Saturday’s summer solstice gives us the longest day of the year. Make the most of the time when day turns to dusk with these sunset events throughout the city.
Tryon to chill
Yoga at Fort Tryon Park, Inwood (enter at Fort Washington Avenue)
Perfect your downward dog while the sun fades behind the Palisades at this weekly event in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan’s northernmost neighborhood.
Every Wednesday, local certified yoga instructors will lead a group through a variety of poses on Abby’s Lawn, a sloped field with clear views of the Hudson. All skill levels are welcome, but participants must bring their own yoga mat.
When: Wednesdays through Aug. 27, 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Info: Free. 212-795-1388, forttryonparktrust.org
Midweek mantra
Art and music at Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Riverdale, The Bronx
Hop the 1 train and escape Midtown frenzy at Wave Hill, a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in The Bronx. Starting next month, the park will extend its closing time every Wednesday so New Yorkers can watch the sunset over the Hudson while enjoying yoga, nature-inspired art workshops, live music, guided garden tours and more.
“We encourage people to lie in the grass and look at the sky; just relax,” says Wave Hill exec Martha Gellens. “It’s a very peaceful environment where people can feel comfortable getting close to nature.”
This year, Wave Hill celebrates The Bronx’s centennial with a range of musical performances, including Afro- Peruvian ensemble Caracumbe, Latin-jazz saxophonist Mitch Frohman and local musical group Los Monstritos.
When: Wednesdays, from July 2 through Aug. 13, 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Info: Admission $10 adults, free for members and children under 6. Yoga, $25 per session. Art workshop, $125 for three sessions. 718-549-3200, wavehill.org
Swingin’ sunset
Dancing at Damrosch Park, 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues
Limber up and head to Lincoln Center for the 26th season of Midsummer Night Swing, where Tuesdays through Saturdays different musical guests will take the stage while thousands of New Yorkers fill the dance floor.
“What’s great about Midsummer Night Swing is the people that come really represent all of New York,” says Lincoln Center’s Kate Merlino. “We have everyone from 19-year-old couples to elderly men in their 90s who are really fabulous on their feet.”
On opening night, master the Lindy Hop alongside Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The mambo, hustle, salsa, tango and samba follow later in the season. Evenings kick off with 45 minutes of instruction, followed by two live sets.
When: Tuesday through July 12; lessons at 6:30 p.m. and live sets from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Info: $17 per class; free to watch. 212-875-5000, midsummernightswing.org
Soulful solstice
Saturday festival at Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
There’s much more to this time of year than bountiful daylight. Just check out the annual Socrates Summer Solstice Celebration, an annual event “in the spirit of renewal,” says Shaun Leonardo, Socrates’ public programs and community relations director. In that spirit, urban shaman Mama Donna will perform a ritual to celebrate the sacred day.
“She asks for people to think about how we are connected to Mother Earth, and how we can better our relationship with Mother Earth, both spiritually and in our day-to-day being,” says Leonardo. Pre-ritual, visitors can enjoy face painting and designing costumes while picnicking and enjoying the Manhattan skyline. Other evening events include sound performances — voices, instruments and electronics — throughout the park, as well as free sunset kayak rides on the East River.
When: Saturday, 5 p.m. to dusk
Info: Free. 718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org
‘Scope it out
Stargazing at the High Line, between West 13th and 14th streets
Had enough of the Kardashians? Get a look at some real stars as the High Line partners with the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York to help New Yorkers put it all in perspective as they gaze at the moon, the planets and the stars through a number of high-powered telescopes — without having to escape the confines of the city.
“The High Line is actually one of the best places to see the sky, because all of the lighting is below the waist. That affects how you can see the sky,” explains Gonzalo Casals, director of public programs, education and community engagement for Friends of the High Line.
After spotting Saturn’s rings, grab a bite at one of the food vendors between West 15th and 16th streets — anything from tacos to gelato.
When: Tuesdays through Oct. 28, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Info: Free for all ages. 212-206-9922, thehighline.org
Get cruising
Sunset sail with the Classic Harbor Line, Pier 62 at 22nd Street and the Hudson River
Ever sit at your desk and daydream you were sailing off into the sunset? Dream no more: Classic Harbor Line charters cruises that sail around Manhattan, complete with booze and snacks.
Choose from two schooners — the 105-foot America 2.0 or the 80-foot Adirondack — to simply enjoy a cool breeze off the water while watching the sun fade behind the cityscape. Or, for the more active, sign up for an evening wine tasting or sample sushi and sake prepared fresh by Iron Chef Morimoto.
When: Through November, various departure times
Info: Costs vary by cruise and food and drink offerings, $52 to $124. 212-627-1825, sail-nyc.com