Summer in The City: Free and Fun in July
Taking advantage of warm weather and exploring new things in the city is always a blast—but it's even better when it’s free! Here’s a list of free summer activities to enjoy during the month of July:
Ride the ferry to Governor’s Island and take in the beautiful views of the city. Pack a picnic, browse through the free art, and enjoy the historic sites. Free ferry rides can be taken from Battery Maritime Building at 10 and 11am and at 11am and 11:30am from Pier 6 in Brooklyn. You can also visit the island on the 16th from 10am-4pm to partake in the ninth annual celebration of the NY and NJ waterfront. The celebration will include boat tours, games, and educational booths.
Biggest urban zoo in the Bronx
The Wildlife Conservation Society is giving back with free admission every Wednesday from 10am-5pm. See about 6,000 animals from 650 species, and for a few extra bucks you can partake in extra attractions such as the Bug Carousal.
Fantastic Fireworks on the 4th
Celebrate Independence Day with Macy’s 40th annual 4th of July Firework show along the East River. The show starts at 9:20pm and can be seen from the East Side of Manhattan and even from parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
See iconic modern art for free at the MoMA from 4-8pm during the weekly, Free Fridays. While you’re there, see the amazing exhibit on the iconic French impressionist Edgar Degas—showing till July 24th.
On the last day of July, at the U.S Grant National Memorial Park, celebrate the rich culture and history of Harlem beginning at noon with tons of community activities, fashion shows, and other performances.
Living in the city makes it difficult to see stars, but not at Lincoln Center—the Amateur Astronomer’s Associations sets up telescopes every Friday and Saturday through the month of July. Join other stargazers at the fountain from sunset till 11pm on the first of the month, and depending on how clear the sky is, you’ll be able to see Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.
Grab your friends and gain free admission on Tuesday, July 5 at 9pm. At the Alligator Lounge, pizza comes free with your drink, every night!
Enjoy a movie in the city while surrounded by nature—watch a 90’s horror classic at McCarren Park’s annual SummerScreen series. Scream will show at sundown in North Brooklyn on July 6th, and a new movie will be shown every Wednesday until August 10th.
Start your Monday morning right with a free Abhaya yoga class in the Park. The session begins at 7:30am with a mandatory pre-class registration at 7am. The stretches and meditations in the morning sun are sure to give you a great start to your day.
Every Saturday and Sunday through September 4 you can explore the city's only freshwater river in a handmade wooden boat from 1pm-6pm at Hunts Point Riverside Park.
Free things to look forward to in August:
Sand Sculpting Contest at Coney Island
India Day Parade at Madison Avenue
"Chicago" The Musical at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
Latin Dance Party at the High Line
Shakespeare’s Troilus & Cressida at The Delacorte Theatre, Central Park
Battery Dance Festival at Robert F. Wagner Park