20 ways to enjoy outdoor NYC this summer: Theater, movies, music and bars
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When the thermometer hits 80 degrees in New York City, there’s no worse place to be than in your sweltering apartment dreaming of central air conditioning.
So it’s time to ditch the jacket, don your shorts and get outside.
Here, The Post recommends how to have an amazing time while getting fresh air in the five boroughs this summer, including movies under the stars, music festivals, roving theater companies and gorgeous riverside restaurants that’ll make you forget all about the 1 train.
Theater
On the Road Again
The New York institution Shakespeare in the Park is taking a break this year while the famous Delacorte Theater in Central Park undergoes renovations. But the Public Theater, which produces it, will still tour a bilingual, 90-minute musical version of the Bard’s “Comedy of Errors” to locations around the city as part of its Mobile Unit program. The tunes, performed by actor-musicians, are infused with Latin American styles.
Free; Throughout May and June across the city; publictheater.org
Puccini in the Park
Both a good entryway for those flirting with opera and a perfect activity for connoisseurs who love nothing more than five hours of Wagner, the New York City Opera is performing Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” for two nights in Bryant Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Italian composer’s death.
Free; August 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. in Bryant Park. bryantpark.org
Uptown ‘Dream’in’
The Classical Theatre of Harlem continues its own Shakespeare in the Park tradition — up in Marcus Garvey Park. Their production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” set during the Harlem Renaissance, will star comedian Russell Peters in his theatrical debut.
Free; July 6 through 28 at the Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Marcus Garvey Park; cthnyc.org
Isle Be There
Besides being the rare riverside escape for Manhattanites, the west side’s Little Island boasts a diverse and exciting season of summer arts. The selections begin with a new dance piece from renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp called “How Long Blues.” There’s also a music-driven show about Paul Robeson and an adaption of Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in which every lead role is playing by one man.
$25; June through September at Little Island; littleislandtickets.com
—Johnny Oleksinski
Music
The Governors Ball
After a dismal detour to Citi Field, Gov Ball began to get its groove back when it relocated to Flushing Meadows, Corona Park last year. And this year’s lineup is set to rock Queens again, with headliners Post Malone (June 7), the Killers (June 8) and SZA (June 9). And the 2024 edition will be representing the neighborhood’s large Latin community with Puerto Rican sensation Rauw Alejandro and rising Mexican star Peso Pluma.
June 7 to 9 at Flushing Meadows, Corona Park; GovernorsBallMusicFestival.com
Forest Hills Stadium
The former site of the US Open tennis tournament turned 100 last year, and it comes out swinging into its next century with a musical lineup that will keep Forest Hills bumping and bopping this summer. Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, fresh off of his No. 1 single “Too Sweet,” will headline a four-night stand June 4, 5, 7 and 8. Other season standouts include the Pixies (with Modest Mouse on June 15), Kings of Leon (Sept. 18) and Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull (Aug. 25). And tennis itself returns to the stadium with the UTS New York — Ultimate Tennis Showdown on Aug. 22 and 23.
Various dates at Forest Hills Stadium, 1 Tennis Place; ForestHillsStadium.com
SummerStage
“Rise Up” singer Andra Day — who released her second album “Cassandra (Cherith)” this month — will bring her Billie Holiday vibes to Central Park with a free season kickoff show on June 1 that is part of this year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival. The Breeders’ Kim Gordon (June 13) and soul-pop chanteuse Corinne Bailey Rae (June 16) will also headline free concerts. And the Roots will lead an old-school hip-hop party with the Jungle Brothers and Digable Planets on Aug. 23.
Various dates in Central Park and other locations; summerstage.org
The Rooftop at Pier 17
Still one of the best-kept summer secrets in NYC, the Rooftop at Pier 17 is the most scenic spot for music at the South Street Seaport, with a killer view of the Brooklyn Bridge that is the real star of the show. Jazz fusionist Trombone Shorty (June 16), country singer Billy Currington (June 22), Guns ‘n’ Roses guitar god Slash (Aug. 4), Long Island rockers Taking Back Sunday (Aug. 17 and 18) and ’80s icons Stray Cats (Aug. 15) will be among those rocking this town.
Various dates at Pier 17, 89 South St.; RooftopAtPier17.com
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Although, yes, the trek out from the city can be a struggle, the longstanding amphitheater remains the perfect summer destination in the Long Island park. And this year’s lineup is as sweet as those cotton-candy sunsets, including everyone from Willie Nelson (June 29), Maroon 5 (July 3) and Dave Matthews Band (July 9), Alanis Morissette (July 10), Imagine Dragons (Aug. 2) and the O.G. summer band, the Beach Boys (Aug. 8).
Various dates at 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY; jonesbeachamphitheatre.com
—Chuck Arnold
Movies
Big Screen Ballet
Well, isn’t this meta. Director Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller that won Natalie Portman an Oscar is coming home. The warped drama about paranoia and backstabbing at the cutthroat New York City Ballet during rehearsal of “Swan Lake” will take place just feet away from its high-art setting at Lincoln Center. That’s campy enough that I suspect to see some feathery costumes.
Free; Thursday June 13 at 9 p.m. at Damrosch Park; lincolncenter.org
Film fetes
For a more eclectic — not to mention wild — night out for the adventurous set, Rooftop Films curates a season of indies, cool documentaries and less traditional titles, such as Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica Ball.” But beyond the flicks, some of their events have after-parties with musicians and DJs that stretch into the evening.
Free-to-$20; All summer long at venues across the city; rooftopfilms.com
Nights of Nostalgia
Over in Bryant Park, Paramount + Movie Nights go big on beloved blockbusters. The lineup kicks off June 10 with “Forrest Gump,” starring Tom Hanks. “Gladiator” plays July 1 (just a few months ahead of its long-awaited sequel). And then the year wraps up with — near, far, wherever you are — “Titanic” on August 12.
Free; All summer long; bryantpark.org
Family favorites
Some of the best family options in the city are in the “Movies Under the Stars” program put on by the Parks Department. Dotting venues throughout the five boroughs, this series has the best roster of titles both kids and parents will enjoy. They include the surprisingly great “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (Basketball Court in Mosholu Parkway in The Bronx), Pixar’s sublime “Luca” (Seaside Wildlife Nature Park on Staten Island) and the Kermit classic “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (Augustus St. Gaudens Playground in — where else? — Manhattan).
Free; All summer long in sites across the city; nycgovparks.org
Skyline Cinema
A tad ritzier — not to mention a lot higher up — is the Vale Cinema Series at the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg. If you think the sprawling sight of Manhattan is romantic, get ready for when Patrick Swayze finally lifts Jennifer Grey in “Dirty Dancing” on June 3.
$23; The William Vale Hotel, 111 N. 12th Street in Brooklyn; thewilliamvale.com
—JO
Food & Booze
The Secret Garden
It may be one of the city’s oldest restaurants, but many don’t realize that Barbetta, an Italian spot with a focus on Piedmontese cuisine, has one of Midtown’s most relaxing escapes — an idyllic back garden with a gorgeous fountain. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Barbetta’s exhaustive wine list.
321 W. 46th Street; barbettarestaurant.com
Legs for days
Out in lovely Red Hook, the shellfish destination Brooklyn Crab is first and foremost notable because of the food. After all, it’s tough to find steamer baskets and crab crackers in New York — usually we get posh seafood towers instead. But there is also a genuinely beachy vibe that makes you feel like you’re hours away from the city. They’ve also got a great midweek happy hour with $1 oysters and $5 beers.
24 Reed Street; brooklyncrab.com
Vue 180
The name Vue 180 doesn’t lie. Come to this Midtown rooftop watering hole for the incredible views — particularly a stunning vantage of the Empire State Building. But, unlike some sexy high-rise bars, this one (in a Hilton hotel) doesn’t have obnoxious lines, overcrowding or attitude.
525 8th Ave.; vue180nyc.com
Pilot
In the wrong hands, a boat bar could be so gimmicky you’d wanna walk the plank. But Pilot, a century-old schooner docked at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, has the perfect maritime atmosphere — as chill as its oysters and cocktails. While your only voyage will be from sober to wobbly (no actual sailing here), the sight of lower Manhattan is unbeatable.
Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park; crewny.com/pilot
City Winery
Before you visit Little Island, stop by its waterside neighbor, City Winery. The pretty outpost has become a mainstay in the local music and comedy scenes. And their wine, beer and cinder list has a robust selection of local options (alongside the usual overseas suspects), including a Finger Lakes Riesling and Torch and Crown Pilsner on draft.
25 11th Ave. citywinery.com
Fornino
It’s difficult to explain, but somehow noshing on wood-fire pizzas and drinking cocktails outside, on a roof overlooking volleyball courts, feels healthy. You eat, they compete. The Soppressata & Truffles pie is particularly savory and delicious.
Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park; Fornino.com
