Summer in New York is upon us! From waterfront sculpture parks to historic landscapes and harbor cruises, this season in the city is full of new opportunities to experience the outdoors. Below are just a handful of new and returning programs, inviting New Yorkers to come together through art, design, architecture, and landscape.

Step Inside Green-Wood's New Greenhouse

One of our favorite landmarks in New York City, Green-Wood Cemetery has long been one of Brooklyn's most remarkable designed landscapes. This summer, its new welcome space, Green-House at Green-Wood, begs another reason to visit. Set around the Architecture Research Office-restored 1895 Weir Greenhouse, this new space invites the public to learn about Green-Wood before crossing onto the landscape itself. The center features exhibitions, dedicated facilities for research and education, and space for public and private events.

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A Special Stoop Exhibition at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

For 30 years, the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest has demonstrated how small collective actions can build communities and transform neighborhoods, block by block. On view at Brooklyn Botanic Garden from May 23 to October 25, Block by Block honors the neighbors who turn stoops and sidewalks into beautiful shared spaces and inspire all to see city gardening as a powerful force for change—one that builds community, improves the environment, and nurtures hope for the future.

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See the Skyline from the Harbor

Calling all design enthusiasts, climate enthusiasts, and boat enthusiasts! New York's skyline is something else from the water—new this summer, our signature AIANY boat tour with Classic Harbor Line now offers a 2-hour version for 2 AIA LU/HSW. (The original 2.75 option is still available too!) Choose from several distinct cruises, all hosted by members of AIA New York. Expert guides provide lively narration covering architecture and engineering landmarks from all eras of the city’s history, as well as current urban planning and environmental issues impacting urban waterfronts.

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Contemporary Art at Socrates Sculpture Park

Since its inception, the Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship program has supported early-career artists in realizing ambitious public artworks through financial and onsite fabrication support, spanning sculpture, ecological installations, performance, and community-engaged practice. Marking the program’s 30th anniversary and the Park’s 40th in 2026, the Park introduced its first nomination-based selection process, guided by its alumni network and inspired by Artists Choose Artists (1987). The 2026–2028 Artist Fellows were selected for the strength of their practices and include Mrinalini Aggarwal, Cynthia Alberto, Francheska Alcántara, Josué Guarionex, Xayvier Haughton, Vaishnavi Ilankamban, Manami Ishimura, Jeremy John Kaplan, Nicole Mouriño, and Andrew Robinson.

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Whether you're interested in public gardens, contemporary art, or seeing familiar landmarks from a different angle, we hope these experiences inspire you to spend a little more time in some of the city's most compelling public spaces this summer.