Summer in the Square Returns to Union Square Park
It’s official! Summer in the Square (SITS) is back and better than ever in Union Square Park! SITS is a beloved summer tradition that builds on the unique, authentic, and immersive experiences New Yorkers enjoy in the Square. Join us for a lineup of six free weekly summer events starting on Thursday, June 20th through August 1st, with the exception of 4th of July. Beat the heat with brand new and classic programs from the past including live performances, outdoor movie nights, adult fitness classes, interactive children’s entertainment, and the Square’s favorite sport: Pickleball!
Bring your family and friends to one of New York City’s most popular outdoor summer events! Starting at 8 a.m every Thursday, there is something for all ages to participate in. Keep reading for some exciting highlights on our all-day programming. Come out and join the free fun!
Pickleball
Hosted by City Pickle and sponsored by The Ordinary, you can enjoy four free pickleball courts in the North Plaza every Thursday of Summer in the Square from 9am to 7pm. All pickleball equipment (courts, paddles, and balls) will be provided, so just swing by with your team - or if you’re up to it, play against some new faces at Union Square. Registration for pickleball opens the week before at noon, so be sure to sign up fast! Come learn and try your hand at America’s fastest growing sport.
Adult fitness
Look no further than the West Plaza every morning from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. for Mindful Movement classes presented by THE WELL New York, your one-stop shop for wellness. In the midst of how hectic New York City and your morning routine can be, find some time to dedicate to yourself. Class offerings will change every week and are open to all levels. This event is BYO-Mat!
KIDS entertainment
The kids pavilion is one of our summer staples! This year, we have both morning and afternoon children’s programming on the Center Lawn and West Plaza between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Start the morning off with bubbles, brought to you by the Gazillion Bubbles Show. Any aspiring artists can head over to our Arts + Crafts station, where we offer Union Square-themed coloring sheets, so anyone can color in and design the Union Square of their dreams. From 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., kids can join in on a ton of fun rotating activities including Cinderella Samba by the CityParks Foundation, interactive art and science programs offered by City OWLets, alongside fun fitness and exercise challenges from Zing! Don’t forget about kids yoga, organized by Karma Kids Yoga, where children can learn animal-like yoga poses while listening to their favorite stories. In the afternoon, buckle up for kid-friendly skateboarding clinics with the Skate-Everything school, led by lead coach O’Neal Ellerbe.
Union Square night market
The first-ever Union Square Night Market will be making its debut at this year’s Summer in the Square! Urbanspace, who is renowned for producing the annual Union Square Holiday Market every winter, will transform the South Plaza into a family-friendly, open air food market for four Thursdays starting June 11th. From 12 p.m. to 9 p.m, find over 20 independent food vendors from across the city serving up fresh, inspired bites. Don’t leave just yet! Head to the North Plaza for a pint at Torch & Crown’s outdoor beer garden, and visit Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in the kiosk on Union Square West. Stick around for SITS evening entertainment to cap off a perfect Thursday outing. From date nights, to catching up with friends, or even exploring on your own, the USQ Night Market will be a great time for everyone!
lunchtime jazz
Sit back and relax to the soothing sounds of jazz, brought to you by The New School. Pull up a chair at the Triangle Square Park from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m every week for live performances of jazz harmonies and renditions that make lunchtime worth leaving the office for.
evening entertainment
Evenings in Union Square Park just got a lot more exciting! After checking out the Night Market, explore what’s going on in the rest of the park! There is a rotating schedule of after-work activities for you to enjoy from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Our first week starts in the Center Lawn, with an evening of music and art presented by Pasha Radetzki, the mind behind the LOV sculpture, and friends. The following week, help us crown Miss Summer in the Square during a special PRIDE NIGHT performance with Titanique and Screaming Queens on the West Plaza! Our third week will have an exciting live performance from La Troupe Zetwal, who will perform a traditional Haitian dance on the West Plaza. Remember to grab your blankets for outdoor movie nights on the Central Lawn starting at 8 p.m! Grab your popcorn and snacks for viewings of Moonstruck on July 18, Little Shop of Horrors on July 25th, and Jurassic Park on August 1st. Spend your summer Thursdays here in Union Square!
