A Guide to July in New York City: Ball Drops, Pool Parties, and Sun-drenched Activities
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This month kicks off strong with firework displays and Independence Day soirees on rooftops but what about the rest of the month? If you're still wondering what you're going to be up to through July, we've got you covered with a round up of things to do and ways to stay active. Grab your sunscreen, a cold drink and get ready for an exciting Summer month in the city. Things to do in NYC this July
Looking for ways to enjoy this weekend's festivities? Explore our Guide to July 4th Celebrations!
Manifesting Marilyn: The Making of an IconThings to do in NYC this July
Things to do in NYC this July
Get to know the real Norma at this exhibit that goes beneath the signature icon's legacy. 💋🎬🎟
Celebrate the Marilyn Monroe at Manifesting Marilyn: The Making of an Icon, an immersive exhibition at Genesis House. Rather than revisiting the Hollywood legend's familiar mythology, the exhibition explores Monroe as a reader, thinker, strategist, and visionary through thoughtfully designed installations, including a recreation of her personal library, private office, and vanity. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM now through August 2nd.
Witness 8 Legendary Ball Drops in Times Square at The Skylark
For the first time ever, the iconic Times Square Ball will drop eight times on July 3rd, counting down to midnight across every U.S. time zone in celebration of Independence Day! 🥳️🏙🥂
Perched above Midtown Manhattan, The Skylark offers panoramic skyline views and a direct vantage point of the Times Square Ball, making it one of New York City's premier destinations for this one-night-only celebration. Whether you're a local or visiting for the holiday weekend, guests can toast to the Semiquincentennial while taking in an unforgettable view of this iconic celebration.Things to do in NYC this July
Beat The Bomb Launches Limited Edition America250 Mission
Grab your friends and attempt to Beat The Bomb with interactive agility puzzles and mind benders OR get blasted! 🎟💣🥳️
Adventurous patriots can head to Brooklyn to experience the all new Summer Mission: America250 experience, revamped with new and reimagined games plus a star-spangled paint blast finale. Visitors will explore and complete 5 all-new video game rooms: Overboard!, Cannonball, Grill Out, Laser Lock, and Beach Ballin' with a Star-spangled finale: red, white and blue paint blast. The first 250 players will score a limited edition collectible Bombie Beach Towels and exclusive 'Merica Slushie with a Premium or VIP ticket.
Sunday Sessions at Daintree LES with Nu-Disco and House Music
Take in the Summer ambiance with drink specials, live music and picturesque skyline views! 🍸🌇🎶
Enjoy Sunday Sessions perched above the Lower East Side on Orchard street at Daintree (139 Orchard St, 16th Floor). The gorgeous space serves crafted cocktails alongside a curated bar food menu while showcasing live musical talent during their lively series highlighting local house and nu-disco music. On Sunday, July 5th guests can enjoy a kick-off set from DJ Tipton starting at 3 PM and exciting drink specials till 6 PM.
Delmonico's Debuts New Baked Alaska "America's Birthday Cake"
Be the first to experience a new sweet treat at Delmonico's, created by acclaimed chef Miro Uskokovic of Hani's Bakery + Cafe and Delmonico's longtime consulting pastry chef! 🇺🇸🍨🥄
The commemorative dessert launches this weekend in Lower Manhattan and will serve as a signature menu item at Delmonico's Reserve, the brand's highly anticipated new Midtown Manhattan concept scheduled to open in Fall 2027. Founded in 1837, Delmonico's is widely recognized as America's first fine dining restaurant and one of the most influential culinary institutions in the nation's history. Drawing inspiration from the original Baked Alaska, a dessert popularized at Delmonico's during the nineteenth century by legendary chef Charles Ranhofer, this modern interpretation is available as a dessert for two. The historic creation takes intricate preparation so only 10 of the desserts will be produced daily.
Catch An Outdoor Film Screening With A View
Movies With A View presented by Persol offers a summer's lineup featuring beloved classics and modern hits, taking place across the globe from the southern coast of Italy to Costa Rica and back to New York City. 🍿🎬🌆
With a diverse blend of genres, including action, romantic comedy, and a musical, there is something for everyone to enjoy. July's lineup features a diverse blend of genres and brings viewers together under the stars at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn, offering stunning sunset views of the New York Harbor and lower Manhattan. Each evening, the lawn opens at 6 PM and the movie begins at sunset. Entry is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday, July 9: When Harry Met Sally (R, 1989, 95 minutes) - This classic romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal attempts to answer the question, “Can men and women just be friends?”
Thursday, July 16: Bend it like Beckham (PG-13, 2002, 112 minutes) - Leading up to the World Cup Final, revisit the popular film about a young woman chasing her passion for soccer despite her family’s wishes.
Thursday, July 23: The Talented Mr. Ripley (R, 1999, 139 minutes) - Based on the bestselling novel, this psychological thriller sets Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow against the Italian Riviera, making it the perfect film to watch on a summer evening in the park.
Thursday, July 30: Clueless (PG-13, 1995, 97 minutes) - The beloved film adapted from Jane Austen’s Emma about a high school student playing matchmaker for her peers and teachers is a perfect movie to watch on the lawn with friends.
Eat Artisanal Confections at Kee’s Chocolates on Front Street
Award-winning artisanal chocolatier Kee’s Chocolates opens new boutique alongside the growing mix of retail and lifestyle destinations in the South Street Seaport Historic District! ⛵️🛍💝
The beloved New York-based artisanal chocolatier, is celebrating the grand opening of its new boutique shop at 222 Front Street in Lower Manhattan’s Historic Front Street district, which marks Kee's Chocolates' return to brick-and-mortar retail. Known for its handcrafted confections made fresh daily, the new location welcomes customers to explore the new thoughtfully designed space to witness the craft of chocolate-making firsthand including its signature bonbons, macarons, and fruit-based sweets. The Front Street shop features an open kitchen concept with clear glass frontage, allowing visitors to observe the meticulous process behind the brand’s acclaimed chocolates.
Taste Global Flavors at NYC Summer Restaurant Week 2026
Grab a bite somewhere new while exploring international cuisines during New York City's Summer Restaurant Week!🍷🍛🌎
Arvine (19 Greenwich Avenue, West Village) One of the West Village's most charming neighborhood restaurants, Arvine blends refined European influences with seasonal American cooking under Chef/Owner Joe Anthony and Sommelier/Owner Adrien Falcon. Delight in a $60 three-course prix-fixe dinner highlighting signature dishes including Grass-Fed Bison Tartare with Calabrian chile "gochujang," Squid Ink Pappardelle with bolognese and garlic breadcrumbs, Spiced Cod with asparagus and béarnaise, or Grilled Flank Steak with pine nut chimichurri and black garlic. Finish with an indulgent Affogato or the nostalgic Milk & Cookies featuring mascarpone ice cream and miso caramel.
Dhamaka (119 Delancey Street, Lower East Side) Following Chef Vijay Bhardwaj's celebrated menu refresh, Dhamaka continues to spotlight India's lesser-known regional cuisines with fearless, flavor-packed dishes. The restaurant's $60 three-course Restaurant Week dinner offers an ideal introduction to the new menu, with starters like the Tangri Kebab stuffed with Amul cheese alongside favorites including Shami Kebab and Paneer Tikka. Entrées feature new standouts such as the smoky Dhungar Gosht and Tawa Bhindi, alongside Murgh Hari Mirch Korma and Paneer Methi, all served with rice and warm paratha. Dessert concludes the experience with either fragrant Paan Kulfi or the beloved Apricot Delight.
Masalawala & Sons (365 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn) Celebrated for bringing the vibrant traditions of Bengali cuisine to New York, Masalawala & Sons presents a soulful $45 three-course Restaurant Week dinner filled with comforting classics. Begin with favorites like the crisp Beguni or the restaurant's beloved Biyebarir Fish Fry before moving on to richly spiced Kosha Mangsho, Butter Chicken, Chennar Dalna, or Saag Paneer, each accompanied by rice. End on a cooling note with the house-made Bhapa Doi, the classic Bengali yogurt dessert.
Naks (201 First Avenue, East Village) One of New York's most exciting destinations for contemporary Filipino cuisine, Naks showcases the bold, deeply rooted flavors of the Philippines through its $60 three-course Restaurant Week dinner. Guests can start with Kanto Fried Chicken, Kinilaw, grilled pork belly, or charred cabbage before choosing from standout entrées including the restaurant's celebrated Kare Kare, Adobo Rice served in a clay pot, Pancit Kabute, or Shrimp Laing simmered in a spicy coconut stew. Dessert features a choice of silky Leche Flan or rich Ube Cheesecake.
Tamarind Tribeca (99 Hudson Street, Tribeca) As it celebrates 25 years as one of New York City's defining destinations for Indian fine dining, Tamarind Tribeca marks Summer Restaurant Week with a refined $45 three-course lunch available July 20 through August 16. The menu begins with elegant starters including Rawa Machli, Murgh Ke Soole, or Bharwan Kachori before guests select two entrées from signature dishes like Lobster Pepper Masala, Marchwangar Korma, Masala Arbi, and Bharwan Aloo Banarsi. Finish with a choice of Rasmalai Tres Leches or traditional Payasam for a memorable finale.
Milan-inspired San Babila Café Opens with Gelato on the UES
San Babila Café is a new Milan-inspired café and bakery concept on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, offering artisanal Italian pastries, specialty coffee, gelato, and modern dessert! 🇮🇹🍦🗽
Inspired by Italian café culture and backed by a family legacy in hospitality, the brand brings together tradition, creativity, and everyday neighborhood appeal. Rooted in the rhythm and style of everyday Italian café culture, San Babila is designed as an all-day destination for morning coffee, casual breakfast, midday bites, afternoon sweets, and spontaneous dessert stops. The concept blends traditional Italian influence with a playful, contemporary approach, offering New Yorkers an elevated but approachable place to gather throughout the day. Expect an array of Italian Froyo, specialty coffee, gelato, Italian pastries and croissants, macarons, customizable cakes made from scratch, and topped focaccia.
Poolside Cabanas at The Summer Club with DJ TOBEHONEST
Lounge in a cabana or beach chair for a poolside view of tech house producer and DJ TOBEHONEST at The Summer Club on July 12th! 😎🍹👙
The perfect seasonal escape awaits at The Summer Club, where visitors can sip Summer cocktails in the shade of a private poolside cabana. Whether you want to book a cabana or soak up the sun on a beach chair, its the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. The open air rooftop lawn boasts a curated schedule of live music daily featuring a roster of select DJs offering a poolside club experience.
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