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In New York City, June is a month-long celebration of all things summer. As the sun comes out to stay a while, the city becomes one big party — and everyone’s invited. Rooftops are buzzing, parks are packed, cornhole games are unfolding right on Center Plaza, and parades and festivals are taking over the streets. This month brings a feverish energy that is hard to match, and the reasons to get outside are endless, from outdoor art exhibits and music festivals to inclusive marches and passionate performances. Better yet? Much of the fun is free.
June is Pride Month, kicking off with NewFest Pride — including free outdoor film screenings at The Rink at Rockefeller Center — and wrapping with the 55th annual NYC Pride March down Fifth Avenue. In between, there’s sunset revelry for a good cause on Governors Island, free photo exhibits, and Lionel Messi taking the field just over the George Washington Bridge.
So slather on some SPF, grab your sunglasses, and read on for the best of what to do in New York City in June.
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NewFest Pride
May 30-June 3
The perfect way to start Pride Month, NewFest Pride is New York’s ultimate LGBTQ+ film festival, celebrating queer filmmakers and the stories they tell. Expect five days of movie premieres, artist Q&As and meet and greets, parties, and outdoor screenings, including “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” at Rockefeller Center on June 1 at 8 pm. The ‘90s comedy kicks off the Summer Pride Movie Series presented by NewFest and Universal Pictures at The Rink, running through June 22.
Photoville Festival
June 1-16
Opening with a weekend-long celebration in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the 13th-annual Photoville Festival will bring over 85 free photo exhibits to the city, spread throughout all five boroughs. There will be workshops on photography, photo editing, and journalism; walking tours led by artists; interactive photo booths for the whole family; pet portraits; zine-making; and a Smorgasburg pop-up. The exhibits will give viewers a look through the lens at topics ranging from immigration and the opioid epidemic to climate change and homelessness, creating a moving, city-wide tribute to the power of photography.
Sunset Soirée on Governors Island
June 11
Nothing says summer quite like sipping a cocktail on Governors Island while admiring the glowing Lower Manhattan skyline across the water. The Sunset Soirée on Governors Island is a celebration of the season — and of all Governors Island has to offer to New Yorkers. The party will take over summertime hot spot Island Oyster, with seafood, tropical drinks, tram tours, and music via a live DJ. Ticket sales will benefit Friends of Governors Island, a non-profit that works to preserve and improve its cherished public resources.
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City
June 12-August 10
Celebrate summer with more than 200 free or pay-what-you-can events on the theme of “Life, Liberty, and Happiness” at Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City. Events include musical storytimes for kids, silent discos, dance parties, comedy and jazz performances, a Juneteenth celebration, and “New York’s Biggest Day” (June 22), when hundreds of New York couples are invited to get symbolically married or renew their vows at Lincoln Center. Aiming to strengthen community bonds and aid well-being through the arts, the fun-loving series will keep the good times rolling all the way into August.
Museum Mile Festival
June 18
One of summer’s biggest and best block parties will take place along Upper Fifth Avenue on June 18. The Museum Mile Festival not only includes free admission to some of the city’s best cultural institutions, but it also offers musical performances, outdoor activities, and, of course, world-class art exhibitions. Take advantage of the opportunity to own the streets, as Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th streets will be a traffic-free haven from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants in the annual event include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and El Museo del Barrio, among several others. Soak in views from The Met’s rooftop, create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece, or join a free gallery tour. The festivities happen rain or shine, so plan accordingly.
Copa America at MetLife Stadium
June 25 and 27
The Conmebol Copa America at MetLife Stadium will see Chile and 2022 World Cup champions Argentina compete at MetLife Stadium on June 25 followed by Uruguay and Bolivia on the 27th. The atmosphere will be especially electric as soccer legend Lionel Messi takes the field for Argentina. Before hopping on New Jersey Transit, prepare to stand out in the crowd by picking up a new look at Saturdays Football, a soccer lifestyle brand with a Rockefeller Center outpost that’s stocked with vintage jerseys from around the world.
NYC Pride March
June 30
This year’s NYC Pride March marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising — the moment that started it all — and the 40th anniversary of the official event organized by non-profit Heritage of Pride. NYC Pride has grown through the years into a massive show of solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community and a vibrant celebration of individuality and acceptance. This year’s event — themed “Reflect. Empower. Unite” — begins at 12 pm along Fifth Avenue. Spectators can expect to see festive attire and inspiring performances as well as powerful messages from activists, advocates, and thought leaders. The parade is free to all, and if you would like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
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