The Summer’s Hottest Downtown Destination: Pier 17

The Summer’s Hottest Downtown Destination: Pier 17

Drinks in the sunshine, an amazing meal with water views, outdoor entertainment—these are the things we look forward to all winter long. With warm weather finally arriving in New York City, Pier 17 in the Seaport District is the place to be to savor these cornerstones of summer. We’re talking brand new restaurants from world-renowned chefs; rooftop concerts from the most exciting names in rock, pop and comedy; immersive art installations on the city streets; and breezy outdoor lounges where you can enjoy cold beer and craft cocktails.

We call it Summer by the Sea and you’ll find it all at Pier 17 and on the surrounding cobblestones of the Seaport. Here’s a taste of what’s on tap in the neighborhood this summer.

New Restaurants from Big Names

Three of the country’s most celebrated chefs— Jean-Georges Vongerichten, David Chang and Helene Henderson—are opening new concepts at Pier 17 this summer, with more on the way at the end of the year. To kick things off, Jean-Georges debuts his first seafood restaurant, The Fulton —a restaurant inspired by the Seaport’s maritime past and one-time bustling fish market. The Fulton’s menu is custom-made for summer, featuring oysters and other raw-bar selections, along with whole fish entrees and seafood favorites like fritto-misto salad. While perfectly framed views of the Brooklyn Bridge are available from some tables inside, the outdoor seating will give you the most summery dining experience.

Also coming soon: a new concept from David Chang of the Momofuku Groupand an outpost of California-fresh Malibu Farm from chef Helene Henderson.

Spacious Outdoor Bars

There’s no need to jostle for outdoor drinking space here—Pier 17’s large footprint makes for plenty of room at the Heineken Riverdeck  — opening this summer for beers, cocktails and snacks and on the rooftop at R17where the sprawling patio gives you the perfect vantage point for toasting summer right in front of the Brooklyn Bridge. A couple of blocks away, Garden Bar takes afternoon and evening drinks to the streets, with a breezy hub outdoors on Fulton Street. Come and mingle with locals and visitors and enjoy snacks from 10 Corso Como and your favorite craft beer or cocktail. It’s the perfect way to pre-game for the night ahead or wrap up a day of work or shopping in the neighborhood.

Live Music & Comedy Al Fresco

The Rooftop at Pier 17 Summer Concert Series kicked off on May 19th and runs through October, putting iconic and on-the-rise acts front and center on The Rooftop at Pier 17. Where else can you watch your favorite band or performer do their thing outside against a backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge? This year’s lineup includes Billie Eilish, The Lonely Island, Sarah Silverman, Sheryl Crow and Ringo Starr, just to name a few. To see the full lineup and to buy tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Art Installations Throughout the Seaport

Bright colors and striking compositions: this summer the streets of the Seaport come alive via an impressive roster of emerging artists, with a rolling schedule of installations on display throughout the neighborhood. The artists include Wade Jeffree & Leta Sobierajski, Mike Perry, Yoko Ono, and Tin and Ed. Come and learn more about each featured artist throughout the summer—and have your camera app and hashtags at the ready, because this is one Insta-ready collection of talent.

Macy’s July 4th Fireworks

It’s the biggest holiday of the summer and Pier 17 is at the heart of the celebrations this year, with the 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks lighting up the skies over downtown Manhattan with thousands of fireworks launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17. The big show—broadcast to millions of TV viewers as well as those lining the East River—starts at approximately 9:30 pm. More details will be revealed closer to the holiday.

Even More Summer Fun

Yes, of course there’s more. Block off some time to work on your summer bod at Seaport Fit, a series of free workout classes on The Rooftop at Pier 17  , catch the latest movies at Seaport Cinema , and lounge around at Lincoln Summer House. Stay tuned to our Seaporter blog and social channels for updates and announcements on all Pier 17 and Seaport District summer events and the latest openings.