It’s officially summer in NYC, and I know because the Pool Parties are back in action.

Only this year, they’re not actually at a pool, since McCarren Pool has closed to be restored to it’s former glory as – you guessed it – a pool.

Last year, this Sunday ritual was the absolute highlight of my summer, so exploring the new location at the Williamsburg waterfront was met with mixed feelings. The result: breeze, check. Manhattan views, check. Great bands, check. Dodgeball, check.

The existence of a beer section and the inability to sit and enjoy the outdoors with decent sitelines (while sipping on beer) are probably the most disappointing element. The pool had a more communal feel – we sat in the same spot weekly, and most everyone knew we’d be there. Our large groups of sometimes 20+ people made summer a fun group activity. This past week felt a little more disjointed. Still, congrats JellyNYC for doing so much with the space available. I’ll definitely be heading to the pool parties this year weekly, and the summerscreen at McCarren Park, too (equipped with special bottles of sprite).

Review: JellyNYC pool parties @ threedollardrinks