Things to do on a Sunday in New York

We hope you've been stocking up on glitter and nautical attire: The Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns for its 43rd year! Thousands of spectators flock to Surf Avenue—Coney Island’s main drag—each year to watch King Neptune and Queen Mermaid lead a procession of glittered semi-nude marchers in costumes.

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is on Saturday, June 21, kicking off at 1pm—rain or shine.

Party like a Swede for midsummer (a.k.a. the summer solstice) this month. A Swedish Midsummer Festival is popping up on Friday, June 20 at Rockefeller Park in Lower Manhattan with a chance to make floral wreaths, dance and enjoy Swedish delicacies. Events run from 5-9pm, so you'll get to savor the late sunset on the longest day of the year.

The event is hosted by the Battery Park City Authority with the Consulate General of Sweden, New York—the pros on all things Swedish in America. It's free and open to all.  

Times Square will be both busier than ever and calmer than ever on Friday, June 20—the summer solstice—for the annual "Solstice in Times Square: Mind over Madness Yoga" event.

Thousands of yoga practitioners will congregate from sunrise to sunset to take part in free yoga sessions throughout the day. This year, the event runs from 7:30am to 8:30pm at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 48th Streets.

Over the past 23 years, this event has grown to welcome thousands of yogis taking multiple classes throughout the day and filling one of the busiest intersections in the world with peace and calm. Seven classes are available throughout the day; make a reservation for the in-person classes here. Free yoga mats will be provided to registered attendees while supplies last; be sure to bring your own water bottle.

If you can't make it in person, you can livestream the class at TSQ.org/Solstice, on YouTube, or on the Times Square Facebook page.

One of the world’s biggest Latin parties is heading to one of New York’s coolest venues. On Saturday, June 21, BRESH is taking over The Rooftop at Pier 17 for a high energy sunset celebration.

Get ready for a glittery bash of all things pop, reggaeton and more. Along with some of the biggest reggaeton hits, guests will be able to take in sweeping sunset views and hit the dance floor to some high energy beats.

With an early start time, this massive party is perfect for night owls and daytime partiers alike. Time Out readers can also take advantage of an exclusive offer of 15% off tickets using the code: BRESHFRIENDS.

651 ARTS, a place to "create and experience art that is led by, centers, and celebrates Black voices," is back with its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration, once again in collaboration with the popular outdoor music concert series The Soapbox Presents. Taking over The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place in Downtown Brooklyn on Saturday, June 21, the day-long event will feature a series of musical performances, spoken word, dance workshops and other special experiences throughout the day.

Additionally, there will be a curated Made Black marketplace selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, handmade jewelry, and more, all from Black-owned businesses and Black vendors and artisans. It's free to get in; reserve a ticket here.

The iconic HOT 97 Summer Jam music festival is back for 2025 with a stellar lineup of acts. It's scheduled to take over Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, June 20.

This year's stacked lineup is led by chart-topping stars A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, Ayra Starr, and Ja Rule and Friends-A Tribute to Irv Gotti. Also see performances from Kash Doll, Bobby Konders & Jabba ft. Masicka, Jim Jones & Friends, Cash Cobain, 41 (Kyle Rich, Jenn Carter, Tata), and more.

Tickets are on sale now starting at $102. 

Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week.

Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20 through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and typically launch from the beach at West 12th Street, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.

Looking for a little action this Pride Month? You’ll get all that and a lot more at this electrifying night of drag, comedy, homoerotic wrestling and maybe some kissing from your favorite queer NYC performers.

Comedians Carly Kane and Maddie Silverstein are taking over Brooklyn's DiamondHeart Striking and Grappling studio on Saturday, June 21 for this festive variety show and they’re bringing with them fellow exciting folks like Lauren Chan, Michelladonna, Jess Henderson, Honey Pluton, Cherry Jaymes, Molly Kearney, Boy Diva and more. Pucker up!

The New York Indian Film Festival, North America’s oldest and most prestigious festival that celebrates alternative, independent cinema from the global Indian community, is back for its big 25th anniversary. 

The 2025 lineup includes a dynamic slate of 22 feature-length films—18 narratives and 4 documentaries—spanning more than a dozen languages and regions. Notable titles include the East Coast premiere of Berlinale winner The Fable as well as the closing-night selection Little Thomas, a coming-of-age dramedy set in 1990s Goa, marking the directorial debut of Kaushal Oza.

Screenings will take place from June 20 to 22 at Manhattan’s Village East by Angelika. There will also be tributes to such cinematic legends as Shyam Benegal and James Ivory. 

Only people in the know go to these secret jazz speakeasy shows, but don't worry, we're about to let you in on the secret. These underground live jazz performances called Daddy Rabbit are the epitome of cool.

Musician extraordinaire Misha Piatigorsky launched Daddy Rabbit a few years ago, and the series has gained quite a following. Grab a ticket here for upcoming shows at LOULOU in Chelsea. Here's the lineup for this month: 

— Friday, June 20: Daddy Rabbit featuring Vanisha Gould and Ari Hoenig
— Friday, June 27: Daddy Rabbit featuring Misha Piatigorsky Trio