Grab your sunglasses and favorite sun hat there’s nothing quite like summer in New York City. The weather is warming, the sun is shining, and across the city are events and happenings that you need to add to your calendar. Play kickball in Brooklyn, see a SummerStage show, dance with sea creatures on Coney Island. In the city in the summer, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a native or visiting for a long weekend, take advantage of these can’t-miss summer events in New York City recommended by NYC-based BlueOrange Travel. BlueOrange specializes in corporate and luxury travel to New York and destinations around the world.

The Seven Best Summer Events in New York City

­­Join the Brooklyn Kickball League

What to relive your childhood glory days on the playground? Join the Brooklyn Kickball League as a free agent and play the favorite game of hipsters and school children around the country. As a floating player, you will be contacted when a team is down a member, and for a small fee you can play with a different team each time you’re called up. Or you and your friends can always form your own team to join the league. Check out brooklynkickball.com for more information.

The MoMA PS1 Warm Up Party

Starting June 30, and every summer Saturday through Labor Day, dance and see amazing modern art at the MoMA PS1 Warm Up Party. This event is part dance party, part art exhibit and all fun. With the MoMA’s PS1 courtyard transformed into its own unique installation and the best live and electronic music playing, guests can dance the evening away. Tickets are available for a single party or for the entire series on MoMa’s website.

Fleet Week

Celebrate the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps with this weeklong bash that all begins with the Parade of Ships that cruise along the Hudson River. Look for military demonstrations, a Memorial Day ceremony and other events across the city. Fleet week runs from May 23 through May 29 this year.

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

Following the example of Jackson Pollock and Willem DeKooning who sold their paintings on the sidewalk near Washington Square, artists set up in the park to sell their works around Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Today, art lovers from around the world visit Washington Square to shop for their next favorite or to see the latest trends in painting, photography crafting and more. Visit WSOAE.org for more information.

Brooklyn’s Rooftop Vineyard

Brooklyn is home to Rooftop Reds, the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. Make reservations for a tasting, Wednesday wine and cheese pairing or a viticulture class to learn all that you can about the process and the wine created in your borough. The space is also used for yoga gatherings and movie nights all summer long, so visit the Rooftop Reds website for more information.

Free, Live, Outdoor Music at SummerStage

Music lovers flock to SummerStage each year when the weather turns warmer. With a diverse blend of artists all summer long in New York City’s parks, there’s something for everyone all season. Look for performances from favorites like Kool & the Gang, Old Crow Medicine Show, Big Daddy Kane and O.A.R, or see dance performances from world-renowned artists. Visit the City Parks Foundation website for a full concert schedule and show details.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Don’t miss this fantastic and fanciful celebration of the ocean and summertime in Coney Island. The Annual Mermaid Parade is a beach tradition. Mermaids and mermen follow Queen Mermaid and King Neptune, this year Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman, through the main streets of Coney Island. This year’s parade is Saturday June 16, at 1p.m. Plan the perfect summer day at the beach with a ride on the Cyclone, a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog and the memorable Mermaid Parade.

Mark your calendars and call BlueOrange Travel now to plan your summer trip to New York City. With first-hand knowledge of the city, BlueOrange will help you find the perfect hotel and travel options to fit your budget and preferences.