Manhattan is bustling with city life, but it’s also an island surrounded by plenty of waterfront space. With so much shore space, the borough will be packed with waterside events to experience this summer—including celebrations of America’s 250th birthday.
From outdoor concerts to festivals and everything in between, waterfront events in Manhattan will offer something for all New Yorkers to enjoy!
Waterfront events in Manhattan this summer
Inwood Canoe Club Open House
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Sept. 6; Dyckman Street at the Hudson River
Take a free, guided 20-minute kayak trip on the Hudson River just north of the George Washington Bridge. Kayakers will see the city from a different vantage point: the water! More information at inwoodcanoenyc.org.
Sea Chanteys and Maritime Music
First Sundays of the month through November, 2 to 4 p.m.; South Street Seaport’s Wavertree Ship (Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck.) More information at southstreetseaportmuseum.org.
Last Saturday and Sunday of the month; 12 p.m.; 211 Water St.
Set type from the Seaport Museum’s collection of historical fonts, mix ink, cut paper, and print a customized edition of 35 notecards using a 19th-century printing press. More information at southstreetseaportmuseum.org.
Saturday, June 6, 2 p.m., Hudson River Park, Pier 84 at W. 44 St.
Youth Pride Fest brings a daylong celebration with Hetrick-Martin Institute featuring music, resources and community. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
Wednesdays, June 17 — Aug. 12, 7 p.m., Hudson River Park, Pier 84 at W. 44 St.
This popular series features local legends in a lineup of free performances on Manhattan’s riverfront. Supported by the Jazz Foundation of America. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
Thursday, June 18, 6:30 p.m.; Hudson River Park, Pier 45 at Christopher St.
Celebrate the history of Juneteenth at this concert featuring dance and music, in collaboration with Ladies of Hip Hop. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
Saturdays, June 13 to Aug. 22, 11 a.m.–3 pm.; Pier 51 at Jane St.; Wednesdays, 3 to 6 p.m; Pier 26 at N. Moore St. Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m.;Pier 97 at W. 55 St.
Drop in a line at these catch-and-release fishing workshops at Hudson River Park, and learn about local wildlife. All skill levels are encouraged to join. Fishing rods and instruction are provided. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
The Swedish Midsummer Festival
Saturday, June 20, 4 to 9 p.m.; Battery Park City in Rockefeller Park
The festival, now in its 27th year in the neighborhood, will feature traditional music by Paul Dahlin with fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute, dances around the Midsummer pole led by Scandinavian Folklorist Ross Sutter, floral crowns, Swedish delicacies and more. Bpca.ny.gov.
Sunday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Governors Island
This ultimate summer picnic is back, featuring some of the Big Apple’s best restaurants and exclusive chef collabs. More information at govisland.com.
Sunday, June 21, 1 p.m.; Piers 45 and 46 at Christopher Street
Attendees will enjoy a fun time alongside hundreds of kindred spirits with the 21st edition of Improv Everywhere’s annual Mp3 Experiment. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
Thursdays in July; Doors open at 6:30 p.m., shows at 7:30 p.m.; Battery Park City
Battery Park City’s outdoor summer concert series returns on Thursdays in July, bringing blues music to the waterfront. This year will feature Rebirth Brass Band, The War and Treaty, Allen Stone and Amelia Day. More information at bpca.ny.gov.
Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m., June 4-Sept. 3; Little Island, Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at W. 13 St. A relaxed space for kids and their caregivers to start the day together.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Honoring America’s 250th Birthday
Saturday, July 4
Lower East River in the Seaport District, areas near the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and near the Brooklyn Bridge. More information at Macys.com/fireworks.
Sail4th 250 Grand Review of Tall Ships at Governors Island
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Governors Island Picnic Point
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an amazing flotilla of tall ships from around the world. More information at govisland.com.
Hudson River Park Boardwalk Blues
Tuesdays, July 7 to 28, 6:30 p.m.; Pier 97 at W 55 St.
Pack a blanket, enjoy the sunset and listen to blues and roots music, featuring local greats from around the city. Presented by the Jazz Foundation of America. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
15th Annual NYC Poetry Festival
Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Governors Island
Poets, poetry lovers and poets-to-be will gather to celebrate poetry. More information at govisland.com.
Saturday, July 25, 12 to 5 p.m., Governors Island
Enjoy music from artists from around the world, as well as local talent, in a beautiful outdoor venue. More information at govisland.com.
July 19 to 25; Hudson River Park, various times and locations
The annual crustacean shell-ebration highlights the biodiversity of the Hudson River through friendly neighborhood decapods (types of crustaceans). The Estuarine Sanctuary is home to eight species of local crabs that the park is excited to spotlight during this week of events. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Battery Park’s Rockefeller Park
The Mane Kedang Dance Company will bring West African dance and drumming to life, transporting audiences to the troupe’s beloved Africa. More information at bpca.ny.gov.
Saturday, Aug. 15, 1 to 9 p.m.; Hudson River Park, Pier 76 at W 34 St.
Delicious BBQ, blues music and all-day fun headline this fun festival. The Blues BBQ Main Stage features world-renowned talent, while the Blues Second Stage delivers popular locals and accomplished artists alike. Supported by the Jazz Foundation of America. More information at hudsonriverpark.org.