Don’t let the rising heat deter you from experiencing the best of New York City in July. While the masses sit in traffic on their way out to the Hamptons or the Jersey Shore every weekend, those who stay in the city know this festive month is the time to revel in the spirit of summer and celebrate all things Americana, from fireworks to baseball rivalries.

It’s also the time to indulge in al fresco dining anywhere and everywhere you can — and all your Rockefeller Center favorites will be taking advantage of their perfectly placed outdoor terraces. Picture this: You’re indulging in coastal Italian cuisine in the sunshine at Jupiter, or enjoying a crisp spritz while playing lawn games at Pebble Bar at The Rink. While you’re here, head to The Rink to enjoy some outdoor dining or check out Reflection Point on view on Center Plaza, an interactive mirrored maze by Brooklyn-based artists Wade and Leta.

In between, get ready to ring in the Fourth, cheer on your hometown baseball team of choice, enjoy some outdoor music, or catch a movie with a view. Here are our picks for the eight best things to do in New York City in July 2025.

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View of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show above the Hudson River

Photo by Kent Miller; courtesy of Macy’s

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show

July 4

Watch the skyline light up as fireworks dazzle over the city as part of the 49th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show. This year’s show will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four additional barges positioned on the East River. For an extra special viewing spot, grab tickets to 4th of July at Top of the Rock, where you can enjoy the show from 70 stories above the city.

In typical New York style, this won’t be your run-of-the-mill show. As New York City celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2025, these extra-special fireworks will celebrate our nation’s birthday with thousands of shells featuring different colors, shapes, lights, and sounds. While the booms and cracks will certainly be heard throughout the city, that won’t be the only soundtrack. As usual, the spectacle will have a medley of patriotic performances to boot.

A DJ performs in front of a large crowd as part of MoMA PS1’s Warm Up concert series

Photo by Nathan Bajar; courtesy of the Museum of Modern Art

MoMA PS1’s Outdoor Music Series “Warm Up”

July 18, 25

MoMA PS1’s Warm Up concert series returns for its 27th season, lighting up Friday nights in Long Island City beginning July 18. One of the city’s longest‑running outdoor music series, it’s a summer staple that showcases emerging, underground, and legendary electronic artists. This year’s lineup blends local and global talent and includes Ballroom music icon MikeQ, Nigerian Alté innovator Sarz, drum‑and‑bass sensation DJ Empress, and many more. Kick off your weekend with a mix of experimental beats, art installations, and late-night exhibitions that you can’t get anywhere else.

People walking around the Queens Night Market

Photo by Sarah Choi; courtesy of Queens Night Market

Queens Night Market

All Saturdays in July

Queens has been nicknamed “The World’s Borough,” as it’s one of the most diverse counties in the world. And at Queens Night Market in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, that diversity is on full display via art, performances, and the main draw: international cuisine. The open-air night market will welcome more than 100 vendors, with food representing Tibet, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Trinidad, Venezuela, Cambodia, and much more. The affordable, family-friendly event runs on Saturdays from 4 pm until midnight — the perfect answer to all your late-night cravings. Admission is free, but bring cash to ensure you can grab a snack from any stall that strikes your fancy.

A crowd of people watching a movie in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photo by John Eng; courtesy of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

Movies with a View in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Thursday evenings, July 10 through August 28

Movies with a View returns this month for its 25th season of free, outdoor film screenings in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Beginning on July 10, everyone is welcome to enjoy a movie with a waterfront view at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. The screenings will continue every Thursday through August 28. This year’s lineup, presented by Pluto TV, features movies by and starring leading women with the theme of “Women In Hollywood”. This includes “Alien”, “Waitress,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and more. Attendees can also purchase food and drink, including adult beverages, along the Pier 1 Promenade. All movies start at sunset, but arrive closer to 5 pm, when the lawn opens, to snag a prime spot.

New York City Poetry Festival at Governors Island

July 12-13

The New York City Poetry Festival is back for its 14th year, bringing poetry readings, workshops, open mics, installations, performances, and more to Nolan Park on Governors Island. The quirky and transformative festival joins together poets from all over the country in a beautiful and historic setting. This year’s headliners include renowned writers Naomi Shihab Nye, Eileen Myles, Anne Waldman, Sam Sax, and Andrew Whiteman. Beyond the poetry-centric activities (all free thanks to the Poetry Society of New York), attendees can also enjoy drinks in the beer garden, delicious food from NYC vendors, and additional children’s programming. Get inspired at this annual literary event, and revel in the city’s poetic community at one of its most picturesque places.

The Yankees and Mets playing at CitiField

Photo by Thomas Eidsvold via Unsplash

Subway Series: Yankees vs. Mets

July 4-6

Every summer, baseball-loving New Yorkers simultaneously anticipate and fear the Subway Series, when the Yankees and Mets go head to head for the title of current city champions in hopes of giving their fans the ultimate bragging rights. This year’s showdown will happen at Citi Field, which may give the Mets the slight edge they need to outplay their pinstriped rivals. But no matter the outcome, what better way to celebrate July Fourth than enjoying America’s favorite pastime?

A group of Broadway actors performing in Bryant Park

Photo by Steve Prue; courtesy of iHeartMedia

Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances

July 3, 4, 11, 18, 25

Every summer, Bryant Park transforms into an open-air stage for New York’s leading cultural institutions. Starting July Fourth weekend and continuing every Friday, visitors can relax on the lawn for free evening concerts under the trees. This season’s lineup includes the New York Guitar Festival—a two-day tribute to global guitar traditions—and performances curated by Carnegie Hall showcasing a wide range of artists. The series offers an inviting mix of genres and styles, making it a perfect way to experience the city’s cultural richness in a casual, outdoor setting. Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy the music.

The exterior of Christie's at Rockefeller Center

Christie’s 10th Annual Art+Tech Summit

July 16-17

Every July, the Christie’s Art+Tech Summit draws together a diverse range of thought leaders to explore innovation at the intersection of art and technology. Hosted for the first time at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, attendees can expect panels, debates, keynotes, and more that touch on themes from AI and blockchain to the future of collecting. Voices from leading tech firms such as Nvidia and Signal will appear alongside art-world luminaries, making this a must for anyone navigating the ever-evolving creative landscape.