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Hot Fun in the Summer Time

© Jeanne-Michele Vigna

Coming out of the long cocoon of winter, people of all ages, shapes and sizes effortlessly welcome the sun and the outdoors. The smell of a smokey grill can happily be detected miles away. The windows fling open, the sound of beer cans swoosh in unison. Cities hold festivals, parades and fairs, offering outside activities for locals and tourists alike to revel in. Whether you are visiting New York City this summer - or you are one of the few locals who do not flee at the first feel of hot bus exhaust - there will never be a quiet week. Beginning the weekend of June 10th and running through August, I will highlight some of the bigger free to near free events in the city.

On Saturday June 10th, go to Penn Station and follow the crowds to the Long Island Railroad. Swarms of gamblers and the curious will be making their way to the renowned Belmont Stakes. This summer marks the 132nd time the $1 million Belmont Stakes - the oldest and longest of the Triple Crown events - will run. The best part is, Belmont Park maintains its traditional admission prices, even on Belmont Stakes Day, with grandstand admission at $2. Grab a blanket and fill a cooler with your favorite beer. Don't worry about drinking and driving because the train drives directly to the park. First post on Belmont Stakes Day is 12:30 p.m., but the Belmont itself is at approximately 5:30 p.m.

If you are not into horse racing, maybe you'll enjoy following the Hare Krishna Parade down Fifth Avenue from 41st street to Washington Square Park. Be ready with the drum or tamborine of your choice, the parade begins at 12:30 p.m. If you still have some energy, wake up Sunday morning to go see the parade brought to Seinfeldying fame, the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Also on Fifth Avenue, the parade goes from 44th to 86th Street.

Whether you are a museum aficionado or simply just looking for a nice air-conditioned place to hide, on Tuesday, June 13 you can walk up and down Fifth Avenue (between 82nd to 105th St) for the Museum Mile Festival. From 6 to 9 p.m. you can visit The Metropolitan, Goethe Institute, Guggenheim, National Academy of Design and Cooper-Hewitt all for free!

June 18th is the L.E.S. Festival on Essex, Orchard, Grand and Delancey Streets. Once the immigrant heart of New York, the Lower East Side is now home to hip bistros, boutiques and bars. Yet, one thing remains - this street fair going on to its 23rd year. Visitors can celebrate "the Immigrant Experience" via two stages, food, crafts, clothing, records and carnival rides.

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