Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2025
New York City, often referred to as “The City That Never Sleeps,” is a global hub for culture, entertainment, and innovation. With its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and an endless calendar of events, New York City attracts millions of visitors each year. From Broadway shows and art exhibitions to seasonal festivals and culinary celebrations, NYC offers a rich tapestry of experiences.
January
New Year's Day Parade
- Date: January 1, 2025
- Location: Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
- Contact Information: NYC Events Office, (212) 484-1200
- Special Features: Floats, marching bands, and cultural performances.
- Description: A vibrant parade welcoming the new year, showcasing diverse cultures and communities.
Winter Jazzfest
- Date: January 10-17, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Greenwich Village
- Contact Information: Winter Jazzfest, info@winterjazzfest.com
- Special Features: Performances by leading jazz musicians, panels, and workshops.
- Description: A week-long celebration of jazz, attracting music enthusiasts from around the world.
Broadway Week
- Date: January 21 – February 4, 2025
- Location: Various Broadway theaters
- Contact Information: Broadway League, (212) 764-1122
- Special Features: Two-for-one ticket deals on select Broadway shows.
- Description: An opportunity to experience the best of Broadway at discounted prices.
February
Chinese New Year Parade
- Date: February 9, 2025
- Location: Chinatown, Manhattan
- Contact Information: Better Chinatown Society, info@betterchinatown.com
- Special Features: Dragon dances, traditional performances, and fireworks.
- Description: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with vibrant cultural displays and festivities.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- Date: February 11-12, 2025
- Location: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
- Contact Information: Westminster Kennel Club, (212) 213-3212
- Special Features: Dog show competitions, breed judging, and agility trials.
- Description: One of the oldest and most prestigious dog shows in the world.
New York Fashion Week
- Date: February 6-14, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Manhattan
- Contact Information: CFDA, info@cfda.com
- Special Features: Runway shows, designer presentations, and fashion parties.
- Description: A premier fashion event showcasing the latest trends and designs.
March
St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
- Contact Information: NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, (212) 484-1200
- Special Features: Bagpipers, Irish dancers, and cultural floats.
- Description: The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrating Irish heritage.
The Armory Show
- Date: March 6-9, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
- Contact Information: The Armory Show, info@thearmoryshow.com
- Special Features: International contemporary and modern art exhibitions.
- Description: A leading art fair attracting galleries and artists from around the globe.
New York International Children's Film Festival
- Date: March 1-22, 2025
- Location: Various theaters across Manhattan
- Contact Information: NYICFF, info@nyicff.org
- Special Features: Screenings of international films for children, workshops, and Q&A sessions.
- Description: Celebrates the best in children’s cinema with a focus on diversity and education.
April
Tribeca Film Festival
- Date: April 15-26, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Tribeca
- Contact Information: Tribeca Film Festival, info@tribecafilm.com
- Special Features: Film screenings, panel discussions, and red carpet events.
- Description: An influential film festival celebrating independent cinema.
Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
- Date: April 26-27, 2025
- Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
- Contact Information: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, (718) 623-7200
- Special Features: Cherry blossom viewing, Japanese cultural performances, and tea ceremonies.
- Description: A celebration of Japanese culture and the blooming cherry blossoms.
New York Auto Show
- Date: April 18-27, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
- Contact Information: New York Auto Show, info@autoshowny.com
- Special Features: Latest car models, concept cars, and automotive innovations.
- Description: The largest auto show in North America showcasing the latest in automotive design and technology.
May
Fleet Week
- Date: May 21-27, 2025
- Location: Various locations around NYC including Pier 86 and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Contact Information: Fleet Week NYC, info@fleetweeknyc.org
- Special Features: Ship tours, military demonstrations, and performances.
- Description: A celebration of the maritime services featuring visiting naval ships.
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
- Date: May 17-18, 2025
- Location: Ninth Avenue, from 42nd to 57th Streets
- Contact Information: Ninth Avenue Association, info@ninthavenuefoodfestival.com
- Special Features: International food stalls, live music, and cultural performances.
- Description: A culinary extravaganza showcasing foods from around the world.
Frieze New York
- Date: May 8-11, 2025
- Location: The Shed, 545 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
- Contact Information: Frieze, info@frieze.com
- Special Features: Contemporary art fair featuring galleries from around the world.
- Description: A leading international art fair with a focus on contemporary art.
June
Museum Mile Festival
Date: June 10, 2025
Location: Fifth Avenue, between 82nd and 110th Streets, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 606-2296 | Museum Mile Festival
What Makes It Special: A one-night celebration of art and culture where museums along Fifth Avenue open their doors for free.
Highlights and Features: Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, live performances, and activities suitable for all ages.
Tribeca Film Festival
Date: June 10, 2025
Location: Fifth Avenue, between 82nd and 110th Streets, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 606-2296 | Museum Mile Festival
What Makes It Special: A one-night celebration of art and culture where museums along Fifth Avenue open their doors for free.
Highlights and Features: Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, live performances, and activities suitable for all ages.
NYC Pride March
Date: June 30, 2025
Location: Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 463-0629 | NYC Pride
What Makes It Special: The Pride March is a cornerstone event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, attracting millions of attendees.
Highlights and Features: Vibrant floats, live music, and speeches by prominent activists.
July
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Date: July 4, 2025
Location: East River, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 494-4495 | Macy’s Fireworks
What Makes It Special: A dazzling fireworks display celebrating Independence Day, one of the largest in the country.
Highlights and Features: Live musical performances, synchronized pyrotechnics, and viewing parties along the river.
Shakespeare in the Park
Date: July 1 – August 25, 2025
Location: Delacorte Theater, Central Park, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 539-8500 | Shakespeare in the Park
What Makes It Special: Free outdoor performances of Shakespearean plays in Central Park.
Highlights and Features: World-class actors, a picturesque setting, and a beloved NYC summer tradition.
SummerStage Concert Series
Date: July 1 – September 30, 2025
Location: Central Park and other city parks, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 360-2756 | SummerStage
What Makes It Special: A free concert series featuring diverse genres and artists.
Highlights and Features: Performances range from indie rock to Afrobeat, with events hosted in parks across the boroughs.
August
Harlem Week
Date: August 1 – 31, 2025
Location: Various venues in Harlem, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 862-8477 | Harlem Week
What Makes It Special: A month-long celebration of Harlem’s rich cultural heritage.
Highlights and Features: Live music, food festivals, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.
NYC Restaurant Week
Date: August 5 – 25, 2025
Location: Participating restaurants across New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 484-1222 | NYC Restaurant Week
What Makes It Special: An opportunity to dine at NYC’s top restaurants at discounted prices.
Highlights and Features: Prix-fixe menus, exclusive dishes, and culinary events.
US Open Tennis Championships
Date: August 26 – September 8, 2025
Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY
Contact and Website: (718) 760-6200 | U.S. Open
What Makes It Special: One of the four Grand Slam tournaments, attracting the world’s best tennis players.
Highlights and Features: Exciting matches, fan experiences, and celebrity sightings.
September
New York Fashion Week
Date: September 5 – 13, 2025
Location: Various venues across New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 555-1212 | NYFW
What Makes It Special: A premier fashion event showcasing the latest trends from top designers.
Highlights and Features: Runway shows, exclusive parties, and opportunities to see emerging designers.
Feast of San Gennaro
Date: September 12 – 22, 2025
Location: Little Italy, Mulberry Street, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 768-9320 | San Gennaro Feast
What Makes It Special: A beloved Italian-American tradition celebrating the patron saint of Naples.
Highlights and Features: Parades, live music, and traditional Italian food.
Global Citizen Festival
Date: September 21, 2025
Location: Central Park, Great Lawn, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 784-5700 | Global Citizen
What Makes It Special: A music festival advocating for global change, featuring top artists and speakers.
Highlights and Features: Performances by international stars and inspiring talks on social issues.
October
New York Comic Con
Date: October 3 – 6, 2025
Location: Javits Center, 655 W 34th St, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 216-2000 | NYCC
What Makes It Special: The largest pop culture convention on the East Coast.
Highlights and Features: Celebrity panels, cosplay contests, and exclusive merchandise.
Open House New York
Date: October 12 – 14, 2025
Location: Various venues across New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 991-6470 | OHNY
What Makes It Special: A weekend of free access to iconic buildings and landmarks across NYC.
Highlights and Features: Guided tours, architectural talks, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences.
Halloween Parade
Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Greenwich Village, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 475-3333 | Halloween Parade
What Makes It Special: A legendary parade featuring elaborate costumes and floats.
Highlights and Features: Live performances, creative costumes, and an electric atmosphere.
November
New York City Marathon
Date: November 3, 2025
Location: Route through all five boroughs of New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 423-2249 | NYC Marathon
What Makes It Special: The world’s largest marathon, drawing runners and spectators from around the globe.
Highlights and Features: Inspirational stories, community support, and a festive finish line in Central Park.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Date: November 28, 2025
Location: Central Park West to Herald Square, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 494-4495 | Thanksgiving Parade
What Makes It Special: A beloved holiday tradition with giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity appearances.
Highlights and Features: Iconic floats, Broadway performances, and Santa Claus’s arrival.
Holiday Markets
Date: November 15 – December 24, 2025
Location: Bryant Park, Union Square, and Columbus Circle, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 555-8765 | Holiday Markets
What Makes It Special: Festive markets offering unique gifts, seasonal food, and holiday cheer.
Highlights and Features: Artisanal vendors, ice skating, and live entertainment.
December
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: December 4, 2025
Location: Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 332-6868 | Rockefeller Tree
What Makes It Special: A magical kickoff to the holiday season with the lighting of the iconic Christmas tree.
Highlights and Features: Live performances, festive decor, and a holiday spirit.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Date: December 1 – 31, 2025
Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (866) 858-0007 | Christmas Spectacular
What Makes It Special: A dazzling holiday show starring the Rockettes.
Highlights and Features: Elaborate dance routines, festive music, and stunning visuals.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Date: December 31, 2025
Location: Times Square, New York, NY
Contact and Website: (212) 768-1560 | Times Square NYE
What Makes It Special: The world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring the iconic ball drop.
Highlights and Features: Live performances, confetti showers, and a countdown to midnight.
Ticket Information
- Purchasing Tickets: Most events offer tickets online through official websites or third-party vendors. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
- Prices: Prices vary by event, with some offering free admission while others may require tickets ranging from $20 to $200 or more.
Transportation and Accessibility
- Public Transportation: The MTA subway and bus systems are the most convenient ways to get around NYC. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available.
- Parking: Limited and often expensive in Manhattan; consider using public transportation.
- Accessibility: Many events and venues are wheelchair accessible. Check with specific event organizers for detailed accessibility information.
Accommodation
- Where to Stay: Popular areas include Midtown Manhattan, Times Square, and the Financial District. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during major events.
Best Times to Attend
- Avoiding Crowds: Weekdays and early mornings are generally less crowded for popular events.
- Optimal Experience: Arrive early to secure good viewing spots, especially for parades and outdoor events.
Local Customs and Etiquette
- Respecting Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs, especially during cultural and religious events. Dress appropriately and follow event-specific guidelines.
Additional Attractions
- Exploring NYC: While attending events, take time to visit other attractions like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Safety and Comfort
Staying Safe
- Large Crowds: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.
- Weather Preparedness: Dress according to the weather, as NYC can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Check forecasts and bring necessary gear.
Comfort Tips
- Essentials: Bring snacks, water, and a portable charger. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing.
Planning Your Visit
Recap
New York City’s vibrant event calendar offers something for everyone, from cultural festivals and parades to world-class performances and unique local celebrations. These events not only highlight the city’s diversity but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in its dynamic energy.
Encouragement
Consider visiting NYC during these events to enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these events offer a unique way to experience the city’s rich culture and history. Check availability, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the best of what New York City has to offer.