From August 25 to September 9, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens will morph into the tennis capital of the world during the U.S. Open. This event is a highlight for tennis lovers around the country: Serena! Maria! Novak! Rafael! If you’re looking for things to do in the city before the games begin, you certainly won’t grow restless. There’s something going on in New York City for nearly everyone, and there’s a good chance it’s free.

To guide you in your travels, we’ve partnered with evian to bring you our picks for the best things to do while you’re in town for the U.S. Open.

BROOKLYN

See Some Art at the Bushwick Collective Street Gallery

Sure, museums are nice and all, but this is New York, where art is everywhere. Since the untimely demise of graffiti landmark 5 Pointz last year, this vast outdoor gallery, with over 50 vibrant murals, has become the must-see destination for all lovers of street art.

Address: All over! But mostly centralized at Troutman St. between Wyckoff Ave. & St. Nicholas.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheBushwickCollective

Get a Haircut (and a Beer) at The Blind Barber

One way to improve that awkward conversation between you and your stylist? A cold brew. You can buzz your hair and get a beer buzz at this chic Williamsburg barbershop, with full bar and cafe inside.

Address: 524 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY (there’s also an East Village location)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlindBarber

Eat Amazing Chinese Food at the New Mission Chinese Pop-Up

Image via Flickr

We’ll make a bold statement: Mission Chinese is San Francisco’s best food export. Long a favorite of off-duty chefs in SF and NYC for its generous portions of delicious, homey Chinese fare, its newest incarnation’s set menu has already been dubbed “the best meal of 2014.” (Just check the website to see if it’s open before you go.)

Address: 457 Court Street, Brooklyn
Website: http://missionchinesefood.com/ny/

MANHATTAN

Tickle Your Funny Bone At UCB

Image: Flickr

The Upright Citizens Brigade is a veritable factory of comedy talent. The August 30 show, with Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids, The Office) and comedy circuit regular Christina Gausas, is sure to induce tears of laughter.

Address: 307 W. 26th St. nr. 8th Ave.
Website: http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/shows/view/3871

Taste Some Grapes At City Winery

Not only does City Winery play host to musical guests and comedians, but it also lives up to its name: You can swirl, sniff and swill fresh wine straight from the barrel. You can also purchase wine after your tour at a 20 percent discount.
Seven days a week between 2 and 5 p.m. Reserve via reservations@citywinery.com.

Address: 155 Varick Street between Spring and Vandam sts.
Website: http://www.citywinery.com/newyork/winemaking/tours-tasting-room.html/

Tuck Into A Homey Meal At Jack’s Wife Freda

This cozy, stylish joint is owned by husband-and-wife team Dean and Maya Jankelowitz. They’ve combined influences from home (South Africa and Israel, respectively) to create a Mediterranean-inspired menu filled with mouthwatering bites: try the green shakshuka and delicately scented rosewater waffles for brunch and the peri peri chicken and skirt steak “prego roll” for dinner.

Address: 224 Lafayette St., near Spring St.
Website: http://www.jackswifefreda.com/

Shoot Pool at Fat Cat

If you’re looking for a way to cool off after a long day in the sun, Fat Cat has billiards, ping pong, chess and shuffleboard. Stay awhile and you’ll be able to revel in live jazz music.

Address: 75 Christopher St. at 7th Ave.
Website: http://www.fatcatmusic.org/

Visit A Bar(ge)

Image: Flickr

Skip the cheesy, touristy boat trips and head for the barge. The Frying Pan is a floating lighthouse permanently docked at Pier 66. It’s a well-known happy hour spot among locals who want to take their refreshments al fresco.

Address: Pier 66 Maritime in Hudson River Park. Entrance at W. 26th Street.
Website: http://fryingpan.com/site/

Cycle The Streets

Seven miles of Manhattan streets are roped off for three August weekends in honor of the Summer Streets event. Don’t forget to check out the seven-block long art installation called “Dive,” where you can walk through the Park Avenue tunnel surrounded by fish and deep sea crustaceans recordings from oceans around the world.

Address: Seven miles along Park Avenue and Lafayette Street.
Website: www.nyc.gov/summerstreets

QUEENS

Smell The Roses at the Queens Botanical Garden

Image: Courtesy of Flickr

Address: 43-50 Main St, Flushing
Website: http://www.queensbotanical.org/

Get Nerdy At The New York Hall Of Science

While you don’t need your pocket protector to enjoy this kid-friendly Queens museum, we’d certainly encourage wearing it—just to get in the proper mood. With other 450 interactive exhibits, from microbe zoos to NASA rockets to design labs where visitors can plan ways to escape a deserted island, both you and your mini-scientist will have plenty of fun.

Address: 47-01 111th St. (Corona–111 St/48 Av)
Website: http://www.nycgo.com/venues/new-york-hall-of-science

Be A King Or Queen For The Day At Spa Castle

At 100,000 square feet, this is a veritable palace of relaxation. With both indoor and outdoor pools, two food courts and LED-lit saunas to fit all of your moods, you’ll have no shortage of ways to unwind.

Address: 131-10 11th Ave, College Point
Website: http://spacastleusa.com/ny/

Wander Among The Art At The Socrates Sculpture Garden

Peer at the Manhattan skyline from this landfill-turned-garden, which is filled with modern art installations and sculpture. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the many free events that the park sponsors, from yoga to tai chi to outdoor cinema.

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
Website: http://socratessculpturepark.org/

But Let’s Not Forget The Real Reason You’re Here

Enjoy the Open!

While you are positively melting from the heat as you traverse NYC, don’t forget to quench your thirst. All natural and perfectly pure, evian is the superior water source with the taste that nature intended.