Events
Events
A Year-Round Guide for 2024-2025
New York City, often described as the cultural capital of the world, is renowned for its vibrant event calendar that spans the entire year. From iconic parades and seasonal festivals to cultural celebrations and unique local events, the city offers something for everyone. This guide will walk you through the key events happening in New York City from January 2025 to December 2024, detailing their significance, highlights, practical information, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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
Governors Ball Music Festival
- Date: June 7-9, 2024
- Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY
- Contact Information: Governors Ball, info@governorsballmusicfestival.com
- Special Features: Live music performances from top artists, food trucks, and art installations.
- Description: A premier music festival featuring a diverse lineup of artists.
Pride Parade
- Date: June 30, 2024
- Location: Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
- Contact Information: NYC Pride, info@nycpride.org
- Special Features: Colorful floats, performances, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride.
- Description: One of the largest Pride parades in the world, celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Museum Mile Festival
- Date: June 11, 2024
- Location: Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Streets
- Contact Information: Museum Mile Festival, info@museummilefestival.org
- Special Features: Free admission to museums, live music, and art activities.
- Description: An annual event where museums along Fifth Avenue open their doors for free.
July
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
- Date: July 4, 2024
- Location: East River, New York, NY
- Contact Information: Macy’s, (212) 494-4495
- Special Features: Spectacular fireworks display over the East River.
- Description: A grand celebration of Independence Day with one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays.
SummerStage Festival
- Date: July 1 – August 31, 2024
- Location: Central Park and other parks across NYC
- Contact Information: SummerStage, info@summerstage.org
- Special Features: Free outdoor concerts, dance performances, and cultural events.
- Description: A summer-long festival featuring a diverse lineup of performers.
New York City Restaurant Week
- Date: July 22 – August 16, 2024
- Location: Various participating restaurants
- Contact Information: NYCgo, (212) 484-1222
- Special Features: Special prix-fixe menus at top restaurants.
- Description: An opportunity to dine at some of the city’s best restaurants at discounted prices.
August
Harlem Week
- Date: August 3-17, 2024
- Location: Various locations in Harlem
- Contact Information: Harlem Week, info@harlemweek.com
- Special Features: Music, dance, and cultural events celebrating Harlem’s rich history.
- Description: A multi-week festival showcasing the culture and heritage of Harlem.
NYC Summer Streets
- Date: August 3, 10, 17, 2024
- Location: Park Avenue, from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park
- Contact Information: NYC Department of Transportation, (212) 839-6210
- Special Features: Car-free streets with activities, performances, and fitness classes.
- Description: A unique event transforming city streets into a playground for pedestrians.
US Open Tennis Championships
- Date: August 26 – September 8, 2024
- Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY
- Contact Information: US Open, (718) 760-6200
- Special Features: Matches featuring the world’s top tennis players.
- Description: One of tennis’s Grand Slam tournaments, attracting fans from around the world.
September
New York Fashion Week
- Date: September 5-12, 2024
- 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.
Feast of San Gennaro
- Date: September 12-22, 2024
- Location: Little Italy, Manhattan
- Contact Information: Figli di San Gennaro, info@sangennaro.org
- Special Features: Italian food stalls, parades, and religious processions.
- Description: An annual celebration of Italian-American culture and heritage.
Brooklyn Book Festival
- Date: September 22-29, 2024
- Location: Various locations in Brooklyn
- Contact Information: Brooklyn Book Festival, info@brooklynbookfestival.org
- Special Features: Author readings, panel discussions, and book signings.
- Description: A celebration of literature featuring authors from around the world.
October
New York Comic Con
- Date: October 3-6, 2024
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
- Contact Information: New York Comic Con, info@nycc.com
- Special Features: Panels, cosplay, and exhibits featuring comics, movies, and TV shows.
- Description: The largest pop culture convention on the East Coast.
Village Halloween Parade
- Date: October 31, 2024
- Location: Greenwich Village, New York, NY
- Contact Information: Village Halloween Parade, info@halloween-nyc.com
- Special Features: Elaborate costumes, live performances, and giant puppets.
- Description: A legendary parade celebrating Halloween with creative and spooky displays.
Open House New York
- Date: October 18-20, 2024
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Contact Information: Open House New York, info@ohny.org
- Special Features: Free access to architecturally significant buildings and sites.
- Description: An annual event offering a behind-the-scenes look at NYC’s architectural gems.
November
New York City Marathon
- Date: November 3, 2024
- Location: Starts in Staten Island and ends in Central Park
- Contact Information: New York Road Runners, (855) 569-6977
- Special Features: A 26.2-mile race through all five boroughs of NYC.
- Description: One of the largest and most famous marathons in the world.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Date: November 28, 2024
- Location: Starts at Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square
- Contact Information: Macy’s, (212) 494-4495
- Special Features: Giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances.
- Description: An iconic parade marking the start of the holiday season.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Date: November 27, 2024
- Location: Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
- Contact Information: Rockefeller Center, (212) 332-6868
- Special Features: Lighting of the Christmas tree, live performances, and festive decorations.
- Description: A beloved holiday tradition attracting visitors from around the world.
December
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
- Date: December 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
- Contact Information: Radio City Music Hall, (866) 858-0007
- Special Features: High-kicking Rockettes, festive music, and dazzling choreography.
- Description: A holiday show that has been entertaining audiences since 1933.
Holiday Markets
- Date: Throughout December
- Location: Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle
- Contact Information: Various market organizers
- Special Features: Handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and festive decorations.
- Description: Seasonal markets offering unique holiday shopping experiences.
New Year's Eve Times Square Ball Drop
- Date: December 31, 2024
- Location: Times Square, New York, NY
- Contact Information: Times Square Alliance, (212) 452-5200
- Special Features: Live performances, countdown, and the iconic ball drop at midnight.
- Description: A world-famous event celebrating the arrival of the new year.
Practical Information
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.