10+ Cultural Events Uptown to Add to Your 2024 Summer Calendar
Uptown NYC is thriving this summer—here are a few cultural events we're looking forward to.
Summer is kicking into full gear. Here Uptown, our streets, plazas, and parks will be bustling with fun and free events, all summer long. Whether you’re interested in lively music festivals, diverse food markets, or eclectic performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Though this is not at all a definitive list of everything happening this summer, here's a few events we found that we're looking forward to this summer.
Know of an event that you think we should include here? Send us an email.
Uptown Night Market
Date & Time: Every second Thursday of the month through October
Price: Free
Location: 12th Ave. and W. 133rd St.
Uptown Night Market is a vibrant celebration of community, cuisine, and culture in the heart of Harlem, taking place right under the iconic viaduct. This iconic marketplace features over fifty diverse vendors and hosts thousands of guests each event, celebrating Harlem’s unique flavors and contributing to the neighborhood's thriving food scene.
Summer on the Hudson at Riverside Park
Date & Time: May - October
Price: Free
Location: Riverside Park and West Harlem Piers Park
Riverside Park Conservancy will be lighting up the Hudson River waterfront all summer long, from 59th St. to 181st St. Events include concerts, dance performances, movies under the stars, dance parties, children’s shows, educational workshops, special festivals, wellness activities, and more. See the full calendar of events here.
Morris-Jumel Mansion’s Summer Programming
Date & Time: June - August
Price: Varies
Location: Morris-Jumel Mansion: 65 Jumel Terrace
The Morris-Jumel Mansion is always hosting interesting events, and this summer is no different. Alongside Inwood Art Works, the Mansion is hosting viewings of blockbuster movies like Stand and Deliver for free. You can also enjoy an evening of jazz, or take part in a peaceful session of yoga in the park. Keep an eye out for more events on Morris-Jumel Mansion’s website.
Harlem Pride
Date & Time: June 29, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: 12th Ave. and W. 133rd St.
Harlem Pride returns to the neighborhood for its 15th Annual Celebration Day. The hugely popular event, which is expecting over 20,000 attendees, demonstrates the strength, vitality, and unity of the community. Learn more about the parade and other happenings the day-of on their website.
A Midsummer Night's Dream | Uptown Shakespeare in the Park
Date & Time: July 6 to July 28, Tuesday - Sunday, 8:30 pm
Price: Free with RSVP
Location: Marcus Garvey Park: 6316 Mt. Morris Park W.
The Classical Theatre of Harlem is presenting A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the summer 2024 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park series. The production, starring comedian Russell Peters, will transport its audiences to the height of the Harlem Renaissance, where four young lovers, a troupe of rude mechanicals, and mischievous fairies find themselves entangled in a web of romantic chaos within a mystical forest.
Harlem Meer Performance Festival
Date & Time: July 14 to August 18, every Sunday from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Harlem Meer
The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is an annual event series taking place at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park North. Each summer, the festival hosts local talent to put on family-friendly performances. The festival is part of the Summer on the Harlem Meer series, which also features more recreational opportunities in the area.
Uptown Bounce! Presented by MCNY and El Museum del Barrio
Date & Time: July 18, July 25, and August 1, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: El Museo del Barrio and Museum of the City of New York
Uptown Bounce is an electric series of free summer block parties co-presented by El Museo Del Barrio and Museum of the City of New York. The series, which will be celebrating its eleventh year, will feature DJs, special guests, tasty treats, resources on voter registration, and more.
Go Africa Carnival 2024
Date & Time: July 20, 10:00 am
Price: Free
Location: 116th St. between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Go Africa Carnival is an annual event that celebrates African, African-American, and Caribbean cultures from all parts of the world. This year, the Carnival will be bringing new artists and eclectic performances to three stages, showcasing dance, art, music, and dress from various regions throughout Africa and the Caribbean.
Harlem Week 50
Date & Time: August 7 - August 18
Price: Free
Location: Various
Harlem Week, the famous annual celebration of the best of the neighborhood, will be returning this summer in a big way. In 2024, Harlem Week will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with Harlem Week 50—a mega celebration complete with music festivals, a spelling bee, jazz concerts, and so much more. Keep up to date with Harlem Week 50 on their website.
2024 Inwood Jazz Festival
Date & Time: August 18
Price: Free
Location: Bruce Reynolds Memorial Garden in Isham Park
The Inwood Jazz Festival is returning to present another year of exciting jazz talent for everyone to enjoy. This one-day outdoor jazz festival takes place in the Bruce Reynolds Memorial Garden in Isham Park, and features free live performances, workshops, jam sessions, and more.
The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 2024
Date & Time: August 25, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Price: Free
Location: SummerStage in Central Park
SummerStage, one of New York’s most beloved free festivals, also hosts The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival which is returning in August, with jazz master Louis Hayes. Joining Hayes is some of the most impressive talents in modern jazz, including 24-year-old Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwelle, Chicago-born pianist, vocalist, and composer Alexis Lombre, and much more.