Summer Streets 2014: The City’s Biggest Block Party Returns!

Bikers, skaters and walkers take advantage of the seven car-free blocks at NYC's Summer Streets

Returning for its seventh go-round, the now-traditional NYC Summer Streets will once again transform Park Avenue and Lafayette Street into a glorious, seven-mile long block party. Hosted this Saturday, August 2 (and then again on the 9th and 16th), the annual event is truly a blast. If you're looking for some free, fun-filled activity on any of these Saturday mornings, it's well worth getting up and out early (it runs from 7am to 1pm) and joining the strolling, pedaling crowds. Here's what you can expect this year:

New Yorkers biking and walking inside of a tunnel during NYC's Summer Streets

From Summer Streets to Underwater Tunnels

As always with Summer Streets, the best part of the event is the simple joy of walking, or leisurely biking, right down the middle of Park (and Lafayette), running into folks you know, chatting with strangers, feeling like you own the town. Going through the tunnel under the Met Life building, and then exploring the elevated ramp in front of Grand Central is always a highlight. Returning again this year is the amazing art installation in the Park Avenue Tunnel. This year, Norwegian artist Jana Winderen created an immersive sound piece called "Dive" for which the artist has recorded underwater environments, both shallow and deep, in ocean waters around the world.  Note: long lines greeted visitors to last year's light installation in the usually-off-limits tunnel, and "Dive" is likely to be as popular. So maybe hit it early in the day?   

A woman zip lines in front of an office building at NYC's Summer Streets.

Food, Fun, Bikes, Dogs & More! 

One of the big draws of Summer Streets in recent years has been the activity-filled rest areas, six spots scattered throughout the route where corporate sponsors break out the goodies and entertain the crowds. Of special interest this summer is the return of the 165-foot zipline in Foley Square; REI's 25-foot climbing "wall" in Soho; the Whole Foods Picnic Zone, which is basically just lots of free samples; the PAWS and Play Dog Park at 52nd Street; and for our NYC Bike Lovers, free bike rentals at various stops along the route, courtesy of Bike and Roll. There's lots more, too – including the Bryant Park Jugglers at 52nd Street, and a Parkour demonstration in Foley Square–but part of of the fun of Summer Streets is just wandering around and stumbling across something cool. See you on the streets! 

 A couple lounges on a colorful hammock at one of the rest area at NYC's Summer Streets

Summer Streets 2014 Map and More Info

Summer Streets 2014 takes place on three consecutive Saturdays, August 2, 9, and 16, from 7am to 1pm, 72nd Street to Foley Square. For a map of the event, click here (Summer Streets 2014 map) where you'll find all the informatioin to makre your Summer Streets a time to remember.

Summer Streets is back again for 2015!

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