Jazz, Film & Shakespeare: Free Summer Events on the UWS
If you're searching for things to do in NYC this summer, look no further than Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
With tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and easy access to Central Park, the neighborhood comes alive during the warmer months, and nowhere is this more evident than in its vibrant roster of free summer events in NYC.
From live jazz and outdoor film screenings to Shakespeare under the stars, the area offers an unforgettable mix of music, art, and community.
Hudson Classical Theater Company Presents: The Lady from the Sea
Hudson Classical Theater Company brings Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea to life at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park. Running Thursdays through Sundays from July 24 to August 17, 2025, the open-air production starts at 6:30 p.m., with cushions provided and seating on a first-come basis. The “pay what you can” model keeps the experience accessible while supporting artists and production costs.
From the Wallace Hotel, it’s about a 5-minute ride share to the monument. The setting is steeped in history, framed by the greenery of Riverside Park and the Hudson River beyond. Arriving a little early not only secures a good seat but lets you enjoy the park’s quiet paths before the curtain rises under the summer sky.
Summer Jazz Sensations at Dante Park
Each Wednesday afternoon, Dante Park becomes a lively haven for music lovers during the Summer Jazz Sensations concert series. Located at Broadway and 64th Street, just about a 15-minute walk south of the Wallace Hotel, this weekly event invites guests to enjoy smooth jazz and big band classics in a laid-back, open-air setting.
What makes this event particularly special is its timing of midday, just when the city could use a break from its usual rush. Bring your lunch, settle in under the shade of the trees, and savor the sounds of seasoned performers and up-and-coming talents.
The music is always top-notch, and the backdrop of bustling Broadway juxtaposed with serene greenery gives the whole experience a cinematic feel. This is quintessential New York at its most accessible, free, diverse, and deeply musical.
Outdoor Movie Nights Near Lincoln Center
If jazz by day sets the tone, then film by night delivers a fitting encore. In the evenings, Damrosch Park transforms into an urban cinema as part of Lincoln Center’s “Summer for the City” series. These film screenings typically feature indie gems, cult favorites, and classic Westerns, curated by local arts organizations that know how to pick a crowd-pleaser.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Wallace Hotel, these movie nights offer the perfect excuse to slow down, kick back, and watch a story unfold against the Manhattan skyline. The setting alone is worth the visit, string lights twinkle overhead, and the hum of the city softens as the opening credits roll.
It's the kind of magic that makes you fall in love with New York all over again. Whether you’re with friends, a date, or just soaking it in solo, it’s a moviegoing experience that no indoor theater can match.
Shakespeare in the Park & Outdoor Theatre
There are few traditions more iconic than Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park. Staged at the Delacorte Theater, about an 18-minute stroll through Central Park from the Wallace Hotel, these productions by The Public Theater bring Shakespeare’s timeless plays to life with a distinctly New York energy.
The performances are free, though you’ll want to arrive early to secure a spot, as these shows are among the most popular free summer events in NYC. Whether it’s a witty comedy or a dark tragedy, the plays are elevated by the ambiance: birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the occasional distant siren, a reminder that even in the heart of nature, you’re still in the greatest city in the world.
RCTA Sunset Concerts in Riverside Park
If your ideal evening involves music and a waterfront view, make your way to the RCTA Sunset Concert Series in Riverside Park at 96th Street. About a 25-minute walk or short bike ride from the Wallace Hotel, this weekly series brings together local and international musicians for performances that begin as the sun dips below the Hudson.
As the music fills the park, the river reflects shades of orange and lavender, and the city’s noise fades into the background. Performers range from folk and jazz artists to reggae bands and world music ensembles, giving each concert its own flavor.
These shows are family-friendly and attract a laid-back crowd of parents with kids, couples on picnic blankets, and solo listeners, all soaking up the scene. It’s a reminder that New York’s cultural richness extends far beyond its stages and museums.
Plan Your Stay
From midday jazz in Dante Park to riverside concerts at sunset and Shakespeare in Central Park, the Upper West Side is a summer stage for free and unforgettable entertainment.
If you're searching for things to do in NYC this summer, these free summer events in NYC are not to be missed.
Book a stay at the Wallace Hotel to find yourself right in the middle of the action, making it the perfect home base for experiencing the very best of summer in New York.