Summer is that one season that gets on everyone’s good side – school is out, shorts are in and there is a plethora of events to partake in. If you are in the Northeast this summer and plan on heading to New York City, here are a few things I think would be worth your time to visit!

1. Concerts in NYC

Aside from Madison Square Garden, many concerts are held in Queens and neighboring areas. While tickets to MSG performances can get expensive, some more cost efficient options include Forest Hills Stadium (refer to this, especially for those Bob Dylan, Mumford and Sons, or Disclosure fans, they’ll be here!). While I’m shamelessly pitching my own town, I might add that if you are afraid that there isn’t anything to do in Queens, I shall dispel that with this article. Governor’s Ball is another huge event held on Randall’s Island. You get to experience one of the hottest music festivals of the year. Check it out!

2. Shakespeare in the Park

Every summer in the Delacorte Theater, The Public Theater holds performances on a Shakespearean work free of charge to the audience! The shows are top-notch and worth going to every minute of the summer. This year’s production is of "The Taming of the Shrew" (a great read) and "Troilus and Cressida." Even if you don’t think you are into Shakespeare, or plays for that matter, it is still very worth giving it a shot. (I never thought I would get into plays either, so trust me.)

3. International Night Market

Starting on April 23, the lot near the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows will be holding open-air night markets, featuring independent vendors selling merchandise, art and food and all celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens. The event runs every Saturday night, from 6 p.m. to midnight. There is some wicked good food here – I tried everything from shark-sandwiches to Hawaiian food to crazy twists on good ol’ mac-n-cheese.

4. The U.S. Open

This is pretty self-explanatory. There are opportunities to go free of charge, as well! It’s a great venue to see the conglomeration of international people coming together for a great event.

5. Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center

One thing I think that is lost when you live in the city is actually the deeper connection to other people in your daily life. While we interact with people on a daily basis, it is minuscule compared to dancing with strangers! In this fun, carefree environment created by the people at Lincoln Center, you can loosen up after a long day of work or any stress, get your dancing shoes on and move your body! (I promise, no one will judge you.) See for yourself, as it is held all throughout summer, as well.

6. Free Summer Movies

On the NYC parks webpage, you can find yourself on a big lawn with a picnic blanket, watching a good movie and catching some of the cool summer night breeze. The series runs throughout the summer and takes place in many parks across NYC, so you don’t have an excuse to miss out on this one.

7. July 4th Festivities

OK, I won’t advise you to do this each year, but please try this at least once! Downtown Manhattan becomes super lively when Independence Day rolls around – good music, great food and wonderful fireworks to end the night – and should not be missed out on. Get there early because it will be crowded and you will feel like you’re being suffocated. At the end of the night, walk along Wall Street and see this part of town dead empty – it’ll give you a different perspective on one of the central business districts of the world.

8. Summer Streets

Break out your bike, scooter, rollerblades or your running shoes and get ready to roll! On three Saturdays in August, almost seven miles of New York City is closed down for most of the day for people to get active! Ride along Park Avenue and admire the architecture as you zoom through tunnels and between buildings. There are plenty of rest stops to do fun things at, as well! Free swag, free zip-lining and the like are all available to you! (Above is an example from previous years.)