Just moved to New York?  Travelling to NYC this summer?  Or are you just disconnected from what is going on?  Well have no fear!  We’ve come up with 10 cool things to do around NYC this summer that may tickle your fancy.

1.    The 4Knots Music Festival

Where:  South Street Seaport, Pier 17, NYC

When:  July 14

The 4Knots Music Festival features emerging artists from the indie scene.  Previous acts have included The Black Angels, Titus Andronicus, and Yeasayer.  This year’s festival will feature Archers of Loaf, The Drums, the Crocodiles, Hospitality, Bleached, Nick Waterhouse, Team Spirit, Doldrums, Devin and more TBA.

Website:  http://microapp.villagevoice.com/4knots/2012/

2.    Beer Here:  Brewing New York’s History

Where:  The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, NYC

When:  Now-September 2

Beer Here is a historical exhibit at The New-York Historical Society that reviews the history of production and consumption of beer, ale, and porter in New York since the 17^th century.  At the conclusion of the exhibit, get a chance to taste a selection of some of the finest New York artisanal beers.

Website:  http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/beer-here

3.    HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival

Where:  Bryant Park, NYC

When:  Every Monday between now and August 20

Every Monday night at dusk, watch free outdoor film screenings of some of the most renowned films in U.S. cinema.  Films this year include Pyscho, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Wizard of Oz, Roman Holiday, Rebel Without a Cause, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Website:  http://www.bryantpark.org/plan-your-visit/filmfestival.html

4.    The Hester Street Fair

Where:  Hester and Essex Streets, NYC

When:  Every Saturday from now until October 27

Harkening back to the days of the pushcart market held on Hester Street, The Hester Street Fair is an open-air market that offers vintage finds, artisan creations, and delicious food.

Website:  http://www.hesterstreetfair.com/

5.    Museum Mile Festival

Where:  Fifth Avenue between 82^nd and 105^th Streets, NYC

When:  June 12

Officially named the Museum Mile, Fifth Avenue between 82^nd and 105^th streets features some of the most renowned museums in the nation.  This year, the Museum of African Art, El Museo Del Barrio, the Museum of the City of New York, the Smithsonian, The National Academy Museum & School, the Guggenheim, Neue Galerie, the Goethe Institute, and the Museum of Modern Art will open their doors to the public for free.  This event also includes a block party all along the Mile with free music, street performers, and more.

Website:  http://museummilefestival.org/

6.    Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest

Where:  Surf Ave, Brooklyn

When:  July 4

The task:  eat as many hot dogs as you can in 10 minutes.  The challengers:  some of the most skilled eaters you’ve ever seen.

Website:  http://nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/getpage.php?pgid=38

7.    Northside Festival

Where:  Brooklyn

When:  June 14-21

Crowned “NYC’s largest and most accessible discovery festival,” the Northside Festival features bands, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and innovators from around the world.  This year artists like Questlove and Of Montreal are set to play.  Along with bands, over 60 films will be screened this year, including Take This Waltz, which stars Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen.  Entrepreneurial panelists set to attend include Kellan Elliot-McCrea of Etsy, Anand Giridharads of the New York Times, GZA of the Wu-Tang Clain, and Dennis Crowley of Foursquare.

Website:  http://www.northsidefestival.com/

 8.    Prospect Park Food Truck Rally at Grand Army Plaza

Where:  Flatbush Ave and Prospect Park West at Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn

When:  Third Sunday of the Month from now until October

Like food on the go?  Then you’ll love NY’s Food Truck Rally featuring some of NY’s finest food trucks.

Website:  http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/food-truck-rally

9.    Shakespeare in the Park

Where:  Delacorte Theater, mid-park at 80^th St, NYC

When:  June 5-30, July 23-August 25

One of NYC’s most beloved summertime traditions, Shakespeare in the Park will bring As You Like It and Into the Woods to the public as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration of these free performances.

Website:  http://shakespeareinthepark.org/

10. Ignite the Night:  Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks

Where:  Hudson River, NYC

When:  July 4^th

America’s largest 4^th of July celebration, Ignite the Night features over 40,000 firework shells launched from 6 barges between West 24^th and West 50^th Streets.  Performers this year are Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney.

Website:  http://social.macys.com/fireworks/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-fireworks-_-n-_-n