JUNE 2
Early: Hit the brunch line
You have to arrive early for Shakespeare in the Park tickets. Why not make a picnic out of it? Theaterati start waiting as early as 6 a.m. for the free ducats that are distributed at noon. Unfurl a blanket and order brunch: Nearby Andy’s Deli and others deliver directly to the line. Tonight’s show is “The Comedy of Errors,” starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson of ABC’ s “Modern Family” and Hamish Linklater. shakespeareinthepark.org
Later: Howl!
Head to Tompkins Square Park to see 140 artists turn a 900-foot canvas into a massive mural as part of the annual mix of music, madness and art that is the Howl! Festival. howlfestival.com
Latest: Show time!
Head back to the Delacorte Theater for the 8:30 p.m. curtain. If park adventures made you thirsty, the cafe at the theater serves Brooklyn Summer Ale and wine — plus sandwiches for the peckish.
JUNE 9
Early: Chow down on BBQ
Summer grub means a plate of ribs slathered in barbecue sauce, some of the best of which can be found at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, which runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in and around Madison Square Park, but you’ll want to get in early to beat the crowds. Entry is free, but if you want to jump the lines, you can buy a FastPass for $125, and most plates of chow from Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis or any of the country’s other top pitmasters run $9 each. You’ll get to enjoy live rock, blues and soul music too. bigapplebbq.org
Later: Rooftop drinks, Macbeth style “Sleep No More” isn’t just an innovative, immersive play. Its faux McKittrick Hotel has a rooftop bar, Gallow Green, with lush greenery, views of the Empire State Building and Macbeth-themed drinks such as the Damn Spot (whiskey, lime, ginger beer and bitters). mckittrickhotel.com/gallowgreen
Latest: Cheer for the Tonys
First, swing by Radio City Music Hall to gawk at red-carpet arrivals, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson and Jon Cryer before the 8 p.m. show. Then, head a few blocks south to mingle with serious theater fans at the Laurie Beechman Theatre’s annual Tony Party, where you can catch the show on the big screen and enter to win prizes such as show tickets, posters or booze in the Tony pool. Party starts at 6 p.m.; reservations are recommended. westbankcafe.com
JUNE 16
Early: Get jazzed
Today’s the day to show love for Red Hook, still recovering from Hurricane Sandy’s wallop. First, take in some soothing jazz in a waterfront community garden at the second day of the the Red Hook Jazz Festival at the Urban Meadow (corner of Van Brunt and President streets). The $10 ticket gets you in to see five bands, including the Clarence Penn Quartet and the Fay Victor Ensemble. Bring blankets and snacks, because this fest goes from 1 to 6 p.m. urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com
Later: Get keyed up
For cooling refreshment, nosh at neighborhood fave Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies. The maker of tiny pie tarts and tasty chocolate-covered delights got washed out of its original location but is reopening this month at the corner of Ferris and Van Dyke streets. stevesauthentic.com
Latest: Crabs and golf
Enjoy the sunset and a dozen Maryland blue crabs on the deck of this beachy hang. Afterward, grab a beer and hop downstairs to try out the bar’s own mini-golf course. brooklyncrab.com
JUNE 30
Early: Lob volleyballs at Chelsea Piers
You don’t have to trek all the way to the Rockaways to get some sand in your shorts. Chelsea Piers is home to the city’s only indoor beach volleyball court, which is available for pickup games or training regimens. Open play is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for advanced co-eds, and 2 to 6 p.m. for intermediate men. chelsea-piers.com
Later: Catch a comedy marathon
The legendary UCB Del Close Marathon, named for the renowned improv teacher, puts up 420 acts on seven stages for a weekend-long, 56 hours of nonstop comedy. Acts cover a wide range of styles, including improv, sketch, late-night comedy and more. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch UCB founders Amy Poehler and Matt Besser, who sometimes pop in to perform. delclosemarathon.com
Latest: Spot a really Big Star
Enjoy a twilight concert honoring Big Star’s “Third,” a full performance of Big Star’s iconic 1978 album with an all-star lineup. The SummerStage show in Central Park runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and features Sharon Van Etten, Kurt Vile and Marshall Crenshaw. The concert will also feature some of Big Star’s earlier hits, such as “September Gurls.” cityparksfoundation.org
Early: Tang ’n’ twang
Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema ups the brunch game, country style. Chew on Southern-inspired specialities like chicken-fried steak, while a local country band plays a 30-minute set, followed by the 1980 Western “The Long Riders,” starring David Carradine, Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid and Stacy Keach. The band starts at 11:30 a.m.; movie around noon. nitehawk-cinema.com
Later: Stuff it at Smorgasburg
Save room at brunch: Smorgasburg, the weekly food bazaar from the founders of the Brooklyn Flea, offers up culinary treats at East River State Park, set against the scenic backdrop of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Bites include phatty beet sliders from Chickpea and Olive, tiny desserts from BiteMe Cheesecakes and beer jelly from Anarchy in a Jar. smorgasburg.com
JULY 7
Latest: Rooftop drinks at the Wythe Hotel
Climb to the top of the Wythe Hotel to check out an amazing view of the city. The hotel, always bustling with musicians and European tourists, has become a fashionable night spot thanks to its classy sixth-floor bar, the Ides. Plush couches and a big patio give you ample room to check out the twinkling Manhattanscape in the distance while enjoying the breeze. wythehotel.com
JULY 14
Early: Boat brunch
Not only does the Staten Island ferry offer a calming boat ride with ample views of the skyline, but the beers at the snack bar are crazy cheap at less than $4. Prepare a boozy cheap brunch while you enjoy the 30-minute boat ride; be sure to sit on the right side of the boat and wave “hi” to the Statue of Liberty. siferry.com
Later: Get classically gassed
Take a break from the heat, and enjoy some free high culture. The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks series hops over to Staten Island today for a 3 p.m. show at Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island featuring the New York Philharmonic Brass. nyphil.org
Latest: Get back to the beach
Staten Island’s beaches were devastated during Hurricane Sandy, but that’s not stopping the borough from celebrating its summers. The annual Back to the Beach Celebration is scheduled to return this year, featuring food, games and entertainment at Midland Beach. It’s like a big street fair — except waterside! From noon to 9 p.m. at Midland Beach Sea Turtle Circle. statenislandusa.com
JUNE 21
Early: Statues in the sun
Start your day with a picnic in Queens’ Socrates Sculpture Park, the city’s only outdoor venue that allows artists to create large multimedia installations. See the geometric “tree wood” from architect Toshihiro Oki, or “Beyond the Hedges (Slivered Gazebo),” an installation of mirrors and spatial slices from local artist Heather Rowe. socrates-sculpturepark.org
Later: Tip your hat to the King of Pop
Michael Jackson may be gone, but thanks to his enduring music (and an ugly ongoing court case) he’s hardly forgotten. Today, Queensbridge Park hosts an MJ tribute, which includes an impersonator and a slew of backup dancers. nycgovparks.org
Latest: Quaff a Queens-centrictipple
Grab a mug at Astoria’s new beer hall, Singlecut Beersmiths. The 5,000-square-foot microbrewery turns outs IPA, lagers and pilsners right here in Queens. You’ll find seating inside and a few choice benches outside in the sunshine. singlecutbeer.com
JULY 28
Early: Shoot ’em up in Coney Island
Like so much of New York’s waterfront, Coney Island took a major hit during Hurricane Sandy. The neighborhood has been busy cleaning up, and this season, two new shooting galleries are debuting. Mangels is a historic gallery that has been restored after sitting in storage since the 1940s. coneyisland.com
Later: Go back to the bush leagues
At 5 p.m., the Hudson Valley Renegades come to Coney Island to take on the Brooklyn Cyclones in beautiful MCU Park. Before and after the game, fans are invited on the field to play catch or run the bases. brooklyn-cyclones.com
Latest: Dine and drink oceanside
End the day by sitting seaside at one of the many Russian bars in Brighton Beach, such as Tatiana Grill. Sit outside, enjoy a drink or a bowl of borscht and try to stave off the dread of heading to work the next day. tatianagrill.com
AUG. 4
Early: Hit the high seas
Stroll over to 72nd Street and the Hudson River, where the Downtown Boathouse offers walk-up kayaking every weekend. Be sure to arrive early to guarantee a spot, because would-be kayakers start queuing up early. downtownboathouse.org
Later: Drink in views from the Met’s rooftop
Get a refreshing pick-me-up with a cocktail or a light snack at the Met’s rooftop garden. It’s perfect for taking in the vistas of Central Park and the city. Order the house-made mint lemonade and, if you’re feeling hungry, the vegetarian focaccia made with blistered zucchini, arugula and lemon ricotta. metmuseum.org
Latest: Get a Brazilian
On Sundays in the summer, the Central Park Conservancy offers free music lakeside by the Harlem Meer. Today, it’s the Brazilian rhythms of Vanderlei Pereira and Blindfold Test from 2 to 4 p.m. centralparknyc.org
AUG. 11
Early: Catch East River rays
Bring a book and grab a chaise lounge on the sun deck of the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers. A day pass can be had for $50 and allows you access to the private perches overlooking the river.chelseapiers.com
Later: Chill out on the High Line
Pick up some cool treats from People’s Pops in Chelsea, and then head over to the elevated park for a leisurely stroll along the former railway. thehighline.org
Latest: Learn to cut a rug
Hudson River Park’s popular MoonDance series is back, featuring free dance lessons at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music at 7. Today’s entertainment is provided by the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, so dust off your swing moves. hudsonriverpark.org
AUG. 18
Early: Governors Island flashback
It’s the last of the summer’s four Jazz Age Lawn Parties, now in their eighth year, which re-create the Roaring ’20s on the island. Listen to music by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, browse vintage markets, check out old cars or, best of all, sit and watch the masses go by, many decked out in their flapper-era finest. dreamland-orchestra.com
Later: See the island by two wheels
Before the sun goes down, rent a bike on the island and go for a spin along the waterfront. govisland.com
Latest: Laugh with the Dark Lords
Hop the ferry, and head to East River Park, where the so-called Dark Lords of Comedy will perform at 8 p.m. Local talents Mike Lawrence, Jared Logan and Dan St. Germain have been seen on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” and “Conan.” nycgovparks.org
SEPT. 1
Early: Tee off in Queens
Grab your clubs and head to Clearview Park, a golf course smack in the middle of the busy borough. Play nine holes on the 1925 course while you enjoy views of the East River and Long Island Sound. nycteetimes.com
Later: Gorge on Chinese food
Head to Flushing for a late lunch at one of the neighborhood’s many dim-sum parlors, such as the ever-popular Asian Jewels Seafood Restaurant. Sate your appetite with dumplings, pork buns and steamed tripe. tunseng.com
Latest: Tennis, anyone?
Wind up your day (and summer) by heading over to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and the opening weekend of the US Open. Evening play begins at 7 p.m. usopen.org