Red, Yellow and Blue

There's always some intriguing art display in New York City and this summer is no different. Head over to Madison Square Park from now until September 8 to see something truly unique by Orly Genger. The display is painted, hand-knotted nautical rope. And it's not just a few feet, its 1.4 million feet of rope covered in 3,000 gallons of paint. To learn more and to see a few pictures before heading over, visit the Madison Square Park website.

NYC Beaches

Now that the weather has warmed up, it's beach season! New York City actually has some great beaches to choose from. Check out the FDR Boardwalk & Beach on Staten Island or Cedar Grove Beach, also on Staten Island. Of course if you want rides and lots of excitement you can always go to Coney Island. But if you're looking for family beach you might want to check out Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn. And if you're looking to surf, the only place to do that is Rockaway Beach in Queens. There's more to choose from, of course, check out this website for a more extensive guide to city beaches.

Free Camping in NYC

Parks in all five boroughs will be offering free camping on select nights. They will provide tents, meals, s'mores and water. Participants should bring sleeping bags, pillows and any other additional items they may need. In order to be selected to participate, you must enter a lottery for the date and park you want. There are 30 spots open for event day. To check out the schedule and to enter the lottery, visit the official website.

Free Movies at the Intrepid

Hopefully you're not sick of hearing about free movies yet, because The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will offer free movies on the flight deck this summer, starting Friday, June 21. The doors will open at 7:30pm and films will begin at sunset. Here is the schedule:

June 21 - National Treasure
June 28 - Jaws
July 26 - Star Trek (1979)
Aug 2 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Aug. 15 - Top Gun
Aug. 23 - The Karate Kid (1984)

So get your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets and head on over to 12th Avenue & 46th Street to the Intrepid on those nights for a great, FREE time!

Mad46 Summer Movies

Want a free movie to go to? Head over to Mad46 rooftop lounge on Tuesday nights starting June 11. Mad46 is located on top of the Roosevelt Hotel. The movies start at 9pm and reservations are suggested. Of course, the cocktails aren't free, but it's nice to sit on a rooftop bar and sip drinks while watching a movie. There will also be drink specials, trivia, themed cocktails, and complimentary tastings. For a schedule of movies and more information, visit the official website.

Coney Island Friday Fireworks

Can't wait for July 4 to see some fireworks? You don't have to! Every Friday night this summer starting Friday, June 21 at 9:30pm, Coney Island will light up the sky with a brilliant display of fireworks along the beach and boardwalk. For more information, visit the official website.

Shakespeare in the Park

There are tons of free concerts and movies all summer long in NYC, but if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated you don't have to look far. Shakespeare in the park starts May 28 and runs until August 18. Plays take place in the Delacorte Theater in Central Park beginning at 8pm. This year's plays will be The Comedy of Errors (May 28-June 30) and Love's Labour's Lost (July 23-August 18). For a complete calender, visit the official website.

HBO Film Series

Need something to do Monday nights this summer? Why not head on over to Bryant Park around 5pm for a free movie. Starting June 17 and running through August 19, you can catch a free movie on the Bryant Park lawn. The movies will screen around dusk, but the lawn opens at 5pm and could fill up pretty quickly. Feel free to bring a picnic and blanket. For a list of the movies playing, visit the Bryant Park Website.

Big Apple BBQ Block Party

When you think of summer, barbecue usually comes to mind. Saturday and Sunday June 8 & 9, pitmasters from around the country will be in Madison Square Park from 11am-6pm for the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. Enjoy delicious barbecue food for about $8 per plate at each pitmaster. You can also enjoy live jazz, bluegrass, and R&B music while you chow down!

Hudson Square Wine and Music Festival

Starting Tuesday, June 4 night from 5:00 -7:30pm you can enjoy a free concert hosted by the City Winery. The outdoor festival will have wine made on premises available for purchase, along with beer and food. The festivals run through August 27. Access to the festival is on Spring Street, between Varick and Hudson, or on Vandam between Varick and Hudson.