0 Even though NYC is a major tourist destination, many locals find themselves eager to skip town and explore the rest of the world instead of hanging out in the city. There’s no shame in that, of course — the world is a place to be seen! With that said, though, it’s easy to forget — or ignore the fact that — the big apple is a culture mecca loaded with enough hotspots, events and must-sees to keep you busy year round.
Summer, naturally, is an ideal time to get out and do things in the city with best friends, lovers, family members or even by yourself. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite, Manhattan-based summer 2012 activities that are all absolutely free.
| New York Philharmonic Concerts in The Parks Gorgeous music amidst the greenery? It doesn’t get any more perfect than that. Haul yourself out of your abode and take advantage of the New York Philharmonic’s 47th season of Concerts in the Park. The Philharmonic will perform in Manhattan at Central Park on Friday, July 13 and Monday, July 16 at 8 p.m. |  |
| River to River Festival The River to River Festival is an annual event that boasts over 25 indoor and outdoor productions throughout Lower Manhattan and Governor’s Island. From theater to dance to visual art to film and music, there’s a little something for everyone. One of this summer’s most anticipated and talked about events for the River to River Festival is composer Julian Wachner’s “Inverted Sky,” a kite show that takes place in Rockefeller Park on July 2. Events, locations and times vary, so check the events schedule. |  |
| Metropolitan Opera’s Five Borough Recital Series One of NYC’s most treasured summer traditions is the Met’s Summer Recital Series, free to the public. This year’s series includes six performances that’ll take place in parks across all five of the city’s boroughs. It all kicks off with the Wednesday, July 25 concert in Central Park at 8 p.m., which features soprano Danielle de Niese, bass-baritone John Del Carlo and tenor Dimitri Pittas. The second Manhattan performance will take place at Jackie Robinson Park on Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. |  |
| Oval Lawn Series and Mad. Sq. Kids at Madison Square Park Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Madison’s Square Park Conservancy’s free outdoor concerts this year by attending at least one of them. Great for both children and adults, this year’s series includes jazz, blue grass and soul performances featuring acclaimed artists. The Oval Lawn Series events take place every Wednesday evening now through August 8 (times vary) and the Mad. Sq. Kids series occur Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. through August 9. |  |
| Weekend Walks The Department of Transportation has joined forces with various community ensembles to host a variety of family-friendly activities that include everything from music performances to arts/crafts, classes to youth programming and beyond. The goal is to promote healthy, safe and fun recreation for families. This year, 18 community groups have planned their respective weekends that’ll take place now through October. Visit NYC.Gov or call 311 for more information. |  |
| NYC Parks Summer Movie Series Pop some popcorn, a partner and saunter over to one of your local parks to partake in an outdoor viewing of film favorites. The Summer Movie Series will host events in various boroughs. Manhattan viewings include: – The Wizard of Oz: July 2, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – On The Waterfront: July 9, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – Hoodwinked Too: July 11, 8 p.m. @ Alfred E. Smith Park – Cinema Paradiso: July 11, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Kung Fu Panda 2: July 13, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – Persepolis: July 13, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Roman Holiday: July 16, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park |  |
| – Flying Scotsman: July 18, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – The Muppets (2011): July 20, 8 p.m. @ Bellevue South Park – Superman, The Movie: July 20, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – The Maltese Falcon: July 23, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – Quicksilver: July 25, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Hop: July 25, 8 p.m. @ J. Hood Wright Park – Hugo: July 27, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – Rebel Without A Cause: July 30, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – Amelie: August 1, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Puss in Boots: August 3, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – The Adventures of Robinhood: August 6, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – The Smurfs: August 8, 8 p.m. @ Hamilton Fish Recreation Center – Pee Wee’s Big Adventure: August 8, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Dolphin Tale: August 10, 8 p.m. @ Bellevue South Park – Rango: August 10, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – All About Even: August 13, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – Triplets of Bellville: August 15, 8 p.m. @ Pier I in Riverside Park South – Back to the Future: August 17, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – Hoodwinked Too: August 18, 8 p.m. @ J. Hood Wright Park – Raiders of the Lost Ark: August 20, 5 p.m. @ Bryant Park – The Smurfs: August 24, 8:30 p.m. @ Pier 46 – Jules and Jim: September 6, 8:30 p.m. @ Low Memorial Library, Columbia University | |
By Wendy Rose Gould
Posted by Wendy Rose Gould at 10:27 AM
bargain news , Opinions , Places , The City |
