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.

Date and venue: July 16 at Rockefeller Center

If you’re a theatre and soccer lover, your worlds are about to collide. The Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club will visit the FIFA Fan Village in Rockefeller Center for a free lunchtime performance on July 16. The band and members of the company will perform and even share some choreography with fans.

Get Buena Vista Social Club tickets now.

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: July 6 to 19 at Rockefeller Center

While the FIFA World Cup is going on, Mayor Mamdani has designed “fan zones” throughout the five boroughs for people to gather, watch the matches, and partake in community events. The Manhattan-based fan zone will be located at Rockefeller Center and will offer people the chance to watch live viewings and enjoy cultural programming from local businesses and more, including World Cup stickers and trading cards. Although free to attend, you’ll need to sign up in advance for admission.

Date and venue: July 13, 14, 16, and 18 at the Barclays Center

Ariana Grande brings her Eternal Sunshine Tour to NYC this July, with four dates at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The Wicked film star is supporting her 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, which features hits like “yes, and?” and “we can't be friends (wait for your love).”

Get Ariana Grande tickets at the Barclays Center now.

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: 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: Starting May 21 at the Museum of Broadway

The newest 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: July 23 to August 9 at Radio City Music Hall

Hear the people sing this summer at Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables, this concert will feature performers in costume amid minimal sets and special design elements, and the iconic score is front and center.

Notable cast members include Samantha Barks, who played Éponine in the 2012 Tom Hooper film, starring as Fantine alongside other Les Mis alums from productions worldwide.

Get Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular tickets now.

Date and venue: Ongoing at Redeye Grill

One of NYC’s hottest theatre experiences is Masquerade, an immersive retelling of The Phantom of the Opera. Before heading into the opera house, visit the Redeye Grill for a special prix fixe menu inspired by Masquerade. Choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert in this three-course meal, and enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco. For an even more immersive experience, sip on The Phantom: a smoky, sweet, and bold bourbon and Campari cocktail. Reservations are available online.

Get Masquerade tickets now.

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: 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 July 31 at select Cool Sips locations

Live it up on top with this special edition Hadestown-inspired drink at Cool Sips, aptly named Sipping It Up on Top. Head to one of the Cool Sips locations in NYC to try the drink made with Starry soda, lemonade, cherry, mint, and pomegranate. Think of it as sunshine in a cup — a nod to Persephone and her annual return to the world above. Pair it with tickets to the Broadway show!

Get Hadestown tickets now.

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: July 14 to 26 at Lynn F. Angelson Theatre

Showcasing works from women, nonbinary, and trans writers and composers, the SheNYC Theater Festival features eight original plays and musicals. With historical dramas, horrors, comedies, and more, the festival offers a variety of genres and subject matters, while uplifting different voices and backgrounds. Visit the SheNYC website for the full list of performances and to buy tickets. Visit the SheNYC website for the full list of performances and to buy tickets.

Date and venue: July 12, 14, and 16 at Madison Square Garden

Jon Bon Jovi returns to Madison Square Garden with his band this July following a brief hiatus from touring. The Forever Tour will feature songs from across Bon Jovi’s extensive catalog, including the musician’s biggest hits — and maybe a few surprises.

Get Bon Jovi tickets at Madison Square Garden now.

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: Select dates through August 8 at David Geffen Hall

Experience live orchestra and piano performances all summer long at Lincoln Center as part of its Festival Orchestra series. Listen to Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and more on a pay-as-you-wish basis. On select dates, there will also be panel discussions, talking about topics like music and mental health, inspiration, the arts and public health, and more. The full concert lineup is available online.

Date and venue: July 10-12 at various locations along the West Side

Head toward the Hudson River to celebrate Manhattan’s West Side Fest, a free arts and culture festival with music, dance, crafts, special museum offerings, and more. West Side venues like the Whitney Museum of American Art, Poster House, and The Shed have free programming available, and parks like Little Island, the High Line, and Hudson River Park will also host community events. Find the full lineup of activities online.