The 20 Best Things To Do In New York In June 2023
Originally seen in loving-newyork.com
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!
1. 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.
2. Only until June 4th: Destination Cosmos
Other Art & Culture in Civic Center
Destination Cosmos: The Immersive Experience is a digital exhibition that takes its guests on an exciting journey into the universe. On this unique exploration, you can marvel at planets and supernovae and you will be whisked away into a maze of stars. This digital journey into space will show you the canyons of Mars and the rings of Saturn, allowing you to experience the vastness of the universe in a whole new way.
The Immersive Experience exhibition will run until June 4, 2023 at the Hall des Lumières.
3. The Great DUMBO Drop (June 2, 2023)
Other Events in Dumbo
The Great DUMBO Drop is an annual event in Brooklyn, which has become famous for flying elephants. Behind the street party is a fundraiser for the schools in the neighborhood.
4. 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.
5. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
Other Events in Greenwich Village
The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit is a twice-yearly event that takes place in the spring and fall in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, New York City. The exhibit features a wide range of artwork from local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.
The event is organized by the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the work of emerging and established artists. It has been held every year since 1932, making it one of the oldest outdoor art exhibits in the country.
The exhibit is open to the public and is free to attend. Visitors can browse and purchase artwork from over 300 artists, and there are also food vendors and live music performances. The exhibit is a great opportunity to see and support the work of talented artists and experience the vibrant culture of Greenwich Village.
When? June 3 & 4, 2023; noon – 6:00 pm
Where? University Place
6. Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park
Other Events in Hudson Yards
Hudson River Park invites you to dance! Sunset Salsa at Hudson River Park takes place every Thursday this summer. Talía Castro-Pozo, dubbed the “Woman of Salsa” by Latina Magazine, is a professional dancer and is skilled in all dances from Ballroom to Jazz.
At Sunset Salsa, beginners and advanced dancers can dance under the stars and enjoy themselves. This event is free, donations are welcome!
When? Every Thursday from June 1 – August 31; starting at 6:30 p.m.
Where? Hudson River Park, Pier 76
7. Experience New York in June quite relaxed with a cruise
Cruise in Chelsea
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.
8. Explore Photoville from June 3 - 23, 2023
Other Art & Culture in Dumbo
Photoville is back and your Instagram or whatever social media platform you use is about to get meta. NYC hosts a bounty of beautiful photography exhibitions. It takes place in Brooklyn Bridge Park with more than 600 artists, 75 exhibitions, talks, screenings, seminars and hands-on workshops for budding shutterbugs.
9. Tribeca Film Festival (June 7-18, 2023)
Other Attractions 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.
10. NY Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks (usually in June)
Other Events in Upper West Side
For 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.
These are the dates for 2023:
June 13 Concerts in the Parks: Van Cortlandt Park
June 14 Concerts in the Parks: Central Park
June 15 Concerts in the Parks: Cunningham Park
June 16 Concerts in the Parks: Prospect Park
June 18 Free Indoor Concert: Staten Island
11. See the Broadway stars at the Tony Awards
Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
There is no more remarkable event for theater lovers than the Tony Awards. This annual event celebrates the best and brightest stars, directors, and productions of the past year. The Tonys are the Oscars of the theater world, and winning one is the ultimate validation of one’s work in the Broadway Industry.
12. Uptown Night Market
Food Festival in Harlem & Washington Heights
New York City’s largest festival of cuisine, culture and community is back for the third time! This year, the Uptown Night Market will take place on the second Thursday of each month in West Harlem from May through October. Celebrating diverse cultures from around the world, the festival will feature a variety of performances and activities for the whole family.
Unique and tasty foods from around the globe are offered by numerous food vendors. This festival is a MUST for all food lovers!
On these days you can taste your way through the flavors of the world in 2023:
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
October 12
13. 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.
14. The Seaport Cinema
Other Events in Financial District
The Seaport Cinema is back! Between June and September you can watch exciting movies once a month in a great location. While watching the movie on a big screen, you can enjoy snacks and drinks. There are popcorn, pretzels and sweets, but also tater tots and chicken fingers to satisfy your small appetite. Beer and cocktails will quench your thirst.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and you should arrive early to get the best seats. The motto is: first come, first served! The best thing about this event? It is FREE of charge!
When?
Monday, June 12, 2023: Air Bud
Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Jaws
Wednesday, August 16, 2023: Step Up
Thursday, September 21, 2023: Pitch Perfect
15. 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.
16. Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
We love the Free Summer Movies, which are available at different places in New York. They are an absolute MUST DO in the summer, so you should definitely plan the Free Summer Movies for yourself. But you can also go one floor higher: with the cinema events on the roofs of hotels or bars. The Rooftop Film Club on top of the Skylawn Embassy Suites show films in lofty heights on several days during the summer.
These are only some examples of the movies in June 2023:
June 4: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 12:30 PM
June 5: The Silence of the Lambs 10:30 PM
June 11: Interstellar 6:45 PM
June 17: Halloween (1978) 11:15 PM
June 24: La La Land 4:15 PM
For the full list of all the movies you should check the Rooftop Cinema club’s website.
17. 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.
18. Discover New York from an observation deck
Building in Midtown Manhattan
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!
19. Brklyn Film Festival (June 2 - 11, 2023)
Other Events in Greenpoint
If 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.
20. 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!