By Amelia Gewirtz, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker and Area Expert

The Upper West Side is truly magical during summertime, with its verdant, tree-lined streets and parks offering a wealth of activities that are free and open to the public. Here are just a few you can take advantage of this month. 

Movie Nights

Pier 1 (West 70th)

• July 24th @ 8:30 PM: Enjoy a free outdoor screening of the iconic movie The Princess Bride. This family-friendly film stars Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes, and Mandy Patinkin. Bring your popcorn and enjoy the hilarious and brilliant PG-rated classic. Don't miss famous lines like “Inconceivable!” and “As you wish!”

Lincoln Center Damrosch Park (62nd Street, West Side)

• July 25th @ 9 PM: Watch Dick, a fabulous Watergate satire featuring Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams.

Dance and Music Events

Lincoln Center Dance Floor

• July 27th @ 9 PM: Experience the Astro Disco with the Illustrious Blacks under a 10ft disco ball, inspired by Prince, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, George Clinton, and more.

Lincoln Center David Geffen Hall Lefrak Lobby

• July 30th @ 5 PM: Ballet Hispánico performs Latin social dances and Merengue.




• July 31st @ 5 PM: NYC Ballet presents works inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream.




• July 20th @ 12 PM: Enjoy New Orleans-inspired music during Jazz Fest.

Family-Friendly Activities

Lincoln Center Garden (Damrosch Park)

• July 17th & 24th @ 11 AM: Outdoor book readings and live music for kids.

Baylander (125th Street)

• July 13th, 1-4 PM: The Science of Bubbles with Bubbledad – a fun and educational event for kids.

Theatre Performances

West 89th Street Community Garden (123 W 89th)

• July 13, 14, 20, 21 @ 6 PM: Shakespeare Festival featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream.




• July 10, 6-8 PM: On Site Opera presents fairytales.




• July 27, 28 @ 6 PM: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Riverside Park (89th Street)

• July 25-August 18: Watch Twelfth Night on Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 PM near the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.

Additional Highlights

Lincoln Center Damrosch Park

• July 13th & 17th @ 8 PM: Grammy winner Gilsons performs at Brasil Summerfest.




• July 31st @ 8 PM: Broadway’s Once on This Island by Deaf Broadway, presented in sign language.

SummerStage in Central Park (Rumsey Playfield, 72nd street)

• July 14th: Celebrate Bastille Day with a musical extravaganza.

To learn more about the Upper West Side and its real estate offerings, click here to connect with Brown Harris Stevens Agent Amelia Gewirtz.