When summer arrives in New York City the Upper West Side blossoms with fun and exciting activities for all ages. Warmer weather allows you to spend time in our beautiful parks and stroll along the Hudson River.
The streets come alive with music and lively cafes line the sidewalks. There always seems to be a festival or two celebrating all manner of life in NYC. Farmers Markets abound and street vendors offer all kinds of treasures. Come with us as we explore things to do on the Upper West Side this summer.
Summer on the Hudson is the name of the yearly outdoor arts and culture festival. The festival takes place in Riverside Park, from 59th Street to 153rd Street. Throughout the summer you’ll find a mix of performances of music and dance, movies beneath the stars, DJ dance parties, things for the kids to enjoy, wellness activities and so much more. As we said, the warmer weather means natives and visitors to the UWS can enjoy so much in the way of outdoor activities and Summer on The Hudson is one of our top ways to do so.
Riverside Park is a mere 6 minutes walk from The Wallace but in view of all of the walking you’ll do as you stroll the festival, a 3-minute cab ride may be a better idea. You can find out the details and what’s going on when you’re in town by downloading the complete calendar of events.
One of the many changes during the Covid pandemic was the Open Streets events. The event began as a way to get people outdoors and allow some form of socializing while still maintaining a safe distance. The ongoing event has been turned into a way of bringing attention to climate change and a fun way to do so.
Collections of blocks throughout the UWS shut down automobile traffic and prioritized pedestrian and bicycle traffic instead. Outdoor dining, pop-up entertainment, and other activities turn some of the UWS’s busiest areas into festive block parties.
Here are the Open Streets locations for this season:
Columbus Avenue from West 68th Street to 77th Street ( a 5-minute stroll from The Wallace, or 4 minutes by car.)
West 94th Street from Columbus to Central Park West (7-10 minute car ride from The Wallace)
Amsterdam Ave from West 106th to Cathedral Ave. (8-10 minutes by car from The Wallace)
More streets are added to the Open Streets event and the information is subject to change so be sure to check the status before you go.
A highlight of Pride Month in NYC is the renowned parade and street fair. This year it will be held on June 30th. 2024’s Pride events promise to be memorable. This year’s theme is “Reflect. Empower. Unite.” 2024 also marks 40 years since the first Pride March brought the LGBTQIA+ community together to demand equality and justice for people from all walks of life.
Events will be going on all over Manhattan and the other boroughs but here on the UWS, there is plenty of Upper West Pride. The iconic Pride Lights will be turned on inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine beginning on May 31 and continue to shine for the month of June. There will be music, book discussions, and other events to follow. The Cathedral is a 10-minute car ride from The Wallace. Of course, the Cathedral offers a great reason to meander the 45-minute walk and take in other sights in the UWS community.
The UWS restaurants and bars go big for Pride with themed parties and specials throughout the month of June. Pride also offers many ways for you to serve the UWS community if you so choose. Come and get involved as the Upper West Pride is a wonderful way to support the LGBTQIA+ community and have a great time.
Some of the best times happen organically and summertime offers so many opportunities for that to happen. Dine at a sidewalk cafe or sip an Aperol Spritz as you watch the people go by.
Rooftop bars are opening up for the summer throughout the UWS. One of our favorites is The Heights Bar and Grill. Just a 10-minute car ride from The Wallace, The Heights invites you to “dine above it all” and enjoy their casual “New York Mex” fare and amazing cocktails on their rooftop.
The Wallace Lounge offers you a perfect way to begin, end, or spend your evening. Sleek and sophisticated with an easygoing nature, The Wallace Lounge serves classic and imaginative, expertly crafted cocktails along with a variety of small shareable plates and a creative assortment of bar favorites. Listen to live music and enjoy the ambiance. Best of all, it's close by.
Whether you fancy a morning stroll along the Hudson while sipping your coffee, an afternoon picnic in Riverside Park or you long to kick up your heels at a lively street celebration, the Upper West Side has got you covered. And when you book your stay at The Wallace you're close to everything that makes the UWS a prime destination with all the luxury amenities you’ve come to expect from a superior hotel.