NYC Summer Festivals You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Miss
- Pop Up Girls
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Updated: July 22, 2025
Editor's Note: This article is updated periodically as new concerts and events are announced or brought to our attention.
These NYC summer festivals are the reason we put up with winter.
Summer in New York isn’t just a season, ✨it’s a vibe✨. The city gets louder, brighter, and a little more alive. And nowhere is that energy better than at a festival. From music in the parks to street fairs full of flavor, these events turn ordinary weekends into something worth romanticizing. Whether you’re here to dance, discover, eat, or just soak it all in, these summer festivals are your excuse to say yes, get outside, and let the city surprise you.
Jun 7 - Aug 16
A staple of summer in the city, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is where music, culture, and community meet on the Prospect Park lawn. With a lineup that spans genres and generations, it’s less about big names and more about those unforgettable moments that happen when the sun sets and the music starts. It’s free, it’s local, and it’s always worth the trek.
Jun 11 – Aug 9
Experimental, electric, and full of surprises, Run AMOC* at Lincoln Center is where performance art gets a summer spotlight. From opera to dance-theater hybrids to unexpected collaborations, the festival is run by the innovative minds at AMOC* (American Modern Opera Company).
Jul 10 – Jul 20
A packed week of boundary-pushing Japanese films, surprise guest appearances, and the kind of buzzy energy that makes you want to hang around after the show. JAPAN CUTS is where you stumble into a future cult classic, grab a drink after a premiere, and end up in a convo with your new favorite director. A total film-lover playground.
Jul 11 – Aug 29
The Korean Cultural Center New York is hosting a K-Culture Festa packed with film screenings, storytimes, beauty events, and more. It’s a summer-long celebration of Korean culture with something for everyone.
Jul 19 & Aug 17
Rise Up NYC is back with 10 totally free outdoor concerts across all five boroughs from July 19 to August 17. Expect legendary names like Beenie Man, Mýa, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie—plus dancehall, gospel, freestyle, and more. Show up, vibe out, and celebrate summer the NYC way.
Jul 20 & Aug 18
Looking for a more wholesome vibe? Enter Panda Day, the sweetest summer celebration of Asian culture, art, and community. With adorable merch, boba, food vendors, performances, and a street-fair energy that’s anything but generic, it’s an uplifting escape from the usual chaos. Come for the cute vibes, stay for the dumplings and live performances.
Jul 22 - 26
A film fest by the beach? Say less. The Long Beach International Film Festival brings indie flicks, foodie events, and live music to the sand—perfect for a summer day trip
Jul 26 & Aug 23
NYC is giving you the ultimate summer playground with Summer Streets. Over 22 miles of car-free streets across all five boroughs every Saturday. Expect pop-up fitness classes, live music, art, games, and plenty of space to stroll, bike, or just soak up the city vibes from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Inwood and beyond.
Aug 1 – 17
Harlem Week is a celebration of Black culture, heritage, and joy. You’ll find everything from live performances and fashion shows to small business expos, film screenings, and community cookouts. The energy is unmatched, the legacy is deep, and yes, the food is chef’s kiss.
Aug 9 – 10
ENVSN Fest brings two days of inspiration and connection to Brooklyn, featuring Mariah the Scientist, conversations led by Asia Ware, and insights from Serena Page, Sierra Rena, Nandi Howard, and more. With Rare Beauty pop-ups, Brandon Blackwood giveaways, and nonstop networking opportunities, it’s a weekend designed to elevate both your goals and your style.
Aug 22 – Sept 1
The Met’s Summer HD Festival is back with ten nights of free opera under the stars, plus a special screening of Maestro on the big screen at Lincoln Center. From August 22 to September 1, show up early to grab one of 2,500 first-come seats—no tickets or reservations needed, just arrive before the plaza closes two hours before showtime.
Every weekend from April through October
With a curated mix of small-batch vendors and cult-favorite bites, it’s where you discover your new favorite snack and the people who make it. There’s something special about wandering past sizzling grills with a drink in hand and nowhere to be but here.
Pop Up Girls NYC Summer Festivals Top Pick:
Various Dates
Become the cool friend who knows every band before they’re famous. SummerStage features indie legends, world music, dance acts, and surprise appearances (yes, Questlove has popped in). And best of all? It’s free. Grab a blanket, your park crush, and some snacks, and prepare to be serenaded under the stars.
SPF, a portable charger, and a friend you won’t lose between sets, that’s all you need to survive the NYC summer festival scene. The festivals bring the vibes, the sounds, and the bites; all you have to do is show up ready to make memories.
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