Things to do on a Sunday in New York

Central Park's newly renovated Delacorte Theater is set open on August 7 for Shakespeare in the Park's free performances of Twelfth Night. The renovation focused on improving accessibility and modernizing the space for artists and audiences. 

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong’o, and Sandra Oh will perform in this year's shows, which run through September 14. Tickets are free, but you'll have to wait in line; here's how to get them.

A new musical event has entered the scene: The inaugural Nomad Jazz Festival will debut from August 9 to 10, with events happening across Flatiron and Nomad. 

The highlight of the festival will take place in Madison Square Park. Expect headlining performers such as Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane and the Roy Hargrove Big Band, along with some dance sets, including tap performers. You'll have the opportunity to participate in interactive performances from Asase Yaa Dance Theater Ensemble. Also expect face painting and try-it stations hosted by ABCirque, inviting children to explore the magic of the circus. 

The best part: it's completely free. Just show up with a blanket or lawn chair and some snacks, then spend an hour (or whole day) listening to live music and enjoying the company of your neighbors.

Considering NYC is the birthplace of hip-hop, it's the perfect place to see "Breakin'NYC," an energetic and historic journey through the evolution of hip-hop culture through several dance styles—breaking, popping, locking, freestyle, crump, litefeet, body percussion and more.  Theatrical producer Eric Krebs presents the 11-person performance several times each month at the 160-seat off-Broadway theater (Theater555) located at 555 West 42 St.

Prepare to be dazzled by these fast-moving, high-energy shows. 

Harlem’s historic artistic heritage will be on full display during this live series of events celebrating the people, arts, culture and food of Harlem. This year's celebration, running from August 1-17, commemorates Harlem Week's 51st anniversary and includes a block party and virtual summit. Even though it's called Harlem "Week," the celebrations will cover more than two weeks this year.

Events throughout the event include an Uptown Night Market, musical performances, virtual dance parties and livestreams. They are also back with their cornerstone events such as the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run & Health Walk and "A Great Day in Harlem." There are events for all ages, including a jazz performance, youth races and climate change conference.

The festivities first began back in 1974 as a one-time-only event called Harlem Day. It was intended to create a "much-needed positive vibe" and pull the community out of its economic and social doldrums, event organizers say. The event grew from there into the annual festival we know and love today.

One of the hottest events of the summer is the aptly named MoMA PS1 Warm Up, and it's back for 2025 with an impressive lineup. This party turns the museum's courtyard into a dancefloor with DJ sets and live performances on six Friday evenings in July and August.

Every year since 1998, the summer-long music festival at this Long Island City art museum explores how music can be a work of art, and this year is no exception. Think Ballroom icons, spoken word artists, dystopian Darkwave producers, and techno legends. The lineup features innovators in electronic music and celebrates new sounds from New York City and around the world. A few can't-miss names include MikeQ, John Glacier, Sarz, OK Williams, Special Request, and DJ Stingray 313; here's the full lineup. 

Tickets cost $25-$30 for general admission.

This show on Saturday, August 9 promises a night of part-karaoke part-confessional hijinks. Story-oke invites performers and audience members to share a story about their connection to a song and then sing the hell out of it. 

Hosted by Shyaporn Theerakulstit, this unique event is a judge-free zone where anyone can trauma dump, be cringe and express their memories in the most fun way possible. The night will also feature artists Kathryn Fabbroni, Sydney Duncan, Meryl Federman and Nikolai Vanyo. 

For this week's show, expect stories of Neil Diamond and Thai culture, Wicked inspirations, the story of Chess: The Musical and more. Plus whatever else you, the audience, brings to the stage. If you want to perform, submit your story and song here. 

Doors open at 9pm. Get tickets in advance for $15 or at the door for $20. 

Join Pioneer Works this Sunday, August 10, for a free community day featuring live music, artist studio visits and interactive programs. Explore Pioneer Works' new artists-in-residence studios and check out several newly opened exhibitions like "Legendary Looks Mini-Ball," a celebratory runway competition hosted by curator Michael Roberson, with DJ Byrell The Great and MC Precious Basquiat. Join a Voguing Workshop with Icon Pony Zion, Open Studios with artists-in-residence including Samora Pinderhughes, Cameron Granger and Still House Plants

Also check out hands-on activities like the Fan Decorating Workship, Solar Gazing and Meet the Oysters with Billion Oyster Project. RSVP for free here. 

Join NYC's Summer Beer Wine and Spirits Fest in Hell's Kitchen's Intrepid Museum this Friday, August 8, for a special event that explores the world of wine and mixology. With over 100 samples available, this is a great event to gather friends while enjoying your favorite libations. 

Sample a range of beverages throughout the evening while enjoying live entertainment, interactive games and delicious food. Local vendors will be on-site, serving mouthwatering dishes (for an additional charge) that will pair perfectly with your drinks. You also have the opportunity to chat with brewery representatives, sommeliers and master distillers to learn more about your favorite drinks and the craft of making them. 

The event is from 6:30-10pm, and general admission tickets are currently $80 (includes the drink samples and a souvenir sample glass). If you're the designated driver, you can get a ticket for $18. 

Perhaps, as the real world seems ever bleaker, escapism is what we all crave. That could be good news for Freakier Friday, a sequel that makes barely a lick of sense but is infectious, ridiculous fun and feels like a trip back to simpler times.

The 2003 original had Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as Anna and Tess, a bickering mother and daughter who undergo a body swap and learn to understand each other. Two decades years later, Tess is a renowned therapist who psychobabbles any conflict into submission. Anna is now a music exec and mum to a rebellious teenager, Harper (Julia Butters).

Sure there are almost endless holes you could pick in its logic and storytelling, but it gives you few reasons to want to. This Friday’s freakier, but it’s kind of… funner too.

See it in theaters as of Friday, August 8.