9 Ways To Soak Up the Summer in Union Square

Throughout its storied history as a potter’s field and a shopping district, Union Square has brought New Yorkers together. Today, among farmers’ markets and live music, it’s also cannabis HQ with The Travel Agency just a block away.

Hold off on your pumpkin treats for a little while longer — there’s still plenty of summer to experience in Union Square. Treat yourself to our favorite escapes in Union Square during the summer months.

1. Play ball

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (congrats on getting the most affordable apartment in the city), you know pickleball has taken New York by storm. The Ordinary has teamed up with CityPickle to offer a not-so-ordinary court experience in Union Square. Reserve your free 1-hour court session before the summer’s end.

1. Take in the music

Picture this: you, you’re sitting on bright green chairs in a beautiful park, enjoying a locally-made lunch. You’re listening to music that makes your heart skip a beat. The sun is picturesque and the trees are giving just the right shade.

It’s not a postcard. It’s you, on a Thursday, in Union Square during Lunchtime Jazz, courtesy of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Don’t you wish you were here?

1. Live up the night

It’s Union Square’s first-ever Night Market — and you are not ready. Prepare yourself for 20+ local foodie favorites; from po’ boys to banh mi to tamales. The Night Market is put on by the same people who do the Square’s Holiday Market, so you know it’s going to be good. This market happens on Thursdays until 9 p.m. — and for late-night travelers, The Travel Agency is open until midnight.

1. Share the park with giants

Life finds a way — for New Yorkers to catch a movie outdoors. Travel to USQ to travel back in time to 1993. Bring your picnic blanket and catch the classic film and cautionary tale, Jurassic Park. If dinosaurs aren’t your thing (no judgment), the Square plans to show other blockbusters throughout the summer.

1. Work on your fitness

With the good weather (and hopefully a nice breeze to combat the humidity) come outdoor wellness classes. THE WELL is holding Mindful Movement group workouts every Thursday. Just bring your mat and definitely some water. Classes are free but you have to reserve your spot.

1. Taste the farm life

Anyone up for the freshest seasonal produce the city has to offer? The Greenmarket has been a top travel destination in Union Square since 1976. A rotating list of vendors make their way to the city on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whatever Mother Nature grows in summer, you’ll find it here. You can’t go wrong with the fruits, cheeses, breads, jams, pickles, flowers — the list goes on and on.

1. Enjoy the Pavillion

Torch & Crown kicked off the summer in Union Square with their seasonal beer garden and scrumptious food lineup. You’ll feel super fancy dining al fresco under the famous Union Square Pavilion; whether you’ve got a hankering for pizza, sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie assortments, and more. “Pinky-ups” are not required; dogs are welcome.

1. Take in the art

Head east from the Square for a couple of blocks to The Rubin, a museum that showcases the global human experience. Many exhibits are inspired by Himalayan culture and other Asian lands. This summer, the Rubin’s Artists on Art series lets guests explore art on display from the perspective of the artists. Each talk highlights the inspiration behind the work and you’ll also have a chance for Q&A with the artists themselves.

1. Grab a bite

Even the most jaded New Yorkers get excited for Restaurant Week. A few times during the year, you can enjoy fancy restaurant lunches, brunches, and dinners at bodega prices. By popular demand, “week” has expanded; now being held from July 22 to August 18. Around Union Square, you can satisfy your cravings with feasts from Mexican cuisine to Indian indulgences — and everything in between. Buon appetito.

No summer blues to be had at The Travel Agency

Be sure to pack the essentials when embarking on your summer journey in Union Square. The Travel Agency has you covered whether you’re enjoying some peace and quiet in the sun during the day or living it up with the lights of the night.

If you find yourself outside of Union Square, you can also plan for the summer at other Travel Agency stops. Our doors are open on Fifth Avenue (yes, that Fifth Avenue) and on Flatbush Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn.