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Happy Memorial Day weekend! The long-awaited, unofficial start to summer in New York is finally here, and we want to make sure you don't blow it. If you haven't made plans for the three-day weekend ahead, don't panic!
RECOMMENDED: Memorial Day in NYC guide
Forgo the scramble and follow our lead with our list of awesome last-minute things to do for Memorial Day weekend. From a zipling adventures corse to parties on the beach, here's how to start the warm-weather season on a good note. Don't forget to dedicate some time to honor our fallen troops during the parade, too.
Party on a new rooftop
The reliable club space Good Room kicks off its biweekly rooftop residency at Dobbin St with a dope day of dancing and drinking. Chill out to beats by Holy Ghost!, JDH and Dave P while enjoying the view and pizzas from Roberta’s. Get tickets here before they sell out!
Attend a massive BBQ
Enter the mother of all summer barbecues, hosted by NYC Hot Sauce Expo producers Food Karma. Join chefs like George Motz and Michael Yapi as they flare up hot dogs, porchetta, portobello burgers and more. Witness the gooey spectacle of the grilled-cheese-sandwich competition, and burn away your senses at the hot sauce pavilion. Grab craft beers and ciders and even some ice cream to balance out the hot stuff.
...or an awesome free-entry pig roast
This Memorial Day, House of Yes is heading to the park for its new day-long summer party series. (The green space is only three blocks away from the Bushwick venue.) Expect a ton of booze as well as an old-fashioned big roast. (There will be vegetarian options, too.) After pigging out, dance off the calories with local music talents and deep house favorites. Register here.
Drink and swim at a swanky hotel pool
Attention, New Yorkers: Several of the best hotels with pools in the city are open to the public this summer, and you can start drinking and splashing this weekend! Escape to the Hamptons without leaving Manhattan at the Beach at Dream Downtown. You can also nab a chair at McCarren Hotel and the William Vale in Williamsburg.
Take a spin on the zip line at Governors Island
Adventures at Governors Island—NYC's new premier destination for recreational entertainment—opens for the season on Saturday, May 27. This is the first time folks can enjoy thrilling attractions such as a Flywire Zip Line, a 3D Climbing Challenge and the Amazen' Maze. The island already has an impressive playground (including slides for adults), but the landmark’s newest attraction, located within the island’s Western Development Zone near Liggett Terrace, will make summers in NYC extra fun.
Get a peek at the glorious Manhattanhenge sunset
One of the best things to do in summer in New York is watch the most breathtaking sunset of them all—Manhattanhenge 2017. The incredibly photogenic event happens when the setting sun perfectly aligns with Manhattan’s east-west grid, and you can get a sneak peek (known as “half sun on the grid”) on Memorial Day at 8:13pm.
Rock out at Riis Park Beach Bazaar
If sandy shores are calling your name, go stick your toes in the Atlantic and catch live music from bands such as the Supertones and the Rooftoppers while munching on seaside eats and frozen treats. Click here for the schedule.
Eat one too many tacos at Rockaway Beach Surf Club
Kick off the unofficial start to summer on Saturday at this Rockaway hangout, which is beloved by locals. There will be great drinks, a live band and DJ and, most importantly, TACOS.
Check out the Lobster & Beer festival at Hester Street Fair
We love a good street fair, especially when there's a tasty gimmick to draw us in. If you shop the vendors at Hester Street Fair on Saturday, you can chug $3 Bronx Banner Ales and munch on Burger & Lobster's Seven Samurai Lobster Roll as well as Claw Daddy's Louisiana Boil and Lobster & Tijuana Picnic's hard shell lobster tacos. Okay, we're salivating.
Watch ice-carving masters create a sculpture of the USS Intrepid
Give a proverbial salute to the U.S. military at this free event at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86. In honor of Fleet Week, watch ice-carvers from Minus5 Ice Experience sculpt the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier—live!