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What to Do in NYC in June

Updated: March 10, 2024

I love that New York is world-class city, with an endless number of attractions, restaurants, parks, and things to do.

Weather-wise, June is comfortable, making it a good time to get out and about and experience some of them

To help out, I've compiled this list. It will give you ideas as to what iconic attractions you can visit, what festivals and holiday events are happening, and what concerts and plays are taking place in June.

This post has been updated for 2024 and includes a top 10 list as well as sections on free events, family-friendly activities, and things to do at night.

Enjoy your time in the amazing city known as The Big Apple, Empire City, and The City that Never Sleeps!

Do check our comprehensive guide on things to do in NYC at any time of year.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


TOP 10 EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN JUNE

This section will feature our top 10 activities to enjoy in New York City throughout June. 

Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist attraction pass.

For tips on the most popular activities in NYC, check out the following posts:


1. Attend a Concert

Many amazing performers come through New York City and its surrounding cities.

Whether you're a fan of hard rock, pop music, or even classic 80s tunes, there are plenty of great concerts to be found in the NYC area this June.

Concerts

Check out this list of other May performances with artists such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Joe Jackson, The Tskey Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, and Ethel Cain.

Music Festivals


2. Go to a Sports Event 

It's June in New York and baseball is in full swing!

Going to a sports event is a great way to spend an evening in New York City. It is also a family-friendly activity!

Baseball 

To see New York's professional baseball teams in play, check out the Mets and Yankees.

Also, June 16th, 2024, is Father's Day. If Dad's a sports fan consider taking a tour of Yankee Stadium.

Soccer

To catch the world most popular sport, head to a game with the New York City FC or the New York Red Bulls.

Hockey

If the Rangers, Devils, or Knicks make it to the finals, they will each have important home games in June.


3. Enjoy a Broadway Show

There will be several great Broadway musicals in New York City this month.

Here are just a few of them:

  • & Juliet
  • Aladdin: The Musical
  • Back to the Future the Musical
  • Book of Mormon
  • Chicago
  • Hamilton
  • Hadestown
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
  • The Lion King
  • Little Shop of Horrors
  • MJ The Musical
  • Monty Python's Spamalot
  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical
  • Six
  • Shrek the Musical
  • Stomp
  • Sweeney Todd
  • The Who's Tommy
  • Wicked

Search for the show here and you'll find performance dates and times, as well as tickets.

On a budget? Check out our post on how to get cheap tickets to Broadway shows.

TIP: Broadway lovers can take guided tours of Broadway (including Backstage Access)! 


4. Visit an Observation Deck

Since the weather will probably be nice, this is an excellent time of year to get a good view of New York City from the top of an observation deck.

The Edge is one of the newest and tallest sky decks in NYC. At 100 stories high, this location offers one of the best and most unforgettable views in the entire city.

Here are a few other locations you might want to visit as well:

Keep in mind that most of these attractions are included with multiple New York tourist passes.

For more information about observation decks in New York, read our post covering which NYC observation deck is best.


5. Take a Walking Tour

June is a fantastic time to take a walking tour as the weather is almost always pleasant with comfortable temperatures and lots of sunshine.

Check out our homepage or look at our schedule to see what we have available when you are here.

Our guided walks are free to join. They operate on a pay-what-you-like basis, which means you decide what a tour is worth or what you could afford (even free) once the tour is over.

We also offer self-guided and GPS-enabled audio tours of every neighborhood that you will likely visit as a tourist in NYC.


6. See New York City from the Water

Another way to see NYC is from the water. There are single-ride tourist boats, hop-on-hop-off all-day boats, speedboats, and sailboats.

Our post on which New York cruise or boat tour is best can help you find the perfect one.

For something a bit more festive, you can take a nighttime cruise, many of which serve cocktails and dinner and have live music cruises.

If you are on a budget, there are also free boat rides and tours, including the Staten Island Ferry.

Also, many tourist attraction passes include a boat ride or cruise. Read more below about these money-saving passes.


7. Get Free Tickets with a Tourist Attraction Savings Pass

Tourist attraction passes work by bundling multiple tickets into one price, usually between 20%-50% of the retail price.

Though these passes are not free, and some can cost quite a bit, they can save you a lot of money in the end.

If you plan well, you will essentially get several tickets to attractions or tours each day for free.

There are several different types of passes, so be sure to read our comparison post to learn about how you can save the most money on your trip.

Several bus tour companies, including hop-on-hop-off buses, also offer savings.


8. See Free Theater at Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer, the Public Theater sponsors free performances of two Shakespeare plays several nights a week at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

However, in 2024 the theatre is undergoing a renovation and won't be open again until 2025.

All is not lost though as you can find the Mobile Unit's bilingual production of The Comedy of Errors at various locations around the five boroughs.

Next year you can check here for tickets although they tend to go quickly.

It is not easy to get free tickets, but it is not impossible, especially when you know the 5 different ways you get tickets to this unforgettable experience.

Before or after the performance, take some time to explore Central Park.


9. Take a Pay-What-You-Wish Food Tour

If the above listing has got you thinking about food, look into taking one of our food tours.

We have a Greenwich Village Food Tour, a Lower East Side Food Tour, and a Chinatown Food Tour.

These food tours are free to join and operate on a pay-what-you-like basis, which means you decide what a tour was worth or what you could afford (even free) when the tour is over.

You only pay for whatever food you eat, usually less than $10 per person. We also give out free samples.

Check out our homepage or look at our schedule to see what we have available when you are here.


10. Visit Central Park

There are several fun and interesting things to do in Central Park.

If you want an overview of the most notable sites in the park, you might consider taking a bike tour, carriage ride, pedicab ride, or even our self-guided tour.

Even if tours aren't available, you can always take our virtual tour of Central Park instead, and choose the best location for a picnic!

There are several interesting locations to visit in this park, including sites like the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink, the Carousel, and many more.

For even more ideas, check our post covering Central Park for maps of the park, activities, and events you might be able to attend.


11. Take In the Photoville Festival 

Check out Photoville, a free photography exhibit held in a make-shift village of ship cargo containers used as individual art galleries.

The Photoville Festival takes place on June 1st-16th, 2024.

It takes place in Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO and stays open until 9:00 every night. 

There's a beer garden, nighttime art projections, and of course the surrounding skyline of Manhattan. 

Make a full evening of it with a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge before or after. 

TIP: Be sure to check out more night ideas on our main things to do in NYC at night post.


12. Attend the Tribeca Film Festival 

The Tribeca Film Festival is one of the seminal film festivals in the cinematic world. You will see an incredible range of talent and a diversity of movies.

The director, cast, and crew are often on hand for a Q&A session after the screenings.

Besides film, there are also the ESPN Sports Film Festival, a Family Festival Street Fair, various Tribeca Talks, and free panels for working and aspiring filmmakers. 

Events take place June 5th-16th, 2024.

A full schedule of films and events is available on their website. While in the area, enjoy our self-guided TriBeCa walking tour.


Enjoy Even More Events

There is no shortage of things to do in New York. Below are just some of the events that are on tap for June.

Hiroshige's 100 Famous Views of Edo | April 5th-August 4th | The Brooklyn Museum puts Utagawa Hiroshige's prints of 19th Century Tokyo (formerly Edo) out for the public to see. Other related objects will be on display.

Five Points Festival | June 8th-9th | The Brooklyn Festival brings together stars from the Indie Comics, Street Art, and Designer Toys worlds. There will be vendors and artists, as well as craft beers and food trucks.

19th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party | June 9th | Thousands of folks dressed in 1920s-era attire enjoy a day of dancing, live jazz, a children's parade, a Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promedate, and much more.

Juneteenth in New York City | June 14th-19th | This festival includes an awards ceremony, a community day with a kids zone, artists, music, and more in celebration of the end of slavery.

Bryant Park Movie Nights | dates TBA | Movies have played in the park each summer for over 30 years.

Times Square TSQ Live | dates TBA | 80 free events take place across two stages, including live concerts, dance, and more.


FREE THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

Below are just a few of the hundreds of free things you can do in New York City in June.

Some of the events and things to do in the other sections of this post are also free of charge, like Shakespeare in the Park, Walking Tours, and visiting Central Park.

For year-round free things to do see our comprehensive post about free things to do in NYC.


Bryant Park Picnic Performances

This free outdoor festival brings dance, music, and theatre to Bryant Park.

Performances are put on by some of New York's best performing-arts institutions.

You won't need tickets and can just stop and pick up a blanket to sit on.

Note that they haven't yet released dates for 2024 so keep an on the website.


Today Show Concert Series

This free concert series is sponsored by The Today Show. The concerts occur on select dates between May and September.

These free shows are held outside the Today Show studios at 49th Street and Rockefeller Plaza. Get there by 6 am for the best spots.

For more details about the Concert Series, click here. To see a live taping of the Today Show any time of the year, click here.

And learn about how to attend one of several dozen TV shows filmed with live studio audiences in NYC.


Museum Mile Festival

On June 11th, 2024, several of the city’s most prestigious museums located on 5th Avenue open their doors to the public free of charge in the evening.

During the Museum Mile Festival, 5th Avenue is closed off from 82nd-104th Street. There's live music and street entertainment.

Not here on the 13th? Fortunately, almost all of the museums that participate in Museum Mile can be visited for free all the time or have specific free hours, all year long. 

Our post on free museums in NYC lists dozens of museums that are free or offer free hours/days.


Good Morning America Summer Concert Series

For early birds, you can see some of the best artists and bands in Central Park every Friday at 7 am.

The series runs from May through August. The 2024 line-up has not yet been announced, but rest assured there will be some major stars playing. 

See our post about VIP Tickets!


NYC Pride and Gay Pride Parade

This is the 30th year of this spirited and socially significant parade.

The only details that have yet been released are the date: June 30th, 2024.

Check the official website for updates on all of the fun activities planned.


Mermaid Parade

In June, New Yorkers will dress up in glittery Mermaid and Sea Creature costumes and head out to Coney Island. The Parade is free to everyone.

But be warned that it can get very crowded, a little bit wild with some spectators in very skimpy costumes made of body glitter and not much else!

This event will be taking place on June 22nd, 2024.

To find out the route and hours visit their website and for a list of additional events visit gaytravel4u.


Make Music New York

MMNY is a free festival that takes place on June 21st, 2024.

Over 1,000 performers are typically on hand to play free concerts on the streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, parks, and gardens.

MMNY is open to anyone who wants to take part so you can expect some great musical performances and probably some questionable ones. But it's all in good spirits! 

The complete MMNY schedule will be posted on their website in late May.


Puerto Rican Day Parade

June 9th, 2024, is the Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade is one of the liveliest parades in NYC, which has a Puerto Rican population of over a million people.

The musical guests are always phenomenal. In the past, celebrities of Puerto Rican heritage who attended the parade included Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo), Marc Anthony, Rosie Perez, and many more.

For more ideas, see our extensive post on free things to do in NYC.  


Met in the Park

Each summer the Metropolitan Opera hosts a free series of concerts in parks around the city.

They perform everything from arias to Broadway standards. Dates haven't been released yet but you can check their website.


THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN JUNE

Below are just some of the ideas for things to do in June in NYC at night.

Some of the things to do in the other sections of this post are also great nighttime activities, like seeing the theater, going to a sports event, or taking a night cruise.

For even more ideas, see our post about things to do in New York City at night.


Attend the New York City Rum Festival & Conference

Combine rum tastings with rum education and you have the New York City Rum Festival and Conference.

The 7th annual festival takes place on June 8th from the afternoon to the evening.


Enjoy Brew at the Zoo

Brew at the Zoo is an after-hours party for folks age 21 and up

There will be live music, DJ's, dancing, games, and more at the Bronx Zoo.

It all takes place from 6 pm to 11th pm on June 16th.


Take a Night Tour

June is a great month to explore the city at night. The temperature is comfortable and the city is filled with a carefree spirit. 

For those who want some guidance to enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge when the sun goes down, join us for our combined 911 Memorial and Brooklyn Bridge Night Tour or you can take our GPS-enabled tour of the Brooklyn Bridge.

We also offer walking tours of Midtown Manhattan, tours of the High Line, and even a Central Park evening tour.

You can also enjoy the city at night by taking a Night Bus Tour as well as Night Boat Tours.

To find out about other kinds of night tours (bike, helicopter, pub crawl, etc.) see our post, New York Night Tours.


See a Free Concert at Central Park's Summerstage

Summerstage is a summer series of free performances that have been rockin' and rollin' in Central Park since 1986.

The concert line-up is diverse with everything from afro-punk, Latin jazz, soul, hip-hop, avant-garde, and good old rock and roll. 

They also have stand-up comedy, dance performances, and sometimes Broadway musical performances. Most of the concerts are free or low-cost.

The series starts in late May, so check our Summerstage guide for a list of performers once they are announced.


Enjoy Free Admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

One night a month, on a Friday, you can visit this highly interactive and engaging museum for free between 5 pm and 9 pm.

This museum is housed on an aircraft carrier whose exhibits include a Concorde, submarine & space shuttle, and much more.

This is a fun way to spend an evening in NYC. This is also a kid-friendly activity. Get details here.


Watch a Free Outdoor Movie Screening

During the summer, there are dozens of free movie screenings held outdoors at locations all over NYC. 

Several of the series are for families and kids specifically.

Scroll down this page to see a list of the movies.

To find out about the series, see our New York City Summer Guide


Free New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks

This long-time NYC tradition brings top-notch classical music to five parks on five nights during one week in June.  

The performances begin at 8:00 pm and are followed by fireworks. 

The 2024 dates have not yet been announced so check back with us or the Philharmonic website.


Enjoy a Skyline View of New York City

What could be more magical than seeing the glittering lights of New York City on a warm June night?

You could go to an observatory deck, but there are plenty of other ways to get a great photo-worthy view of the iconic New York Skyline.

There are rooftop bars with amazing views. If you want to skip the drink or see a great view during the day or night, see our post on the best New York skyline views.

You can find more activities in our guide to things to do in New York City at night.


FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN JUNE

As you see in the above sections in the post, we noted which activities are kid-friendly, such as seeing a baseball game or seeing a free movie screening.

Below are even more activities for the family in June.

Check out our posts Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in New York City, our 3-day itinerary for families, and our list of over 100 things to do in New York City with dozens of kid-friendly activities.


Ride The Beast

If you're looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat with your family, consider taking a ride on The Beast.

This speedboat will take you and your family on a tour of New York City that you'll never forget.

While performing various tricks out on the water, your driver will also point out notable sites in NYC such as the Statue of Liberty.

Read about all the New York City boat rides here. This attraction is included for free with the New York Pass


Attend Figment

Figment is a free, family-friendly, two-day arts, music, and performance extravaganza held on Roosevelt Island. 

There will be activities like body painting, battles with foam weapons and interactive sculptures.

Dancers, actors, and performance artists roam the island inviting audience members to join in and become performers themselves.

Half the fun is the ride to Roosevelt Island-- which is by aerial tram with stunning views of New York City. See our guide to riding the tram

Dates haven't been released yet so keep on eye on their website.


Roam Free on Governors Island

Governors Island is a fantastic place to bring kids. There are many places to explore and play such as the Hills with amazing views of the Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

There is a massive slide, numerous playgrounds, and climbing structures. You can rent bikes for a ride around this vehicle-free island.

Even better, it's just a 5-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan!

Check out this post on things to do on Governors Island


Head to the Beach 

NYC isn't Miami or Rio when it comes to beaches, but the city's selection is actually quite nice. 

NYC has 4 main beaches, with Coney Island and Rockaway Beaches by far the most famous. 

nathans in coney island 1

See the full list of New York's beaches here.

NYC's beaches can be easily reached by subway, but if you are new to the subway, you might want to look at our post on how to navigate the NYC subway system.


Watch Free Outdoor Movies at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

In June, the Intrepid hosts a free movie night on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier it is located in. Tickets are distributed first come, first served before the show.  

Even if you skip the free movie, this is a wonderful attraction for the whole family. See our post on how to get savings on tickets to the Intrepid.

For even more kid-friendly activities see our post on things to do with kids in New York City.

For more June activities, take a look at our Guide to Things to Do in Summer in New York City. We list things to do with kids, free events and nighttime fun in the summer!


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: March 10th, 2024
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