The unofficial start to summer is our official kickoff to fun adventures around New York City, most of which involve eating, boozing and hanging out by the water.
If you're not leaving the concrete jungle for a long weekend in the Hamptons or Jersey Shore, you're in luck!
TBH though, this list could have been way shorter because we're really only looking to do one thing: kickin' off Summer '17 with our friends at FoodKick to bring you an epic 2-hour booze cruise on the Hudson with Circle Line.
We're gettin' down with an open wine & beer bar, open vodka bar, and grubbin' out with delicious hors d'oeuvres & bites from FoodKick (the hip younger sister of FreshDirect, so you know it's gonna be mad delicious).
Don't. Forget. Your. Tickets.
Of course, there's plenty fun to have in New York City this Memorial Day Weekend, it's just probably not going to be as fun as a sick booze cruise on the Hudson.
Check out some of the top activities and events happening around the city for the holiday.
1. Military Discounts at Del Frisco’s Steak House (All weekend - 1221 6th Ave)
Before we get to the parties and booze, let's remember the reason for this glorious kick-off to summer in the first place - our military. This Memorial Day weekend, active and former military with an ID card get 25% off of their entrée when dining at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York.
Guests looking to give back can order the signature Jumbo Lump Crab Cake during Memorial Day weekend and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Homes for Heroes! #DoGoodFeelGood
2. Fleet Week at Intrepid Museum (Wednesday 5/24 to Monday 5/29 - Pier 86)
#FleetWeekNYC kicks off on Wednesday May 24th and goes all the way through to Memorial Day, with plenty of uniform eye candy to honor and celebrate. The Intrepid Museum will roll of a slew of activities over the week (free on the pier!), including arrivals of the Fleet Ship, live performances and other ceremonies, plus a viewing of Top Gun for you cinephiles.
3. Sailors at the Piers (All weekend - Pier 81)
Speaking of sailors, get a front row seat to the Fleet Week action including the Parade of Ships, the U.S. Navy Aviation Demonstration, and of course all of the sailors in uniform at the Piers at Hudson's.
Then drink like a patriot with a Rocket Pop-sea-cles or a good old fashion bucket of beers from North River Lobster Company.
Sailors sail for free, so be sure to buy them a drink, like the Batten Down the Hatches (made with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Dark Rum Float).
4. Kickoff Summer '17 Booze Cruise (Saturday 5/27 - Pier 83)
ICYMI, we're throwing the biggest, baddest boat party ever this weekend with 500 of our closest friends. And hopefully you!
Our pals at FoodKick are hooking us up with some delish hors d'oeuvres, and your ticket includes open beer, wine, and vodka.
We're talking a two-hour sail around Manhattan on Circle Line Cruises' newest party boat, which will feature 3 floors of bars and live DJs spinning tunes. And after you've had enough of the stunning views of Lady Liberty, we're continuing the party dockside.
The tickets are going fast, so you better snag yours before you get left stranded on shore.
5. Fun at Coney Island (All weekend - 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn)
Since Memorial Day is the kick-off to summer, you can release your inner child and act like it's the last day of school with a trip to Coney Island.
As if riding the Cyclone and exploring Luna Park weren't enough, there's tons of events and attractions happening up and down the boardwalk this weekend - ones that you can now enjoy with some alcohol to the envy of your inner schoolboy.
Free hot dogs, karaoke on the boardwalk, circus sideshows and even a Pink Floyd laser show on Saturday, May 27th.
6. Fun + Games on Spirit of New York (All weekend - Pier 60)
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend and Fleet Week with unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade while cruising on the city’s favorite floating lounge – Spirit of New York.
Soak in the sunshine on the expansive rooftop deck, play games like life-size jenga, foosball and shuffleboard, jam to live musical entertainment and enjoy freshly prepared seasonal cuisine paired with signature cocktails to commence the unofficial beginning of summer.
7. The Great Brooklyn Grill Out (Saturday 5/27 - 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn)
Kick off summer with this all-inclusive outdoor festival in BK featuring loads of grilling stations for meat lovers (and vegetarians!) along with craft beer, cider, live entertainment and cooking demos, plus some spirits sampling.
You can rub elbows with celebrity chefs like George Motz and Michael Yapi, take part in a Grilled Cheese Competition, or just chow down on ribs and cold brew coffee in true hipster fashion.
Grab your tickets here.
8. Manhattanhenge (Monday 5/29 - Cross streets such as 14th, 34th, 42nd, 57th, and 79th)
That time of the year when the streets and blocks on NYC are even more crowded with pedestrians wielding cellphones in the air.
This annual and highly photogenic occurrence of the sun setting directly in line with select streets of Manhattan makes for a great Instagram, if you can pull yourself away from your Memorial Day BBQ.
Manhattanhenge happens to fall right on Memorial Day this year, but fear not– if you don't want to venture out to the streets on Monday, wait it out until Tuesday for an even better view.
Get Your Tickets to Our 2-Hour Booze Cruise RIGHT FRIGGIN HERE Y'ALL.
[Feature Image Courtesy New York Lobster Company]