How to Explore NYC Summer Streets 2025 Like a Local
Get ready to roam car-free streets, discover pop-up performances, and soak up the city’s summer energy, NYC Summer Streets 2025 is back and bigger than ever. Whether you’re biking down Park Avenue or grabbing snacks from local vendors, this guide will help you explore like a true New Yorker.
What Is Summer Streets?
NYC Summer Streets 2025 is NYC’s biggest open streets event, stretching from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way uptown along Park Avenue and connecting streets Each event runs from 7 AM to 3 PM on select Saturdays in July and August, when the city swaps traffic for free outdoor fun.
When & Where to Go
- Manhattan (August 2, 9 & 16): Brooklyn Bridge to Broadway and Dyckman Street
- Queens (July 26): Vernon Boulevard between 44 Drive and 30 Road
- Staten Island (July 26): Forest Avenue, Broadway to Bard Avenue
- Brooklyn (August 23): Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue
Must-Try Activities Along the Route
You’ll find tons of free activities spread out across the route’s five rest stops and other pop-up spots. For example, some crowd favorites include:
- Live fitness classes
- Bike rentals and repair stations
- Free giveaways and samples
- Art installations and live performances
- Kid-friendly play zones and obstacle courses
In addition, start early to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
Bike, Walk, or Rollerblade, You Choose
You can bring your own wheels or, alternatively, borrow one along the route. In addition, Citi Bike is offering free day passes. For even more convenience, bike valet services are available at select rest stops. But honestly, strolling is just as fun if you want to soak it all in.
Fuel Up at Local Spots
There aren’t official food vendors, but lucky for you, NYC’s best coffee shops and bakeries are steps away from the route. Enjoy local delicacies like a real local before or after your time at Summer Streets.
- To begin, grab a colorful bagel from the viral Liberty Bagels in Midtown
- Then, sip coffee from 787 Coffee on the Upper East Side
- Finally, treat yourself to pastries from The Oasis Cafe LIC in Queens
Know Before You Go
Here are a few quick tips to help keep your Summer Streets adventure smooth:
- Streets open at 7 AM sharp and close at 3 PM, so plan ahead!
- Water refill stations are available, but BYOBottle.
- Portable restrooms are set up at each rest stop.
- Most activities are first-come, first-served, so get there early.
Full Activity Calendar
26 July – Queens
(Vernon Boulevard, 44th Dr → 30th Rd)
- NYRR Start Line Series run/walk – A 2.5‑mile community-friendly route kicks off at 7:30 AM
- Mookntaka art – Mookntaka’s inflatable “Friends & Follies” pop‑ups encourage spontaneous play
- Coca‑Cola hydration zone – Offering Orange Cream, Smartwater, Topo Chico & Vitaminwater.
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Remitly – Popsicle giveaways and branded swag
 26 July – Staten Island
(Forest Avenue, Broadway → Bard Avenue)
- Mookntaka art – Mookntaka’s inflatable “Friends & Follies” pop‑ups encourage spontaneous play
- Coca‑Cola hydration zone – Offering Orange Cream, Smartwater, Topo Chico & Vitaminwater.
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour™ – FIFA-themed soccer zone, music, and giveaways nyc.gov.
2 August  – Manhattan
(Brooklyn Bridge → Dyckman)
- ALOHA protein bars – Organic, plant-based mini-bar samples
- C4 Performance Energy – New Lemonade flavor, 200 mg caffeine to boost your vibe
- Coca‑Cola hydration & drinks – Orange Cream, Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Topo Chico.
- Grand Central Terminal “Grand Lawn” – Lawn games, food/bev from GCT retailers
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Public art – Acrylicize’s interactive Collective Bloom sculpture (human-powered!)
- NYC Art Stop Letters – Snap moments at illustrated NYC letters by Yuke Li & Tou Yia Xiong
9 August – Manhattan
- ALOHA protein bars – Organic, plant-based mini-bar samples
- Coca‑Cola hydration & drinks – Orange Cream, Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Topo Chico.
- Grand Central Terminal “Grand Lawn” – Lawn games, food/bev from GCT retailers
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Remitly – Popsicle giveaways and branded swag
- Public art – Acrylicize’s Collective Bloom Interactive installation.
- NYC Art Stop Letters – Snap moments at illustrated NYC letters by Yuke Li & Tou Yia Xiong
16 August – Manhattan
- Chamber of Mothers – Free products from MomCozy, Aeroflow, Bobbie, Ritual, and Nanit.
- Coca‑Cola hydration & drinks – Orange Cream, Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Topo Chico.
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Yerba Madre – Complimentary canned yerba mate (Regenerative Organic Certified!)
- MUSH – Overnight oats & protein bar samples
- Public art – Acrylicize’s Collective Bloom Interactive installation.
- NYC Art Stop Letters – Snap moments at illustrated NYC letters by Yuke Li & Tou Yia Xiong
23 August – Brooklyn
(Grand Army Plaza → Buffalo Ave):
- Brooklyn FC soccer darts – Goofy inflatable game + giveaways, score some fan swag
- Coca‑Cola hydration & drinks – Orange Cream, Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Topo Chico.
- MUSH – Overnight oats & protein bar samples
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- NYRR 5K Start Line Series – 7:30 AM community run/walk begins along the parkway
- Mookntaka art + NYC letters repeat
23 August – The Bronx
(Grand Concourse between East Tremont Avenue and Mosholu Parkway):
- Coca‑Cola hydration & drinks – Orange Cream, Vitaminwater, Smartwater, Topo Chico.
- Siggi’s + Stonyfield booths – Sampling thick Icelandic skyr and organic yogurts
- Remitly – Popsicle giveaways and branded swag
- Mookntaka art – Mookntaka’s inflatable “Friends & Follies” pop‑ups encourage spontaneous play
- NYC Art Stop Letters – Snap moments at illustrated NYC letters by Yuke Li & Tou Yia Xiong
Whether you’re visiting one block or biking the full route, NYC Summer Streets 2025 is your chance to experience the city in a whole new way. So, mark your calendar, bring your crew, and make the most of these summer Saturdays. And if you’re looking for even more free activities, check out these Free Summer Events in Brooklyn You Shouldn’t Miss.
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