Central Park

Whether you have visited New York countless times before, or you are yet to experience the city that never sleeps, you are guaranteed to get the most out of your visit there by experiencing one of the top 5 summer festivals. Here is a quick guide to what America’s most popular city has to offer each year:

1. Broadway in Bryant Park July

Whether you are a seasoned broadway lover, or yet to be wowed by musical performances, you will love Broadway in the Park. Nothing is more enticing than watching a live broadway performance under the stars, and with previous performances from the stars of Billy Elliot, Phantom of the Opera, and Sister Act Zirkana, the bill has always been consistently great. Families, couples, and friends alike can grab a blanket, head for the park, and make the most of each outdoor broadway performance. More on bryantpark.org.

2. Lincoln Out of Doors- July August

For those who want to carry on the party after the River to River festival, and those who won’t be hitting New York until the later summer months, The Lincoln Out of Doors festival is perfect. Each year an array of world music artists head to New York to play at the festival, including unique artists like the Gypsy Roma Urban Balkan Beats. Lincoln Out of Doors takes the penultimate place as it not only offers a wide variety of musical entertainment, it also has shows especially for children.

3. River to River Festival- June to July

As far as summer festivals in New York go, none can match the River to River festival in terms of size or value. With over 500 free events running between June and July, both locals and tourists can experience music and art at their finest. In the past, top names in the jazz industry have played, as well as stars from the 80s music scene.

4. New York Fringe Festival- August

Each year as the summer reaches its peak in New York, artists from every discipline and culture gather to entertain those who attend the New York Fringe Festival. Described as the ‘largest multi-arts festival in North America’, the NY Fringe Festival plays host to over 1200 performers each year.

5. New York Philharmonics in the Parks- July

Each year, dazzling performances take place across parks in the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Long Island. With the combination of a laid back atmosphere, the New York Philharmonic playing in the background, and free entry, it is easy to see why New York Philharmonics in the Parks goes down so well each year.