By: Dean Wiener
Everyone who isn’t fleeing New York City as the temperatures rise is very much in luck! There are hundreds of cultural events scheduled to take place this summer as more folks are interested in getting outside and enjoying themselves after two long summers spent in quarantine. The New York Post has listed some of their favorite theatrical, musical, cinematic, and even gastronomical!
Up first is the classic Shakespeare in the Park. Last year, professional theater returned to the city after a long COVID-related shutdown with Shakespeare in the Park. This summer the 60-year-old Central Park institution is back in its full glory with two productions: “Richard III” (running June 17-July 17) starring Danai Gurira of Marvel’s “Black Panther” as the title king; and a new musical version of the comedy “As You Like It” (Aug. 10-Sept. 11) from the talented composer Shaina Taub, whose “Suffs” is currently on at the Public Theater downtown. Tickets for al fresco Shakespeare are free and there are plenty of ways to get your hands on them (a daily distribution in-person, a standby line and a digital lottery). Unlike Broadway, you will have to present proof of vaccination to enter, but face masks are not required.
Various dates. Delacorte Theater, 81 Central Park West; PublicTheater.org
For those in a film-minded mood, these outdoor screenings combine indie films with parties — sometimes even after-parties. The events are held at unique venues scattered throughout the city, not all of them rooftops — past locations include the Greenwood Cemetery and the top of Old American Can Factory in Gowanus — and often kick off with drinks and live music. Some fun titles this year include “Fire of Love” (June 15), a documentary about a volcano scientist couple; “Memoria,” a Tilda Swinton-led flick from Palme d’Or winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul; and “I Love My Dad” (July 3) starring Patton Oswalt.
Various dates and locations. Tickets are $16. RooftopFilms.com
For anyone with food and beverage appetites, Discover exciting local food vendors at this open-air food festival, which is held weekly in Williamsburg, Prospect Park, lower Manhattan and Jersey City and made the Spaghetti Donut and the Ramen Burger famous. Belly up to bites from vendors like Big Mozz, known for its giant fried mozzarella sticks in Prospect Park; Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria (at World Trade Center, Jersey City and Prospect Park); lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster Pound (at World Trade Center, Jersey City and Prospect Park); and Rosie’s Empanadas (Jersey City and Prospect Park). Meanwhile, at the Bronx Night Market at Fordham Plaza, now in its fifth year, a rotating lineup of more than 50 vendors showcase cuisines from more than 20 countries. Don’t miss Filipino-style barbecue from Barbecue on a Stick; cajun seafood like fried shrimp and lobster from Rockin’ Cajun Seafood Grill, known for its seafood boils, lobster fires and po’ boys; and Jamaican specialties like jerk chicken from Rostacy Jamaican Food.
Various dates and locations. Smorgasburg.com.
May 28 at 1 p.m. Bronx Night Market, 1 Fordham Plaza; TheBronxNightMarket.com
And if you are feeling bubbly, check out this nationally touring hard seltzer festival at lower Manhattan’s Pier 36, where imbibers can sample more than 100 fizzy flavors. Expect crowd pleasers like White Claw and Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzer as well as more novelty brands like Vizzy, BuzzBallz and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer on tap. Attendees can also indulge in munchies from rotating vendors, soon to be announced, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo moments.
Aug. 6. Tickets start at $35. Pier 36, 299 South St.; Seltzerland.com
