Summer in the City – New York’s festivals, cultural events and more

Visitors to New York have a dizzying array of festivals and cultural events from which to choose. If you’re heading to The Big Apple this summer, there is Shakespeare in Central Park, Yoga in Times Square and even a Mermaid Festival on Coney Island. 

 Stay centrally at one of Apple Core Hotels’ three boutique properties in Manhattan – Broadway @ Times Square Hotel, The Hotel @ Times Square and nyma, the new york manhattan hotel – all offering the perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of the city’s summer events, some of which, are outlined below:

Mermaid Parade (20th June), Coney Island:

Juxtaposed against the amusement parks of Coney Island, the enchanting Mermaid Parade is a one-day event where over 1,500 beautifully bright home-made costumes are exhibited along Surf Street and beyond on colourful floats.  The event encapsulates New York’s quirky and creative spirit and is the largest art parade in the country. As night falls, enjoy eye-catching fireworks and a carnival atmosphere into the early hours and don’t forget to try one of Nathan’s famous hot dogs from the branch on Coney Island’s Boardwalk. Admission is free.

Yoga in Times Square (21^st June), Times Square:

Set against the iconic backdrop of neon billboards and high-rise buildings, celebrate the Summer Solstice by finding inner peace in Times Square.  The ‘Mind Over Madness Yoga’ all-day event will enable thousands of yoga buffs to learn from New York’s leading instructors in a makeshift ‘outdoor studio’ between 42^nd and 47^th street.  Admission is free but it is essential to pre-register.

The Cheesemonger Invitational (27^th June), Long Island City:

Just a train ride away from Manhattan, Larkin Cold Storage plays host to the  The Cheesemonger Invitational, an event in which the country’s most celebrated cheese makers battle it out for the title of ‘Best Cheesemonger in America’.  The event takes place from 5 to 8.30pm and members of the public can buy a ticket ($60 in advance/$75 on the day) and eat and drink as much as they like.  This is the perfect event for turophiles (cheese connoisseurs) who know their raclette from their fondue, and who wish to sample some of the most innovative artisan cheeses from the very best producers.

Free concerts at MoMa (July):

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) presents a series of live musical performances in New York’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden every Sunday in July.  This year’s concerts will include music from members of The New Juilliard Ensemble School and Jazz at Lincoln Center.  Gates open at 7pm and the 90-minute concerts start at 8pm.  Admission is free.

Shakespeare in Central Park (May-August):

Undoubtedly one of New York’s most popular summer events, this year’s Shakespeare in the Park productions at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater include The Tempest (27 May – 5 July) and Cymbeline (27 July – 23 August).  Set deep in the park in an incredible amphitheatre, just off 80^th Street, tickets (maximum two per person) are available from midday on the day of the performance. Admission is free but be prepared to queue.

Sample price: Perfect for summer stays in New York, combining great locations with great value (and rooftop bars to boot!), book a three-night visit this summer from £219 pp (two sharing a Queen room) with Apple Core Hotels’ three properties: nyma, the new york manhattan hotel, The Hotel @ Times Square or broadway @ times square hotel.  Excellent free-of-charge amenities include WiFi, continental breakfast (think fresh bagels, jams, cream cheese, juices, cereal and yoghurt), calls nationwide, 24-hour business centres, fitness centres and in-room coffee makers. Flights extra – from around £400 pp in June with Skyscanner.

Rooftop bars with sweeping city views have recently-opened at nyma, the new york manhattan hotel (Cloud Social) and The Hotel @ Times Square (VU46).

For more information visit www.applecorehotels.com or www.mydayinnewyork.com.

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Press: For further information call Julia Farish or Camilla Colley at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email c.colley@travelpr.co.uk or j.farish@travelpr.co.uk.