Date and venue: August 14 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

For the third time, Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway will hold a special dance-along performance, this time hosted by Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated actress Lupita Nyong’o. The dance-along allows audience members to stand up where they’re seated and dance to the show's infectious Cuban music. Previous sold-out dance-along performances were hosted by Lin-Manuel Miranda and John Leguizamo.

Get Buena Vista Social Club tickets now.

Date and venue: July 20 to August 16 at various restaurants

The summer edition of NYC Restaurant Week returns, offering prix fixe menus at some of the city’s most popular dining spots, including numerous Theatre District restaurants. Meals will cost either $30, $45, or $60, and the items will vary at each eatery. Visit the Restaurant Week website from July 14 to make reservations and view participating eateries.

The hit musical Six is ruling the big screen this August. Select movie theatres throughout the city are showing the filmed live capture of the U.K. production, featuring the original cast, through August 19. And if you still want more, there's no way you can miss the live show on Broadway.

Get Six tickets now.

Date and venue: Through August 24 at Greenwich House Theater

There's a brand-new theatre festival at the Greenwich House Theater right now, showcasing theatre, music, and comedy. The five-week Matchbook Fest has something for everyone, such as Steve Burns Alive, a one-man show from beloved Blues Clues host Steve Burns, and March Madness, a hilarious spin on Little Women. Find the full lineup and tickets on TodayTix.

Date and venue: August 15 at Hudson River Park

Live blues music and delicious barbecue food — what more could you ask for on a summer night? At Hudson River Park's Blues BBQ Fest, watch talented blues musicians on two stages while enjoying food from some of the city’s best BBQ spots, a variety of hot sauces to taste, a marketplace, dance lessons, and more. Find more information online.

Date and venue: Select Wednesdays and Thursdays through October at St. Cloud Rooftop

In conjunction with its Broadway hotel package, The Knickerbocker hotel in Times Square will host intimate performances at its rooftop bar, St. Cloud Rooftop, from the musicals Operation Mincemeat, Six, and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). There will also be specialty cocktails inspired by each show.

Get Six tickets now.

Get Operation Mincemeat tickets now.

Get Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) tickets now.

Date and venue: August 16 along Madison Ave between East 38th and East 27th Streets

The 44th annual India Day Parade will kick off on August 16, the largest India Day Parade in the world. The ten-block-long parade will feature floats, marching groups, Bollywood stars, and more, and there will be food stands, live dance performances, and more cultural programming along the parade route.

Date and venue: August 1-16 across various venues

Harlem Week returns for its 52nd year, celebrating the Manhattan neighborhood and its historical and cultural contributions. The two-week-long celebration includes a film festival, intergenerational panels, a job and career fair, and more. Find the full event schedule online.

Date and venue: August 1, 8, and 15 on select streets in Manhattan

NYC Department of Transportation’s annual Summer Streets are here across the five boroughs, with three days dedicated to car-free streets in Manhattan on August 1, 8, and 15. Select streets will be open only to pedestrians and bikers on these days between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the event typically features art, music, live performances, and more.

The largest stretch of car-free streets will be along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue between Brooklyn Bridge and East 110th Street, and the full list of participating roads is available online.

Date and venue: July 13 to September 14 on the Bryant Park Lawn

Bryant Park is chock-full of amazing community events this summer, including its series of free movie nights on the lawn. Taking place every Monday from July 13 to September 14, the film series includes popular movies of all genres, from The Truman Show to Shakespeare in Love. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for visitors to grab their spots and buy snacks and beverages before the movie starts at 8 p.m.

Date and venue: Friday nights through September 11 at Bryant Park

Another summer-long series at Bryant Park is the picnic performances, which offer a free outdoor concert every Friday night through September 11. Enjoy live orchestras, opera singers, and choirs, as well as guitarists, Broadway singers, and more. Concerts start at 7 p.m., but arrive early to get your spot on the lawn. Blankets are available to use on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Bryant Park website for the full line-up.

Date and venue: Thursdays from July 23 to August 13 at Bryant Park

The free community offerings in Bryant Park continue with the return of the annual Broadway in Bryant Park performances. On Thursdays starting July 23, stop by the lawn at 12:30 p.m. (you might want to arrive earlier to get a good spot) to see free performances from popular Broadway shows like Hadestown, & Juliet, Schmigadoon!, The Great Gatsby, and more. Find the full lineup online.

Date and venue: May 27 to September 16 at Bryant Park

Bring your mat and head to Bryant Park for free yoga classes throughout the summer. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. there will be an instructor-led yoga class on the lawn, open to all levels. You’ll need to register in advance and complete a waiver, and you should arrive about 15 minutes early to check in and set up. Register and find more info online.

Date and venue: Through August 8 at Times Square

For the second time, Hot Dog in the City, the world’s largest hot dog sculpture, returns to Times Square — now as Hot Dog: The Second Serving. The 65-foot-long installation, built by two Brooklyn artists, looms over visitors and periodically shoots confetti on a daily basis.

Date and venue: May 22 to September 25 at Rockefeller Place

The Today Show’s annual concert series kicks off on May 22, with free morning concerts throughout the summer. The 2026 lineup includes artists like Bleachers, Maren Morris, Tyla, KATSEYE, and Brandi Carlile. Attendees should show up by 5:15 a.m. on the day of the concert, but you can also register in advance for your chance to win up to four Fan Passes for guaranteed entry. Find the full lineup and more info online.

Date and venue: May 30 to October 1 at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield

Central Park’s annual Summerstage festival kicks off this month, offering dozens of free performances across the five boroughs, with the main Central Park series happening at Rumsey Playfield. Some of the free concerts include summer recitals from The Metropolitan Opera and musicians and bands like Mavis Staples, Spoon, and more, plus paid benefit concerts from Yellowcard, Simple Plan, Myles Smith, and more. Find the full lineup online.

Date and venue: April 21 through fall at Wollman Rink in Central Park

Trade your ice skates in for sneakers, because the Wollman Rink in Central Park is transforming into a huge spread of outdoor pickleball courts. Opening April 21, the Wollman Rink pickleball courts will be bookable from 8 a.m to 9 p.m. daily, and reservations start at $80 an hour. If you’re new to the sport, you can book time with a coach to teach you the ropes. Get more info and tickets online.

Date and venue: Through August 13 at Culture Espresso

Enjoy a sweet treat on the house when you see Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) on Broadway and head to the closest Culture Espresso. Show your ticket and buy Robin’s Red Velvet Cookie to get another for free. The cake-like dessert has the indulgence of a classic red velvet cookie, plus white chocolate for a decadent finish.

Get Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) tickets now.

Date and venue: W New York through September 30, Paramount Times Square through September 2, Knickerbocker ongoing

Planning an NYC trip this summer? Get your stay, show, and sips sorted out all in one go with one of two hotel packages available throughout the summer.

At the W New York, use the code LVU at checkout for stays between now and September 30 and choose the Broadway Insider Package to get two tickets to see Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), one drink voucher per person for the hotel’s Living Room Bar, and a special amenity based on the musical.

At the Paramount Times Square, opt for the Broadway Show Package, which includes two weekday (Monday to Thursday) tickets to Two Strangers, Six, or Operation Mincemeat and two post-show cocktails at the lobby bar along with your stay through September 2. Bookings must be made by August 30.

At The Knickerbocker, check out the Theater Night at the Knick package, which includes 20% off your stay and $170 orchestra or front mezzanine tickets to Six, Operation Mincemeat, or Two Strangers. Guests can also claim a pre-theatre dinner for two at Akoya or Charlie Palmer Steak IV, both located in the hotel, for $65.

Date and venue: July 24, August 7, and August 21 at the Lake Bar

Even if you don’t have tickets to Masquerade, the Phantom of the Opera-inspired immersive show, you can visit the venue’s Lake Bar for the late-night After the Curtain series. Offering intimate musical performances inspired by the show, this series features jazz and classical music in a cozy setting. Find the lineup and tickets for After the Curtain online.

Get Masquerade tickets now.

Date and venue: Ongoing at Shy Shy NYC

While Heated Rivalry made a huge splash when it landed on HBO late last year, it’s now making a similar impact on theatre lovers thanks to Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody. If you’re planning on seeing the acclaimed show, head to cocktail bar Shy Shy NYC to sip on its Heated Rivalry cocktail. Made with habanero tequila, passionfruit, pink peppercorns, and lime, this is the perfect pre-or post-show drink (aside from a ginger ale or blueberry-banana smoothie, of course).

Get Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody tickets now.

Date and venue: Saturdays and Sundays at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City

Previously closed to the public, the Jim Henson Creature Shop is opening its doors this summer to limited tours. The workshop is behind some of the most famous puppets in history, from The Muppets to the residents of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.

Guests will learn about the history of the Creature Shop, experience a demonstration with a Henson puppeteer, meet a puppet builder, and get photo ops with some of these well-known characters. More information and tickets are available online.

Date and venue: Through October 31 at the Museum of Broadway

The current special exhibit at the Museum of Broadway will focus on the 2023 play The Life of Pi, displaying many of the animal puppets used in the production, along with puppets from other shows, like Avenue Q's Trekkie Monster and Frozen's Olaf. Visitors can look at concept drawings, prototypes, and videos, and explore a recreated puppet workshop to see every step of the design process.

Get Museum of Broadway tickets now.

Date and venue: Sundays through August 23 at Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Mamma mia, here we go again — to brunch! The famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner, featuring singing waitstaff, is kicking off a ticketed brunch event inspired by the hit musical. Hear your favorite Mamma Mia! tunes while enjoying themed dishes liked “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme Chicken + Waffles” and “Chiquitita Chilaquilies.” Tickets are available online.

Date and venue: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday near Columbus Circle

For the first time, the popular Smorgasburg food fair heads to upper Manhattan with its newest Central Park location. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this summer, starting May 14, over 25 vendors will set up shop near the Columbus Circle park entrance from 12-8 p.m.

The vendors are yet to be confirmed. However, based on the other Smorgasburg locations, you can expect everything from sweet treats to savory bites — and definitely some viral food moments.

Date and venue: July 25 to August 23 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park

With over 60 years of delivering free Shakespeare shows to New York City, The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park is back for its summer season. Romeo & Juliet will run from May 22 to June 28, followed by The Winter’s Tale from July 25 to August 23. There are several ways to get your hands on free tickets, including at in-person distribution stations in all five boroughs and through a TodayTix digital lottery.

Date and venue: Through February 6 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Now on display at Lincoln Center's New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is a limited-time exhibit highlighting the furry friends of talented artists from the last century. The exhibit explores the role pets have played in artists’ lives, whether it’s providing emotional support or inspiring their work. "Unleashed: Pets of the Performing Arts" is free to the public.

Date and venue: Through September 6 at Poster House

The Act Black: Posters from Black American Stage & Screen Exhibit showcases a variety of posters used in Black storytelling, stretching back to the late 19th century. Because the only evidence of many Black plays from the late 1800s and early 1900s exists in posters, the exhibit highlights the historic significance of these posters and how Black creators transitioned from the stage to film. Find more info and tickets online.

Date and venue: May 23 to October 18 at the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is getting groovy. The Flower Power exhibition channels the hippie culture of the of the ‘60s and connection with the natural world. Concurrently, an Art of the Era exhibit showcases paintings, photographs, screen prints, and collages by artists from the '60s and '70s that celebrate peace and love.

On select nights, you can catch the Liquid Light Shows, a colorful light display. Find more info and tickets online.

Date and venue: May 20 to December 6 in Madison Square Park

Madison Square Park’s latest art installation comes from Philadelphia-based artist Roberto Lugo, known for his ceramic sculptures, often inspired by the history of ceramics and Puerto Rican culture, hip-hop, and graffiti.

The two sculptures he’s created for the park are a 20-foot-tall urn that nods to traditional ceramics and a 15-foot-tall fire hydrant, a nod to urban environments. There are also hand-painted planters filled with plants native to Puerto Rico and domino tables that anyone can use.

Date and venue: Through October at Grand Central Transit Museum

Although the MetroCard has been phased out, it lives on at Grand Central’s Transit Museum — but probably not in the way you expect. The free Inspired by MetroCard exhibit at Grand Central features art inspired by and created with MetroCards. Sculptors, painters, collage artists, fashion designers, and more turned this once ordinary part of NYC daily life into gorgeous works of art. Learn more online.

Date and venue: Now through 2028 at MoMA PS1

For the first time, all visitors, not just New Yorkers, can go to the MoMA PS1 for free. Just a short 7 train ride from Times Square, the Queens art museum, an offshoot of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown, highlights rotating exhibits throughout the year.

Date and venue: August 2-8 at Madison Square Park

The NoMad Jazz Festival is holding its second annual event offering free performances, ticketed concerts, activities, and more. The outdoor series takes place across different neighborhood venues, and it culminates in the free Festival Weekend at Madison Square Park on August 7 and 8, as well as the NoMad Jazz Festival Food Market on August 8. Find the full event lineup online.

Date and venue: Through August 16 at AMT Theater

The Broadway Bound Theatre Festival will put on 12 new plays and musicals from emerging writers. From stories about a queer singer and his estranged father to that of Lucifer herself as a nightclub owner, the productions span all kinds of genres and topics. Find the full lineup and tickets online.

Date and venue: August 6-23 at Frigid New York

Frigid New York is hosting its annual Little Shakespeare Festival, this year with a theme of ShakesPUNK, encouraging creators to shake things up and rethink the way the Bard’s plays are normally performed. The three-week-long festival will showcase 16 performances, transforming popular Shakespeare plays like Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night, and more. Find the full schedule and tickets online.

Date and venue: August 4-16 at The Joyce Theater

This year, the Joyce Theater's annual two-week Ballet Festival features two weeks of dance performances curated by Misty Copeland. The pieces honor ballet’s history while also looking to its future, prominently showcasing Black, brown, and queer voices in ballet. The dancers will perform both classic ballets and new works from emerging choreographers. Find more information and tickets online.