NYC events in June 2019

Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, it’s time to celebrate Gay Pride in NYC. Party at the Pride March, stand up at the Pride Rally, and get down at Pride Week at great events, including dances and parties.

Governors Ball occupies a unique place among summer concerts in NYC. Consider the competition: Central Park SummerStage blankets all five boroughs with a mix of well-curated niche acts and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! carries out a similarly eclectic mission from its Prospect Park home base. Gov Ball, on the other hand, is a bona fide big-tent music festival. The event brings big-name rappers, beloved veteran acts, rising pop stars and more to Randalls Island. Here’s our complete guide to the Gov Ball experience. 

For New York music fans, SummerStage is always one of the highlights of the summer-concerts calendar. The City Parks Foundation series, which celebrates its 34th anniversary this year, is a juggernaut among warm-weather concert presenters, booking everything from classic New York hip-hop artists in outerborough NYC parks to big-name indie-rock bands on the Central Park mainstage. The scope of SummerStage 2019 is so vast we wouldn't blame you for being a bit bewildered by the whole thing. Here's a quick FAQ to get you started with SummerStage 2019. 

Stock up on glitter and nautical attire: The Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns to one of the best Brooklyn attractions for its 37th year. Thousands of spectators flock to Surf Avenue—Coney Island’s main drag—to watch King Neptune and Queen Mermaid lead a procession of beglittered semi-nude marchers in costumes during one of the best NYC events in June. 

Give pop a hug and laugh at his corny jokes: It’s Father’s Day! Find parent-friendly attractions, from baseball to barbershops, and ideas for things to do. Plus, forget the old boxers-and-socks routine and discover where to get great gifts for Dad.

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration.

Jazz Age Lawn Party is an essential annual summer stop for revelers looking to dance in the open air and find great things to do outside. Governors Island is the perfect venue to leave the 21st century behind for the delights of the Prohibition-era (including “speakeasy” summer drinks). Dress the part with festive, period-appropriate attire, and come ready to dance at the Jazz Age Lawn Party.