15 Unmissable Festivals and Events in New York City
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.
Ring in the Chinese New Year at the city’s parade and festival
Park
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.
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.
Chill out in the sun with some live music at the CityParks SummerStage
Park, Theatre
All the world’s a stage (or at least Central Park is) at Shakespeare in the Park
Theater
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.
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.
See high-level sport in incredible surroundings at the US Open Tennis Championships
Sports Center
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.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is sure to get you in the festive spirit
Architectural Landmark
Party all night on New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Architectural Landmark
Parrish Turner contributed additional reporting to this article.
About the author
Splitting her time between Miami and New York, Julia is a writer currently based in Brooklyn. She enjoys foreign films, 70s cookbooks, and bad detective novels.
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