Now that summer is right around the corner York College students should be on the verge of making plans on how to spend their well-deserved summer vacation.
While a summer getaway may be the obvious choice for some, a trip out of the state or country is not always a viable option. For those who choose to stay local, there are a number of fun things happening here in three boroughs to make the most of your free summer nights.
Queens
Put aside those simple trips to the theater. There are several events in Queens that are of interest for any adventurous young person looking to try new things and have a “royal” good time.
You can never go wrong with a good street fair during the summer months. At the 14th annual “Forest Hills Festival of the Arts,” you can enjoy good food, good music and a fun-time atmosphere. The festival is held every year at the beginning and end of summer and stretches over seven blocks. This year’s festival will feature world class entertainment on 70th Road with over 150 street venders and rides for kids.
The festival begins on June 8, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located along Austin Street from 69th to 72nd road.
The following month, the creativity continues at the fourth annual “Kew the Music” festival. “Kew the Music” is a week long festival featuring a different musician each day from July 16 to the 21. Ticket prices vary between standard tickets and reserved enclosure, the latter of which gives you and few friends the perfect spot in the front section of the arena for a traditional summertime picnic.
This year’s performers include Elvis Costello, July 16, ($73.70 standard, $88.95 reserved) Björn Again on the 17, ($56.76 standard, $72.01 reserved) Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on the 18, ($70.31 standard, $29.81 reserved) Simple Minds on the 19, ($73.70 standard, $88.95 reserved) and Bill Bailey 20, ($70.31 standard, $29.81 reserved). All performances will be held at the Royal Botanical Gardens and run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Almost everyone these days is a sports fan. If tennis is your thing, then the U.S. Open Tennis Championships may be just what you are looking for. The championships are held every year at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows and tickets are surprisingly affordable. This year’s Open lasts from Aug. 25 until Sept. 8. Tickets are on sale now from third party sites like StubHub for as low as $38. For more information, visit usopen.org.
Brooklyn
This summer Brooklyn will celebrate the sea, take over the big screen and reach the summit, with various events going on through the borough. BK is shaping up to be OK for the summer.
Can you hear it? The sea is calling! On June 21, Coney Island U.S.A. celebrates the “2014 Mermaid Parade.” The Parade highlights the ancient myths and folklore of the sea related to the Coney Island seaside. This year’s event will feature several muscle car clubs and the Hungry March Band. A new king and queen will also be crowned this year’s parade. Move over Ariel because this Mermaid is anything but little.
Movies, movies and more movies. That’s what it is all about at the “2014 Brooklyn Movie Festival,” perfect for any movie aficionado. The festival will screen over 100 movies from competing filmmakers. Though the deadline for submissions has passed, the event is still open to the public for anyone looking to enjoy a good movie or two (or 50).
The 2014 Brooklyn Movie Festival will run from May 30 until June 8, tickets are on sale now, at brooklynfilmfestival.org.
The “Soul Summit Music” Festival is an annual summer event that takes place Sunday afternoons in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn. In the last eight years the festival has drawn people from all over the tri-state area and has become an anticipated family friendly summer event in Brooklyn.
The event runs through July into August from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and showcases the talents of various musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, photographers, and dancers.
Visit the event’s official website for updates on who will be attending come July at soulsummitmusic.com
The City
Any New Yorker knows Manhattan is the place to be no matter the time of year. This summer is no exception. You can have a ball, brew up some new ideas and even see things that will make you “fringe.”
Three days of all the music you love in one place. That’s the idea behind the much lauded Governor’s Ball. This years’ Ball brings together some of the most popular names in music including J. Cole, Vampire Weekend, Foster the People, Janelle Monae, Childish Gambino and more. The event is located on Randall’s Island and will run from June 6-8. Tickets range from $100-$230 for three day general admission.
A beer tasting is as good an excuse as any to get drunk in New York this summer. Local food magazine Edible Manhattan will host its “Good Beer” beer tasting event Thursday, July 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. where food will also be served.
The Brewery is located at 82 Mercer Street. Of course, you must be 21 and older to attend. Ticket prices vary, with general admission starting at $70.
New York is home to some of the most unique and interesting people. If you want something a little more, well, unique, then the “New York International Fringe Festival” is right up your alley.
The festival features over 1000 performances of strange and bizarre talents.This event will run from Aug 8- 24 and is located in Midtown Manhattan. Tickets prices range from $15 to $500, the latter of which gives you access to all 34 shows. For more information regarding more specific performance held during the festival, visit http://www.fringenyc.org
So there you have it! A complete list of events to help any New Yorker enjoy their summer. This list proves you don’t need to go somewhere away from home to have a good time. Instead, try a staycation. Have a great summer everyone!
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