New York's 10 most exciting live events to book now for this summer

If all goes to plan, this is going to the summer of doing stuff. Getting out, seeing people, and making up for lost time. And with so many events to fit in, we've rounded up some of the best to make sure you don't miss out.

Frieze New York, May 5−9 

(Image credit: Kurimanzutto)

This year, the popular art fair has found a new location in the Shed, the Hudson Yards performance space and cultural center designed by Diller Scofidio + Refro with Rockwell Group. Modern and contemporary works from more than 60 high-profile galleries across the globe will accompany a program of special projects and talks. For more information and book tickets here.

Design61, May 11−14 

(Image credit: Design61)

The Interior Arts Building will host panel discussions with interior designers and editors, a book fair, and Casa Branca, a pop-up showroom from interior designer Alessandra Branca. More information and RSVP, here. 

Design Days at the New York Design Center, May 13−18

(Image credit: Kasthall)

Coinciding with NYCxDesign’s Design Days event, the building will offer a combination of in-person and virtual programming that highlights its 100 showrooms spanning furniture, fabric, lighting, kitchen, bath, flooring, and decorative accessories. Be sure to stop by the 10th floor, which is home to a 33,000-square-foot gallery showcasing 50 vintage and antique dealers. More information and register for the events here. 

Affordable Art Fair, May 20−23

(Image credit: Affordable Art Fair)

Featuring 35 local, national, and international exhibitors, this year’s contemporary art fair will present online programs—including a virtual one-on-one consultation with an art specialist—as well its traditional booths on the floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion. Works range from $100 to $10,000. More information and tickets here. 

Tribeca Film Festival, June 9−20 

(Image credit: Tribeca Film Festival)

The film festival is back in person this year—just in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary. An expanded list of venues includes Brookfield Place, Pier 57 Rooftop, the Battery, and Hudson Yards in Manhattan, as well as Empire Outlets on Staten Island and the MetroTech Commons in Brooklyn. In addition, mobile 40-foot LED screens will pop up in all New York City boroughs for community screenings. More information here. 

Jazz Age Lawn Party, June 12−13 

(Image credit: Jazz Age Lawn Party)

Don your best 1920s-era garb and hop on the ferry to Governors Island for the popular Jazz Age Lawn Party, returning for its 15th year. Jazz performances, a 1920s motorcar exhibition, croquet, dance lessons, vintage clothing vendors, and retro cocktails round out the celebration. More information and to tickets here. 

SAVE THE DATE: Shakespeare in the Park, July 6−August 29 

(Image credit: Shakespeare in the Park)

The Public Theater has announced plans to reopen the Delacorte Theater in Central Park this summer. The company will stage “Merry Wives,” a version of “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” adapted by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Saheem Ali. More information and updates here. 

SAVE THE DATE: NY Luxury Design Fair, September 9−12 

(Image credit: Koket)

TheMART is debuting a new fair this fall at the Javits Center. Consumers, designers, and architects can look forward to new product introductions from hundreds of brands representing furniture, lighting, textiles, hardware, kitchen appliances, bath fixtures, and tile. For more information and updates, visit https://nyluxurydesignfair.com/. 

SAVE THE DATE: What’s New, What’s Next, September 20−October 8

With a theme of “Future Forward,” the beloved annual industry event at the New York Design Center will offer a mix of both virtual and in-person programming (more details to come). More information and sign up for VIP programming access here. 

SAVE THE DATE: ICFF, November 14−15 

(Image credit: ICFF)

Taking place at the Javits Center in partnership with WantedDesign, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair will present furniture, lighting, rugs, flooring, wall coverings, outdoor furniture, materials, and kitchen and bath accessories from hundreds of established and emerging brands from more than 30 countries. More information and updates here.