Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Some of the best things to do in NYC this summer happen in July. Even after all the 4th of July events simmer down, the fun doesn't end. After Independence Day, enjoy fantastic outdoor fun, hit up one of the city’s many rooftops and make sure to pencil in getting a tan at the best beaches in NYC while the weather is still hot, hot, hot.  RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

Wear your sunblock: The best NYC events in June 2025 are things to do outside. When you’re not spending all your free time soaking up the sun at the best beaches or drinking atop the city’s finest rooftop bars, you'll be rocking your rainbow during the Pride March and catching Tribeca Festival screeners. Get your tickets now for the best happenings of the month and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for good weather. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar for 2025

Friday, June 13: Juneteenth is officially next week, but the celebrations kick off today with the Juneteenth NY Celebration. It runs all weekend long, so you’ve got time to check out this fun festival.  It’s rare to be in the greatest city on earth and not have plans, but if you’re stumped for things to do in NYC today, consider us your entertainment saviors. Daily, there are awesome events to stream and new attractions to see, but if you’re searching for something really specific like new happenings at the city’s top destinations or something low-budget—like free things to do—we have everything you need listed right here. RECOMMENDED: Full NYC events calendar

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place in the weeks before and after. What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com. How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as e

June is Pride Month, which means New York’s queer community is ready to party and—more than ever this year—stand up for their rights. At a time when the trans community is under attack across the country and even in our forward-looking city, displays of joy, resistance and community are more essential than ever. Whether you're looking to show your support by joining the NYC Pride March or looking for a place to dance your worries away, Pride celebrations continue all month long. We’ve assembled the best performances, comedy shows, parties, gay bars and events that'll have you dancing, singing, learning and feeling heard. And while there’s no official census or index, it’s believed that New York City has the largest LGBTQ+ population in America—and that’s something to celebrate all year long! RECOMMENDED: A guide to Pride NYC

New York City has tons of things going for it, from incredible buildings to breathtaking parks. But surely, the top of the list includes NYC’s vast array of museums and galleries, covering every field of culture and knowledge: There are quirky museums and interactive museums, free museums and world renowned art institutions like the Met. Between them, they offer so many exhibitions of every variety and taste that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you’ve starting to suffer a sudden attack of FOMA (that's fear of missing art ;)), don't worry! We've got you covered with our select list of the best museum exhibitions in NYC. Don't waste any time—head to NYC's best museum exhibits now! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to museums in NYC

Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? Whether you’re the group planner searching for more things to do in NYC today or you have no plans yet, here are some ideas to add to your list for this weekend: Pigeon Fest, a Pedro Pascal lookalike contest, the Jazz Age Lawn Party, Books & Burlesque, and the Brooklyn Pride Parade—plus free events around town. All you have to do is scroll down to plan your weekend! Start planning a great month now with our round-up of the best things to do in June.  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best New York attractions Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

When you're really feeling "the grind," it's your body and mind's way of telling you to go to the spa. If a weekend getaway isn’t in the cards, hitting one of the best spas in New York City is especially a great alternative. The city's spas dish out serious serenity in the form of massages, facials and other relaxing treatments so you can be refreshed and on the way to stress-free bliss. Spas are not just for melting away stress (though that’s certainly a welcome side effect), they also offer services that can soothe sore muscles, refresh tired skin or get you ready for a beach weekend or big night out. Others offer facilities where you can spend a full day unwinding (girls’ day, anyone?). Some offer or even specialize in couples massages for a romantic date option. NYC spas range from affordable to all-out luxurious. Treat yourself to a pampering at one of these spas—you deserve it. What are the best spas in NYC?

A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2025 with a dazzling show. It's one of the best events to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC. What time is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? On Friday, July 4. The time hasn't been announced yet, but it's typically at 9:25pm. Where are the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? The show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. Macy's hasn't yet provided a list of best viewing spots, but you can expect miles of prime public viewing. What is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show? Every year, the spectacular show launches 80,000 shells off of barges in the river. The extravaganza typically lasts 25 minutes and features numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes. For the first time this year, the East and West towers of the Brooklyn Bridge will serve as a canvas for large-scale projection mapping as part of the Macy’s 4th of July celebration. Also expect dazzling pyrotechnic effects including crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow and green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades, comet fans and more. Who will perform at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? Before the fireworks light up the sky, a star-studded line up will take the stage on The Rooftop at Pier 17. Audiences can tune in to see performances by Jonas Brothers, Eric Church

It’s America’s big day and we're here for it. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red-white-and-blue treats and drinks, head out for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC

There's more than one kind of New York City music festival—in fact, there's probably one for every type of music lover you could think of. The first events that come to mind might be the big-tent fests like Governors Ball, but just as important are staple series like the queer-centered All Things Go, and the all-Brooklyn BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, which keep crowds coming out to our beloved green spaces and stadiums all season long. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Check out our hand-picked this guide to the very best summer music festivals hitting town this year. We'll keep updating this as summer progresses, so stay tuned. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including the Juneteenth NY Celebration, Museum Mile Festival, the Queerly Festival, a new exhibit about Jane Austen, and awesome free events in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

Watermark—the 10,000-square-foot bar and restaurant in the Seaport—has gone tropical for summer. Colorful umbrellas, towering palm trees, and surf-inspired decorations have taken over the outdoor terrace, making the space feel more like Saint Lucia than the Seaport. Keep an eye out for the playful presence of flamingos for a photo opp. Twinkling overhead lights will keep the party going even after the sun sets. The menu offers a tropical twist as well with oysters, crispy coconut shrimp, lobster rolls and more. As for drinks, there's a long list of boozy beverages served pouches—like the Kiwi West, BeachSide Bourbon, and Suavemente. If margaritas are more your style, there are a bunch of options, including the "mega fishbowl." Or if shots are your thing, there's a whole list of options called "The Shot Clinic." As always, Watermark at Pier 15 is known for its views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. If you squint, you can pretend the East River is the ocean instead.  Make a reservation in advance here.

There's nothing quite like dancing under the summer night sky. That's why Sholay Productions is bringing its signature South Asian LGBTQI+ dance party to Cobble Fish at Pier 16 on Friday, June 27. Sholay: Desi Queer Pride on the Pier will be a "a sunset celebration of queer love in all its beautiful forms," with beats by Ashu Rai. The event is free to attend if you get there before 8pm; after 8pm, admission is $20. A a cash bar will be available on-site. If you haven't heard of Sholay Productions yet, it's the New York-based organization behind Desilicious, the longest running LGBTQ+ South Asian dance party in North America. It's dedicated to providing safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ South Asians, friends, and allies to come together and celebrate music, South Asian cinema, and dest-queer culture.

Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere, is throwing an exclusive 4th of July Celebration that’ll offer unparalleled views of the fireworks from 8–11pm. Tickets will give you private access to Edge’s indoor and outdoor viewing areas with its thrilling glass floor, angled glass walls and skyline steps. Plus, you’ll get access to an open bar and unlimited appetizers. A DJ will provide the soundtrack as you watch dazzling fireworks displays from New York City and New Jersey. Tickets start at $400/person. Or, if you're really adventurous, you can opt for a sunset City Climb offer starting at $650. This ticket includes exclusive access to Edge’s Fourth of July celebration, along with the premium thrill of scaling the building just in time for sunset. This special City Climb experience begins at 7:30pm, followed by entry to the main event, with festivities continuing through the evening.

Celebrating their 25th season of Movies With a View Presented by Pluto TV, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy will show movies through August. Boasting free tickets, classic fan-favorite films, and a view of the Manhattan skyline, it simply cannot get more “summer in NYC.” Find the free outdoor film festival on Thursday evenings at Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn. July 10: BottomsJuly 17: AlienJuly 24: WaitressJuly 31: The MatrixAugust 7: The Wizard of Oz

The Naked Comedy Show promises "New York's nakedest stand-up comedians." Yes, the comedians are legit naked. At this secret Brooklyn venue (you'll get the address in your confirmation email), the first two rows of audience are nudity-optional. These nights of jokes and genitals will take place on Thursday, June 12.  Here are the line-ups:  7pm Rachel Green Tony Sykowkski Dan Martin Olivia Levine Andy Ofiesh (the Godfather of naked comedy!)   9pm Arjun Banerjee Josh Ri'Esgo Julia Desmond Marty Cunnie Dani Riedel Both shows are hosted by Billy Procida (bad Lifetime dating show). Two things to note: Sexual activity is prohibited. Audience members' phones will not be allowed out during the show.

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.

Treat your ears to some free music at Battery Park City every Thursday evening this July. The Battery Park City's River & Blues Concert Series is a celebrated NYC summer tradition celebrating Global and American folk, roots and blues music. Expect to hear renowned artists on the cutting-edge of the jazz and blues scene. Picturesque Rockefeller Park serves as the an idyllic venue with breathtaking views of Hudson River sunsets, picnic-friendly fairgrounds and refreshing waterfront breezes. Here's the lineup: • July 10, Maggie Rose: After years on the Nashville music scene, Maggie Rose’s hard work was rewarded when her latest album, No One Gets Out Alive, was nominated for a Grammy award. • July 17, Amythyst Kiah: On her latest release Still + Bright, Amythyst Kiah’s storytelling is merged with a twist on rootsy alt-rock, exploring the struggle and joy of self-discovery. • July 24, Afro Latin Jazz Alliance: The award-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill has enamored international audiences with its dynamic performances featuring the music of jazz legends and new compositions from the Latin music scene. • July 31, Lady Blackbird: Harnessing a mighty voice and fabulous regalia, Lady Blackbird effortlessly portrays heart-rending yearning in her jazz-soul sets.

Need some skating tips before you attempt to navigate Manhattan’s obstacle-ridden ice around the holidays? Head to this Queens arena, where dozens of weekly classes are available in addition to daily open sessions year-round. If you need to refuel after all that gliding, the World Ice Cafe serves rinkside grub during most public skating hours. Admission is $8 for weekdays and $12 for weekends and holidays; skate rental is $6. You must register online before you arrive to skate.

On this in-person walking tour, dig into the secrets of Lower Manhattan: a treasure trove of mysteries, obscurities, and hidden history waiting to be unearthed. Discover the lesser-known backstory, hidden gems, and untold secrets of this neighborhood. Whether you're an NYC local or a visitor, you'll learn lots about the city's time under Dutch rule, revolutionary history, and incredible works of art. Without ever leaving Manhattan, this tour will transport you to Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Time Out's very own Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Culgan will serve as your guide. Your $35 ticket includes the 90-minute walking tour and a signed copy of Culgan's book "Secret New York City: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure." Books can be personalized upon request. Register here for tours on Saturday, June 7; Saturday, June 21; Sunday, June 22; Saturday, July 12; Saturday, August 2; and Saturday, September 6.  

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: — Thursday, June 5: Jackie Ribas and the Brazilian kids— Friday, June 20: Daddy Rabbit featuring Vanisha Gould and Ari Hoenig— Friday, June 27: Daddy Rabbit featuring Misha Piatigorsky Trio— Friday, July 11: Daddy Rabbit plays David Bowie featuring Rahj Mason and Emily Braden— Friday, July 18: Featuring Benny Benack III— Friday, August 1: Daddy Rabbit featuring Rudy Royston— Friday, August 22: Daddy Rabbit featuring Philip Norris

The New York City Parks & Recreation and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment present the all-summer-long film festival Movies Under the Stars. The festival spans all five boroughs, so you can definitely find a screening near you. Weeknight or weekend, enjoy the epitome of New York City in the summertime. Movie Under the Stars features dozens of film screenings, from family-friendly new additions to old-time classics. The festival reserves chairs for seniors and people with disabilities. Check out the full list here with a handy map, so you can find your neighborhood's screenings.

  Spend your Thursday evening at this variety show featuring comedians sharing their joy in standing out. Comedian Lauren LoGiudice knows that being different isn't just uncomfortable— in today's world, it can feel downright dangerous. That's why she's bringing her Misfit Variety Show: A Joyful Comedy Nite to Under St. Mark’s on Thursday, June 5.  "Every city has its misfits, but not every city has a place where misfits can truly belong," says LoGiudice. "We're not just putting on a show—we're building temporary autonomous zones of weirdness where people can shed the boxes society puts them in." What sets the Misfit Variety Show apart is its ability to transform personal discomfort into collective celebration. When audience members share their anonymous stories of awkwardness and alienation, the resulting laughter becomes a form of group therapy. The show features standup comedy, storytelling, and some character. LoGiudice brings her signature blend of heartwarmingly irreverent comedy about her experience discovering she is a sperm donor kid, queer woman married to a straight man, and Italian American navigating mixed cultural identities.

Head west this summer to experience some of the best cultural activities in the city—for free. West Side Fest is back for its third year with gratis fun for all ages at museums, parks, performing arts centers and cultural institutions across the west side of Manhattan.  Programming runs from July 11–13 with a packed weekend of activities, including free admission to The Whitney, tai chi classes on the High Line, tours of Poster House, zine-making at Print Center New York and much more. It's hosted by The West Side Cultural Network, a group of museums, parks, performing arts centers and cultural institutions located within a half-mile portion of the city.  RECOMMENDED: The best NYC events in July 2025, including July 4th parties, movie nights, and free music The event is meant to highlight the west side as a cultural destination with a mix of history, fresh activities and open gathering spaces.  West Side Fest highlights include: A Free Friday Night at The Whitney Museum of American Art with music by Public Records Curator-led tours of Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace and other exhibits at Poster House Art workshops focused on creating pieces inspired by the plants, soil, fungi and insects in the High Line gardens. Tai Chi and Afro-Brazilian Dance workshops on the High Line (Sunday only)  A backgammon tournament on artist Sam Moyer's handcrafted boards at Hill Art Foundation Walking tours that engage with the local ecology of the Hudson River hosted by Hudson River Park A paint

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl is one of the most translated books in the world, but that doesn't mean all New Yorkers are familiar with this important text. To help share Anne Frank's story, 10,000 copies of her book are being given away to students and families throughout New York City this summer.  In addition, Anne Frank The Exhibition will open its doors for free admission starting from 2:45pm through 5pm on Friday, June 13. Additional free visit opportunities will be available to visit the Union Square exhibition on select days this summer.  RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—the new Anne Frank exhibit in NYC will haunt you The giveaways are part of an initiative called Summer of Reflection: The Legacy of Anne Frank, which began today on what would have been Anne Frank's 96th birthday. The programming is presented by Anne Frank The Exhibition at the Center for Jewish History in Union Square in partnership with NYC Public Schools and all three New York City public library systems.  Her words inspire us to confront injustice and to promote tolerance and human dignity. In case you aren't familiar, Anne Frank's diary is a firsthand account of a Jewish girl's life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. Her father, Otto Frank, was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust and he decided to share his daughter's writing to honor her memory.  "Anne Frank’s diary is not just a historical document; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action," said Ronald Leopold, Exe

There's a line in The Great Gatsby that inevitably pops into my mind at this time of year as the sun lingers in the sky. "Do you ever wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it?" Daisy Buchanan asks in the book. "I always wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it!" Daisy's line, of course, symbolizes much more than sunny evenings, but it serves as my annual reminder to savor the summer solstice—my favorite day of the year. For me, the solstice is a holiday on par with New Year's Eve. I see it as a reset, a chance to prepare for the second half of the year, and a reminder not to squander nature's fleeting joys. I invite you to join me this year in these June 20 rituals, so let me tell you about a bunch of great ways to celebrate around the city.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer  Photograph: Courtesy of Battery Park City Authority Swedish Midsummer Festival I'm so solstice obsessed that I traveled to Sweden a few years ago to attend their renowned summer solstice celebrations. During a solstice party at the open-air museum Skansen, I made a flower crown, danced around a maypole and tried to sing along with Swedish folk songs. But this year, you can do all of that without taking a long flight to Stockholm.  A free Swedish Midsummer Festival popping up in Rockefeller Park features all the midsummer necessities. The event is hosted by the Consulate General of Sweden, New York—so you know it's going to be as authentic as possible.  Eve

One of the hottest events of the summer is the aptly named MoMA PS1 Warm Up, and it's back for 2025 with an impressive lineup. This party turns the museum's courtyard into a dancefloor with DJ sets and live performances on six Friday evenings in July and August. Every year since 1998, the summer-long music festival at this Long Island City art museum explores how music can be a work of art, and this year is no exception. Think Ballroom icons, spoken word artists, dystopian Darkwave producers, and techno legends. The lineup features innovators in electronic music and celebrates new sounds from New York City and around the world. A few can't-miss names include MikeQ, John Glacier, Sarz, OK Williams, Special Request, and DJ Stingray 313; keep scrolling for the full lineup.  RECOMMENDED: NYC's best summer music festivals of 2025 MoMA PS1 describes Warm Up as "a groundbreaking and influential series that amplifies emerging, underground, and legendary performers alike." In past years, Warm Up has presented renowned DJs and producers such as Honey Dijon, SOPHIE, DJ Spooky, Yasunao Tone, Easyfun, Arca, and Crystallmess.  Each evening features four distinct sets that build from sonic experimentation to dancefloor breakbeats. Events run from 4pm to 10pm weekly. In addition to enjoying the music, guests are encouraged to visit the museum galleries. Of course, don't miss Yto Barrada’s monumental installation Le Grand Soir, which serves as a setting for the series. Photograph: By Nath

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.   RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in NYC this summer Festivities begin with the so-called Grand Entrance, an Instagram-worthy red carpet-type moment with a Swedish twist. Find it at the corner of Chambers Street and River Terrace by the Hurricane Maria Memorial. Once inside, you'll see the iconic Midsummer pole (also known as a maypole). Scandinavian folklorist Ross Sutter will lead festive dances around the maypole. Photograph: Courtesy of Battery Park City Authority Music and dancing are important parts of Swedish Midsummer celebrations. Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis will provide traditional music for a grand procession through the festival.   While you're there, you'll also get a chance to make traditional flower crowns while supplies last. Kids are invited to play new and classic games on the Rockefeller Park lawn with coaches from the Battery Park City Authority. Photograph: By Battery Park City Authority Once yo

Anybody who has taken a high school English class is likely familiar with the name Jane Austen, but that wasn't the case when Austen was alive. Instead, she published her works—even the famed Pride and Prejudice—anonymously. It wasn't until after her death in 1817 that Austen's name became famous as one of the great English novelists.  That interesting legacy, as well as much more Austen lore, is part of a new exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum titled "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250." It features first-edition copies of her novels, corresponding artworks, personal letters, historical documents and artifacts from Jane Austen's House in Chawton, England. This major exhibition celebrating Austen's 250th birthday is now open through September 14, 2025. RECOMMENDED: See stunning portraits of Michelle Obama, Breonna Taylor and more in this new Whitney Museum exhibit "Our aim in the show is to welcome every visitor—regardless of their prior knowledge of Jane Austen, level of interest in Jane Austen, possible prejudices against Jane Austen," Juliette Wells, co-curator of the exhibition and Professor of Literary Studies at Goucher College, said at a preview event for the exhibit.  To that end, the exhibition takes a chronological approach, starting with Austen's younger years when her father helped to buoy her love of the written word. Her father, a reverend, owned 500 books, a large personal collection for that era. Also rare for the time, he allowed his daughters to read

Giant puppets, reggaeton bands, salsa dancers, and floats will take over Fifth Avenue in Manhattan this Sunday for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. More than a million people typically participate in and attend the parade, making it the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the nation. An iconic institution for over half a century, the parade seeks to raise awareness of Puerto Rican culture and history and highlight the community’s contributions to the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible event. When is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York? The parade is on Sunday, June 8, 2025, and kicks off at 11am.  What is the parade route? The parade route typically marches along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street in Manhattan. What's the theme this year? This year’s theme is Plantando Bandera (Planting Roots), recognizing how Puerto Rican communities across the diaspora have established deep roots and positively contributed to their communities locally, nationally and globally. Photograph: By Ryan Rahman / Shutterstock Who is the grand marshal? Six-time GRAMMY® winner Olga Tañón will be honored as Queen of the 2025 Parade celebration. With more than 23 albums and a catalog of over 250 hit songs, Tañón remains an undisputed figure in Latin music. Acclaimed film and television actor Luis Guzmán will join Tañón in leading the parade procession with the title of King. With over 30 years in the movie industry, Guzmán is currently

Good news for East Siders and Brooklynites: The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks are returning to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District. Macy's hasn't yet provided a list of best viewing spots, but you can expect miles of prime public viewing. The spectacular display is the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation, which paints the skyline in an extraordinary display of light and sound. It's been a pyrotechnic tradition since 1976 for good reason—the show is truly incredible.  RECOMMENDED: The best 4th of July events in NYC Though exact timings haven't been announced, last year's show began at 9:25pm, so keep that in mind when making your plans for Friday, July 4. As for viewing locations, any anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River should do the trick. In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for additional details on public viewing, as well as a city-sponsored lottery for free public viewing tickets.  Last year, the fireworks were hosted on the west side of the city, delighting west siders and New Jerseyans. For a decade prior to that, the fireworks had been launched from the East River, and now they're back.  "Macy's doesn't just light up the sky—we ignite a shared tradition," said Will Coss, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks executive producer, in a press release. "By bringing the firework

These days, Coney Island is known for its roller coasters, Mermaid Parade, and Hot Dog Eating Contest, but back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a very different story. Instead, the Brooklyn neighborhood resembled "a war zone" between 1965–1975 amid ill-conceived government projects, as the Coney Island History Project explained. Now, a new exhibit of street photography from that era examines what life was like back then. Charles Denson grew up in the West End of Coney Island and began photographing his neighborhood as a teenager. His photos are now part of the exhibition "Coney Island Streets: 1965–1975," which you can visit for free all summer at the Coney Island History Project.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Coney Island, NY The free exhibit shows the effects of discriminatory policies that began back in 1938 when the federal government "redlined" Coney Island. Redlining targeted the area because of prejudice against immigrants, African Americans, and local residents who were predominantly of Jewish, Italian, and Irish ancestry, the Coney Island History Project explains. The flawed policies of the Federal Housing Administration made it nearly impossible for homeowners to obtain mortgages, loans, and insurance. Slumlords, arsonists, greedy developers, and block-busting took advantage of the situation, and quality of life deteriorated as the area became a poverty pocket. Photograph: By Charles Denson | CBS Social Club, Mermaid Avenue, 1974 "I grew up to the sounds

Let internet boyfriend Pedro Pascal be your guide on a tour of the universe. The famous actor is the narrator for a new space show at the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium titled Encounters in the Milky Way.  The show debuts on Monday, June 9, but we got a sneak peek today. Encounters in the Milky Way takes a 20-minute voyage through outer space with stunning visualizations of dazzling stars, constellations and planets. Stirring music complements Pascal's narration, and you'll even feel your seats move as if you could blast off to space yourself.  RECOMMENDED: First look: This historic wing of The Met just got a major update "On a clear night," Pascal says in opening the show, "a band of light stretches across the sky. The combined glow of billions of stars, partially obscured by great clouds of gas and dust: the majestic Milky Way. From Earth, it looks like we are at the center, and all these stars were all around us, but as astronomers learn to decipher celestial movement, we found our place in the cosmos."  From there, Encounters in the Milky Way continues to explore movement: How Earth spins on its axis, giving us day and night; how seasons change; how constellations move over time; how even the Sun is part of this galactic migration.  Encounters in the Milky Way, the Hayden Planetarium's seventh space show, is the first to focus on the story of this cosmic motion and how it impacts our solar system. While the show is a visual treat, it is

The holiday season may still be months away, but June presents its own festive season with Pride events all month and Juneteenth commemorations at mid-month. This year, the Empire State Building is getting in on the fun with two special light-up events.  In honor of Juneteenth, red, black and green lights will beam from the building on Thursday, June 19. Later in the month, the building's tower lights will shine in the rainbow colors of the inclusive Pride flag on Sunday, June 29, coinciding with the date of NYC's Pride March. RECOMMENDED: The insider's guide to the Empire State Building There are hundreds of events happening for Pride this year. A few of our top picks include Ladyland (featuring Cardi B and FKA Twigs), Books and Burlesque, the Criminal Queerness Festival and PRISM: A Festival of New Queer Musicals. Here's our full rundown of Pride events. As for Juneteenth, there are plenty of ways to celebrate, including the Juneteenth Jazz Jubilee, Still We Rise: Juneteenth Celebration, "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies" Juneteenth teach-in and a comedy show called Drunk Black History. Here are even more Juneteenth events. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Empire State Realty Trust (@esrtsocial) Considering the Empire State Building's status as the world's most famous building, it's very cool to add light-up celebrations to the list for Pride and Juneteenth festivities. Definitely head to Midtown and snap a photo of the lights o

After a four-year renovation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has reopened its galleries dedicated to the arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas and Oceania. These historic galleries, housed within the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, are packed with 1,800 artworks spanning five continents and hundreds of cultures.  To celebrate the opening, the Upper East Side museum is hosting a daylong festival on Saturday, May 31 with performances, live music, art making and more. It’s free with museum admission—which is always pay-what-you-wish for New Yorkers. RECOMMENDED: A first look at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s last rooftop exhibition (for a while) Max Hollein, The Met’s CEO, described the 40,000-square-foot Rockefeller Wing's reopening as “much more than a renovation.” Instead, he said at a grand opening event, “it’s a re-envisioning of one of the museum’s most important spaces.” Photograph: By Bridgit Beyer / Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Inside the galleries, you’ll find several objects on view for the first time, including new acquisitions of contemporary African works and new commissions by Indigenous artists for the Oceania galleries. Also don’t miss a gallery dedicated to light-sensitive ancient Andean textiles, which is the first of its kind in the United States.  It’s a re-envisioning of one of the museum’s most important spaces. New features, such as documentary films, audio commentary, artist bios and expanded wall text, help to provide contemporary perspect