Let the festivities continue!
We picked out seven unique ways for 2017 college graduates to celebrate in New York City this summer. Pick the activities that sound most appealing to you, then plan your day or a whole weekend of fun. You deserve it.
1. Enjoy a movie with the New York Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club has two locations in the city: OfficeOps in Brooklyn and Yotel in Manhattan. OfficeOps gives you the option to bring your own food and drinks to showings. At Yotel, there is a rooftop bar and popcorn. At either location, you can enjoy movies both new and old, including “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) and The Godfather (1972). Whether you’re going to watch a movie for the first time or for the 100th time, this will be an experience to remember. Head to the Rooftop Cinema Club’s website for an extensive selection of movies and dates.
2. Experience Quiet Clubbing
At a Quiet Clubbing event, you have the choice of three different DJs to listen to. Your headphones will light up either green, blue or red to indicate which DJ your listening to. Quiet Clubbing events are offered across the city, including the July 7 $5 Beer Garden Party in Astoria. Grab your friends, head to the event that sounds coolest to you, choose your music preference, put on your headphones and start to celebrate.
3. Spend a day at a rooftop pool
There is a bevy of rooftop pool options in New York City. Unfortunately, none of them are free. But if you’re willing to spend some cash to celebrate your accomplishment, here are a few options to consider:
-Vale pool in Brooklyn
If you’re not a guest at the hotel, get a day pass for Vale pool and enjoy the 60-foot outdoor pool while looking at the Manhattan skyline. They sell plenty of food and beverages. For additional money, you can get a daybed, pergola or a cabana.
–The Beach at the Dream Hotel in Chelsea
For a $65 day pass, non-hotel guests can enjoy this rooftop pool (just not on Saturdays or Sundays), while feeling like you’re at the beach – they have sand imported from the Hamptons. You have the option to pay extra for a daybed by the pool. At 4,800 square feet, this pool is the largest in New York City.
-Jimmy at the James Hotel in Soho
At 3 p.m. on weekends, the rooftop pool, bar and lounge become open to the public for summer pool parties. Enjoy the DJ and frozen cocktails while taking a dip in this pool.
4. Sail and celebrate around the city
For $95, you can spend two hours on the Clipper City’s Lobster and Beer Lovers Sail while enjoying 2 Maine-style lobster rolls from Luke’s Lobster, pickles, potato salad, coleslaw and unlimited beer.
5. Eat your way through Smogasburg
On Saturdays, attend the open-air food market in Williamsburg. On Sundays, join them in Prospect Park. Enjoy hundreds of different food options while walking around. There is a bar, so you do have the option to buy beer, wine and cocktails, but you can also bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at one of the water-filling stations (keep in mind that disposable water bottles are not allowed).
6. Visit a bar arcade for some alcohol and arcade games
Bar arcades are located throughout the city. Here are some you might want to consider:
–Barcade in Williamsburg
For only 25 cents a game, play any of the 30 classic arcade games offered at Barcade. Some of the more popular ones tend to have lines. Fortunately, you can pick up a drink from the bar and enjoy the crowd while you wait.
–Mission Dolores in Park Slope
This location swaps out its games about every six weeks, so you’ll never get bored when you go back. The prices of beer and games are both low, ranging $5 to $9 for beer and 50 to 75 cents a game.
-Ace Bar in East Village
At this bar, you and your friends can celebrate by enjoying pool, darts, skee-ball and pinball – all while grabbing your drink of choice.
7. Celebrate and dine in the dark at Camaje Bistro
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. over the summer, Camaje Bistro host “dinner in the dark.” Blindfolded at the door, you are led to your seats by wait staff. There is no menu to choose from. If you’re concerned about dislikes or have a food allergy, just let the staff know when booking your tickets online. During dinner, experience a heightened sense of smell and taste, then guess what you’re eating. At the end, wait staff will let you know exactly what’s in your stomach.
