For those New Yorkers who stick around these steamy streets in June, July and August, we’ve whipped up a list of wide-ranging activities to keep you distracted from the heat:

Outdoor
Food & Drink
Books
Travel
Music
Film



By Ethan Gilsdorf

In the ominous opening of Martin Scorsese’s movie Shutter Island, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo take a boat out to a craggy-cliffed island off the coast of Boston.

Shutter Island was partly shot on an island called Peddocks, but none of the 34 real harbor islands actually look much like the movie’s computer-enhanced slab of rock.

It’s not hard to see why Scorsese and novelist Dennis Lehane found inspiration in these history-laden isles, part of the national park system since 1996 (www.bostonislands.com). Each one has its own character, and leaves its own impression.

Boston Light on Little Brewster Island.

Seven of the 11 islands currently open to the public are reachable by a 15- to 45-minute ferry ride from Boston’s waterfront. Four others are accessible by car. Day-trippers swim, fish, hike, bike, bird-watch and sunbathe on the beaches. Others camp for the night, while oil tankers ply the shipping lane and jets from nearby Logan Airport pass overhead. The Boston skyline remains a constant backdrop.

“At night we can see Fenway Park,” said Phil Rahaim, a park ranger on the Boston Harbor Islands.

But not everyone is aware of their islands, and so far, this has kept the park from becoming overrun. “Like a lot of people,” said Rahaim, “I didn’t know that there were islands out here till three or four years ago, when I applied for the job.”

As a ranger, Rahaim teaches visitors how to fish, read a compass and make tea from staghorn sumac.

Spectacle is perhaps the island most transformed after years of neglect. Once the site of a farm, a quarantine hospital, a horse-rendering plant and a resort hotel-cum-gambling operation, Spectacle also served as the city dump in the 1950s.

“Landfill liquids oozed into the water,” said Tom Powers, president of the Boston Harbor Island Alliance, one of many government and nonprofit groups that jointly administer the park. “It was a place no one wanted to go.”

In a project begun in 1992 and finished in 2006, Spectacle was shored up, covered with 3.5 million cubic yards of dirt from Boston’s Big Dig project and planted with flora. There is now a changing station for swimmers.

Totaling 1,600 acres, these islands are the only coastal glacial drumlins in the United States and swell in size to 3,100 acres at low tide, revealing an intertidal zone rich with sea life. About 100 bird species migrate or live here, as do raccoons, deer and coyotes.

Native Americans settled the islands thousands of years ago. Revolutionary War soldiers skirmished here, and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the famous all-African-American Civil War regiment, bivouacked here, as did World War I and World War II recruits.

Yet the islands harbor a darker past. In the 1670s, Indians were imprisoned and left to rot here; during the Cold War, sentries guarded Nike missile bases. On minuscule Nixes Mate, executed pirates were displayed as a warning to anyone thinking about looting passing ships.

The park’s biggest attraction might be its four lighthouses, especially Boston Light on outlying Little Brewster. Visitors can climb the light’s 76 steps and two ladders to the top and see the 1,000-watt bulb housed in a 150-year-old Fresnel lens.

The nation’s oldest continually used lighthouse site, it’s also the only nonautomatic lighthouse. Plus, its keeper is a woman named Sally Snowman. “Living on an island means you can’t just hop over to Home Depot,” she said. “You have to plan ahead.”

Snowman dresses in late 18th-century Colonial garb, part of an initiative to draw visitors with programs such as kayaking and yoga lessons, jazz concerts, vintage baseball games and children’s theater. On the wish list: more ferries to handle even more people. But increasing usage without wrecking the park is “our biggest nut to crack,” said park superintendent Bruce Jacobson.

By Staff

Rollerblading in Central Park
Rollerblading in Central Park appeals most to teenagers who need another hangout since the ice rinks are all gone, as well as Brooklyn types who are increasingly replacing bicycles with blades on Bedford Avenue. If you don’t fit in either of these categories and the idea of wearing the required wrist guards still appeals to you, we recommend rollerblading in Central Park. There’s less of a chance someone you know will see you bite it at Columbus Circle than in your own neighborhood. You can skate in the park any time it’s open; however, we recommend waiting until the weekends, when Park drives are closed to traffic. Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park; weekends beginning at 7 p.m. on Fri., Free.

Ultimate Frisbee
Because Frisbee-catching isn’t just for golden retrievers when you put the word ultimate in front of it, why not head to the park and try your hand at spinning a plastic disc through the air without smacking any sunbathers in the back of the head? You can join a league through the NYC Social Sports Club or just stand around the stoners in Tompkins Square Park until they ask you to join.

Rollerblading in Central Park.

Basketball
Few things beat a pick-up game of basketball in the summer, or so we’re told by our friends with both height and hand-eye coordination. Whether you can or can’t jump is really irrelevant, as long as at least one person on your team can, so break out the tube socks and sweat bands and hit the courts. The Parks Department offers over 500 locations to play, and leagues are also an option through Zog Sports. Sat., various locations, www.zogsports.org.

Hudson Kayaking
Kayaking on the Hudson River is like the adult version of canoeing at summer camp, minus the obligatory trip to the mess hall to make another piece of art out of macaroni that always followed. It’s becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities in the city every summer, so we suggest getting there early, or risk being stuck with an ugly-colored kayak. Through Oct. 10, Pier 40, Pier 96 & Riverside Park at W. 72nd St., www.downtownboathouse.org; times vary, Free.

Fishing
If kayaking involves too much of the Hudson River for you to handle, but you still want a water-based activity, why not try fishing? The Hudson River Park Trust provides rods, reels, bait and instructions, so don’t worry if you don’t know the difference between bait and tackle. And if retrieving fish out of the Hudson River has you raising an eyebrow, fear not: It’s catch and release, so you don’t have to eat it. May 28–Sept. 5, Pier 46 at Charles St., Pier 64 at W. 24th St. and Pier 84 at W. 44th St., www. hudsonriverpark.org; times and prices vary.

Beach Volleyball Competition
If you have moves like Maverick or Iceman, or just want to spend an afternoon looking at others who do, we suggest you check out NYC Park’s annual amateur beach volleyball competition. Those that have what it takes to ace it could walk away with a wad of cash. Details will be released in June.

Howl Festival
Tompkins Square Park is the perfect place to celebrate Allen Ginsberg’s 85th birthday with the 8th Annual Howl Festival, for reasons obvious to anyone in the know. Grab some grass (whether it’s still attached to soil is your choice) and listen to Bob Holman and Beat poets like John Giorno, Hettie Jones, Ed Sanders and Bob Rosenthal recite works, as well as a rendering of one of Ginsberg’s greatest poems, Howl (also known as that movie with James Franco). June 3–5, Tompkins Square Park, E. 7th St. (betw. Aves. A & B), www.howlfestival.com; 11 p.m., Free.

Let’s Dance!
We suggest checking out salsa, cha-cha and bachata lessons with some master teachers from Piel Canela Dance and Music School at Riverside Park, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dance like a star (or whatever constitutes one by today’s standards). It’s only happening once this summer, so be sure not to miss it. June 5, Pier 1 at Riverside Park, betw. W. 65th & W. 72nd Sts., www.riversideparkfund.org; 6 p.m., Free.

Tour de Brooklyn
If you squint just right, Prospect Heights could be mistaken for Passage du Gois, where the Tour De France starts July 2. Possibly. Regardless, Brooklyn’s 18-mile interpretation, which circuits around the borough with a brief stop at Canarsie Pier, is a chance for cyclists to extend their turf outside of the borough’s bike lanes for a day. We recommend packing both sunscreen and a poncho, as this is one event that happens rain or shine. June 5, North 12th Street and Union Avenue, Brooklyn, www.tourdebrooklyn.org; 8 a.m., Free.

Inner Tube Water Polo
If that wedding didn’t sour you completely on the royals, we suggest you pay homage to HRH by slipping on a Speedo and an inner tube for a bit of water polo. And as players are allowed to flip one another out of their tubes, we recommend practicing plugging your nose and competing at the same time. Sun., June 5–July 24, Chinatown YMCA, 273 Bowery (at E. Houston St.), www.nycssc.com; 8 p.m., $100.

Beach Fireworks at Coney Island
Coney Island’s fireworks are a clichéd element of summer we can still appreciate. Pick your way through the pre-pubescent teenagers making out under the piers and find a seat in the sand to enjoy this iconic summer event. Or at least laugh at those doing so in earnest. Fri., June 17–Sept. 5, Coney Island Boardwalk at W. 12th St., www.wonderwheel.com; 9:30 p.m., Free.

Midsummer Night Swing
If late June to mid July isn’t hot enough for you, dial up the heat on the dance floor at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park during one of Midsummer Night Swing’s epic dance parties and DJ sets. Be sure to shake your groove thing through its soul train June 28, and stick around to hear Biz Markie drop some beats after. Tue.–Sat., June 27–July 16, W. 62nd St. (betw. Columbus and Amsterdam Aves.), www.midsummernightswing.org; 6:30 p.m., $17.

Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest
Nothing says Fourth of July in New York like watching contestants distend their abdomens hoovering Nathan’s hotdogs, so if your gag reflex can stand it, head to Coney Island. Who knows, maybe another competitive eater will get arrested for crashing the event like Takeru Kobayashi did last year. An added bonus is that this year, ladies are eligible to win as much money at the contest as fellas. July 4, Coney Island Boardwalk, www.coneyisland.com; time TBA, Free.

Bastille Day Celebrations
Because celebrating a single act of independence every summer isn’t enough, make sure to celebrate two by commemorating France’s independence and the storming of the Bastille four days early on July 10. Break out the berets and nautical stripes to shop at French-themed market stalls and sample wine and cheese at the city’s annual Bastille Day block party on East 60th Street. July 10, E. 60th St. (betw. 5th & Lexington Aves.), www. bastilledaynyc.com; 12 p.m.

By Staff

KGB’s Fantastic Fiction
Speculate about the mysteries of life and science over cheap beer while you listen to good fiction. A mix of veteran and up-and-coming writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror) read excerpts and short stories once every month for this free event. This summer, highlights include Glen Hirshberg and Sarah Langan June 15 and, for the July 21 reading, Katherine Vaz and Geoff Ryman. Third Wednesdays, KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-505-3360; 7, Free.

Happy Ending (Music and) Reading Series
Host Amanda Sterns’ happy-hour readings (with music on the side), a perennially popular and star-studded series, has so far only announced its June show, featuring Amor Towles, Suzanne Bocanegra and Kyle DeCamp, but more events are in the pipeline. Stay tuned for what promises to be an intellectual and entertaining summer. First Wednesdays, Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St. (betw. E. 4th St. & Astor Pl.), 212-254-1263; 7, $15.

Word for Word Series
With an event every Wednesday this summer, the Word for Word series in Bryant Park has something for everyone. Featuring poetry, fiction and even readings for kids, the summer long fest will include Pete Hamill (June 22), Michael Showalter (June 29) and Sapphire (Aug. 3), plus discussions about all sorts of wild and wordy topics. Definitely one of the best ways to spend time outdoors in New York City.  Wednesdays, Bryant Park, enter park W. 41st St. & 6th Ave., 212-768-4242; various times, Free.

Actor Michael Calas will be reading at Symphony Space for Bloomsday on Broadway.

Franklin Park Reading Series
It’s not just locals who pack the Franklin Park Reading Series. On the second Monday of every month, the up-and-coming series brings a range of fiction and nonfiction, along with stand-up comedy, to Crown Heights’ favorite bar. Grab a boozy milkshake—yes, they serve ’em—and settle in. Second Mondays, Franklin Park, 618 St. John’s Pl. (betw. Classon & Franklin Aves.), Brooklyn, 718-975-0196; 8, Free.

McNally Jackson Fiction Book Club
Trend shattering—it’s actually successful—independent bookstore McNally Jackson is never short on interesting writers attempting to educate the fashionable illiterates of Nolita. The summer kicks off with a discussion of Iraj Pezeshkzad’s My Uncle Napoleon June 6, and other selections will be assigned soon. First Mondays, McNally Jackson, 52 Prince St. (betw. Lafayette & Mulberry Sts.), www.mcnallyjackson.com; 7, Free.

Ongoing Writers Series at BookCourt
The recently expanded Brooklyn bookstore is hosting a shoal of solid authors from all genres. Wanna talk cocaine and sadomasochistic sex? Bret Easton Ellis drops by June 23. What about reflections on rich people and their summer vacations? Reported genius Colson Whitehead stops by June 15 to discuss his novel Sag Harbor, instead of actually being in the tony Hamptons enclave. There’s something for everyone. BookCourt, 163 Court St. (betw. Dean & Pacific Sts.), Brooklyn, www.bookcourt.org; Free.

powerHouse Arena
This store for illustrated and photography-based books has an eclectic range of offerings for the summer. Time senior editor Lev Grossman will be there for the release of the paperback version of his novel The Magicians June 3, and taster of the town Frank Bruni will be stopping by with top chef Gail Simmons July 7. And Aug. 11 finds funnyman Michael Rubens of The Daily Show reading from his new novel. powerHouse Arena, 37 Main St. (at Water St.), Brooklyn, www.powerhousearena.com; Free.

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
The non-profit has its once a year Open Air Street Fair June 5, when it opens up the secret basement vault and unloads thousands of books for a dollar each on Crosby Street. Award winning Netherland author Joseph O’Neill stops by the cafe June 10. For those of you whose psychiatric needs aren’t being met (i.e. all of you), there will be an event July 27 that’s described as “speed-dating but with shrinks,” to celebrate the paperback release of our friend Sue Shapiro’s Speed Shrinking. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby St. (betw. E. Houston & Prince Sts.), www.housingworks.org; Free.

Bloomsday on Broadway
For the past 30 years, Symphony Space co-founder Isaiah Sheffer has hosted a marathon staging of scenes from James Joyce’s Uly sses, enlisting a lot of big-name celebrities to bring the story to life to follow along a day in the life of Dublin anti-hero Leopold Bloom. Performances have been known to go on for seven hours, so be prepared for a lot of Joyce. Whatever the length, $25 is a good price for what has become a New York institution. June 16, Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway (betw. W. 95th & W. 96th Sts.), 212-864-5400; 12, $25.

Madison Square Reads
Throughout the summer, well-known writers will give free outdoor readings in Madison Square Park—right next to Shake Shack! You could read the entire book while in line! Thursday evenings in July, Madison Square Park’s Farragut Monument, enter park at E. 23rd St. & Madison Ave., www.madisonsquarepark.org; 6:30.

By Staff

92YTribeca
If you can’t escape the heat of the city, we suggest you do the next best thing by enjoying some air conditioning and a film at 92YTribeca, which has varied programming all summer long. Fairytale Road Trips is the theme of its Beer Goggle Series in June. Check out a screening of To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar June 3, because the only people who make a better road trip trio than Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando are Noxeema Jackson, Vida Boheme and Chi-Chi Rodriguez. 200 Hudson St. (at Canal St.), 212-601-1000, www.92ytribeca.org.

Alliance Francaise
Want to imagine you’re spending the summer in Paris? This June, Cinema Tuesdays presents The Magic of Jean Gremillion. And don’t worry if you’re rusty—they’re all in French with English subtitles. Little Lise is the story of a convict who returns home to discover his daughter has become a prostitute. For a steamier romp, Stormy Waters tells the tale of a boat captain stranded with another man’s wife while his own wife waits for him at home with an illness he doesn’t know about. Dark, twisted, melodramatic and gorgeous—sure sounds French! June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 22 E. 60th St. (betw. Park & Madison Aves.), 212-355-6100, www.fiaf.org.

A scene from Airplane!.

Anthology Film Archives
Cycling cinephiles should start saving the dates for The Bicycling Film Festival June 24–26. The annual event celebrates two-wheelers with film, art, music and lots more. AFA’s other film series are getting the disco treatment with a little help from Hollywood. Part 1 of Hollywood Musicals of the 1970s & ’80s: The 1970s opens June 17 with the break-up of the Beatles through a screening of Tony Palmer and Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels, and encompasses screen classics such as Sidney Lumet’s The Wiz, as well as Martin Scorsese’s New York, New York. 32 2nd Ave. (at E. 2nd St.), 212-505-5181, www.anthologyfilmarchives.org.

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival
Movies start at sunset every Monday in this outdoor film series, which opens June 20. We recommend coming early if you want a seat. This year’s festival is going old school; you won’t find a film from after 1980 on the list. Come see classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Cool Hand Luke and Dirty Harry quick before someone gets the dim idea to greenlight remakes. Monday nights June 20­–Aug. 22, Bryant Park, enter park at W. 41st St. and 6th Ave., www.bryantpark.org.

Central Park Film Festival
By late August, we’re too heat exhausted to do anything but watch movies, which makes the timing of Central Park’s annual film festival ideal. The dates and line-up of films for the week-long festival’s ninth season is still under wraps; however, we can guarantee it’ll be a mix of classic and newer movies. We couldn’t be vaguer if we tried, but trust us: It’s worth a trip to Rumsey Playfield. Central Park, Rumsey Playfield, enter park at E. 69th St. & 5th Ave., www.centralparknyc.org.

Film Forum
With Hollywood hellbent on adapting every famous film from the past 75 years or so, Film Forum’s Revivals & Repertory summer season offers a chance to see why the originals became classics in the first place, such as Planet of the Apes, 3:10 to Yuma and King Kong, as well as iconic films including Bringing Up Baby, The Maltese Falcon and a series of essential Pre-Code films that have yet to find 21st-century interpretations. Mondays are devoted to the best of Buster Keaton; 24 of his feature and short films will screen weekly now through Aug. 8. May 13–Aug. 8, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. 6th Ave. & Varick St.), 212-727-8110, www.filmforum.org.

Film Society at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center houses the most lauded film series in the city—and will soon have a whole new cinema—and this summer’s selections are especially enticing. June opens with an homage to Italian film, as it’s the 150th anniversary celebration of the movement responsible for Italy’s modern configuration the Risorgimento. Open Roads: New Italian Cinema explores films such as Mario Martone’s We Believed, inspired by the elements that led to Italian independence. Open Roads also marks the American premiere of Giulio Manfredonia’s political satire, Whatsoeverly, and director Dianni Di Gregorio’s new film The Salt of Life. 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, W. 65th St. (near Amsterdam Ave.), www.filmlinc.com.

IFC Center
Aside from screening some of the best independent and foreign films around, every summer IFC Center actually gives us an excuse to head indoors. This summer is no exception, starting with its weekend classics series, which is devoted to the works of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa now through September. Proceeds from ticket sales will aid in Japan’s disaster relief efforts through the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund. 323 6th Ave. (at W. 3rd St.), 212-924-7771, www.ifccenter.com.

Manhattan Film Festival
This film festival has held on to the indie roots on which it was founded and includes 10 days of film screenings as well as panel discussions, workshops and Q&A sessions. The fest presents a total of 132 films, 30 of which are international selections, with John Gray’s White Irish Drinkers selected for opening night. The Children and Family Program is among the new programming this year, along with the Student Film Program, featuring the work of 19 student filmmakers. For beginning filmmakers, the Festival has partnered with screenbooker.com to create the Film Revenue Sharing Program, a start-up that enables filmmakers to promote festival events and earn 50 percent of the revenue. July 22–31, 2537 Broadway (betw. W. 94th & W. 95th Sts.), 212-864-5400, www.manhattanfilmfestival.org.

Museum of Modern Art
MoMA kickstarts its summer film series with an exhibition of Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow’s works June 1. Crafting Genre: Kathryn Bigelow includes films written, directed and produced by Bigelow, from early films like Near Dark, thrillers like Point Break and films covering contemporary issues like The Hurt Locker, for which she won an Oscar. And stick around the museum this summer to enjoy a vicarious vacation to Ireland with Revisiting The Quiet Man: Ireland on Film (through June 3), or some fun for the whole family with Pixar Revisted, a film series and exhibition celebrating 20 years of Pixar’s animated works (June 25–July 9). 11 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.) 212- 948-9400, www.moma.org.

By Staff

This summer, there’s a little live music for everyone, but with so many options, it’s hard to parse exactly where you should be and when. That’s why we’ve prepared a handy Q&A to answer all your summer music needs.

It’s Friday. I’m sick of my cubicle and its lack of sunlight and plan to drink until the pangs of corporate depression set back in on Sunday evening. Where do I go?
The best option for your happy hour show-going will forever be the River to River Festival. This year’s program, which runs from June 19 through July 16, features shows from Patti Smith, Dirty Beaches, Lower Dens, Weekend, Laurie Anderson, The Wake, Bill Laswell, Rufus Wainwright, My Brightest Diamond, The Radio Dept. and more. A highlight will be the annual Bang on a Can Marathon, which takes place June 19 and features Bryce Dessner of The National, along with Glenn Branca, Philip Glass and compositions from Yoko Ono and David Byrne with St. Vincent’s Annie Clark.

Rufus Wainwright.

I don’t go to the city’s great parks nearly enough. Where can I go for some grass time and a show?
Well, your two main options are the gold standards of summer shows: SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn.
SummerStage, taking place from June 7 through Sept. 2, strikes its usual eclectic balance of genres and locations with park shows in all five boroughs. Of course, its biggest concerts take place at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. Performers include Florence and the Machine, Lykke Li, Twin Shadow, Cults, Rakim, EPMD, Wiz Khalifa, Reggie Watts, jazz legend Roy Ayers, Wavves, Talib Kweli, Milagres, Nas & Damian Marley, The Sugarhill Gang, Ryan Leslie, The Budos Band, Kool Moe Dee and Ozomatli.
Celebrate Brooklyn, set in Prospect Park, features both ticketed and free shows with an eye on the indie A-list. Performers include Animal Collective, Cut Copy, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, Best Coast and Bon Iver, with more to be announced later.
There’s also the always excellent Afro-Punk Fest, taking place in Commodore Barry Park near the Brooklyn Navy Yard Aug. 27 and 28. The fest will feature sets from Santigold, Janelle Monae, Fishbone, Cee Lo Green, Toro y Moi, Reggie Watts and more. Need more than just music? There’s also a skate and BMX competition, over 20 food trucks, a custom bike show and a ton of other activities to distract you from the debilitating August heat.

I hate this newfangled rock music that all the kids are listening to and want to break out the blazer, some wine and that picnic basket I mistakenly bought back in ’07. Is there anything classy going on?
Duh! Lincoln Center is the name of the game here. Its Out of Doors festival is celebrating its 41st season with 100 free performances throughout its beautiful properties. While opening night features the U.S. premiere of Billy Bragg’s The Big Busk and a world premiere of a site-specific dance performance entitled Water by Eiko & Koma, we’re setting our guns on the She’s Got The Power bill that includes Lesley Gore, Lala Brooks of The Crystals, Maxine Brown and dozens of other members from ’50s and ’60s girl groups. Other performers throughout the summer include Mavis Staples, Laurie Anderson and many more.

Madison Square Park’s Oval Lawn Series owns your folk, country, bluegrass and jazz fix. This year’s bill, running from June 22 through Aug. 10, features performers like Christian McBride, Dale Ann Bradley, Red Horse with Eliza Gilkyson and Davell Crawford paying tribute to Ray Charles.
The Washington Square Music Festival rounds out the classy park scene with opera and chamber ensembles, before concluding with the Charles Mingus Orchestra Aug. 2.

City-sponsored events are well and good, but isn’t there something put together by an alt-weekly with a keener eye for music?
Yes ma’am! From June 16 through Aug. 11, New York Press is programming Thursday night concerts in Union Square Park. Kicking off the festivities will be Brooklyn’s own Friends and other shows will feature Ava Luna (July 14), Grooms (July 21), The Shondes (Aug. 4), ARMS (Aug. 11) and plenty more.

I’m picky these days and only want my music with a stunning river backdrop. You have options for that, right?
No biggie. In addition to the Williamsburg Waterfront shows, SummerStage at East River Park and River to River Seaport gigs, there’s the River Rocks program over at Hudson River Park. Performers here will include Tune-Yards, Deer Tick and Metronomy.

I mostly love art, but like to kick out a few jams from time to time. Is there something for me?
Well, MoMA has its annual Summergarden series on Sunday evenings. Admission is free with entry to the museum, so check out the exhibits and then go outside for a weekend climax.

We also have experimental arts and design organization Superfront, which is accepting proposals from locals for use of a semi-outdoor space in Sunset Park every Saturday and Sunday from June 9 through Sept. 3. Go visit their website and apply if you have the next big performance, project or non-profit business idea.

Concerts are cool and all, but I want to play. Where can I do that with little preparation?
June 21 is Make Music New York, an 11-hour spectacle where musicians can play sidewalks, parks, community gardens and anywhere in-between by simply signing up. Walk around and you’re sure to hear something great amongst the horror.

By Staff

230 Fifth
The perfect place to take that out-of-town friend from the Midwest on their last night to ooh and ah them with a view of the Empire State building. Be prepared to slap down $15 for a cocktail. And then, you’ll probably move along afterward to some place less expensive and crowded where you can get your friend appropriately inebriated. 230 5th Ave. (betw. W. 26th & W. 27th Sts.), 212-725-4300.

Bier International

This Harlem spot is currently perfecting a brand-new sidewalk cafe and already has a claim to fame as pretty much the only legit uptown biergarten. It serves about 10 European drafts and also has amazing soft pretzels, so skip the same old gartens and try something new. 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (at W. 113th St.), 212-280-0944.

Boat Basin Café
Dog lovers and obnoxiously wholesome Uptown types mingle over frozen cocktails at this summer institution. Yet, we find ourselves strangely drawn there every July for the chance to hang out at the huge-for-New-York space and to enjoy the view of the setting sun burning off the toxic Jersey air—it’s worth the trip. West 79th Street & West Side Highway, 212-496-5542.

Central Park Boathouse.

Bohemian Beer Garden

Sure, beer gardens are popping up all over the city like zits on a pre-teen, but Bohemian Beer Garden is still the big kahuna that’s been serving up suds for the past 100 years. Yep, it’s located in Astoria, but it’s totally worth the trek for a dish of history with a side of sausage and beer. 2919 24th Ave. (betw. 29th & 31st Sts.), Queens, 718-274-4925.

Bookmarks at The Library Hotel

Wanna know why they call it Bookmarks? Well, because it’s in The Lib… never mind. You get it. The intimate, must-be-in-theknow setting, combined with ordering drinks with names like the Pulitzer and the Great Gatsby, will make you feel cosmopolitan indeed. And if not, you can grab a nearby thesaurus to figure out precisely how you do feel. 299 Madison Ave. (at E. 41st St.), 212-983-4500.

Cavatappo Wine Bar
Cavatappo is that rarest of things: an unpretentious little wine bar. (And we do mean little—prepare to get cozy up in there.) They’ve got over 75 varieties on their wine list, with palatable descriptions like “Concentrated Flavors with a Rich, Fuller Style,” and a menu featuring a nice selection of Italian cheeses, meats, pizzas, sketchadas (pressed pita sandwiches) and “stuff to dip things in.” There are also a few craft beers for the grape-averse. 1728 2nd Ave. (at E. 90th St.), 212-426-0919.

Central Park Boathouse

Now that Tavern has been forcefully resurrected as a giant dispenser of pamphlets, you only have one restaurant in the park that requires your attendance if you’re going to mingle with the elite and use “lunch” as a verb. This is it. You might be paying $4 per shrimp at the outdoor grill, but it’s worth it for the view and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel just by being there. Central Park, enter park at East 72nd Street & Park Drive North, 212-517-2233.

Coppelia
Julian Medina outdid himself with this new Chelsea haunt. Not only is the food spectacular, but with 24-hour access to his dulce de leche and avocado batidos (aka milkshakes), iced Mexican chocolate drinks and floats made with passion fruit, apple mojito and tamarind sodas, you can cool off all summer long at any time. 207 W. 14th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-858-5001.

The Delancey

The booze and dancing here are decent, but the rooftop lounge is the reason to go. It’s got plenty of seating and a nice, plant-enhanced atmosphere. Plus, there’s no music on the roof, so you can actually have a chat with the person you’ve just been grinding on the dance floor. 168 Delancey St. (betw. Clinton & Attorney Sts.), 212-254-9920.

Firehouse Tavern

This is a great Upper West Side spot for the not-too-pricey basics—margaritas, tap and bottled beers, quesadillas, sandwiches, gourmet pizza and wings. The theme, if you can’t guess, is a fun firehouse vibe, and it attracts patrons from actual firemen to the children who idolize them. 522 Columbus Ave. (at W. 85th St.), 212-787-3473.

Hudson Beach Café

This neighborhood enclave is actually inside Riverside Park, making it a prime summer spot for river views and watching people engage in physical activities while you sip wine. The food can be described as what would happen if a mainstream pub (the place is one of the P.D. O’Hurley’s restaurants) had a baby with a backyard barbecue. Riverside Park, enter park at West 103rd Street & Riverside Drive,
917-370-3448.

Hudson Terrace
This three-year-old rooftop lounge now hosts weekly events like Beer Garden Tuesdays and Rewind Thursdays, where they pump ’80s music under the retractable roof. If themes aren’t your thing, it’s still worth going for the view. 621 W. 46th St. (betw. 11th & 12th Aves.), 212-315-9400.

Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden

When you’ve had just about all the oil paintings and crowds you can take at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, shoot up to the roof and you’ll find yourself at a surprisingly chill rooftop bar. They serve margaritas, mojitos, mixed drinks and ice cream to complement the killer view. 1000 5th Ave. (at E. 82nd St.), 212-535-7710.

The John Dory

If oysters say “sex,” than April Bloomfield’s new seafood joint screams it, right on the street through two walls of windows and a handful of outdoor seats. Being part of the Ace Hotel aids the reality of this sentiment and, as the skirts get shorter and the dudes start going around in muscle shirts, this haute location flexes its own mussels and becomes a perfect excuse for people watching. 1196 Broadway (at W. 29th St), 212-792-9000.

Lady Jay’s

This Western-themed saloon on the busy, boozy Grand Street corridor has one major bonus that makes it stand out above the other nearby drinking spots, and we’re not talking about sort-of celebrity owner Sam Mason—it’s the backyard, stupid. A spacious deck can accommodate dozens of fresh-air enthusiasts, and a wraparound bench and accompanying tables make enjoying your shot-and-shorty alfresco an exceedingly pleasant activity. 633 Grand St. (betw. Leonard St. & Manhattan Ave.), Brooklyn, 718-387-1029.

The Mermaid Inn
If you don’t have a summer share, you can park yourself on the patio here to enjoy seafood—we’re partial to the oysters, the fried clams and the lobster roll—and a house pilsner, especially during happy hour when everything’s a few bucks cheaper. The East Village location has our own favorite people-watching, but there are also Greenwich Village and Upper West Side locations if you swim in those directions. 96 2nd Ave. (betw. E. 5th & E. 6th Sts.), 212-674-5780.

The Pier i Café

Open May through October, Pier i Café offers scenic Hudson River views and alfresco dining in addition to burgers, freshly squeezed blueberry lemonade and fresh fruit sangria. For a full day, time your visit with any number of summer events happening in Riverside Park South. Riverside Park, enter at West 70th Street, 212-362-4450.

Reif’s Tavern

Tradition trumps trends at Reif’s Tavern. Drink beer, play pool, throw darts or, if you call ahead, you can BYOM—Bring Your Own Meat—for
the outdoor grill on the backyard patio. The tight-knit regulars welcome a new face, but it might be wise to keep your Red Sox shout-outs to yourself at this sports bar. 302 E. 92nd St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-426-0519.

The Sky Room
With its 360-degree view of Manhattan and the Hudson River, we’re excited for this venue’s early June opening. Aside from being 34 floors above Times Square, we look forward to ordering drinks from the New York skyline framed bar. 330 W. 40th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-380-1195.

The Standard Beer Garden

There are a few ways to make the Meatpacking District bearable, and the most effective of those is by drinking. Do it here, under the old train tracks, with a cool German brew in your hand. 848 Washington St. (at W. 13th St.), 212-645-4646.

The Underground Lounge
A reasonably priced menu features fresh Turkish-style hummus, Corona-battered fish ‘n’ chips or panini. Get gritty with live comedy shows with no cover, an after-work Latin Party and live musicians and bands. The outside cafe seats about 30 but remember, what happens underground stays underground. 995 West End Ave. (at W. 107th St.), 212-531-4759.

Summer Food Fest Extraordinaire
Dan’s Taste of Two Forks—Chef Marcus Samuelsson will host Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, July 16 at Sayre Park in Bridgehampton, Long Island.
The food and wine event celebrates the myriad of wineries and restaurants on the North and South Forks of Long Island. The first Taste of Two Forks will showcase the best local culinary talent from dozens of East End restaurants, wineries and local brewers Southampton Ales and Lagers. Dan’s Papers, a Manhattan Media company and premier newspaper of the Hamptons, is launching the event.
For more information, visit www.danstasteoftwoforks.com.

SummerStage 2010
Central and Tompkins Square parks aren’t the only public spaces offering summertime culture to the masses: City Parks Foundation will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of its SummerStage series this year, offering up over 100 free concerts, dance pieces and plays to anyone who wants to brave the fresh air. Spread out over 16 parks in every borough, let SummerStage lure you out of icy movie theaters and into a communal experience. Mosquito bites included.
June 1 through Aug. 29, www.summerstage.org.

The Winter’s Tale and Merchant of Venice come to Shakespeare in the Park this summer.

Planet Connections Theatre Festivity
Summer is the season for festivals, and The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity hails itself as “New York’s premiere eco-friendly theater festival.” Boasting 37 full productions (including a rock opera and an adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray) and several staged readings throughout June, this festival lacks the brand recognition of the increasingly bloated Fringe Fest, which makes it all the more deserving of your time.
June 3 through 27, various locations, www.planetconnectionsfestivity.com.

Modotti
After the ignominy of Looking for Billy Haines, which used the real-life story of gay silent film star for its own navel-gazing, poorly plotted purposes, Modotti looks like a breath of fresh air. The story of photographer and silent film actress Tina Modotti, Wendy Beckett’s play follows Modotti’s fascinating life as it leads her to Mexico, where she falls in with photographer Edward Weston, Diego Rivera and Julio Mella. Think of it as a chance to learn about the Mexican art scene at the time without having to see Frida Kahlo’s unibrow.
June 8 through July 3, Acorn Theater, 410 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200.

Shakespeare in the Park
The Public Theatre returns to two Shakespeare plays (The Winter’s Tale and Merchant of Venice) after last year’s foray into Greek tragedy with The Bacchae. Al Pacino as Shylock is already rumored to be moving to Broadway next season, months before the first performance. Use your summer as a chance to gloat to your friends about having seen it long before anyone else.
June 9 through Aug. 1, The Delacorte Theater, Central Park, enter park at W. 81st St. & Central Park West, 212-539-8500.

Thank You for Being a Friend
If you’re still riding the Betty White wave of love, join the other Whiteheads at this musical parody about roommates Blanchette, Dorthea, Roz and Sophie, and their feud with next-door-neighbor Lance Bass over his loud, outdoor gay sex parties. A hit last summer, the show is back and gayer than ever. No word yet on whether last minute revisions will replace Lance with Ricky Martin.
June 13 through Aug. 1, The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-352-3101.

The Little One
Broadway hasn’t been too kind to vampires in the past (Dance of the Vampires, Lestat), but pop culture’s fascination with them is too strong for Off-Off-Broadway to deny. Besides, James Comtois’ play, about a fledging vampire learning the ins and outs of fangy immortality, has fight choreography from downtown darling Qui Nguyen, of Vampire Cowboys. Let’s hope The Little One is more True Blood and less Twilight.
June 17 through July 10, The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-352-3101.

St. Nicholas
Critics are a horrible people, cruel and arrogant; most actors would be thrilled to drive a stake through their hearts. That possibility becomes more likely in this play about a jaded theater critic who becomes entangled in a world of vampires (yes, more of them) after becoming obsessed with a young actress. It’s like the theater version of cougars obsessed with Robert Pattinson, except classy: The play was written by Broadway vet Conor McPherson.
June 17 through July 4, WorkShop Theater, 312 W. 36th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-351-3101.

I’ll Be Damned
Musical theater newbies Rob Broadhurst and Brent Black (who created this show at NYU) got lucky with their first professional effort: Mary Testa has been announced to star in the production at The Vineyard. A musical about a friendless homeschooler who gets an offer he can’t refuse from Satan, I’ll Be Damned asks the question “Is there a way to make people like you without having to sell your soul to the devil?” The usual answer to this question when homeschoolers ask is “No.” But that may not be the case here.
July 1 through 18, The Vineyard, 108 E. 15th St. (betw. Irving Pl. and Union Sq. E.), 212-868-4444.

Ice Factory 2010
The critics’ darling comes to an unceremonious end this year as the Ohio Theatre falls prey to bad economics. But that doesn’t give you an excuse to miss out on the final six shows in the soon-to-be-missed festival, none of which seem tainted with the spoofy touch that mars so many other festival offerings.
July 7 through Aug. 14, Ohio Theatre, 66 Wooster St. (betw. Broome & Spring Sts.), 212-966-4844; $15.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company’s annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is back again this year for its 16th season, offering up Love’s Labours Lost and Julius Caesar in the municipal parking lot on the LES. For anyone who likes the smell of exhaust (and the absence of raccoons) with free Shakespeare, this is the place.
July 9 through Aug. 15, The Municipal Parking Lot (at Ludlow and Broome Sts.), 212-877-0099; Free.

In God’s Hat
This play, about two brothers who haven’t seen one another since one of them was sent to prison, involves pedophilia, family feuds and Aryan skinheads. Whether or not the play successfully juggles its wild-sounding plot remains to be seen, but odds are the proceedings won’t be boring.
July 14 through Aug. 7, Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-279-4200.

2010 FringeNYC Festival
What would the dog days of summer be like without the Fringe Fest? Never mind that at this point, the fest is 95 percent vanity projects that somehow get produced, and only 5 percent worthwhile shows from new writers, directors and unknown actors. It’s a New York institution now, so get ready for the 14th year of theater taking over Downtown.
Aug. 13 through 29, various locations, www.fringenyc.org.

In New York City, spying the first Mister Softee truck of the year is a sign that summer is almost upon us, heralded by that half-irritating, half-charming and completely unforgettable jingle.

For those New Yorkers who stick around these steamy streets in June, July and August, we’ve whipped up a list of wide-ranging activities to keep you distracted from the heat. Kayak in the Hudson, scalp a ticket to see Conan and sip sangria al fresco. While we can’t promise you’ll stay cool, at least we can keep you fully entertained for the next few months.

BOOKS

COMEDY

FILM

FOOD & DRINK

MUSIC

OUTDOOR

THEATER

]]> http://ourtownny.com/summer-guide-2010/feed/ 1 http://ourtownny.com/summer-guide-2010-outdoor/ http://ourtownny.com/summer-guide-2010-outdoor/#comments Wed, 26 May 2010 12:21:13 +0000 Our Town http://ourtownny.com/?p=7085 Rollerblading in Central Park
Let’s be honest: You have an urge to strap into some rollerblades and try crossing right over left. Of course, it’s been years since you’ve grapevined, and you wouldn’t be caught dead rollerblading somewhere near where you live. Well, there are other people out there just like you. So put on a helmet and wristguards (required) and join one of these free blading tours through Central Park. Afterwards, you can sit down with the group for dinner and drinks. You’ll have to pay for that, but the memories will be priceless.
Thursdays, Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park; 7, Free.

Dodgeball
Ah, dodgeball, the gym-class activity that always ended with sitting in the nurse’s office. Now that we’re all grownup and can handle some rubber to the face, it’s time to play with the people at NYC Social Sports Club. They’ve got a league going, but you can also drop in to some of their games. Lace up your sneakers and buy a cup, because the balls are on the line.
Wednesdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, various locations, www.nycssc.com; 8-10, $15 and up.

Dance to rockabilly, tango, soul, salsa, swing and more at Midsummer Night Swing.

Inner Tube Water Polo
One of the oldest continuous Olympic sports, water polo is like an aqueous mix of soccer and handball. Adding inner tubes to the game is an extra resistance challenge, an effective form of exercise and a great equalizer: It saves the aqua-impaired from the embarrassment of wearing water wings to the next match. This league’s deadline for individual or team registration is June 26, so butter up your friends or come and make new ones!
Fridays, June 26 through August, Lower East Side locations TBA, www.nycssc.com; 8, $100.

Kickball
Come kick it like you used to during 5th-grade recess. Stick it to the playground bullies and prove that you don’t need arms to be a great athlete. Plus, players get special deals on drinks after the game (maybe a little different from the elementary school playground, but whatever).
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Lower East Side locations TBA, www.meetup.com/nykickball; 6, $100 for the season.

Ultimate Frisbee
As the New York Times pointed out in late April, Ultimate is no longer associated with dirty hippies and collegians. Whether or not your response time is limited by smoking the happy lettuce, Ultimate can be an intensely challenging sport—just ask the folks in the internationally recognized competitions. A summer league is open through NYC Social Sports Club, but pickup games can be found all over the city, including Central Park.

Beach Volleyball Competition
Claiming to be the “largest free amateur beach volleyball” competition on the East Coast, 150 teams will compete for free elimination rounds starting in July. The best ballers can win great cash prizes. The NYC Parks Department hosts, and details will be released in June.

Hudson Kayaking
Ever since Captain Sully landed a plane in the Hudson, the polluted waterway has been one of the city’s most attractive destinations. Join in on the fun with Downtown Boathouse’s 20-minute long lessons. Wear something you don’t mind getting wet, and hop into a kayak.
Through Oct. 17, Pier 40, Pier 96 and Riverside Park at W. 72nd St., www.downtownboathouse.org; times vary, Free.

Let’s Dance!
A staple of the Summer on the Hudson festival, Let’s Dance! is the best way to take the ballroom out of dancing and get down in a park. With professional lessons from the Piel Canela Dance and Music school, adventurous romantics can spend the night learning salsa, cha-cha or the bachata—a Dominican dance style similar to merengue.
Sundays, June 6 through 27, Pier 1 at Riverside Park, betw. W. 65th & W. 72nd Sts., www.riversideparkfund.org; 6, Free.

Midsummer Night Swing
For those looking to tear up the concrete with a pre-surgery Jennifer Grey look-alike, there is nowhere classier to do it than Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. Offering rockabilly, tango, soul, salsa, swing and more, acts like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra will provide foot-stomping sounds all through July. Dance lessons are offered at 6:30, with live music firing up about an hour later.
Tuesdays through Saturdays, June 29 through July 17, W. 62nd St. betw. Columbus and Amsterdam Aves., www.midsummernightswing.org; 6:30, $17.

Bastille Day Celebrations
Celebrated here on July 11, French Independence Day (which is actually July 14) celebrates the storming of Paris’ infamous political prison. In New York, Bastille Day is an excuse to play pétanque, eat crepes and get drunk in the sun on fancy wine. Although FI:AF hosts an annual Bastille day on E. 60th St. (betw. 5th & Madison Aves., www.bastilledaynyc.com), the real deal is in Carroll Gardens and Boerum Hill, where sponsors like Ricard, the sizeable French expat population and Smith Street bistros hold the Gallic-themed street fests.

Basketball
The quintessential American sport is fantastic outdoor exercise, and the Parks Department offers numerous opportunities to play, from working on your jump shot to finding a drop-in game in over 500 locations all over Manhattan—or you can join a league at Zog Sports.
Saturdays, various locations, www.zogsports.org.

Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest
An important holiday for New Yorkers, July 4 is when we celebrate an important American experience: stuffing our faces with hot dogs until our hearts pump sodium. This annual Independence Day competition has become its own spectator sport, attracting international competitors and some 30,000 people to view the contest—not to mention the million-plus that watch it on ESPN.
July 4, Coney Island Boardwalk, www.coneyisland.com; time TBA, Free.

Beach Fireworks at Coney Island
With the recession squashing developers’ plans faster than mice can make their own, our fears of losing Coney Island nights can go the way of the dodo. Friday night fireworks, which begin at 9:30 starting June 19, are accompanied by karaoke and best viewed from the top of Deno’s Wonderwheel.
Fridays, June 19 through Aug. 14, Coney Island Boardwalk at W. 12th St., www.wonderwheel.com; 9:30, Free.