The 41 Best Things To Do In New York In June 2023
What to do in New York in June? We've got you covered!
New York City is one of the places you can always find something to do, whether it’s snowing outside, the sun is shining, or you are stuck in the midst of a spring shower – the Big Apple always has something to offer. New York in June is a charming time. The summer temperatures are rolling in, the parks are filled with people, outdoor activities are in full effect and the city colors come alive. In the evening, many restaurants and rooftop bars welcome you to sit outside. June also offers some exciting events and attractions. See below for some of New York’s most popular events in June!
If you are looking for a shortcut: These are the 👉 most popular tours and activities in June.
Table of Contents
My 41 Favorite Things To Do in NYC in June
Some of our favorite things to do in NYC in June are listed below, as always, NYC has something on offer for everyone and we are sure that you will find something that excites you!
- 01
Celebrate Gay Pride & Christopher Street Parade
Other Art & Culture in Greenwich Village
The New York Gay Pride Week is the oldest in the world. The beautiful Greenwich Village invites thousands of people each year to Gay Pride. Christopher Street is especially colorful and you will notice that the well-known rainbow flags, which is a symbol of the LGBTQ community, everywhere. Even the global company Google adorns its exterior with the flag in support of the community. Gay Pride Week recalls the first homosexual homicide by the police in 1969.
The parade has become a tradition, with an average of 500,000 visitors per year. It makes it one of the biggest parades in New York City and will most likely be one of the top events in New York in June. It usually moves through 5th Avenue (Madison Square Garden) to Greenwich Street. The parade ends at Pier 54 and is met with an exuberant party.
Here you can see our Guide to Gay Pride in New York.
- 02
Celebrate National Donut Day on June 2, 2023!
Café in Williamsburg
Treat yourself with a tasty donut on June 2nd to celebrate the National Donut Day. For example at Peter Pan Donuts in Williamsburg you’ll find delicious freshly baked donuts.
- 03
Experience New York in June quite relaxed with a cruise
Cruise in ChelseaOur Highlight
The sailing cruises are back to the rivers of New York City. Sailing in New York City is one of my favorite things to do during June. There’s nothing better than watching the sunset and enjoying a glass of wine onboard. Here are some amazing options that are taking place right now, with safety measures of course:
👉 These are the best cruises in summer.
- 04
Tribeca Film Festival (June 7-18, 2023)
Other Attraction in Tribeca
In 2002, Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal created the Tribeca Film Festival to bring life back to the neighborhood near Ground Zero. New York City suffered greatly from the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Di Niro’s intention in creating the festival was to help New Yorkers out of this deep-seated depression and give them reason to celebrate again.
The Tribeca Film Festival has grown over the years, and now all the big names from the film industry show up each spring. There are many associated events like short film presentations, film premiers, and various awards.
- 05
NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks (usually in June)
Other Events in Upper West SideOur Highlight
NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Photo: Chris LeeFor those of you asking what are the NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, this is a wonderful free series of classical concerts put on by the NY Philharmonic in each of the five boroughs. Since 1965, the NY Philharmonic has been putting on this classical concert series throughout the New York parks during the summer.
My tip: these are all free concerts in the Parks this year.
2023 dates to be announced.
- 06
The Best Broadway Shows in June 2023 in New York
Broadway Show in Theatre District
The answer to whether you should or should not see a Broadway show when visiting New York in June is crystal clear: YES, it absolutely belongs on your bucket list! What is not always as clear, however, is which show to pick.
In order to help you out, we’ve created an overview of the absolute best Broadway shows in NYC in June!
- 07
Picnicking in Central Park
Other Events in Upper West Side
Picnicking in Central Park is always a must-do activity during the summer. There are countless large and small lawns that invite you to relax, making for quite a few spots that are suitable for picnicking in the park, not just the popular Sheep Meadow.
The largest lawn in Central Park is the Great Lawn, where the popular Central Park Concerts are held. The Great Lawn is a large, green space and is a wonderful spot to relax and have a picnic in the park after a long walk. For the athletes among you, there are even some baseball fields on the green, oval area. You’ll find the Great Lawn in the middle of the park at the 79th to 86th street level.
Another picnic option is East Green. Here you can sit on a blanket between the trees and enjoy your meal. The East Green is located on 5th Avenue between 69th and 72nd Street.
The most romantic picnic spot in Central Park is definitely Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge. It has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies, such as You’ve got Mail. You can make yourself comfortable on a small slope and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and the bridge. The bridge is located in the middle of the park around 72nd Street.
- 08
The MLB is on in June!
Sport Events in Bronx
Baseball is New York. Whether it’s a game of the New York Yankees or the Mets, both baseball teams are definitely worth checking out.
Here you find the best New York Yankees Tickets and New York Mets Tickets
- 09
Discover New York from an observation deck
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
You know what’s really unique about New York? The view of the (most likely) snow-covered Central Park from one of the observation decks! With the Top of the Rock, The Edge Hudson Yards and the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt you have three to choose from! And then there’s the One World Observatory and the Empire State Building. You will love it!
- 10
Brklyn Film Festival (June 2 - 11, 2023)
Other Events in GreenpointIf you can’t get enough of movies in the summer, New York is the place to be. The Brooklyn Film Festival features more than 100 films from around the world – this year’s 25th anniversary also features many premieres! There’s everything from documentaries to animation and other film experiments.
- 11
Visit Bryant Park Film Festival or ...
Other Attraction in Midtown Manhattan
One of the best things to do in June in New York is visiting the free Bryant Park Film Festival in Bryant Park. In the heart of Manhattan, people gather in the summer months with blankets and chairs they’ve brought themselves to relax at the outdoor movie theater. Bryant Park is just under a 5 minute walk from Times Square, surrounded by tall trees, so it’s a bit secluded from the rest, but you’re still in the middle of it all: Awesome!
My tip: These are all free summer movie location in NYC this year.
The dates for 2023 will be announced soon.
- 12
Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
If you’re in New York this summer, be sure to add the Bryant Park Picnic Performances to your itinerary! These free concerts bring together many of the things I love about New York: great surroundings, cool events, and you’ll be among locals.
The Bryant Park Picnic Performances are part of the free concert series that happens every summer in New York.
- 13
Go to Five Points Festival in Brooklyn (June 10-11, 2023)
Other Events in GowanusFive Points Festival is the perfect event for fans of Street Art, Live Painting, Designer Toys and Indie Comics. This festival takes place at Zero Space in Brooklyn and brings together so many different kinds of art. Besides that there will be some amazing food trucks & craft beer and you can also get yourself a new tattoo by one of the artists.
- 14
Join the National Puerto Rican Parade on June 11, 2023
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
The Puerto Rican Day Parade has been held annually since 1959 on Fifth Avenue in the Manhattan district. The parade is held on the second Sunday in June in honor of almost four million Puerto Rican citizens and all people of Puerto Rican descent living on the US mainland.
There will be a lot of dancing and celebrating everywhere. Even if you’re watching the parade, the event will surely have you dancing as well. It’s really worth seeing the parade and is definitely a summer highlight.
- 15
New York Philharmonic
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
The New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the US, founded back in 1842. I have seen them for the first time at the Free Concerts in the Park and was very impressed. For anyone who likes art and culture, a visit to the New York Philharmonic is a MUST!
Photo: Diamond Schmitt Architects
- 16
Experience New York like a local: Willy Wall!
Cruise in Lower ManhattanOur Highlight
The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.
- 17
BEAST Speedboat Ride
Cruise in Midtown Manhattan
Probably the most popular boat tour in New York in the summer is the fast ride on the speedboat “The Beast”. It is an extremely thrilling experience that you should not miss out on. This custom-built, 70-foot speedboat speeds in the direction of the Statue of Liberty at 45 mph! Make sure you are ready to get splashed with water because this is not an easy ride! Definitely a must for all of the adrenaline junkies out there!
- 18
Visit Little Island at Pier 54
Other Attraction in Meatpacking District
Not far from the Meatpacking District and the High Line, Little Island is one of the newest attractions in New York and is something very special: a park on 132 beautiful tulip-shaped concrete stilts in the Hudson River!
- 19
Enjoy Shakespeare in the Park (June 8 - August 6, 2023)
Other Art & Culture in Upper West Side
A really great summer tradition is Shakespeare in the Park. The free event features classic plays by William Shakespeare every summer at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. Outdoors, the play is really a great experience. The Delacorte Theater is located pretty much in the middle of Central Park next to Turtle Pond.
- 20
Visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Museum in Hell's Kitchen
The Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum is the only floating museum in NYC. You will find a wide array of historically significant military and maritime vehicles as well as a collection of museum ships on this aircraft carrier which is docked on the Hudson River. This is great for kids and adults alike as it discusses and shows a wide variety of artifacts regarding the US military and maritime history.
- 21
Museum Mile Festival (June 13, 2023)
Other Events in Upper East Side
As the name suggests, the Museum Mile Festival is a mile-long celebration of art and culture. The annual festival is geared towards letting people experience special art collections amassed from various museums along Fifth Avenue in New York. During the event, visitors can enjoy artistic masterpieces that stretch over 20 blocks.
The Museum Mile Festival is a fan favorite among locals and is completely free to the public. It also features inclusive activities like face painting, chalk art drawing, and live shows by street performers.
My tip: these are all summer festivals in NYC this year.
- 22
Summer Stage Festival
Other Events in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
At this event you can visit over 100 concerts & shows for free in many parks all over New York. It’s one of the most popular summer events in New York and a MUST DO for locals. If you’re in New York this summer, be sure to check out one of the shows!
Shows this month:
- June 3,2023
- June 15,2023
- June 25,2023
- June 28,2023
- 23
Walk the High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
The green terrace in the middle of Manhattan is a great experience in fine weather. The decommissioned freight rail track was once overgrown completely as it fell out of use. Based on the plants that grew there, a park was built in homage to the interesting plants that flourish in the city.
Walk from the Meatpacking District (Gansevoort Street) on the High Line towards Uptown and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Since 2014, Manhattan has been enjoying this highlight and attracts countless visitors every day.
There are many lovely cafés, galleries and great bars – and with Gallow Green one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city.
My tip: these are the best spots along the High Line for me.
- 24
Spend some time in Little Italy, SoHo and Chinatown
Walking Tour in Hudson SquareOur Highlight
Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.
- 25
Spend your evening at one of the rooftops of New York
Rooftop Bar in Lower East SideOur Highlight
For me, the cloudM Rooftop Bar is one of the most beautiful rooftop bars not only in the Lower East Side, but in all of New York. It is located on the roof of the citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and offers everything that makes a good rooftop bar: a great view, beautiful design and relaxed atmosphere.
My tip: these are the best rooftop bars in NYC.
- 26
Enjoy the taste of rum at the New York Rum Festival (June 10, 2023)
Other Events in Chelsea
Did you know that the state of New York is one of the largest rum consumer markets in the United States? To emphasize the education of this spirit this year there will be the 6th New York Rum Festival & Congress at the Metropolitan Pavilion. At this boutique-style event you can attend seminars and the Grand Tasting.
- 27
Head over to Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
The car-free island offers so much for young and old that you must have seen it for yourself. With everything from historical military buildings to awesome bike paths and even public hammocks, the island offers a variety of activities that are especially interesting when the weather becomes a little nicer! This is definitely one of the nicest things to do in June in NYC.
- 28
Attend the Governors Ball Music Festival (June 9-11, 2023)
Other Events in Flushing
The Governors Ball Music Festival, originally held on Governors Island, will now take place in a new location. Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, with its green lawns and lofty trees, is the perfect location for a festival weekend in the summer.
In addition to an exciting lineup with great musicians, GOV BALL also offers a wide selection of food and drinks to suit every taste. With this, nothing can stop you from having an exciting festival weekend in New York!
- 29
Stroll through one of the many flea markets
Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
There are many flea markets in New York City. Chelsea Flea is just one of them. It’s open every Sunday from 8am – 4pm. Another flea market is the Grand Bazaar NYC. This market open every Sunday (year round) from 10am – 5pm. What better way to spend your summer than hunting down a few bargains?
- 30
Spend the day in one of the best museums of NYC
Museum in Upper West Side
The season is perfect for a museum visit to New York, and the Big Apple really doesn’t lack choices. After the theatrical release of “The Night of Museum” series, (The first movie took place in the New York Museum of Natural History) you really feel like going to the place of the event? In the footsteps of dinosaurs, aborigines and many other historical creatures, the Natural History Museum on Central Park West is always a good idea for a museum outing.
My tip: These are the 36 Best Museums in NYC
- 31
Go on a shopping trip to Woodbury Common Outlet
Day Trip in Outside of New York City
Visit the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. There you can get well-known brands and labels at discounted prices. 220 stores make this outlet paradise the ideal place to go for your New York bargain hunting.
- 32
Jazz Age Lawn Party (June 10 & 11, 2023)
Other Art & Culture in Governors Island
This lively, colorful, and family-oriented event features performances from an orchestra specializing in Hot Jazz of the 1920s, a dance troupe that channels the Roaring ‘20s, vaudeville spectacles, and more. And because it’s prohibition-themed, you know there’s always a great lineup of summer cocktails and drinks.
My tip: if you love jazz like I do check out my complete guide to Jazz Clubs in NYC.
- 33
Museum of Arts and Design: Visit one of the exhibitions
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) at Columbus Circle is dedicated to con- temporary crafts and design. The museum shop is fantastic and offers a range of items centered around design. Be sure to drop in at the café for a break and enjoy the fabulous view of Central Park.
My tip: These are the best art exhibitions in NYC. and here you find my complete (!) guide to Contemporary Art in New York.
- 34
Enjoy the Sun at the Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight - 35
Mastercard New York Mini 10K (June 10, 2023)
Sport Events in Upper West Side
In June, the largest women’s 10-kilometer run takes place in New York City. The world’s elite comes here to run the 6.2 miles through Central Park. Among them are of course many amateur runners as well. If you do not want to miss out on this special running event then be sure to drop by the NYRR website and secure your spot.
- 36
Spend a Day at the Beach
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend a relaxing day on Brighton Beach in Coney Island. If you don’t want to be in Coney Island, you can also check out some of our favorite beaches in New York here.
- 37
Be part of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade on June 17, 2023
Other Events in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is one of the craziest events in New York. Every year thousands of dressed up people make the pilgrimage to Coney Island’s Surf Avenue. Pirates, squids, sailors, mermaids, paired with music and many floats, seem like a mixture of Christopher Street Day and Cologne Carnival.
- 38
Father’s Day in New York (June 18, 2023)
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
With all New York City has to offer, there’s no better way to celebrate the father in your life than by treating him to a day dedicated to dad in NYC!
- 39
Summer on the Hudson
Other Events in Upper West Side
Summer on the Hudson is Riverside Park & West Harlem Piers Park’s annual outdoor arts and culture festival. Between 59th and 153rd Streets on the Hudson River, you can experience live DJs, exhibits, special shows for kids, and of course, the outdoor movies. And the best part? All the events are free!
- 40
Celebrate Juneteenth (June 16-18, 2023)
Other Events in Park SlopeThis official holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery, has only existed in the USA since 2021. The name is a combination of the words Nineteen and June – hence “Juneteenth”. The story behind it is really exciting: on January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln passed a law banning slavery. From that point on, Union soldiers marched into Confederate territories and gradually freed the enslaved people. But it was not until two and a half years later that their mission was accomplished, for on June 19, 1865, Galveston Bay was reached by Texas – the people here being the last to be freed, so to speak.
In New York itself, there has been a Juneteenth Festival since 2009, which always takes place around June 19 in Brooklyn.
- 41
International Yoga Day (June 21, 2023)
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
June 21 is the official World Yoga Day and New York is celebrating it too: in many parks of the city you can enjoy New York in a relaxed way with others – the most famous places are Bryant Park, Central Park and even Times Square!
Budget tip
If you want to visit several observations decks, attractions and tours in New York, check out the New York sightseeing passes. You can save up to 60% on the ticket price!
To find out which New York Pass is the best for you, check out my New York Pass Comparison.
Weather in New York for June
Monthly Avg DAY | Monthly Avg NIGHT | Rainfall days | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|
75.2°F / 24°C | 64.4°F / 18°C | 10 days | 10 hours daily |
Best tours in New York in June
My favorite cruise
Bateaux Dinner Cruise | Just amazing
Helicopter Tour New York |
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt |
Edge Observation Deck |
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island |
Empire State Building |
2-Day Trip to Niagara Falls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
165 reviews | 1,261 reviews | 208 reviews | 466 reviews | 1,607 reviews | 5,924 reviews | 362 reviews |
from $104 | $194 | $42 | $43 | $30 | $47 | from $340 |
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