' Fest:
Don't miss out on the over 200 performances spanning dance, theater, and opera at Lincoln Center's 'Summer For The City'. There's something for everyone! Find the lineup here[11].
9. Enjoy Free Concerts, Movies, or Yoga in Bryant Park:
Bryant Park is the place to be in NYC during the summer. Join free outdoor yoga sessions, catch epic movie screenings, or Picnic Performances[12].
10. Broadway Stars Reimagine Top Hits:
Enjoy popular songs from artists like Taylor Swift, ABBA, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande reimagined by Broadway singers and a full orchestra[13]. Find a concert and date that work for you!
11. Travel Back in Time to Ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu:
Embark on a VR expedition across ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu. Explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if you were truly there[14]. Buy your tickets now!
12. Revel in Skyline Views at NYC Rooftop Bars:
There's nothing quite like having a drink in hand and taking in the breathtaking city skyline. Discover some of the best rooftop bars around the city, such as Sushi Lab Rooftop, Daintree, Haven Rooftop, Ainslie, and Elsewhere[15].
13. Savor a Cocktail on the Waterfront:
How about enjoying an 83-year-old wooden sailboat, drinks in hand, and taking in the stunning Hudson River views? Make a reservation at Grand Banks, NYC's iconic floating restaurant for the epitome of summer evenings in the city[16].
14. Free Kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park:
Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday this summer, you can kayak for free at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse Pier 2. Take advantage of this opportunity for a fun and brief, yet scenic adventure[17]. Learn how to make a reservation here.
15. Roam Through Long Island's Lavender Fields:
Get lost in the intoxicating scent of lavender this July at Lavender By The Bay, a charming lavender farm on Long Island[18]. Stay tuned to their Instagram to plan a visit right when the lavender is in full bloom.
16. Pick Sunflowers at this New Jersey Farm:
Happy Day Farm in New Jersey is opening its sunflower field in early July for those looking to pick their own fresh flowers. Enjoy the sight of a sunflower field alone or take some home[19]. Find out more details here.
17. Indulge in an Outdoor Food Market Feast:
What better way to experience NYC than by visiting one of its open-air food markets, such as Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market, or the Bronx Night Market[20].
18. Watch a Ball Game:
Catch a hot dog and beer while watching your favorite team play. Whether you're a Yankees or Mets fan, there's nothing quite like a summer baseball game!
19. Retrace Steps with a Vintage Subway Train Ride to Coney Island:
New Yorkers have the opportunity to ride on a vintage NYC subway train en route to Coney Island on July 19th. The two-hour journey will use 1930s R1-9 vintage train cars[21]. Learn more about summer nostalgia rides now.
20. Marvel at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park:
Admire the beauty of Central Park's Conservatory Garden, a hidden gem tucked away in Central Park. Dating back to 1937, the garden's French-style North Garden, Italianate Center Garden, and English-style South Garden are a must-see treat[22].
[1] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-nyc-july[2] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/squid-game-nyc[3] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/7-exciting-nyc-events-happening-in-july-2023[4] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/macys-4th-of-july-fireworks-2023[5] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/beaches[6] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/beaches/best-nyc-outdoor-pools[7] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/nyc-beaches-with-pictures-and-ratings[8] https://collectiveretreats.com/locations/governors-island/[9] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/candlelight-concerts-in-nyc[10] https://bubbleplanet.co/nyc/[11] https://www.lincolncenter.org/sfc/[12] https://bryantpark.org/[13] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/events/nyc-broadway-concert-series[14] https://www.vrsociety.nyc/events/horizon-of-khufu[15] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/best-rooftop-bars[16] https://grandbanks.com/[17] https://brooklynbridgepark.org/activities/kayak/[18] https://www.instagram.com/lavenderbythebay/[19] https://www.happydayfarm.com/sunflowers[20] https://www.timeout.com/newyork/food-drink/food-markets-in-nyc[21] https://www.mta.info/news/never-before-seen-r1-9-subway-car-ride-coney-island[22] https://nycgovparks.org/parks/conservatory-garden
- Test your skills at the Squid Game Experience in NYC and shop exclusive merchandise. Experience a Korean-inspired night market and buy your tickets today.
- Join the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks celebration, featuring a spectacular display in sync with music, on July 4th, 2025, at 8 pm.
- Escape the city heat by visiting the best beach destinations around NYC, such as Rockaway or Coney Island.
- Dive into revamped NYC pools, including the Roosevelt Island waterfront pool, and enjoy the 2025 summer season's mural design by Meri Karapetyan.
- Spend a night glamping at Collective Retreats on Governors Island, wake up to panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, and participate in live music events or morning yoga.
- Immerse yourself in a soothing classical music concert bathed in candlelight at various venues across the city. Check out this month's concert listings.
- Venture through hundreds of bubbles in 10 mesmerizing room at Bubble Planet in NYC. After its successful runs in cities like Milan, London, and LA, Bubble Planet has finally set up shop in NYC. Get your tickets now!
- Attend over 200 performances spanning dance, theater, and opera at Lincoln Center's 'Summer For The City' Fest. Find the lineup here.
- Join free outdoor yoga sessions, catch epic movie screenings, or Picnic Performances at Bryant Park.
- Listen to Broadway singers and a full orchestra reimagine popular songs from artists like Taylor Swift, ABBA, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande.
- Embark on a VR expedition across ancient Egypt at Horizon of Khufu and explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Buy your tickets now!
- Experience breathtaking city skyline views at NYC rooftop bars such as Sushi Lab Rooftop, Daintree, Haven Rooftop, Ainslie, and Elsewhere.
- Savor a cocktail on an 83-year-old wooden sailboat, while taking in stunning Hudson River views, at Grand Banks, NYC's iconic floating restaurant.
- Kayak for free at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse Pier 2 every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday this summer.
- Get lost in the intoxicating scent of lavender this July at Lavender By The Bay, a charming lavender farm on Long Island.
- Pick fresh sunflowers at this New Jersey farm, Happy Day Farm, in early July.
- Indulge in an open-air food market feast at venues such as Smorgasburg, Queens Night Market, or the Bronx Night Market.
- Watch a baseball game and enjoy a hot dog and beer, whether you're a Yankees or Mets fan.
- Retrace steps with a vintage subway train ride to Coney Island on July 19th, using 1930s R1-9 vintage train cars.
- Marvel at the beauty of Central Park's Conservatory Garden, a hidden gem with French, Italian, and English-style gardens dating back to 1937.
