New York City Participatory Events

Midsummer Night Swing, outdoors in Josie Robertson Plaza (☎212-875-5766; www.lincolncenter.org), at Lincoln Center, Columbus and 63rd St. See for directions. For the past 2 decades, some of the best names in jazz, big band, swing, Latin, and even line dancing have been coming to play at this exuberant month-long festival (mid-June to July). Past performers have included Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (of Swingers fame), the Harry James Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis. Come with or without a partner to dance the night away, watch the other couples, or merely take in the ambience at the gorgeous Lincoln Center plaza. If access to the dance floor is sold out, you can strut your stuff anywhere in the surrounding area (the formal dance floor only takes up a small area). Tickets go on sale at 5:45pm, but the line often begins at 4:30pm. Dancing 7:30-10pm; lessons 6:30pm. Bags are discouraged but can be checked at Avery Fisher Hall. Tickets $15 (cash only, include lessons); 6-night pass $78; season pass $225.
Dancing on the Plaza (☎212-860-1370), at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, E. 47th between 1st and 2nd Ave. Free dancing under the stars to the sounds of salsa, classic disco, swing, soul, and R&B.