Back HomeTop 10 Hot Entertainment Around New York This Summer
In New York, there is a seemingly endless number of things to do. With one of the most famous cities in the world a short drive away from anywhere in the state, and plenty of festivals and events going on upstate, you will find it hard to be at a shortage of entertainment this summer.
Here are the top 10 things to do this summer in New York, from waterfalls to annual festivities to the Big Apple.
Take a Trip to Niagara Falls (or any other waterfall in the state)
Niagara Falls is known the world over for its spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring magnitude. It’s also only a few hours drive from just about anywhere in New York – while the town around Niagara Falls may be a little kitschy, if you haven’t already seen this wonder of the world, be sure to check out group deals and make a visit this summer.
Check Out the Chinese Lantern Festival in Syracuse
The Chinese Lantern Festival is an annual festival taking place over much of the summer in Syracuse organized by the local Chinese-American community. With free admission, an abundance of foods and culture to experience, and a very unique cultural experience, there’s nothing but great things to say about the Chinese lantern festival.
SummerStage at Central Park
SummerStage is a popular seasonal outdoor venue that hosts various artists from multiple music genres. The summer line-up of artists includes over 50 shows, with a range of free and ticketed performances available. Some of the headliners for the summer music festival are Jason Mraz, O.A.R & Matt Nathanson, and Dispatch. There is a free concert just about every couple of days, so be sure to see the full line-up before you head out to the festival to see who’s who.
Experience Taste of Buffalo
Many cities hold “Taste Of” festivals every year to encourage tourism and visitors to places they might not have otherwise been to. Buffalo, being a well-known city already, holds one of the best festivals of the kind in the state. The entrance fee is minimal, and with free music, an abundance of amazing food options, and plenty of fun things to do for families, Taste of Buffalo should definitely be a destination this summer.
Manhattan Rooftop Bars/Lounges
Does anything beat a balmy summer evening overlooking the city lights? Manhattan is home to multiple world-class rooftop hangs – perfect for a romantic evening, client outings, or friendly social gatherings. Some of our favourites in and around the city include Gansevoort, Viceroy, 230 Fifth, (and so many more). Most NYC rooftops will feature live music, a pool, and an overall luxurious atmosphere. Treat yourself!
Summer in the Hamptons
Eat, drink, play and relax in the Hamptons this summer. If you’re looking for live music, the Surf Lodge is renowned for its chill outdoor summer concerts, and the tasty local seafood here comes freshly off the fishing boats of Montauk Harbour. The 3rd annual Rosé Crawl will last through the end of June, which features a self-guided, exquisite local wine tour. Snag a glass or three and catch a beautiful shoreline sunset.
Camp and Hike at the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are a gorgeous, oddly circular mountain range beset in a national park. Camping, hiking, and outdoor sports are commonplace at these mountains, but what makes it extra special is the lack of disturbance. It is surprising how many people are in the park without coming across too many of them, helping to let you get lost in nature all the more.
If You Haven’t Already, go to the Great New York State Fair
The Great New York State Fair is a hotspot for upstate New Yorkers every summer. Admission is only $10 for a vast array of theme-park-style rides, amazing foods (that are all definitely bad for you), live entertainment and a myriad of other things to do at this famous fair. Starting in August, the festival goes on for about 13 days just outside Syracuse, so start planning now!
Visit One of Many Film Festivals
There are so many film festivals going on this summer in New York that the it really ought to change its nickname from The Empire State to The Film Festival State. Jokes aside, just about every suburb and neighbourhood in New York City is hosting some kind of film festival this summer, and most of the medium-large towns and cities in upstate New York have their own festivals going on. Be sure to look up all the options and find one close to you to see what local filmmakers have been working on!
See a Different Side to the City at Summer Streets
For the first three weekends in August, New York City closes off its streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park to traffic and instead dedicates the streets to sustainable means of transportation. That sounds like a bit of a bore, but with 300,000 people all riding bikes, walking, skating and running, as well as lots of local businesses coming out to the street to offer their goods, summer streets feels like a breath of fresh air in a city constantly in anxiety. Take a day to see the city without so many cars on the road – you might see it in a different way.
