Beat the Heat: July in New York City

Summer is in full swing: the mercury is climbing, the humidity is up, and New York is ripe for fun. Below is a curated selection of just a few things to keep you busy and cultured this July in the Big Apple. Read for suggestions from Shakespear to Pickleball.

Don’t miss out on seeing the timeless tragedy of Hamlet brought to life at Shakespeare in the Park this summer. Shakespeare in the Park has become a cherished tradition in New York City, drawing a devoted crowd. The event is organized by the Public Theater, a non-profit theater organization with close ties to Broadway and Hollywood. Productions often feature well-known actors and are directed by renowned theater professionals.

Experiencing live theater in the beauty of New York’s Central Park with the Belvedere Castle as a backdrop would be well worth the admission if it weren’t free already– but you’ll still need a ticket. Tickets are distributed at several locations. This summer Hamlet will be running through August 6, 2023. With few exceptions, performances are Monday through Saturday at 8pm.

Monday – Saturday 8 pm

The Delacorte Theater Central Park

Enter at 81st St & Central Park West or 79th Street & Fifth Avenue

One of the city’s most beautiful summer traditions that you won’t want to miss is Manhattanhenge. What is Manhattanhenge? We’ll give you a hint: the name is a nod to Stonehenge, the British stones that align perfectly with the setting sun at summer solstice. This July for two days only you can experience the natural alignment of the sun and Manhattan’s street grid system. The beauty of the setting sun will drop between skyscrapers and tall buildings creating long lines of light and perfect uniformity. It’s a unique moment when New Yorkers pause to take in the sunset and the merger of city and nature. For the best viewing suggestions, see Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s write up for the American Museum of Natural History.

July 12 at 8:20 pm (full sun)

July 13 at 8:21 pm (half sun)

With decades of celebration under its belt, the well-established French Institute Alliance Franҫaise (FIAF) is slated to host its annual Bastille Day celebration this July 14. So grab your beret and head out to the Upper East Side for some savoir-vivre. From 12pm to 5pm discover a little slice of France on Madison Avenue from 59th to 63rd Street. Live music, French wine, film screening, food vendors and more are just a few of the ways French culture will be celebrated. See the FIAF website for a full schedule. Link above.

July 14, 2023

12-5pm

Madison Ave from 59th -63rd Streets

Jazz legend and musical great, Louis Armstrong’s very own museum is opening this month. The center will be home to his personal 60,000-piece collection and a venue for live music, lectures and screenings. The collection will contain personal photos, recordings, manuscripts, letters, mementos and more from Armstrong’s legendary career. The 75-seat venue will host performances, lectures, films, and educational experiences year-round. The museum will be open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays starting July 6. Tickets can be purchased at louisarmstronghouse.org. Tours have limited capacity, so book in advance.

Louis Armstrong House Museum

34-56 107th Street

Corona, NY 11368

If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re part of the shrinking minority! Pickleball is all the rage across the US and more and more people are enjoying the social nature of the game. Try your hand at CityPickle at Central Park’s Wollman Rink. Its 14 courts are home to the largest pickleball installation in the Northeast! Courts are open from 7am to 9pm daily and all skill levels are welcome. Each court has room for up to 8 players, which makes the fee of $80-120 reasonable per person. Courts also each have a cabana, where you can order delicious food, drinks and even host parties.

Wollman Rink

830 5th Ave

New York, NY 10065

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.