Month of June Celebration in New York City

JVC Jazz Festival
From June through early July, jazz greats play at venues including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Beacon Theater and Town Hall. Call (212) 501-1390 for more information.

Puerto Rican Day Parade
With Hispanics making up substantial portion of New York City’s population, Puerto Ricans are the city’s largest ethnic group. The Puerto Rican Day Parade, on the second Sunday in June, attracts about three million spectators. The parade route heads down Fifth Avenue between 44th and 85th streets, with entertainers, politicians and other notables taking part. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.

State Fair Meadowlands
As New Jersey’s largest event, State Fair Meadowlands at Giants Stadium Fairgrounds in East Rutherford runs for three weeks with non-stop family entertainment including what’s billed as the World's Largest Carnival Midway, with more than 75 rides. Call (973) 450-1070 for more information.

JuneFest
JuneFest features hot concerts and art exhibits on Staten Island to kick off the summer season. Varied venues include the Greenbelt Nature Center, Richmondtown Library and the Conference House. Call (718) 317-1967 for more information.

Camp Rollerblade
Welcome to the sport of inline skating (rollerblading)! Camp Rollerblade is a two-day camp to teach adults and families to inline skate. No experience necessary. Central Park. Call (888) 7588687 for more information.

Lesbian and Gay Pride March
A parade, parties, fireworks and other events heighten awareness for lesbian and gay issues as part of week-long festivities commemorating the Stonewall Riot of June 27, 1969. Call (212) 807-7433 for more information.

Long Island Motorcycle Fair
At the famed Riverhead Raceway, in June and again in September, the Long Island Motorcycle Fair brims with entertainment, bike shows, and vendors to create the ultimate motorcycle weekend getaway. East End Stunt Challenge contests include the longest and slowest wheelies, stoppies, quads, and more, with a trophy and cash prizes. Call (631) 774-9380 for more information.

Metropolitan Opera in the Parks
During much of June and July, city parks offer free evening performances. Call (212) 362-6000.
Shakespeare in the Park
The Delacorte Theater in Central Park presents free performances under the stars with avid Shakespeare fans lining up hours in advance for tickets. Call (212) 539-8750 or (212) 539-8500 for more information.

Throgs Neck Sweden Day
In Throgs Neck, this festival of the summer solstice features the raising of the maypole, food, music, folk dancing, kids games and prizes. Call (718) 822-8965 for more information.

Sweden Day
At Manhem Beach Club in the Bronx, Sweden Day (going strong since 1941) hails the summer solstice with raising of the maypole (“majstang”), dancing, food and camaraderie. Call (917) 257-8948 for more information.