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When the weather warms up, the streets of New York City come alive, with plenty of experiences, events, and things to do. From open-air movie nights to trendy rooftop bars, there’s an endless list of things to do and see in NYC, especially within its parks and green spaces, including Bryant Park. This urban oasis boasts a range of summer programming that you can easily take advantage of when you book a stay at the Park Terrace Hotel, located right on Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.
Keep reading to discover the top things to do in and around Bryant Park this summer.
Grab a picnic blanket and head to Bryant Park in the middle of Manhattan to catch film screenings such as Roman Holiday and Zoolander, with the cityscape and a star-studded night sky as your backdrop. Screenings take place every Monday evening from June until August. In addition to Bryant Park, you can also see free film screenings all around NYC, including at the Seaport District, Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Randall’s Island Park.
No matter where you’re headed, be sure to get there early to secure a spot, and remember to pack snacks or snag some eats from one of the nearby food vendors.
Bryant Park’s outdoor summer performing arts festival runs until September 14 and consists of live music, dance, and theater events in collaboration with NYC institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the New York City Opera, Classical Theatre of Harlem, American Symphony Orchestra, and others. Bryant Park staff is there to lend out blankets and provide bistro chairs during the performances. Plus, it’s all free! Food and drink is available for purchase from a rotating lineup of artisanal vendors.
Taking sweating in the summer heat to the next level when you sign up for one of the park’s fitness classes.
Designed for all skill levels, the yoga classes, which take place through September on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings, are free and open to the public (registration is required though). The hour-long, instructor-led classes happen on the Upper Terrace, directly behind the New York Public Library, and on the lawn. Mats aren’t provided, but each room in our Park Terrace Hotel comes with a yoga mat, so there’s no need to pack one. Be sure to arrive early to reserve a spot.
On Thursday evenings in July, participate in all-levels boxing classes with a focus on fundamentals and conditioning. You’ll learn basic strikes, defensive movements, footwork, and classic shadow-boxing drills. No prior experience is necessary, but bring boxing gloves if you have them. Classes are held on the terrace in front of the New York Public Library. You can also learn and practice the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi on Tuesday mornings through August.
During the warmer months, the Reading Room provides visitors with books, newspapers, and magazines to read in the park. There’s also a robust schedule of literary events, including discussions with best-selling authors, poetry nights, story time for kids, and even a summertime book club.
Learn how to keep those balls in the air thanks to the Bryant Park Jugglers who provide free juggling classes throughout the year. Or take part in beginner knitting classes on Wednesday afternoons through September. Volunteers are on hand to teach you how to cast, knit, purl, and more. Plus, yarn and needles are provided.
As the locals know, ‘tis the season for rooftop bars and outdoor dining in NYC. So consider sipping a refreshing cocktail as you take in the city views from one of NYC’s sky-high venues. Overlook Bryant Park and admire views of the Empire State Building from the Park Terrace’s Terrazzo. Or head to the Bryant Park Grill, situated on a prime patch of park behind the New York Public Library. While the indoor dining room takes reservations, the restaurant’s buzzy seasonal patio is seated on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to get there early to avoid the crowds.
Ready to have some fun in the sun while in NYC? Browse our special offers to book your stay at the Park Terrace Hotel and enjoy convenient access to Bryant Park’s full summer lineup.
