Bridge and Borough Newsletter

Week of June 9-15, 2025

Bridge and Borough readers, it's the second full week of June! I found some spectacular big events this week. Broadway premieres, music festivals and more.

Manhattan:

The Driver Era: Obsession Tour (Monday 6/9, 7:30-10pm) - This indie-rock duo takes over Central Park's SummerStage! This high-energy benefit concert at Rumsey Playfield supports the summer's free programming while delivering an unforgettable performance. The Driver Era brings their signature sound to one of NYC's most iconic outdoor venues.
cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage

Jean Smart in "Call Me Izzy" Opening Week (Opening Thursday 6/12, Various Shows) - Six-time Emmy winner Jean Smart returns to Broadway for the first time in 25 years! This darkly comedic one-woman show at Studio 54 tells the story of a Louisiana woman with a life-changing secret. Smart's first Broadway role since her Tony-nominated turn in 2000 promises to be the theatrical event of the summer.

https://callmeizzyplay.com/

"Encounters in the Milky Way" Planetarium Show (Daily Shows Starting Monday 6/9) - Experience the cosmos with Pedro Pascal's narration! The American Museum of Natural History debuts this stunning new space show featuring data from billions of stars. This 25th anniversary celebration of the Rose Center takes you on a journey through galactic motion spanning billions of years.
amnh.org

Lincoln Center Summer for the City Launch (Thursday 6/12-Ongoing) - The massive free festival launches its third season! Over 200 free or choose-what-you-pay events spanning music, dance, theater, opera, and immersive experiences. Highlights include virtual reality performances, drag opera nights, and silent disco celebrations.
lincolncenter.org

Brooklyn:

Juneteenth New York Festival (Saturday 6/14) - One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the world takes over Prospect Park! Over 20,000 people are expected for this week-long festival featuring music, dance, poetry, historical performances, vendors, and family activities. The weekend of June 14 features the main stage performances and cultural programming.
juneteenthnewyork.com

Jazz Age Lawn Party (Saturday 6/14-Sunday 6/15, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) - Step back to the Roaring Twenties on Governors Island! This spectacular event is one of NYC's most beloved summer traditions, with thousands of revelers dressed to the 1920s nines. Enjoy live music from Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, learn the Charleston, sip period cocktails, and picnic with stunning harbor views.
jazzagelawnparty.com

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Opening Shows (Various Dates This Week) - The legendary free outdoor concert series at Prospect Park's Lena Horne Bandshell kicks into high gear this week. Known for launching careers and bringing world-class artists to Brooklyn for free, this festival is a summer institution.
bricartsmedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn

Queens:

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Free Summer Programming (Daily All Week) - The iconic park under the Unisphere hosts daily Zumba classes (Wed-Fri 6-7pm, Sat 11am-12pm), Queens College student concerts at David Dinkins Circle (2-4pm select dates), and weekend fitness classes including yoga and Pilates. All activities are completely free!
allianceforfmcp.org

Jackson Heights Art Club "On The Fence" Outdoor Show & Sale (Saturday 6/14, All Day) - The Jackson Heights Art Club presents their outdoor art exhibition and sale on 34th Avenue at 80th Street in Jackson Heights. This 65-year-old community art organization showcases paintings and artwork by accomplished local club members in an open-air setting. The event features original artwork available for viewing and purchase. The club has been committed to furthering knowledge and enjoyment of visual arts throughout Queens since its founding.
Jackson Heights Art Club at St. Mark's Church, 33-50 82nd Street

- Bridge and Borough