The NYC Insider: An Insider's Guide to New York City

We love summer in New York City for a whole variety of reasons. Somehow, things seem much more relaxed with a good part of the population on vacation or in the Hamptons. Sidewalk cafes beckon. Kids run through the sprinklers and fountains that sparkle among the city's playgrounds and vest pocket parks. The fabulous roof garden is open at the Metropolitan Museum. Summer sales are on and rock bottom prices abound at many of our favorite shops and boutiques.

But more than anything else, we love the plethora of free cultural events that blossom when NYC temperatures rise. From classic movies to modern dance; from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare, there are almost endless options. Below is a list of free events taking place in NYC this summer.

What: A series of free, outdoor, classic movie screenings, playing on Monday nights throughout the summer months.
When: The lawn opens at 5:00 pm for blankets (no plastic tarps please) and picnicking. The films begin at dusk (typically between 8 pm and 9 pm).
Where: Bryant Park (40th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan)

In the event that it rains, films are screened at sunset the following night. Check out the Bryant Park web site for more details.

What: Experience the glamour of Broadway in the great outdoors. Each week, several of this year's biggest hits come to the park for a dazzling afternoon song and dance revue.
When: Thursdays from 12:30-2:00 pm
Where: Bryant Park (40th Street and 6th Avenue)

What: The concert series will showcase the hottest music with a wide array of artists at these free Friday concerts in the park
When: Friday mornings at 7am
Where: The Upper Terrace at Bryant Park (40th Street and 6th Avenue)

What: NBC's Annual Today Show Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza
When: 7 am - 9 am
Where: 49th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

For more info about the free events at Rockefeller Plaza, visit the MSNBC web site.

What: Hudson River Park has been presenting its signature RiverRocks concert series going on eight years and, from meager beginnings, the series has grown tremendously.
When: June 12, June 28, July 28, and August 9 at 6 pm
Where: Hudson River Park's Pier 54, Enter at West 14th St.

What: Dance the night away under the stars with music from New York's hottest dance bands on Sunday evenings - no experience necessary. Featured styles include swing, tango and salsa.
When: Sundays. Free dance lessons begin at 6:30 pm. Live bands go on at 7pm.
Where: Hudson River Park's Pier 54, Enter at West 14th St.

What: Besides the amazing setting, RiverFlicks offers free popcorn. What more could you ask for?
When: Wednesdays and Fridays
Where: Pier 54 (14th St. & West St) and Pier 46 (Charles St. & West St)

What: Tuesday Evening is Free Music Night on the Hudson! Enjoy a variety of live music performances while watching the sun set on the Hudson. Friends of Clinton Cove and the Hudson River Park Trust will co-sponsor this free monthly music series.
When: Tuesday evenings, 6 pm
Where: Clinton Cove Park at 55th Street

Lawn seating only. Bring your own picnic and make a night of it! Free kayaking is also available on site. See the Friends of the Hudson River Park web site for more information.

The shores of the Hudson River are transformed into the seaside duchy of Illyria in Holla Holla Productions’ Twelfth Night. Shakespeare’s gender-bending, heart-breaking comedy about love, mourning, celebration and rebirth is performed at Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, right on the Hudson River.

What: The Washington Square Music Festival, under the auspices of the Washington Square Association, Inc., presents its 49th season of free concerts in the Square
When: Four Tuesdays in July and August at 8 pm
Where: Washington Square Park- near the statue of Garibaldi in the southeast quadrant of the park.

Seating is first-come, first-served. Rainspace for the July concerts is New York University's Frederick Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4th Street. For more information call 212-252-3621 or visit the Washington Square Music Festival web site.

What: Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrates the spirit of the sixties with over 100 free performances.
When: various dates and times throughout August
Where: Lincoln Plaza (64th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam)

Please note that although this schedule is too long to list here, you can view all the events on Lincoln Center's web site.

What: It's the quintessential New York City event: 50,000 spectators at the Crossroads of the World, live numbers from Broadway shows performed on a giant outdoor stage, television cameras, a galaxy of celebrity performers, and a big finale with showers of confetti.
When: Sunday, September 16 at 11:30 am
Where: Times Square

What: This season includes a wide range of music, dance, film and spoken word, by renowned and emerging artists. Note that not all events are free.
When: Various dates - see the SumerStage web site.
Where: Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue

What: Shakespeare in the Park consistently draws big name talent and big crowds, but the time spent waiting in line is almost always worth it.
When: Performance Months: June, July, and August, Showtime: 8 pm
Where: Delacorte Theater - Central Park
Free Ticket Distribution - Delacorte Theater: Starts at 1 pm on the day of the performance FCFS basis ; Astor Place: 1-3 pm at 425 Lafayette Street, FCFS basis

What: a series of free concerts in Central Park.
When: The concerts are on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm, There are NO rain dates.
Where: The Naumburg Bandshell is located mid-park just south of the 72nd Street cross-drive

Folding chairs are provided; arrive early for the best seats. For more information, click here.

What: FREE performances take place the lakefront plaza at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics so that they can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of performing arts in the Park.
When: Sundays from 4 pm to 6 pm
Where: The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues

What: open air New York Philharmonic concerts in Central Park followed followed by a fireworks display.
When: Wednesday, July 12, 8:00 pm and Tuesday, July 18, 8:00 pm
Where: Great Lawn: Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Streets

What: Brooklyn Bridge Park's series of films
When: Thursdays, music starts at 6 pm; movies begin at 8:30 pm
Where: The Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, enter off of Water Street, or at Main Street in Dumbo

Note that music is provided by some of New York City's best DJ's. Local eatery RICE offers dinners on site, and Transportation Alternatives provides free bike valet parking. All this, plus spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and the downtown skyline. See brooklynbridgepark.org for more information.

QUICK CLICKS
Check out Cheaptickets.com "Cheap of the Week" and save BIG on featured destinations!
Find 4-star hotels at 2 star prices at Hotwire.com and get up to 60% off retail rates!
Luggage Online carries top brands in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories at great prices.
Add one of these once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences, including skydiving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning and much more, to your New York trip -- you'll be glad you did!

Site Directory:

Top Things	Features	Travel Services	Misc.
Fun Things	Photo Collection	Hotel Reservations	About The Insider
Sights & Attractions	Restaurants	Car Rentals	Advertising Info
Museums	Saving a Few Bucks	Airline Reservations	Best NYC Links
Hidden Treasures	Daily Survival	Vacation Rentals	Site Map

Other Insider Guides:
The Aloha Insider		The Philadelphia Insider
The Bermuda Insider		The San Francisco Insider
The Boston Insider		The Insider Travel Blog