By: Stefanie DiMartino

Summer has officially started. The CDC’s latest data shows that 70% of adult New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose. This means New York is now ready to return to “life as normal” with virtually all remaining COVID restrictions being lifted. This is such exciting news, especially for NYC! For all the best things to do, the best art exhibits, and the best in dining, look no further. These are my top picks of the best things to do in NYC June 28-July 4.

And of course, if you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC for the 4th of July, I’ve got you covered!

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The Top 9 Best Things to do in NYC June 28-July 4

THINGS TO DO

SEA THE CITY: HOT TUB BOAT TOUR

Liberty Landing Marina, 84 Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305

Sea The City is offering hot tub boat tours, yes, hot tubs ON a boat! Truly, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that you do not want to miss!

This boat has two full size hot tubs on it and sails to the Statue of Liberty and back, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. I went with about 20 friends (10 per hot tub). The ride is BYOB and 90 minutes long. Coolers, Ice, and Cups are provided free of charge. Don’t miss it this summer!

PS: For FREE towels on your tour, write FUNK TOWELS in the booking comments and let them know that you got the idea from me!

SPEAKEASY TIMES SQUARE

Fridays & Saturdays, Now – July 31, 2021 | 8:00pm | $99+

Bond 45, 221 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

Speakeasy is an all-in-one immersive supper club experience that combines lavish performances with a deliciously decadent drink, dinner, and nightclub experience. It features the top aerialist, burlesque, and theatrical performers in the world. It’s only running for a limited time, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP!

Note: Each ticket for this magical mixology experience includes a flight of five cocktails and a delicious appetizer from Bond 45’s world class culinary team. A full dinner menu is also on offer for your enjoyment. Virgin flights are also on offer and guests under 21 are welcome to attend.

QUEENS NIGHT MARKET

Every Saturday | 4pm – midnight | $5+, FREE starting July 10

New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St, Queens, NY 11368

The Queens Night Market is finally back! 

“It’s a large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens, featuring up to 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring small-scale cultural performances, all celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens.” – Queens Night Market

Note about Tickets: Despite (or maybe because of) the Governor’s recent reopening announcements, we’re still very concerned about overcrowding. So, we will still be ticketed our first three weeks. July 3rd will be general admission. We’re using ticket proceeds to waive vendor participation fees. Tickets are $5, and we are pledging at least 20% of any net ticket proceeds to charities promoting racial equity and COVID relief and recovery efforts.

ARTECHOUSE: GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES BY JULIUS HORSTHUIS

Now – September 6, 2021 | 10am-10pm daily | $24+

ARTECHOUSE NYC, 439 West 15th Street, New York, NY 10011

Certainly, for an immersive and unique experience, ARTECHOUSE NYC is a must-visit. Their latest exhibition is Geometric Properties by Julius Horsthuis, an award-winning visual and fractal artist based in Amsterdam. “Go on a mind-bending journey through the infinite geometric patterns of fractal worlds, and explore an ideal future that returns to nature, using math as a source for inspiration.” – Artechouse

JANNIFER’S BODY

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 | 8pm-11:30pm | $35+

Radial Park, 27-50 1st Street, Queens, NY 11102

“RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jan is eating boys alive and living to sing about it in JANNIFER’S BODY, a blood-soaked love letter to queer horror and the emo-punk music of the early millennium. Featuring a screening of the cult classic 2009 film Jennifer’s Body along with the music of Avril Lavigne, Panic! At The Disco, Kesha, and more, this one-night-only experience in Radial Park’s uniquely “Cinemersive” outdoor drive-in arena is going to be the gay prom night you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Call your Top 8. We’ll see you there.” – Radial Park/The Neon Coven

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $57+ 

Tourism is finally picking up again in NYC! And, there’s no time like the present to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. You have quite a few tour options! You can book a custom designed private tour to fit your own personal interests with Sarah, Luis, Gary, or Marcus! Or, you can get the best of both worlds with food and sightseeing and join a newly redesigned food tour to include four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences and book a Best of New York Food Tour with Luis. Or, join A Secrets of New York Tour and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! They are all NYC experts and enjoy showing others around the city they love. Certainly, you do not want to miss any of these one-of-a-kind experiences!

And now, you can also get expert help with planning your dream NYC vacation with FunkyTours Concierge! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

LIVE THE VILLAGE x ART ON THE AVE: AWAKENING

Now – July 8, 2021 | Free!

Starting at Lucille Lortel Theater, 121 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014

For a unique and total NYC experience, enjoy an outdoor gallery walk in the West Village! Live the Village is an initiative in partnership with Art on the Ave NYC to remind locals and tourists that the Village has so much to offer and experience. Art on the Ave has filled vacant storefront windows with thought-provoking art installations from local artists under the theme “Awakening”, helping to amplify voices that need to be heard. Make sure to take a stroll, take in and appreciate the installation, and support local businesses and the community!

MILES ALDRIDGE: VIRGIN MARY. SUPERMARKETS. POPCORN. PHOTOGRAPHS 1999 to 2020

Now – October 17, 2021 | $24+

Fotografiska New York, 281 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010

Fotografiska is featuring a photographic exhibition by British artist and photographer Miles Aldridge.  “The exhibition will be Aldridge’s largest US retrospective yet, with more than 50 works shot entirely on film spanning the artist’s career. The show is a best-of from Miles’ oeuvre, drawing from his series of cinematically inspired tableaus as well as an incredible array of portraiture, featuring popular celebrity figures such as Sophie Turner, Viola Davis, Michael Fassbender, and Donatella Versace.” – Fotografiska

DRINKS/DINING

CASTELL ROOFTOP LOUNGE

AC Hotel, 260 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018

For a great and cozy NYC rooftop bar, be sure to visit Castell Rooftop Lounge. They have excellent cocktails! I recommend their margarita or frozé. They also have tasty appetizers. It is the perfect spot to come before or after dinner! 

In conclusion, these are the top 9 best things to do in NYC June 28-July 4. Have fun and most importantly, stay safe!