What should you do in New York City in July? Well, the start of the month is always all about the Fourth of July — where you're going to watch the fireworks, who you're going to watch them with, and how you're going to survive the masses of people all trying to do the exact same thing.
But now with July 4th weekend, and the extravagant Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Madison Square Garden wedding, behind us, it's time to look ahead to all of the other fun events still to come this month.
From free movie screenings in the park and World Cup events to historic women's sporting events, read on to discover fresh ways to experience NYC in July.
© Stella ArtoisStella Artois' pop-up in Brookfield Place is open now through Sunday, July 19.
Stella Artois’ Work From Bar x FIFA World Cup 2026 watch party (now through July 19)
Time: Opens 11am
Location: Brookfield Place
Tickets: None required, just show up!
FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 11, but the excitement in New York City around the tournament ramped up even further once an exciting new spot to watch opened up. At the start of the knockout rounds, beloved beer brand Stella Artois set up a pop-up pub inside Brookfield Place, and it'll continue to operate through the final game on Sunday, July 19.
Been feeling frustrated over many of the soccer games taking place during work hours? Bring your laptop (and perhaps your coworkers) over to this Work From Bar pop-up to enjoy the matches on the big screen as you type with one hand and hold your Stella with the other. You (and your boss) don't have to worry about any tipsy mishaps, though, as Stella 0.0 is available alongside the original.
After the work is done, treat yourself to not only another beer but also a keepsake Stella Artois chalice, with free engraving available to personalize the functional souvenir.
© JON SIMONBryant Park's 2026 summer movie series kicks off with 'Wayne's World' on July 13
Movie Nights at Bryant Park (begins July 13)
Time: Gravel opens at 4pm, lawn opens at 5pm, film begins at 8pm
Location: Bryant Park
Tickets: None required, just show up!
Overcome your Monday blues with a walk in the park... to find yourself the perfect spot on the lawn to plop down and take in a movie under the night sky. That's right, Bryant Park's beloved summer movie series is back!
This is the 33rd season of the series, and the fourth with Paramount+ bringing fun photo opps, giveaways, and other activities as the event's partner. On top of the interactive activations, moviegoers will also find a selection of food available to purchase, curated by Hester Street Fair, as well as various alcohol options.
Kicking off this season is the 1986 comedy classic, Wayne's World, on July 13. The opening night film, which was based on the Saturday Night Live sketch series, stars Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. The rest of July schedule sees Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) screening on July 20 and The Truman Show (1998) on July 27.
If you can't catch one of the movie nights this month, you'll have a few more chances throughout August and September. Looking ahead, here are the films currently scheduled for the rest of the season:
- August 3: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
- August 10: Catch Me If You Can (2002)
- August 17: City of God (2002)
- August 24: KING CREOLE (1958)
- August 31: No Country for Old Men (2007)
- September 7: Galaxy Quest (1999)
- September 14: Shakespeare in Love (1998)
© ISI Photos via Getty ImagesThe Queens Classic soccer match on July 15 will be the first women's sporting event at Citi Field
Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit at Citi Field (July 15)
Time: 8pm
Location: Citi Field
Be a part of history when the first-ever women's sporting event at Citi Field takes place on Wednesday, July 15. Between concerts and New York Mets games, comes a mighty match-up between two popular National Women's Soccer League teams — NJ/NY's Gotham FC and Washington, D.C.'s Washington Spirit.
The Queens Classic game will see a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship, which saw Gotham FC come out on top. Will they hold their ground for another win against the Washington Spirit? Grab a ticket and find out!
Make sure to get there early as the festivities begin hours before game time. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the venue, featuring a FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal watch party that starts at 3pm, bobblehead giveaways, celebrity athlete appearances, and a torch-lighting ceremony.
© Getty ImagesRomance bookstore The Ripped Bodice is hosting a panel featuring LYX romance authors on July 17, 2026
LYX Romance Author Panel (July 17)
Time: 7pm
Location: The Ripped Bodice bookstore
Tickets (which include a $25 store voucher)
As if summer in NYC hasn't already been hot enough, it's about to get even hotter. LYX Books, a German new adult romance imprint, is hosting an official launch event with its authors and you can attend. The imprint began releasing its titles in the United States in late 2025 and is now giving readers the chance to get to know the authors behind those books a bit better.
At this upcoming panel, readers can hear from authors Brittainy Cherry, Anna Savas, Sarah Sprinz, Selina Mae, and Anabelle Stehl as they discuss their novel series and what they have in the works. Signed books will also be available for purchase. Plus, if you haven't been to the location of this panel yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. The Ripped Bodice is a romance-only bookstore that started off with its Los Angeles location before opening up its new Brooklyn spot in 2023.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will be held in New Jersey on July 19, 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final (July 19)
Time: 3pm
Location: MetLife Stadium
Just over a month after the World Cup's opening ceremonies and first games, it's almost time for the final game of the tournament. For those able to purchase tickets (with the current lowest price around $11k) or lucky enough to either know someone with tickets or win their way in, the match is sure to be a spectacle to behold.
Not only will attendees get to watch the game unfold in person and be there as one team finds their way to the top as the 2026 winners, but there will also be performances from A-list musical guests. The first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, curated by Chris Martin, will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber.
For those unable to attend in person, there are countless places around the city to catch the game with fellow soccer fans (both casual and serious). Explore your neighborhood or venture out to explore another, grab some good food and drinks, and watch all the excitement from the comfort of a bar, cafe, park, or pretty much anywhere that has a TV or pop-up screen.
