This and That: Things To Do in NYC in July 2024 (Free Events + Hamptons Events!)
July is NYC is all about getting outside (and sometimes, out of the city altogether). From fireworks shows to polo matches, there’s something for everyone. Get out for a good cause or a good time. Here are a few events in NYC (and slightly beyond!) in July 2024.
Free Event: Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
What is it: The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks is the centerpiece of Independence Day celebrations in NYC. With over 60,000 pyrotechnics spread along several miles of the Hudson River, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks promises a dazzling display, epitomized by the new "all-American shell" bursting into patriotic hues. This year, viewers from Manhattan's west side and New Jersey will witness the extravaganza thanks to the show’s return to the Hudson River after a decade on the East River.. While tickets aren’t required (just a friend with an apartment on the Hudson River), the city's distribution of 10,000 free tickets underscores the show's massive appeal and enduring legacy, now in its 48th year.
Why go: Fireworks are as American as pie. Or baseball. Or whatever. The return to the Hudson offers wider viewing and grander displays, making it a must-see. The show’s scale, artistry, and overall patriotic tone makes it a quintessential summer activity in NYC and really marks the peak of summer in the city.
What's involved: Lavish fireworks show along the Hudson River.
Thursday, July 4th, 2024 from 8:00pm onward along the Hudson River. Information here. Free open public viewing is available along the West Side Highway.
Conversations with Nature: High Line Anniversary Lounge and Tour
What is it: Celebrating another fruitful year of a multi-modal collaboration between Champagne house Ruinart and iconic High Line elevated park, a comfortable and cozy outdoor lounge has opened on the elevated park, near the Meatpacking District. With lovely umbrellas offering some much-needed shade and a reclaimed shipping container serving as a bar, visitors can tour The High Line with Ruinart and also enjoy pours of Ruinart’s signature Champagnes.
Conversations with Nature: High Line x Ruinart Tours
As part of the Ruinart and High Line partnership, you can enjoy a guided experience to delve deeper into the park’s biodiversity and learn more about Ruinart and the High Line’s sustainability practices first-hand. Each tour will end in the High Line Anniversary Lounge, where guests will have the opportunity to taste a glass of Ruinart’s unique Blanc Singulier (which we recommended here). The tour is open to the public with advance registration. Tickets are $35 per person with proceeds supporting the operation and maintenance of the High Line.
Why go: The High Line is a stunning achievement in the world of industrial reclamation and reuse. Stretching 1.45 miles along Manhattan's west side, the linear park built on an elevated railway track offers green spaces, art installations, and scenic views. Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, has supported the park as well as completely transformed its own practices as a producer to be more sustainable and environmentally-mindful. The Anniversary Lounge serves as a relaxing respite in the city, while giving visitors a chance to sample Ruinart’s precise approach to winemaking.
What’s involved: A relaxing lounge perched on the edge of the award-winning High Line elevated park. Champagne served by the glass. Guided tours by reservation.
Now until Sunday, July 14th, 2024, open daily at the High Line’s Chelsea Market Passage (situated at 10th Avenue and W 14th St). Information about the lounge and tour reservations here.
Free Event: Wimbledon’s The Hill in New York
The Hill in New York. Image: The Hill in New York.
What is it: Inspired by the famous "Henman Hill" (or "Murray Mound") at the All England Club, Wimbledon has once again taken “The Hill” on the road, returning to NYC with a bigger and better experience for the world’s most exciting tennis tournament. Just as it happens in England, NYC fans can gather and watch tennis matches on big screens outdoors while enjoying British delicacies and friendly banter. The event and viewing is free, but you’ll need to register for the ticket lottery to score a spot on the green.
Why go: Following the event’s popularity during its first two editions, The Hill in New York will be relocating to a bigger venue under the Brooklyn Bridge, which you can read about here. This year’s event features live Wimbledon Finals viewing in a picturesque outdoor setting but adding to the experience, you can indulge in British traditions like strawberries & cream, Pimm’s Cups, and Wimbledon-themed activities including a garden bar and picnic options. The clothing available at the Wimbledon Shop in NYC includes Wimbledon's exclusive clothing line, designed specifically for the event and rarely accessible to shoppers in the US outside of The Championships.
What's involved: Entertainment, exclusive merchandise, food, and drinks.
Friday, July 12th through Sunday, July 14th, 2024, 6:00pm-9:00pm at Empire Fulton Ferry at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Information and sign up for the ticket lottery here (requires a myWimbledon account).
East Hampton: LongHouse Summer Benefit
An Event at Longhouse Reserve. Image: Jesse Pafundi.
What is it: Situated in a more bohemian corner of East Hampton, LongHouse Reserve was created in 1991 by iconic artist and textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen and has turned into one of the Hampton’s most cherished sites, inspiring visitors to live with art in all forms. With a robust calendar of weekly events, LongHouse Reserve has also become an inspiring place for discussion, having hosted conversations with likes of Jonathan Adler, Michele Oka-Doner, Christine Coulson and more.
Why go: The annual benefit is a chance to explore and celebrate LongHouse Reserve’s most impressive asset: the sixteen-acre wonderland of land-based and outdoor art that surrounds a Shinto Shrine-inspired main residence. The benefit gives guests an opportunity to examine and enjoy over sixty outdoor works, including permanent pieces by artists such as Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, Toshiko Takaezu, and Willem de Kooning, alongside seasonal loans from notable artists such as Daniel Arsham, Maren Hassinger, Isamu Noguchi, and Ai Wei Wei. Modern artist, drag queen, and costume designer Machine Dazzle will join as Master of Ceremonies. (We recently reviewed Machine’s work at the University of Michigan Museum of Art).
What's involved: Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, dinner, followed by an after-party plus ongoing auction featuring works by Marcia Resnick, Eric Fischl, Ugo Rondinone, Cindy Sherman, Laurie Anderson, honorees Kenny Scharf and Tony Bechara, and more.
Dress code: Imagination.
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 from 8:00pm at The LongHouse Reserve. Starting at $175.00. Information and tickets here.
MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2024 Series
MoMA PS1 Warm Up 2023. Image: Ryan Muir for PS1.
What is it: For 26 seasons, MoMA PS1’s summer music series, Warm Up, has delved into electronic music's evolution. Set in the museum’s courtyard, the 2024 lineup boasts global and local talent, including Detroit techno legend Terrence Dixon, Jersey club luminary UNIIQU3, and queer icon KIM AHN. The series features an innovative stage by artist Stewart Uoo. Rooted in New York City's rich nightlife history, it offers a unique blend of sonic experimentation and dancefloor energy, drawing both music aficionados and casual listeners alike. A group of New York-based artists key to the city’s interdisciplinary music and performance networks serves as this year’s host committee: Korakrit Arunanondchai (Ghost/BKK), E. Jane (MHYSA), Tom Laprade (Montez Press Radio), Oscar Nñ (Papi Juice), and Jen Sillen (Rash/Club Cringe).
Why go: The people watching, to start. But MoMA PS1’s summer music series is a must for electronic music enthusiasts, art lovers, and nightlife aficionados, broadly. It’s also one of the few places in the city where people will actually dance and for good reason, the line-up this year includes avant-garde ensemble Tongue in the Mind (a collaboration between artists Juliana Huxtable, Jealous Orgasm, and Via App), Paris-based electronica producer Emma dj; Atlanta-based founder of Underground & Black Ash Lauryn; co-founder of the São Paulo collective and record label Mamba Negra Cashu and more.
What’s involved: DJ sets and dancing along with refreshments in an art-forward space.
Every Friday from July 12th through August 16th, 2024. 4pm onward at MoMA PS1. Information and tickets here.
Bridgehampton: Polo Hamptons Weekends
Polo Hamptons. Image: Polo Hamptons.
What is it: In many ways, Polo Hamptons is the essence of the Hamptons lifestyle: afternoons spent in the backyard of someone’s mansion with an incredibly chic crowd observing a very niche sport. Something of an IYKYK situation, Polo Hamptons has become a signature afternoon activity in the tony town of Bridgehampton. As a refresher (or introduction) polo is a sport played on horseback. In a match, teams compete to score goals by hitting a ball into the opposing team's goal using mallets. This sport has a big following in Argentina as well as— as it happens— The Hamptons. For only two weekends in July, Polo Hamptons combines the elegance of polo with a low-key, high-style cocktail party in the sunny fields of Bridgehampton.
Why go: With Christie Brinkley, Cynthia Bailey, Bethenny Frankel, and Kelly Ripa counted among past attendees, the Polo Hamptons weekends are certainly a scene, but the atmosphere is more relaxing than high-strung, giving a taste of a less intense Hamptons experience. Beyond the matches, you’ll be able to explore the newest BMW models thanks to BMW North America, examine exquisite timepieces and jewels from Piaget, discover your next vacation destination with One&Only Resorts, and much more. Guests can sip on G.H. Mumm Champagne while taking it all in.
What's involved: Thrilling polo matches, food by Elegant Affairs, and an open bar.
Two separate match dates, both taking place at 900 Lumber Lane, Bridgehampton, New York.
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 from 4pm until 7:30pm. Information and tickets here.
Saturday, July 27th, 2024 from 4pm until 7:30pm. Information and tickets here.
Southampton: Southampton Animal Shelter’s 15th Annual Unconditional Love Gala
Jean Shafiroff at a recent Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Unconditional Love Gala. Image: Patrick McMullan.
What is it: Celebrating contributions to animal welfare with awards and fundraising activities, the Southampton Animal Shelter’s 15th Annual Unconditional Love gala is a fixture in the Hamptons social calendar thanks to the furry friends that attend and joyous atmosphere that pervades the event. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation provides shelter, medical care, and adoption services for homeless animals in the community. They rescue neglected and abandoned pets, offer rehabilitation, and promote adoption to find loving forever homes, ensuring animals receive care, training, and a chance at a better life.
Why go: Beyond the lively atmosphere, the gala is known to draw a passionate crowd. Past attendees of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation gala have included Jean Shafiroff, Beth Stern, Christie Brinkley, Howard Stern, and Jill Rappaport, along with business leaders and philanthropists from the Hamptons community. This year, the Shelter will celebrate Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports. Thanks to his viral adoption of rescue pup Miss Peaches, his advocacy has elevated awareness of animal shelters nationwide, inspiring compassion and support for animal welfare.
What's involved: Live entertainment, awards ceremony, a seated dinner, and silent auction.
Saturday, July 20th, 2024 from 6:00pm onward in Southhampton. Information and tickets here.
Dutchess County: Millbrook Horse Trials
Sharon White and Claus 63 at the 2023 Millbrook Horse Trials. Image: Amber Heintzberger.
What is it: The Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT), a premier event in the bucolic and naturally-inclined Dutchess County, epitomizes the artistry and athleticism of Equestrian culture. Held under the auspices of United States Eventing Association and United States Equestrian Federation, the multi-day event unfolds across three distinct phases: Dressage, Cross Country, and Stadium Jumping. Competitors navigate F.E.I.-designed courses amidst picturesque landscapes, tackling natural and man-made obstacles. This triathlon of equestrian sports attracts top riders, including Olympians, showcasing their finesse and partnership with horses. MHT stands as a testament to sportmanship and skill, drawing crowds to witness this thrilling display of horsemanship.
Why go: Explore a corner of the sporting world that is dripping in tradition and charm, along with plenty of truly impressive talent. Beyond the thrilling riding events, you can fill your days by shopping at the Trade Fair, enjoying delicious offerings from food trucks and the Cider Brothers Food Tent, plus encounter and special moments such as the Millbrook Market and Sip & Shop. The Millbrook Horse Trials is a celebration of sport and local culture, drawing enthusiasts and families for an unforgettable summer experience.
What’s involved: A multi-day event with equestrian eventing along with entertainment, food, and refreshments.
Wednesday, July 24th through Sunday, July 28th, 2024, with events daily at Riga Meadow at Coole Park. Information, schedule of events, and tickets here.
D’yan Forest: 90 Years of Songs & Scandal
What is it: Celebrate comedy icon D'yan Forest's 90th birthday at Joe’s Pub in NYC on July 29th with her show, "D’yan Forest: 90 Years of Songs & Scandal." As the Guinness World Records holder for Oldest Working Female Comedian, D'yan charms audiences with her witty storytelling and ukulele tunes, recounting hilarious tales from her life. Known as the "naughty version of Betty White," she brings her unique blend of comedy and music to the stage, promising a night of laughter and entertainment in the heart of New York City.
Why go: D'yan Forest's is a legend, period. Appearing on countless shows from SNL, Comedy Central, and France’s Incredible Talent, her comedy is celebrated for its candidness and variety. While she regularly performs at Gotham Comedy Club, The Broadway Comedy Club, and Le Poisson Rouge, seeing her at Joe’s Pub will be a unique experience, especially celebrating such a momentous occasion.
What’s involved: A one-of-a-kind comedy set in a legendary space.
Monday, July 29th, 2024 from 7pm at Joe’s Pub. Information and tickets here.
Other Things Around the World
Italy: The annual Fruitnet Grape Congress will take place in Bari on July 4th, 2024. Brazil: Instituto Tomie Ohtake with Iguatemi will present the groundbreaking exhibition Calder + Miró, featuring over 150 masterpieces by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró in São Paulo, from now until September 15, 2024.
