Bridge and Borough | Week of June 16-23, 2025

Hello Bridge and Borough readers! This week brings the summer solstice and the longest day of the year! I've found some wonderful events happening in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

Manhattan:

Solstice in Times Square: Mind over Madness Yoga
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 7:30am-8:30pm
Thousands of people gather in Times Square every summer solstice for free yoga classes throughout the day. The sessions run for 13 hours straight at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue. It's a peaceful way to celebrate the longest day of the year right in the heart of the city. The early morning and evening sessions tend to be less crowded. Free yoga mats provided while supplies last.
Free | Times Square (Broadway & 7th Ave, 43rd-48th Streets)
Register: TSQ.org/Solstice | Live Stream: TSQ.org/Solstice

Swedish Midsummer Festival
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
The Swedish Consulate is hosting a traditional midsummer celebration in Rockefeller Park. You can make flower wreaths, learn Swedish dances, and try traditional Swedish food. The festival happens right as the sun sets over the harbor, making it a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. Features traditional music by Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute.
Free | Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City
Info: Battery Park City Authority | RSVP: Eventbrite

Fanatics Fest NYC
Friday-Sunday, June 20-22, 2025
Sports fans will love this three-day convention at the Javits Center. This year features Fanatics Games, where 100 participants compete in sports challenges for nearly $2 million in prizes, including $1 million cash and a Ferrari. Even if you're not competing, there are exhibits, collectibles, athlete autographs, and celebrity appearances to enjoy.
Javits Center | Adults: $60/day or $150/3 days | Kids: $30/day or $65/3 days
Tickets: FanaticsFest.com

JAPAN Fes - Upper West Side
Sunday, June 22, 2025
The Japanese food festival returns to the Upper West Side with authentic street food including ramen, takoyaki, and taiyaki. Event organizers call it the world's largest Japanese food festival. You'll find dozens of vendors serving traditional dishes at reasonable prices.
Upper West Side | Free entry
Info: Timeout NYC

Brooklyn:

Everyboody Pride at BAM
Various dates this week
After six years, BAM's Pride celebration returns with four floors of performances, art, and music. The event features local queer artists, DJs, and community conversations. It's a great alternative to larger Manhattan Pride events, with a more intimate community feel.
Brooklyn Academy of Music | 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
Info: BAM.org

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
All week | Various times
Free concerts continue at the Prospect Park Bandshell this week. The series is known for featuring both established and emerging artists. Many performers who played here early in their careers have gone on to achieve major success.
Prospect Park Bandshell | Free
Schedule: BRICArtsMedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn

Smorgasburg Weekend Markets
Fridays at WTC | Saturdays in Williamsburg | Sundays in Prospect Park
The popular food market runs at three locations throughout the weekend. Over 70 vendors serve everything from classic New York foods to international specialties.
Multiple locations | Free entry
Info: Smorgasburg.com

Queens:

Summer Solstice at Socrates Sculpture Park
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 5:00pm-8:30pm
Celebrate the summer solstice with food vendors, art installations, and views of the Manhattan skyline. The park hosts this annual celebration as the sun sets over the East River. It's a relaxed way to mark the longest day of the year.
Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City | Free
Info: SocratesSculpturePark.org

Flushing Meadows Daily Programming
Monday-Sunday | Various times
Free fitness classes and activities continue throughout the week at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The schedule includes Zumba classes (Wed-Fri 6-7pm, Sat 11am-12pm), yoga sessions, and student concerts near the Unisphere.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park | Free
Info: NYC Parks

- Bridge and Borough