June Festivals in New York City

A brightly colored art display at Museum Mile in New York City.
Photo Credit: Museum Mile Facebook

Why, hello summer! Not to play favorites, but summer in New York City is unlike any other season. Besides the endless amount of outdoor events, you’ll find that so many of them are free of charge, which leaves your wallet a bit fuller to get out and enjoy YOUR city! From parades and festivals to the legendary Museum Mile, our roundup of events will have you making the most of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs this June.

A small dog walking on the side walk under an orange sign at Museum Mile in NYC.
Photo Credit: Museum Mile Facebook

Museum Mile: June 13th

Museum Mile is an annual June event that brings New Yorkers from every borough to the lovely Upper East Side. What a great sense of community!

Rain or shine, from 6pm to 9pm, you can enjoy a giant block party along 5th Avenue as seven of New York’s most fabulous museums open their doors – for free. You’re more than welcome to explore the insides of each museum (click here for a list of participating locations), and there’s plenty of action happening on the street, too. As a head up, cars are not allowed from 82nd Street to 105th Street, and the road will be filled with live bands and entertainment, art, and plenty of kid friendly activities!

A group of children wearing brightly colored, traditional clothing dancing to Chinese music.
Photo Credit: NYC Dance Week Facebook

NYC Dance Week: June 15th-24th

Dance your way into the warmer months with NYC Dance Week – where you can salsa, tap, and spin along to free dance classes! For an entire week, these classes are being held all around the city, and registering is super easy. Check out their website to sign up, print out your confirmation, locate a participating dance studio, and get your groove on! The mission of NYC Dance Week is simple – to promote diversity of dance and encourage NYC residents to be active, healthy, and celebrate life!

Here are a few styles of dancing participating studios are teaching:

  • Hip-hop – The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory
  • Ballet – American Liberty Ballet
  • Zumba – Dancewave in Brooklyn
  • Ballroom – Arthur Murray New York City on Broadway
  • Beginner African Dance – Peridance Capezio Center
A group of women walking on the Coney Island Boardwalk dressed as mermaids at the yearly Mermaid Parade.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com

The Mermaid Parade: June 17th

Unlike most parades in New York City, the 35th Annual Mermaid Parade takes place in Coney Island, Brooklyn, and is a true summertime must! It’s the nation’s largest art parade, showcasing over 3,000 creative individuals from Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and beyond! It’s one of the few parades in NYC that has no ethnic, religious, or commercial ties – it’s truly an event created for the purpose of letting artistic New Yorkers find self-expression. The event is free to attend, and kicks off at 1pm!

After the parade, take advantage of being in Coney Island with a ride on the Cyclone, a stroll down the boardwalk, and of course a classic Nathan’s Hot Dog. The perfect summer day, indeed!

A colorful street in Chinatown with bright red stringed balloons.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com

Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival: June 18th

The Museum at Eldridge Street is hosting an international food festival called the Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, which is the must-taste event of June.

This event pays homage to three ethic groups that primarily live (or lived) in the neighborhood, making it what it is today. You’ll be able to enjoy a mash-up of Jewish, Chinese and Puerto Rican tastes, traditions, sights and sounds, all at the same outdoor event. There will be music, folk art, food demonstrations, and lots of interactive fun for people of all ages. The event is free to attend, and food can be purchased on site.

Keep this in mind: If your dad is into food, this would be the perfect Father’s Day outing!

Read more

The Brittany – Luxury Upper East Side Apartments

There’s no place quite as versatile as the Upper East Side of Manhattan - especially in upscale apartments at The Brittany. With panoramic views of the Harlem River and East River, book a tour of this luxury building today!

Comedy Improv Festival: June 23rd-25th

The Del Close Marathon is coming to New York June 23rd through the 25th, bringing the best in improv talent to the island. There will be over 600 shows at 7 different venues, featuring the best improv comedians from not only around the city and tri-state area, but from all over the country!

You’ll be able to see a wide variety of talent, ranging from an improv team from a school, a newly created team from Kansas, a reunited team from Chicago, a famous group from Los Angeles, and the hottest new team from Australia!

Festival passes are $40, or you can buy individual tickets for certain shows starting at $10.

What are you most looking forward to this month? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know!

Posted in Glenwood News, manhattan living, NYC Events | Tagged