Oh goodie, it's my favorite time of year! Although it's been hot as balls for weeks already, today marks the "official" first day of summer, and, more importantly, the arrival of the annual New York Magazine Summer Guide! NYMag always has a way of reminding me of all the reasons why I put up with the broiling heat of summer and bitter cold of winter just to live in this city, and the summer guide is a particularly compelling example.
I feel like nowhere else do people appreciate warm weather more than in New York, as evidenced by the near-unlimited daily offerings of summer-only outdoor events and concerts. So many, in fact, that The Onion spoofed the whole phenomenon itself, with an article entitled "Nation's Boyfriends Dreading 'Free Event In The Park' Season." Sure, they're talking about the country in general, but I'm convinced that New York is the most extreme example by far (so what if I'm biased?). Luckily, I have no boyfriend to drag along with me, so my single girlfriends and I are free to joyously partake in any and all cheesy summer events. Some highlights:
EVENTS at HIGHLINE PARK
- Tuesdays through July, 10-11am: free Pilates Fusion classes
- Tuesdays through August, dusk til 9:30pm: stargazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association
- Thursday, August 12, 6pm: Salsa on the Highline - live music and free salsa lesson
MOVIES WITH A VIEW
Thursday nights at Brooklyn Bridge Park through September 2. Seat-snagging and live DJ at 6pm; films begin at sundown. Highlights:
- July 8: Annie Hall by Woody Allen
- July 29: Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock
Prospect Park Bandshell, through August 8. Highlights:
- July 8: Itutu: Armitage Gone! Dance - African dance plus "punk ballet" plus live music equals coolness
- July 29: Mother India 21st Century Remix - 50's Bollywood remixed with live contemporary music
Live outdoor concert series at PS 1; Saturdays through September 4. Highlights:
- July 17: Ratatat DJ-ing live
- July 29: Animal Collective DJ-ing live
Annual pig-roast and dance party at the avant-garde Brooklyn space 3rd Ward; July 18, 2-9pm
Outdoor film screenings in Bryant Park; Monday nights through August 23rd. Park opens at 5pm for seat-snagging and picnicking; films begin at sundown. Highlights:
- July 26: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- August 2: Rosemary's Baby by Roman Polanski
Also in Bryant Park: free yoga classes, Tuesdays 10-11am, and Thursdays 6-7pm, through September 30th