Free and Paid Things To Do In New York City (July 15-21)
New York City in mid-July? It’s a summer dream. The streets are buzzing, the parks are alive with music and art, and the skyline is lit up with outdoor movies and festivals.
Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s something for everyone this week. Here’s your guide to the best free and paid events happening in the city from July 15 to 21.
Free Events
Tequila Fest New York – July 19
TEQUILA FEST is the ultimate party for tequila lovers across the U.S.! This year’s edition is coming in hot with free tequila drinks (while supplies last) and complimentary BBQ chicken and jerk chicken to keep you fuelled all night long.
And of course, the vibes will be on point—some of the best DJs in the country will be spinning all night to keep you dancing from start to finish.
- Address: 518 Gardner Ave., Brooklyn
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tequila-fest-new-york-city-2025-tickets-1225649824619?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Reggaeton on the Pier – July 19
Pier 15 will be taken over for a full-on Latin dance floor with reggaeton, Latin trap, dembow, and global beats going all night. Come ready to move.
- Address: 78 South St. #Pier 15, New York
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/719-reggaeton-on-the-pier-latin-party-watermark-tickets-1345651853919?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts – July
Enjoy the world’s oldest continuous free outdoor classical music series. Founded in 1905, these concerts offer high-quality performances in a beautiful, informal setting. Pack a picnic and relax to the sounds of live orchestral music.
- Address: Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park, New York
- Website: https://www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/concerts/naumburg-orchestra/
Harlem Meer Performance Festival – July 13 to Aug. 17
Every Sunday afternoon, enjoy free live music performances at the Harlem Meer. This family-friendly event offers a variety of genres and is a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in the park.
- Address: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park, New York
- Website: https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/events/harlem-meer-performance-festival
Paid Events
Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets – July 18
Catch the Cincinnati Reds as they face the New York Mets at Citi Field. Enjoy a day of MLB action in one of New York’s iconic ballparks. Tickets are available, with prices starting at $20.
- Address: Citi Field, 41 Seaver Wy, Flushing
- Website: https://www.mlb.com/mets/ballpark
Astoria Silent Disco: Beer Garden Bash -July 18
You don’t wanna miss this. Every other Friday, NYC’s biggest beer garden turns into a wild “silent” rave—and it’s a whole vibe.
Think: hundreds of people rocking glowing headphones, switching between three live DJs, and dancing like it’s 1am (because it probably is). The music’s blasting in your ears, but from the outside, it looks like a party in a dream.
- Address: 29-19 24th Ave., Queens
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astoria-silent-disco-beer-garden-bash-with-3-live-djs-tickets-1146500005379?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Zach Bryan with The Front Bottoms – July 18
Country sensation Zach Bryan headlines a powerhouse lineup at MetLife Stadium, joined by indie-punk duo The Front Bottoms and rock band Kings of Leon. Expect an unforgettable night of live music under the stars.
1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford
- Address: 1 MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford
- Website: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/zach-bryan-tickets/artist/2811359
Queens Night Market – July
Explore a vibrant night market featuring food from over 80 countries, local art, and live performances. With a $5 price cap on all food items, it’s an affordable way to experience global cuisine and culture.
- Address: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
- Website: https://queensnightmarket.com/about-us
SummerStage Concerts
Various Parks Across NYC
Enjoy a diverse lineup of music, dance, and theater performances at SummerStage. From Afro-punk to Latin jazz, there’s something for everyone. Most concerts are free or low-cost, making it an accessible way to enjoy live entertainment.
Check out more from our SummerStage lineup post here!
- Address: Various Parks Across NYC
- Website:https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/
Whether you’re looking to enjoy world-class theater under the stars, dance to live music in the park, or indulge in global cuisine at a night market, New York City has something exciting for you this week. So grab your calendar, pick your events, and make the most of this vibrant summer week in the city that never sleeps.
More…