Best outdoor parties

Sunday Best at BKLYN Yard

P.S.1 Warm-Up
The annual Young Architects Program may not sound like a whole lot of fun, but wait until you’re partying in the winner’s design. Architecture firm MOS have created afterparty, an urban shelter with a striking appearance that creates a cooling microclimate. But with a killer summer lineup, with an eclectic range of hosts, DJs and live performers, chances are you’ll still be sweating on the dance floor. P.S.1, 22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave, Long Island City, Queens (718-784-2084, ps1.org/warmup) July 4-September 5. Sat 2pm-9pm, $10 cash only

Sunday Best at BKLYN Yard
Mister Saturday Night’s Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter, along with Doug Singer from Brothers’ Brothers, invite a stellar array of guest DJs to spin a range of underground rhythms every Sunday in a green, beautifully-lit garden with picnic tables in an industrial area. It works, and there’s no better place to dance to sunny afternoon jams. BKLYN Yard, 388–400 Carroll St between Bond and Nevins Sts, Gowanus, Brooklyn (theyard.ws) Sun 3pm–7pm, $10, on reduced-admission list before 4pm $8

Seaside Concert Series on Coney Island
Seaside Park in Coney Island may not be the prettiest of New York’s parks, but enjoy it while you can before a massive amphitheater is built there. Once that happens, you won’t be able to catch Blondie, Gladys Knight or Donna Summer for free at the Seaside Concert Series like you can this year. Asser Levy Seaside Park, W 5th St at Surf Ave, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (brooklynconcerts.com) July 16-August 27. Thur 7:30pm, free

Moondance
Granted, this free dance party is no rave, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a whistle and wiggle your wagon (or caboose). Like the not-so-free version at Lincoln Center, Hudson River’s weekly outdoor ballroom features a different type of music every Sunday, from tango to big band. Pier 54, 14th St at the Hudson River (hudsonriverpark.org) July 12–Aug 9. Sun 7pm; dance lessons 6:30pm, free

Turntables on the Hudson
The crew isn’t really on the Hudson, but the Long Island City bank of the East River will do just fine when you have a dub-funky party that’s this much fun. Plus, the view is great. Water Taxi Beach at Hunters Point, 2-03 Borden Ave at 2nd St, Long Island City, Queens (212-742-1969, watertaxibeach.com) May 15-October 9, Fri 6pm-2am, $10

City of Water Day at Governors Island
More than 200 kayaks, rowboats and other human-powered contrivances blanket the Harbor as they head to Governors Island for nature walks, boat tours, live music, food, fishing and a pro-waterfront rally on July 18. Individual paddlers can sign up for a group outing (kayaks provided) with New York Kayak Company (212-924-1327, nykayak.com), but if you’d rather have someone else do all the work, take the free ferry from the Battery Maritime Building near South Street. Governors Island (800-782-8369, cityofwaterday.org) July 18 10am–4pm, free

Coney Island Fireworks
Who says fireworks can happen only on the Fourth of July? This 100-year-old tradition gives beachgoers a chance to experience dazzling pyrotechnic displays all summer long from the Boardwalk—the shows continue through Labor Day. Boardwalk at Stillwell Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn (coneyislandfunguide.com) Through September 4. Fri 9:30pm, free

Coney Island Boardwalk Party
Veteran spinner Ray Vasquez and guests spin deep, soulful house and classics for 12 straight hours on the Boardwalk. With the sea on one side, the Coney Island fair on the other and Nathan’s Famous a short walk away you’ve got everything you need right there. Boardwalk at W 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (coneyislandusa.com; astroland.com) Through September 26, Sun 2pm–2am, free

Compiled by Alex Schechter

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