Summer At The Met Museum: Rooftop Drinks, Music, Bike Valet & More

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — This summer, Upper East Siders can do a lot more than lounge on the front steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art: the world-class institution is touting a new rooftop performance series, the continuation of its popular "date night" events, and the return of a free bike valet as a few extra amenities to attract visitors this season.

The bike-parking service kicks off Saturday, sponsored by Transportation Alternatives, which first piloted the program in 2020. Anyone who pulls up on a bicycle can stop by a tent on the Met's Fifth Avenue plaza near East 83rd Street, where staff will store it for free.

The service will be available weekends through Labor Day, plus Monday holidays on Memorial Day and July 4.

Meanwhile, the Met's Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, which reopened for the season last week, will host a new performance series on Friday and Saturday evenings starting July 1. Known as "Sun Sets," it will include live electronic music, plus drinks and small bites for sale.

All roof garden events are free with museum admission, though they are first-come, first-served.

Meanwhile, Fridays and Saturdays this summer will also continue to host "Date Night at The Met," where visitors can enjoy two-for-one drink specials, live music and guided gallery talks — all free with museum admission, which remains pay-what-you-wish for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents.

"The only thing better than a visit to the Met, is a visit to the Museum via a bike ride,” said Kenneth Weine, the museum's vice president for external affairs, in a news release about the bike valet's return.

"The growing momentum of bicycle travel within New York City is an important and positive development—and we’re honored to provide free valet bicycle parking on our plaza."

As for what will be on view: new exhibitions at the Met this summer include In America: An Anthology of Fashion, Winslow Homer: Crosscurrents, and upcoming shows including Kimono Style: The John C. Weber Collection (opening June 7) and Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color (July 5).