9 Fun Summer Events Near Our Dispensary on the Upper East Side

New York City in the summer has a captivating and vibrant energy. The sun’s out for longer, the beaches are lively and there’s outdoor events and festivals all around the city. It’s a great time for locals who’ve been looking forward to summer events in NYC, and for tourists seeking an authentic city experience.

Looking to elevate your senses of taste and presence? Using cannabis products before leaving your hotel or house is an exciting way to have a memorable and uplifting experience. Let’s take a look at some fun events near our Upper East Side dispensary on Lexington Ave.

1. The Jazz Age Lawn Party

When: Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 from 11AM to 5PM.

Where: Governors Island (Accessible via the downtown ferry).

The Jazz Age Lawn Party is an iconic 1920s vintage festival celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. See Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, antique phonographs, and retro cocktails. It’s an aesthetic extravaganza of decorations and experiences meant to be a callback to the prohibition-era.

From the moment you step onto the island, the Jazz Age Lawn Party offers a visually stunning day. Perfect for locals looking to dress up and step back in time, and for tourists eager to experience a slice of New York’s culture.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

You’ll be surrounded by social energy and colorful decor. We recommend kicking off your morning at home with an uplifting Sativa edible like Off Hours “Euphoric” Gummies or a Green Revolution Mocha Coffee THC tincture shot. Either of these will pair beautifully with the jazz rhythms and celebratory energy.

2. New York Classical Theatre: “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”

When: Select evenings throughout June, launching June 2 at 7PM.

Where: The northern landscapes of Central Park (near West 103rd Street).

One of the most unforgettable things about watching a New York Classical Theater show at Central Park is its unique format. The audience walks and follows the actors as the setting changes throughout the park’s natural features.

You can bring a picnic blanket or even pets for this performance of one of Shakespeare’s defining plays. Registrations can be made, but you can walk in to the performance as well. It’s a free event.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

Since the show starts at 7PM, we’d recommend taking an elegant, low-dose hybrid edible like Gron’s 3:1 Milk Chocolate Caramel beforehand. It’s a great daytime sativa with a 3:1 CBG to THC ratio, providing an uplifting head high and gentle body high. This ensures that by the time the first scene starts, the edible has you completely engaged, without feeling fatigued.

3. Free Concerts on the Great Lawn: The Metropolitan Opera & New York Philharmonic

When: Mid-summer dates (typically select weeknights in June and July).

Where: The Great Lawn, Central Park (mid-park between 79th & 85th Street).

Luxury often shows up in the details that go unnoticed, and some experiences can come free. Free concerts are performed by the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera on The Great Lawn in Central Park this June and July. New York City has been graced with a luxury picnic experience of the ages this summer.

An orchestra in the park is the perfect way to incorporate cannabis into luxurious experiences. Locals gather on the lawn with food and blankets to experience world-class classical compositions.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

Since you’ll be lounging on the grass, prepare with a relaxing, Indica-leaning edible like Off Hours Live Resin Berry Pie before arriving for the show. This sets up a smooth, full-body unwind that matches the swell of a live orchestral performance.

4. First Fridays at The Frick Collection (Louis Vuitton Series)

When: The first Friday evening of each summer month (June 5, July 3, and August 7), from 5:30PM to 9PM.

Where: The Frick Collection (East 70th Street & Fifth Avenue).

An ultra-exclusive after-hours museum experience, First Fridays at The Frick Collection is complete with live jazz in the Garden Court, gallery discussions and sketching happening simultaneously. It’s a great fit for Upper East Side residents looking for a refined date night or an invigorating evening of self care. It’s also great for tourist connoisseurs seeking authentic NYC elegance.

While walk-ins are welcome, reserving a free ticket is encouraged to help move things along.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

Since this is an indoor gallery with strict security, consumption must happen before you arrive. Something like the Heavy Hitters Lemon Haze Infused Pre-Roll provides a bright, mental lift that opens you up to socializing and creative pathways. Just make sure to get plenty of water.

5. Rooftop Cinema Club at Embassy Suites

When: Nightly sunset screenings throughout June, July, and August.

Where: 60 West 37th Street.

Designed as the ultimate adults-only movie night, sunset screenings at the Rooftop Cinema Club at Embassy Suites feature comfortable deck chairs and craft cocktails. It’s perfect for cinema lovers or couples looking for a date night with some extra flair.

Don’t expect superhero movies, though. Screenings skew toward cult classics, popular favorites, and indie films. So, make sure to check out the titles before making a reservation.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

A rooftop cinematic experience demands complete immersion. A precisely-formulated edible like Off Hours “Limelight” Gummies can offer a focused high that pairs brilliantly with a movie to enhance the sound and cinematography. If you’re looking for offbeat things to do in the summer, this rooftop cinema club has you covered!

6. Smorgasburg at Columbus Circle

When: Thursday, Friday, & Saturdays from 12PM to 8PM through September 19.

Where: The Columbus Circle entrance of Central Park (West 59th Street).

Smorgasburg is an open-air culinary market featuring over 25 food vendors showcasing global street food. It’s an incredible daytime flavor exploration for food-loving residents and travelers.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

Cannabis can be a great pairing for the market to help enhance your senses for flavor and food. Enjoy a fast-acting gummy like Good Tide’s Kiwi Strawberry Gummies for a gentle, uplifting high that lasts 2-4 hours.

7. Bryant Park Picnic Performances

When: Through the summer from late May to mid-September, starting at 7PM.

Where: On the Bryant Park Lawn (Midtown).

Bryant Park’s picnic performances are vibrant showcases of the city’s culture, music, and arts heritage. Their incredible partnerships with institutions like the New York City Opera and Carnegie Hall Citywide have helped bolster the park’s place as a cultural mainstay of NYC.

And with amenities like free picnic blankets and access to food from local purveyors, Bryant Park makes for an excellent summer experience.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

The lawns of Bryant Park are well-suited for cannabis pairings that support decompression and social ease. A micro-dosed social edible like Wyld Peach Gummies is fantastic to help wash away a stressful week.

8. SummerStage in Central Park

When: June through October 2026.

Where: Main performances take place at Rumsey Playfield (Central Park, East 72nd Street entrance)

Returning for its 40th year in 2026, the SummerStage in Central Park is a legendary seasonal outdoor festival. Choose from over 80 ticketed and free performances that span world music, jazz, indie rock, and modern dance.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

Since you’re going to be sitting or standing for a while, choose a product that’ll help you focus on the sounds without getting in the way of your comfort. Public parks prohibit smoking and vaping, so try long-lasting edibles like Crispy’s Infused Cookie & Cream for a discreet, uninterrupted experience.

9. Roosevelt Island Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, 7AM – 3PM (Year-round).

Where: Good Shepherd Plaza on Roosevelt Island.

Offering fresh produce and baked goods away from the rush of the city, the Roosevelt Island farmers market is a community-run market that supports local agriculture and business.

For our UES neighbors, the journey via the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram from 59th Street is a scenic morning excursion while making for a relaxing morning on the Upper East Side.

How to incorporate cannabis: 

For something that could also be a part of your wellness routine, pair a THCV- or CBD-dominant tincture like Ayrloom’s “Beverage Enhancer’ tincture with your morning coffee. This promotes a calm, alert state of mind while browsing the stalls under the morning sun.

Elevate your summer with Maryjane Cannabis!

A New York summer is best enjoyed when you take the time to slow down, indulge your senses, and experience the city’s cultural landscapes. Consuming responsibly before an event allows you to respect state laws and public park rules while still enjoying the sensory benefits of cannabis.

At Maryjane Cannabis Co, our budtenders can help you find your perfect summer pairing. Visit our dispensary for product recommendations or shop our menu to make this summer in NYC a memorable one!

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