The best things to do in NYC this weekend
Looking for the best things to do in NYC this weekend? We've got major music festivals, an ice cream bonanza and more
We've officially reached the point of the summer where there is simply too much to do each and every weekend. For starters, there are two massive festivals competing for your attention—OZY Fest and Pinknic. Either one of those alone could fill your entire schedule, but there is so much more to do. From a rad street art exhibition to a forgotten garden party just outside the city to relaxing classical music, there's something for everyone. Make sure to check out what's happening in the upcoming months by checking out our NYC events calendar page.
RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in NYC
Things to do in NYC this weekend
Great Forgotten Garden Party
Just outside of the the city is one of the most beautiful gardens in the United States—the Untermeyer Gardens in Yonkers, NY. Located on the banks of the Hudson, the gardens feature sphinx sculptures, 2,000-year-old Roman columns, a mosaic tile pool and beautiful views of the Palisades. Atlas Obscura and the Untermeyer Gardens Conservancy are coming together to throw a party straight out of the 1920s. Break out your festive garb, pack a picnic and prepare for an evening of libations and entertainment. Music for the evening is headlined by theremin artist Armen Ra and will also feature Mr Twin Sister.
Green-Wood Cemetery Twilight Tour
Some of the most notable figures in American and New York history are buried somewhere within the 478 acres of Green-Wood Cemetery, don't you think it's time you paid them a visit? Take a twilight stroll through the immense burial ground for an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the solemn and stunning place. The tour ends with a rare opportunity to visit the Catacombs, a part of the cemetery that is normally off-limits to visitors.
Mostly Mozart Festival
Each summer Lincoln Center celebrates the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through their Mostly Mozart Festival. The festival honors Mozart's boundless creativity with a lineup of performances that reaches across all mediums: music, dance, theater and film. Performances include a reimagined version of Mozart's The Magic Flute, the A Little Night Music recital series and the beloved Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra playing Gran Partita at St Paul's Chapel. It's not all Mozart, but you can see how he is an inspiration for much of the programing. Be sure to check the Lincoln Center website for the full schedule and ticketing information.
Beyond the Streets
With works from over 150 of the world's most prolific artists, Beyond the Streets is a celebration of graffiti and street art. As the epicenter of the graffiti world, New York City is the perfect venue for a show elevating the art form to a new level. Spread out over two floors at Twenty Five Kent, Beyond the Streets has transformed 100,000 square feet of office space into exhibits as well as room for performances and lectures. Noted historian and urban anthropologist Roger Gastman has curated the exhibition to highlight artists whose roots lie firmly in the world of street art, even while their work has evolved towards studio practices. The exhibition will also focus on cultural icons inspired by the art, as well as artist activism and the role music plays in the scene. Beyond the Streets features the US debut of “Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent,” a look at the 30 year career of Shepard Fairey, a working tattoo parlor by Bert Krak & Alexis Ross, a Beastie Boys installation filled with artifacts from the band’s long career, oversized statues by FUTURA and Cleon Patterson, plus works from Guerrilla Girls, Takashi Murakami and much more. Beyond the Streets will be running from June 21st until August.
The Bacchae
A proud Theban king goes to pieces after snubbing the Greek god Dionysus and his pack of wild women in Bryan Doerries's adaptation of Euripides' ripping tragedy. Carl Cofield directs Classical Theatre of Harlem's free alfresco production at Marcus Garvey Park, starring Jason C. Brown as the vengeful diety and featuring choreography by Elisa Monte Dance's Tiffany Rea-Fisher.
Warm Up 2019
The alfresco music series hits MoMA PS1’s courtyard starting July 6 and brings new sounds and DJs from all around the world. Aside from the outstanding talent, a new (and often trippy) art installation takes over the outdoor space, making this weekly bash one of the most indispensible summer experiences for culture vultures.
Queens Night Market
Consider yourself a travel-loving foodie? Queens Night Market is your one-stop shop in NYC to discover bites from 80 countries. Try a diverse range of grub that runs the gamut from Middle Eastern stews and Barbadian fishballs to Romanian-Hungarian chimney cake and tacos al pastor. The open-air bazaar operates from 5pm to midnight every Saturday, but the market has more to offer aside from fulfilling your late-night food cravings. Plus, stick around for the performances of Bollywood dancers, Indian electronica tunes, DJs and more.
Rosé Mansion
Sample the sweet aromas of wine from across the world while wandering through a labyrinth of fun-filled rooms that'll make all your rosé dreams come true. During this interactive experience, guests will discover a whole new side of the pink drink, learning about the culture, history and science behind this enchanting tipple. As you move through each of the 14 rooms you'll enter vibrant, eccentric and immersive new worlds, including Cleopatra's Palace, a vintage airline lounge, Champagne disco ball pit and a treehouse. RoséLand is the location of the final adventure – natch – a total wine-doused playground, with 120 types of rosé and light bites from Taco Dumbo.
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