Fire up the barbecues. Memorial Day is here, and with it, the unofficial start of summer.

The ocean water might still be a bit too chilly for swimming, but it’s time to dive into those warm-weather activities you’ve been missing. So get outside and explore — safely, of course. (Wear your sunblock!)

Been craving a day in the park? A visit to an outdoor market? A minor-league baseball game with gloriously over-the-top promotions? You’re in luck. Summer is just around the corner, and we’re here to help you navigate all the city has to offer — with some help from expert New Yorkers.

(A scheduling note: Unlike in previous years, the Summer in the City newsletter will be monthly this season, with editions coming in late June, July and August that will cover the month following each of those dates. We’ll also be featuring photos by Daniel Arnold, a photographer based in New York. And for eating recommendations, head over to the Where to Eat: New York City newsletter, written by Nikita Richardson, one of our Food editors.)

Recommendations

Open Garden NYC (June 3-4)

“We have community gardens in all five boroughs where you can get together with your neighbors and immediately make an impact, and the Open Garden days are a perfect opportunity to check out the garden closest to you.” — Sue Donoghue, commissioner, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island (June 10-11)

“I did the cocktails for the event for many years, and always enjoyed being a part of it. The music, dancing, food and cocktails make for a really special day in N.Y.C.” — Julie Reiner, founder, Social Hour cocktails, and co-owner of Clover Club, Leyenda and Milady’s

Central Park SummerStage featuring DJ Premier with Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, SpinKing and more (June 19, 4 p.m.)

“Central Park is iconic for many reasons, but one area it’s lesser known for is the legacy of hip-hop, funk and soulful house music D.J.s who regularly perform during the summer.” — Alex Kurland, director of programming at Blue Note Jazz Club

Concert in the Catacombs: The Daxophone Consort at Green-Wood Cemetery (June 21-22)

“A one-of-a-kind atmospheric sound experience curated by acclaimed experimental musician Gelsey Bell.” — Catherine Morris, Sackler senior curator for the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art at Brooklyn Museum

More Events

With kids

Bring the family to the Astoria Park Carnival, running from June 7-11. Munch on some funnel cake and take a ride on the Zipper ride — not necessarily in that order. For those who are even bolder, a monster truck ride will be available this summer for the first time.

With friends

Pack some cold beverages and a blanket for the first Bryant Park Movie Night of the summer on June 12. On the marquee: “Almost Famous.”

June is L.G.B.T.Q. Pride Month, and there will be events all month. But the one to put on your calendar is the June 25 march, which begins at noon at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue. Follow it all the way and you’ll end up at Pride Island, a dance party at Brooklyn Army Terminal headlined by Christina Aguilera.

The annual battle for city baseball supremacy commences June 13 at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees. The subway series continues the next day, also at the Mets’ home in Flushing, Queens.

Free fun

Catch the final birding tour of migration season at Bryant Park on June 2. Tours start at Heiskell Plaza.

Head out to Coney Island on June 17 for the Mermaid Parade, the nation’s largest art parade, in which more than 3,000 participants will dress in handmade costumes.

The 45th annual Museum Mile Festival, when museums including the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have no entry fee, is June 13.

Going solo

Bisa Butler’s exhibit, “The World Is Yours,” runs at the Jeffrey Deitch gallery through the end of the month. Ms. Butler’s life-size quilted portraits feature representations of contemporary Black Americans.

The 30th New York African Film Festival wraps up June 3 with a free outdoor showing of “Simply Black” at the Africa Center.

Date night

Check out the Queens Night Market at Flushing Meadows Park, near the New York Hall of Science, where dozens of vendors sell small plates of delicious fare. And a rotating cast of D.J.s keep the dance floor hopping.

The Klezmatics, one of the nation’s premier Yiddish music groups, take the stage at Central Park’s SummerStage on June 14.

Pet friendly

Bring your dog to Maimonides Park as the Brooklyn Cyclones host the Greenville Drive on June 6 for “Bark in the Park” night.

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