Things to do on a Sunday in New York

We hope that you are prepared to loudly sing La Marseillaise while raising a glass of champagne—Bastille Day is coming soon! On Sunday, July 13, L'Alliance New York is hosting its is annual fête along Madison Avenue. 

Expect cultural programming, live performances, film screenings, a Citroën Car Show, more than 50 French and local vendor booths, and free activities for all ages. This year's theme is outdoor living in the Côte d’Azur, so get ready for a beachy twist to the festivities. 

The celebration typically welcomes more than 25,000 people, so expect a packed party once again this year! Activities run from 12-5pm on Madison Avenue, from 59th to 63rd Street on the Upper East Side.

See the full line-up right here.

Several famous French and French-speaking artists are coming together for a music festival in Central Park in honor of Bastille Day. Hear from Bob Sinclar, Big Flo & Oli, Patrick Bruel and ESTL on Sunday, July 13 from 5pm to 10pm during this free celebration at Rumsey Playfield. 

Last year, over 12,000 New Yorkers gathered to enjoy the free al fresco performances of such talented artists, so you can definitely expect a fun-loving crowd at this seasonal soiree. No registration's needed; just show up!

The event's hosted by the Consulate General of France in New York, in association with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage and the Committee of French Speaking Societies. 

ead west this summer to experience some of the best cultural activities in the city—for free. West Side Fest is back for its third year with gratis fun for all ages at museums, parks, performing arts centers and cultural institutions across the west side of Manhattan. 

Programming runs from July 11–13 with a packed weekend of activities, including free admission to The Whitney, tai chi classes on the High Line, tours of Poster House, zine-making at Print Center New York and much more. It's hosted by The West Side Cultural Network, a group of museums, parks, performing arts centers and cultural institutions located within a half-mile portion of the city. The full schedule is absolutely packed; be sure to check it out here.

If you’ve been emotionally invested in every dramatic dumping and head-turning Casa Amor twist this season, you’re not alone. Love Island USA is barreling toward its explosive season 7 finale on Sunday, July 13, and New York City’s bar scene is going full villa mode to celebrate.

From Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens, venues are throwing themed watch parties all weekend long, giving fans a chance to sip, scream and speculate in real time. Here's where to go.

Join Pioneer Works this Sunday, July 13, 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: "Legendary Looks by Felix Rodriguez" with video exploring New York’s house ballroom community and "I Think, I Draw, I Am," a major exhibition of over 300 works by Daniel Johnston. 

Also check out hands-on activities like a solar viewing with the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York, a comic-making workshop inspired by Daniel Johnston, and fungi explorations with the New York Mycological Society.

JAPAN CUTS—the largest Japanese film festival in North America—is back from through July 20 at Japan Society. 

See major premieres or check out their other 30+ films across 11 days. If you like seeing major blockbuster films, supporting up-and-coming filmmakers, weeping over indie films, or checking out documentaries (or anime, experimental and short films, or restorations, they really do have it all), browse their lineup and secure yourself a ticket before it’s too late.

Among the festival’s lineup is a special screening of Yasuhiro Aoki's ChaO in collaboration with GKIDS and the presentation of the 2025 CUT ABOVE Award to Kiyoshi Kurosawa. And don't miss the North American Premiere of A Girl Named Ann, the U.S. Premiere of She Taught Me Serendipity, along with a special appearance from Japan Academy Film Prize Best Actress Winner, Yuumi Kawai. 

Treat your ears to the beautiful sounds of poetry this weekend in an equally beautiful setting. The annual New York City Poetry Festival takes over Colonel's Row on the picturesque Governors Island on July 12 and 13. With more than 100 literary organizations participating, the free festival is much more of an epic than a haiku. Along with readings from many poets, the festival includes visual art, an open mic, clowns, local vendors hawking literary-themed goods and a plethora of delicious food and drink. This year's headiners include Naomi Shihab Nye, Eileen Myles, Anne Waldman, Sam Sax, and Andrew Whiteman. 

Whether you're a poetry superfan or new to the genre, this all-ages festival promises to be accessible for all. It's free to attend, be sure to register here; you can add a drink ticket or get VIP access.

It's not just a passing fad. It's a FAD—Fun And Dumb, that is. The Brooklyn Comedy Collective is back with its fourth annual Fun & Dumb Improv Festival, a four-day summer fest comprised of 750 performers, 200 shows, three stages and wrkshops galore.

The festival celebrates all things improv, the silly stupid good stuff we all need right now. It's fearless and irreverent improv comedy all day and night from July 10–13.

Headliners include Chris Gethard, Padma Lakshmi, Baby Wants Candy, Chloe Troast & Friends, Connor Ratliff & Griffin Newman, Yes & I'm About to Jazz, Writers from The Daily Show, Colbert, SNL, and Late Night, Frat Boyz and many more. If you want to practice your own skills, workshops will taught by guest improv legends like Chris Gethard, Tim Martin, sister theater iO’s Gretchen Eng  and James Dugan, Jonald Reyes and veteran BCC instructors. 

"It might be the biggest improv festival in the world," event organizers say. "Come for the fun, stay for the dumb, live for the laugh, and smile because it happened."

Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week.

Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20 through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and launch in front of Deno's Wonderwheel Park providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.

The spectacular show is presented by the Alliance for Coney Island.

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2025. Expect to see your favorite makers plus brand new creatives to help you live smarter, gift better and support local businesses. 

FAD—which stands for Fashion, Art and Design—takes over different venues with a horde of independent vendors and creators. Admission is free and dogs are welcome!

Here's the upcoming FAD Market schedule:

• July 12-13: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo
• July 19-20: Governors Island market
• July 26-27: Summer Market in Cobble Hill
• August 9-10: Summer Market at Empire Stores in Dumbo
• August 16-17: Governors Island market