Escape the Grind: NYC Weekend Guide (June 20–22)
Think of it as a nudge to explore, recharge, and let the city surprise you a little.
👋🏽 Hi, I'm Milena "Millie" Toro, a creative director and wellness mindset coach. 🧠 "Thoughts of Millie" is a newsletter where I share my perspective on all things creative wellness, lifestyle, and travel. Thanks for reading & subscribing!
Kicking off a new series: Escape the Grind ✨
I’ve been leaning hard into creative wellness, small resets, and finding inspiration outside the usual hustle. NYC has so much to offer if you just pause and look up, so each week, I’ll be sharing a few things worth checking out around the city.
Here's a round up of music, culture, food, or simply just getting some fresh air (June 20–22):
🎟️ Fanatics Fest @ Javits Center
What: A massive sports and pop culture event featuring LeBron James, Tom Brady, Jay-Z, and more. Expect panel talks, autograph sessions, interactive exhibits, and immersive fan zones.
📍 Address: Javits Center, 655 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
🗓️ Dates: June 20–22, 2025
🎫 Tickets: General admission and VIP options available
👉 Buy Tickets – Fanatics Fest
🎤 Paul Simon @ Beacon Theatre
What: A rare opportunity to see the legendary singer-songwriter live, performing timeless hits like Graceland and The Sound of Silence in an intimate venue.
📍 Address: Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
🗓️ Dates: Friday & Saturday, June 20–21, 2025
🎫 Tickets: Limited seats available via official box office or resale
👉 Buy Tickets – Paul Simon at Beacon Theatre
🎶 Governors Ball Music Festival
What: NYC’s biggest summer music festival returns with headliners Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier. A weekend full of music, food, and art installations.
📍 Address: Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, NY
🗓️ Dates: June 6–8, 2025
🎫 Tickets: 1-day and 3-day passes available
👉 Buy Tickets – Governors Ball
🧜♀️ Coney Island Mermaid Parade
What: A wildly creative and colorful celebration of art, mythology, and summer, with floats, costumes, and a joyful crowd marching along the boardwalk.
📍 Address: Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025, ~1 PM kickoff
🎫 Entry: Free
🍽️ Queens Night Market
What: A festive open-air market with global street food, art, and music. Great for tasting dozens of cuisines in one place.
📍 Address: Behind the NY Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St, Queens, NY
**🗓️ Every Saturday evening, 4 PM–midnight (April–October)
🎫 Entry: Free
👉 More Info – Queens Night Market
📸 Diane Arbus: “Constellation” @ Park Avenue Armory
What: A sprawling, immersive exhibition of Arbus’s groundbreaking portrait photography, set within the dramatic Wade Thompson Drill Hall.
📍 Address: Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
**🗓️ Through August 17, 2025
🎫 Tickets: $25 general admission
👉 Buy Tickets – Park Avenue Armory
🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: All’s Well That Ends Well
What: Free, professional outdoor theater by The Public Theater in Central Park’s iconic Delacorte Theater. This summer features the classic romantic comedy All’s Well That Ends Well.
📍 Address: Delacorte Theater, Central Park (near 81st St & Central Park West)
**🗓️ Summer 2025 (Dates vary)
🎫 Tickets: Free, distributed by lottery or in person
👉 More Info – Shakespeare in the Park
🚣 Free Kayaking – Brooklyn Bridge Park
What: Paddle on the East River with skyline views, completely free, no experience required! Life jackets and brief instruction provided.
📍 Address: Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse (Piers 2 & 4), Brooklyn, NY
**🗓️ Days vary, typically weekends
**🎫 Free (first come, first served)
👉 Brooklyn Bridge Park Events
🍴 Smorgasburg – Open-Air Food Market
What: NYC’s beloved outdoor food market featuring 100+ local vendors with everything from lobster rolls to vegan donuts.
📍 Locations & Days:
Williamsburg (East River State Park): Saturdays
Prospect Park: Sundays
Jersey City: Sundays
**🗓️ April–October
🎫 Entry: Free
👉 Smorgasburg Info
Whatever your vibe this weekend, NYC has something to offer. Let me know if you're checking any of these out, or if you’ve got tips on other hidden gems!
