Frosé, Hawaiian shirts, leaky AC units… the whole gang’s here, which can only mean it’s time for another sun-drenched summer in the city! So if you fear winter has turned you into a pessimistic Netflix-bingeing bummer of a person, now is your chance to flip the switch and get out there. Sunbathe at the beach, dance til your feet hurt at the many festivals and outdoor concerts throughout the city, or press the pause button and enjoy a rooftop drink, or a leisurely picnic at one of the many waterfront parks in the city. Here are our top recommendations for summer 2019 in New York City:
Beach day!
If you’re looking for an easy trip to the beach, Rockaway Beach is the place for you. Just catch the A train to 90th street Beach and let the good times roll. Bask in the hot sun, plunge into a crashing wave, cruise the boardwalk or grab a taco–there’s no wrong way to go about it. This beach does get pretty busy so make sure to get there a little early or you run the risk of sitting next to a drunk guy blasting reggaeton from a half-broken speaker. And for those of you who get a little restless after a couple of hours on the beach, you can always wander into town and hit up some of the local shops, bars, and restaurants. I usually post up in the backyard of Sayra’s Wine Bar.
Enjoy a free concert at Prospect Park
Gather a group of friends and head to Prospect Park to see some truly unforgettable performances this summer. This year the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival kicks off with a concert by Patti Labelle on June 4th. With free concerts going on throughout the summer, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t join in on the fun. If you’re looking for a pre- or post-concert place to grab a bite or a drink, The Double Windsor is a neighborhood spot with burgers, wings, and you guessed it, beer. Whatever you do though, don’t go into Farrell’s. It’s chock full of retired cops who make a habit out of catcalling women and stumbling off stools.
Go Kayaking
Sometimes you just gotta get on a boat and float. Fortunately, NYC is surrounded by water. With new parks dotting the Hudson and East River (I’m looking at you Domino Park) and an increase in ferry services, more and more people are flocking to the waterfront for a little R&R. Make your way to Brooklyn Bridge Park to take part in some free kayaking in the East River. Boats launch from Pier 2 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm.
Hang out on a rooftop
If you’re feeling flushed, why not take in the majesty of the city from a rooftop bar, cocktail in hand? If it’s panoramic views of the skyline you seek, the new 1 Hotel Brooklyn Brooklyn Bridge has got you covered. If you’d prefer not to blow your weekend budget on three cocktails, Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park is another option. It’s casual, not overpriced, and offers some great views of the skyline and harbor. Plus, they have pizza! A personal favorite in Manhattan is the Met Rooftop bar. Sipping wine on the rooftop of a world-class museum is just not something you get to do everyday. Sure, you will be amongst tourists, but the views of Central Park are hard to beat! If you don’t really care about the view and just want to drink outside at a higher altitude, Bia in Williamsburg and Our Wicked Lady in Bushwick are good choices.
Get your dance on at MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 has been throwing their Saturday Warm Up parties for 22 summers and counting. Suffice it say, they know what they’re doing. People come, people dance, and the beat goes on… Every Saturday in July and August, an eclectic mix of musicians from around the world keeps the party going. Yes, it is crowded and yes you will sweat more than you’d like, but that’s summer in the city, baby! The party begins July 6th with Freddie Gibbs and Madlib headlining. Tickets go for $18 a pop.
Baseball, Coasters, and Mermaids at Coney Island
Coney Island isn’t really about the beach anymore. In all seriousness, I wouldn’t even come close to considering going there for a beach day. However, it is the perfect place to ride an old-timey rollercoaster, eat hot dogs at a minor league baseball game, and get drunk with people dressed as mermaids. The summer season doesn’t truly begin until the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade hits the streets, which takes this year on Sat June 22.
Sunday Funday !
Two of the summer’s best day parties are happening in the Bushwick/Ridgewood area this summer. The first is Tiki Disco, happening either at The Well or Elsewhere on most Sundays throughout the summer. The second is Mister Sunday, which takes place at Nowadays in Ridgewood, Queens right at the edge of Bushwick. Who said Sunday had to be devoted to doing your laundry!? Tickets are $10-20 depending on the venue.
Fireworks!
Every 4th of July, the city lights up under a blast of color. This summer, fireworks will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and four boom barges (newly minted expression) along The East River. I mean, it doesn’t get more epic than that! I’m already getting excited about sharing my blurry fireworks videos with everyone on Instagram. For the best views, I’d recommend setting up shop near the waterfront in either Brooklyn Heights or Dumbo. We will also be hosting our own fireworks viewing party for all our students and staff right here at Brooklyn School of Languages. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience!
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