New York’s festivals and events attract vast numbers of people all year round. The city’s streets, parks and entertainment venues are often packed with revelers enjoying a variety of parades and celebrations.
1. Ring in the Chinese New Year at the city’s parade and festival
Park
Chinese New Year runs on the lunar calendar, so the date shifts each year – but it is always sometime in mid-winter. New Yorkers celebrate the occasion with a parade that weaves its way through Chinatown and Little Italy, replete with shimmying dragons and martial artists. Bring the whole family to Sara D Roosevelt Park for the continued festivities, which includes a fireworks display and performances featuring dancers dressed as the Chinese zodiac’s 12 animals.
Dress up in green from head to toe and make your way to the St Patrick’s Day Parade
The luck of the Irish must have rubbed off on New York City, home to the largest and oldest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Every March 17, Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue comes alive with the chorus of bagpipes, the cheers of approximately 2 million spectators and enough green to make you forget it’s still winter.
Catch an independent movie at the Tribeca Film Festival
If there’s one event circled on every New York art aficionado’s calendar, it’s the Tribeca Film Festival. Showcasing a diverse collection of independent films, the two-week festival has grown since it first started in 2002 as a response to the September 11 terrorist attacks; it now spans much of Lower Manhattan, taking place in mid-spring every year.
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2. Check out world-class art on Randall’s Island at Frieze New York
Park
Each May, art lovers make their way to Randall’s Island to attend the Frieze Art Fair. Similar to its London counterpart, Frieze New York brings together some of the world’s leading artists and galleries for a series of talks, performances and exhibitions. Although it’s slightly difficult to get to Randall’s Island (you’ll have to take the subway to a bus, drive a car or take a ferry), it is worth it in order to appreciate art away from the rush of the city.
3. Chill out in the sun with some live music at the CityParks SummerStage
Park, Theatre
The CityParks SummerStage features more than 100 different concerts and other performances across NYC. Many of the shows take place in Central Park, but Prospect Park, Forest Hills Stadium and the Ford Amphitheater also frequently host events. The series brings a variety of musical performers to the city – a reflection of New York’s diversity. All events are free of charge, although you might want to arrive early to make sure you get a ticket.
4. All the world’s a stage (or at least Central Park is) at Shakespeare in the Park
Theater
For more easy-on-the-wallet entertainment, you need only wait until summer for The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park. Over their near 60-year run, these free plays, which have starred talents including Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington, have attracted more than 5 million theater fans. The easiest way to get a seat is to wait in line at the park when tickets are handed out at noon, as you cannot reserve online. There is an online lottery, however, if you want to try your luck.
Go to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and celebrate the Island of Enchantment in style
On the second Sunday in June, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade marches along Fifth Avenue, celebrating the people and culture of the Ireland of Enchantment. As one of the largest parades in New York City, it draws nearly 2 million spectators. A lot of celebrities attend the event, so keep your eyes peeled!
Wave your rainbow flag in the name of diversity, tolerance and inclusion at New York City Pride
The biggest Pride celebration in the world has found a home in New York City, which culminates in an unforgettable parade filled with glitter, rainbow flags and larger-than-life wigs. Throughout July, the city plays host to a series of special events aimed at celebrating LGBTQ history, activism and art. To truly appreciate the struggles and progress of the LGBTQ community, head to Greenwich Village for a drink at The Stonewall Inn, especially since the storied bar bills itself as “the birth of Pride,” and the LGBT Center, which has been providing support to those in need for over 30 years.
5. Take a trip to Coney Island for Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hotdog Eating Contest
Restaurant, American
Nothing could be more American than a hotdog eating contest held on Independence Day. Take the Q train to Coney Island to watch competitors swallow hotdog after hotdog for a chance at the title and big-money prize. Joey Chestnut, a world-renowned competitive eater, broke the record in 2018 by eating 74 hotdogs in 10 minutes. Once the competition is over, stick around to watch the Fourth of July fireworks over the ocean – the perfect end to this summer holiday.
6. See high-level sport in incredible surroundings at the US Open Tennis Championships
Sports Center
Starting on the last Monday in August, the US Open is the biggest tennis tournament in the country. The Queens-based competition is the modern version of the US National Championship, founded in 1881, making it one of the longest-running sports tournaments in the world. Around 700,000 people attend every year, and the fierce competition between players makes it a great spectacle for lovers of the game.
7. Satisfy your inner geek at New York Comic Con
Building
While not quite as famous as its San Diego counterpart, New York Comic Con is a must-visit for nerds and geeks of all stripes. The event, which is held in early October at the Javits Convention Center, features panels and special vendors spanning a multitude of fandoms, so no one will leave disappointed. Brooklyn Brewery makes a special celebratory India pale ale each year called the Defender, the official beer of the convention.
For thrills and laughs, head to the Village Halloween Parade
This annual October 31 event is all treats and no tricks. Don your most creative costume (they’re required) to march in New York City’s Village Halloween Parade. Expect to be joined by creepy puppets, marching bands and costumed New Yorkers.
Huge balloons, colorful floats and marching bands galore at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
In New York City, Thanksgiving means only one thing: the return of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade, which attracts around 3.5 million spectators and over 20 million television viewers, features floats, marching bands, giant balloons and even an early appearance from Santa Claus.
8. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is sure to get you in the festive spirit
Architectural Landmark
Shortly after Thanksgiving comes another holiday-related event: the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. Each year, thousands of people gather and millions tune in via television to witness the inaugural lighting of New York’s enormous, soaring evergreen. If you miss the big occasion, don’t worry: the tree remains lit until after New Year’s Day.
9. Party all night on New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Architectural Landmark
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is not for the faint of heart. Here, approximately 1 million people congregate beneath an 11,875-pound (11,873-kilogram) ball, whose descent is watched by more than 1 billion worldwide. The spectacle also features live performances, confetti and a crowd one-eighth the size of New York City’s total population.
Parrish Turner contributed additional reporting to this article.
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Read Next
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
New York City is known for its vibrant festivals and events that attract a large number of people throughout the year. From parades to film festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article and provide more information about each of them.
Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
The Chinese New Year is celebrated in New York City with a colorful parade that takes place in Chinatown and Little Italy. The parade features traditional elements such as shimmying dragons and martial artists. The festivities continue at Sara D Roosevelt Park, where visitors can enjoy a fireworks display and performances by dancers dressed as the Chinese zodiac's 12 animals [[1]].
St. Patrick's Day Parade
New York City is home to the largest and oldest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world. On March 17th, Manhattan's Fifth Avenue comes alive with the sounds of bagpipes and the cheers of approximately 2 million spectators. The parade is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with participants dressed in green from head to toe [[1]].
Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival is a highly anticipated event for art enthusiasts in New York City. It showcases a diverse collection of independent films and has grown significantly since its inception in 2002. The festival takes place in Lower Manhattan over a two-week period in mid-spring [[1]].
Frieze New York Art Fair
Art lovers flock to Randall's Island in May for the Frieze New York Art Fair. This event brings together leading artists and galleries from around the world for talks, performances, and exhibitions. While getting to Randall's Island may require some effort, the experience of appreciating art away from the hustle and bustle of the city is worth it [[1]].
CityParks SummerStage
The CityParks SummerStage is a series of more than 100 concerts and performances held across New York City. Many of these events take place in Central Park, but other venues like Prospect Park, Forest Hills Stadium, and the Ford Amphitheater also host shows. The SummerStage showcases a wide variety of musical performers, reflecting the diversity of New York City [[1]].
Shakespeare in the Park
During the summer, theater enthusiasts can enjoy free performances of Shakespeare plays in Central Park as part of the Shakespeare in the Park series by The Public Theater. These plays have attracted millions of theater fans over the years and have featured renowned actors like Meryl Streep and Denzel Washington. Tickets are distributed at noon in the park, and there is also an online lottery for those who want to try their luck [[1]].
National Puerto Rican Day Parade
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade takes place on the second Sunday in June and marches along Fifth Avenue. It celebrates Puerto Rican culture and draws nearly 2 million spectators, including many celebrities. The parade is one of the largest in New York City [[1]].
New York City Pride
New York City Pride is the largest Pride celebration in the world. It culminates in a vibrant parade filled with rainbow flags, glitter, and larger-than-life wigs. Throughout July, the city hosts a series of events that celebrate LGBTQ history, activism, and art. Greenwich Village, particularly The Stonewall Inn and the LGBT Center, are important landmarks to visit during this time [[1]].
Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hotdog Eating Contest
Coney Island is the place to be on the Fourth of July for the Nathan's Famous Hotdog Eating Contest. Competitors from around the world gather to see who can consume the most hotdogs in 10 minutes. The event is followed by fireworks over the ocean, providing a perfect ending to the summer holiday [[1]].
US Open Tennis Championships
The US Open Tennis Championships is the biggest tennis tournament in the United States. Held in Queens starting on the last Monday in August, it has a long history dating back to 1881. Around 700,000 people attend the tournament each year to witness the fierce competition between players [[1]].
New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con is a popular event for fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and more. Held in early October at the Javits Convention Center, it features panels, special vendors, and a wide range of fandoms. It is a must-visit for nerds and geeks of all kinds [[1]].
Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade is an annual event held on October 31st in New York City. Participants are required to wear creative costumes, and the parade features creepy puppets, marching bands, and costumed New Yorkers. It's a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween [[1]].
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition in New York City. Taking place on Thanksgiving Day, it attracts around 3.5 million spectators and over 20 million television viewers. The parade features floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and even an appearance by Santa Claus [[1]].
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a highly anticipated event that marks the beginning of the holiday season in New York City. Thousands of people gather, and millions more watch on television as the enormous Christmas tree is lit. The tree remains lit until after New Year's Day [[1]].
New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square
The New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square is one of the most iconic events in New York City. Approximately 1 million people gather beneath the famous ball drop to ring in the new year. The event features live performances, confetti, and a festive atmosphere. It is watched by over 1 billion people worldwide [[1]].
These events and festivals showcase the vibrant and diverse culture of New York City, attracting millions of visitors each year. Whether you're interested in art, music, theater, sports, or cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city that never sleeps.
