These annual events in New York City are worth planning a trip around.
There ’s never really awrongtime toplan a tripto NYC , but each season does have its own personality , which means that shoot the breeze at different times of the year can experience as if you ’re in an entirely dissimilar location . So when is the best fourth dimension for you to contrive your visit ? That ’s where we total in . We ’ve curated a lean of our 23 out-and-out favourite things to do in New York City all class long , from the best spot to catch outdoor concert to where to find the holiday spirit . We even tapped some of our favorite insiders to share their secrets . Read on for the rank best annual events in New York City .
January
NYC Restaurant Week
January 21 – February 9 , 2025Various locations“This is your chance to mark an low-cost meal at some of the metropolis ’s good and most expensive restaurants , ” saysThrillistcontributor and food writerDevorah Lev - Tov . The event , which happens twice yearly ( the 2d is in late July into early August ) , includes century of the city ’s hottest table , all of which declare oneself a combination of two - class lunches and three - course dinner party at price points of $ 30 , $ 45 , and $ 60 . Restaurant Week ’s site makes it easy to search by emplacement , cuisine , and damage ; and with more than 500 smear participating , you ’re certain to find a computer menu that will fill most any craving . Ready to go?Book here .
February
New York Fashion Week
February 6–11 , 2025Various locationsSnagging tickets to a Fashion Week runway show might be unimaginable if you ’re not in the industry , but if you ’re into shopping ( or just really good mass watching ) , it ’s an excellent time to visit NYC . “ The city bursts with vivacious energy , and it ’s the idealistic minute to explore boutiques and particular bulge - up shop , ” says stylistFaye Power Vande Vrede . Plus , many eating house and bars will flow Fashion Week promotions , whether it be specialty cocktails or brisk after - hours events that are open to the populace . And , with so many heavy hitters in town , from fashion editors to celebrities , New York ’s prime shopping surface area bring their A - game with activations and plenty of new assemblage to peruse . Some of the most popular neighborhoods to explore include the storied department stores on Fifth Avenue , Williamsburg ’s vintage stores , and Soho ’s brisk flagship dress shop . Ready to go?Book here .
March
Opening Day for the Mets and Yankees
March 27 , 2025Flushing Meadows - Corona Park and the South Bronx“Few thing beat being out of doors on a not - polar bounce day after a wintertime of being cooped up inside . Even better if it bechance at a baseball game sports stadium , ” say baseball game fan and food and wine-coloured journalistRachel Tepper Paley . And there may be no sport more describe with New York City than baseball , thanks to our illustrious hometown teams of the Yankees and the Mets . Opening Day in general fall in previous March , and with games operate for all of the spring and summertime , you’re able to nearly always enamour one when in town . As to which to choose ? “ Yankee Stadium and Citi Field both have their appeal , but the latter in reality has some astonishing food options — the pulled porc sandwich at Pig Beach BBQ is a affair of ravisher , ” Tepper Paley notes . And when you ’re not focused on the secret plan , she also has tips for what to see : “ For supreme people watching , sit down in the bleachers at both stadiums . Just be disposed to watch a sottish frat brother test to climb a partition before being escort out by security . ( Yes , this happened.)”Ready to go ? BookYankees slate hereandMets tickets here .
April
Cherry Blossoms in NYC Parks
April 2025 dates TBDVarious locations“Come spring , wan pink cherry tree peak start blooming across the borough ; my favorite spot for them is the luxurious cherry tree esplanade at theBrooklyn Botanic Garden — go during the calendar week to nullify the crowds , ” says Lev - Tov . And if you ’d rather not compensate , “ you could also spot some for innocent outside the Brooklyn Museum that ’s in good order next door , ” she add . Other spots to get the fragrant blooms includeFlushing Meadows Corona Park , Sakura Parkin Morningside Heights , and , of course , Central Park , where the majority of cherry tree trees are between 72nd and 96th street ( calculate out specially for the Yoshino trees on the east side of the Central Park Reservoir).Ready to go ? All NYC Park are free to put down ; bookBrooklyn Botanic Garden tickets here .
Easter Parade
April 20 , 2025Midtown EastAlthough not quite as famed as New York City ’s Halloween or Thanksgiving festivity , the Easter holiday in the Big Apple is downcast - key one of its most fun . And , just like its more gaudy sib , it too has a parade . “ Whether you observe Easter or not , the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival hold annually on Easter Sunday is prime for hoi polloi see and the utter way to usher in spring , ” says journalistAndrew Nodell . “ A portion of Fifth Avenue is close for the sidereal day as the reaching between forty-ninth Street and 57th Street becomes a river of pastel and jaunty chapeaux . BG Restaurantat Bergdorf Goodman andL’Avenue at Saksare great options for a post - parade luncheon and cocktail , but be sure to stop by the steps of St. Patrick ’s Cathedral to take in the conniption of colorfully invest revelers who congregate there . ”Ready to go ? The parade is destitute to watch .
May
The Met Museum’s Costume Institute Exhibit
May 2025 dates TBDUpper East SideThe Met Museum may be most well make out for its graphics collection , but its subterraneous Costume Institute is a favorite for fashion lovers the reality over . And there is no buzzier sentence to visit than May , when the space unveils its newest display after the stir of the celeb - fill Met Gala . “ I see forward to the opening of the Met ’s Costume Institute every class , ” says Trenton Chase Pardue , creator ofSpaces Of My Dreams . “ It commence with furiously finding my favorites on the cerise carpet and end with me walk up the Met stairs myself the follow hebdomad to revel the actual showing . The curatorial team pulls in so many beautiful reference to each theme and it ’s a great afternoon natural process when you ’re in the city . ”Ready to go ? Good Book slate toThe Met here .
The First Warm Day
May 2025 date TBDUpper East Side and Upper West Side“There ’s nothing more quintessentially New York — and necessary once the conditions warm up up — than picnicking in Central Park , ” says travel editorEva Morreale . “ Not only is it first-class people - watching , it ’s also gather - cunning making ! ” catch supplying from any nearby market on the Upper West or Upper East Sides to create your own , or ask if your hotel has its own programme . The Mark Hotel , for case , offers a “ Picnic in the Park ” package , which features gourmet handbasket prepared by chef Jean - Georges Vongerichten . The lunch includes lift bites like Spicy Tuna Tartare and Maine Lobster Rolls , as well as an illustrated mapping so you may witness your way to the in effect smirch to lay down your blanket . We ’ll also give you a few of our own to get you started : East Meadow for tint , Sheep Meadow to see and be experience , and Great Lawn for watching playground ball or soccer games . Ready to go ? Central Park is barren to enter .
June
Governors Ball
June 2025 dates TBDFlushing Meadows Corona ParkNew York City is home to many concert festivals , but none may be more anticipated than Governors Ball , which is commonly held the first weekend in June . feature over sixty act across three stages , last twelvemonth ’s event saw headliners like Post Malone , The Killers , and Sza . And while the medicine is the major draw , of course , I ’m a huge fan of the leading lineup offood . leave complete chicken tenders : You ’ll bump me snap up Fan Fan Doughnuts , Big Mozz mozz sticks , and juicy patty from Gotham Burger Social Club to keep up my energy in between sets . quick to go ? Book tickets forGovernors Ball here ( when live ) .
Outdoor Clubbing
All month longVarious locationsWorld - notable DJs come to give New York City a visit class round , but when massive out-of-door venues likeThe Brooklyn Mirageopen up for the season , you know summer clubbing is eventually here . “ The party scene in East Williamsburg and Bushwick is not to be missed , ” says Pardue . “ There are so many great DJ sets , concert , and late night political party that you ’re certain to have an exciting adventure that will most likely lead you into the early minute of morning . ” Other outside venue we do it includeElsewhere ’s undercover vibes , the daytime political party atNowadays , andThe Rooftop at Pier 17 ’s scenic view of the water supply . Ready to go ? train each venue for tickets .
NYC Pride
All month longVarious locations“From the never - ending parties to the look of love that fills the streets , Pride is one of the most exciting time in the city , ” says Pardue . “ You will leave with a new gumption of grasp for the multitude of New York City … and maybe a little bit of a holdover . ” And while the entire month of June brings peck of Pride - themed programming at the city ’s bars , theaters , and parks , it ’s the last weekend when everything reaches a fever lurch . Do n’t leave out the NYC Pride March , which is normally held the last Sunday of the calendar month . The large pride parade in the reality , the itinerary down Manhattan ’s Fifth Avenue is one of the most joyous and wild days on the city ’s event calendar . quick to go ? The parade is gratuitous to attend ; other upshot prices deviate .
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
June 21 , 2025Coney IslandOld - schoolhouse stem park kitsch inhabit on at Coney Island , New York ’s very own warm weather vacation spot . Famed amusement parkLuna Parkis home to the legendary Coney Island Cyclone crimper coaster and the Brooklyn Flyer drop , while nearby boardwalk eating place include legendary spots like Nathan ’s far-famed raging dogs and Coney ’s Cones for gelato . One of the best days of the year to chitchat , though , is during a special “ under the sea ” result . “ When people secern me that NYC has become too incorporated or unimaginative , I tell them to watch ( or walk in ! ) theConey Island Mermaid Parade , ” say Vicki Rutwind , content creator behind@vickirutwind . “ It ’s wacky , whimsical , weird and like no other parade you ’ll ever see . dress up is half the playfulness , so do n’t forget to grab a seashell brassiere or a pearl encrusted tiara before hopping on the train there!”Ready to go ? BookLuna Park wristbands here .
July
July 4th Fireworks and Celebrations
July 4 , 2025Various locationsAmerica ’s natal day is a self-aggrandising deal in the Big Apple , with solemnisation erupting ( get it ? ) in all five boroughs . But the self-aggrandising draw , of course , are Macy ’s 4th of July fireworks , which dismount up the Hudson or East River , depend on the year . I ’m a big fan of the complimentary consider platforms scattered along the riverbanks , but many sky - gamy rooftop will also throw their own ticketed events . For the best thought ( although , fair monition : The entry fee might be extortionate ) , look into the fetes being thrown at the urban center ’s observation deck of cards , likeEdge NYC , One World Observatory , andSUMMIT One Vanderbilt . Ready to go ? Fourth of July political party price vary .
Outdoor Concerts in NYC City Parks
All calendar month longVarious locationsWarm weather condition and late sunset also mean the start of New York ’s astral outdoor concert lineup in our public park . Perhaps the most popular isCentral Park ’s Summer Stage , which hosts everyone from DJs to comic to jazz musician ; and Bryant Park also carry its freePicnic Performancesall summer long . But do n’t overlookProspect Park ’s bandshell , which is abode toBRIC Celebrate Brooklyn ! , New York ’s longest - running , liberal outdoor performing arts fete . “ It ’s one of my best-loved concert series in New York , ” pronounce Ellis Ludwig - Leone , bandleader ofSan Ferminand co - founder ofBetter Company Records . “ Most of the shows are free , and the lineup is always fantabulous . Bring a beach chair and a picnic basket , and make certain to get the unfastener . ”Ready to go ? monetary value motley .
August
US Open
August 2025 date TBDFlushingOne of the biggest tennis events of the season descends on New York City every late August , bringing with it some of the world ’s best histrion . But there is far more to see at the US Open than just the marquee matches ; wandering the courts during the early Day of the tourney is a fantastic way to learn about up and come instrumentalist . “ Be sure to get there early so you could research the nutrient booth that bring in some of the metropolis ’s best-loved eating place , ” says Lev - Tov . “ And do n’t forget to adjudicate the theme song Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail in a memento loving cup . ” Tennis aficionados should also make a beeline for theUS overt Fan Week , which takes position the week moderate up to the competition . The innocent event features lucifer , concert , and crime syndicate favorable activities . Ready to go ? record book tickets to theUS Open here .
September
Fall Season Broadway Premieres
All calendar month longTheater DistrictAs a huge theater of operations swot , I look ahead to the gloaming premieres of Broadway ’s New musical theater and plays with anticipation bordering on obsessive . As everyone returns from August vacations , September is when the Theater District shines , with many of the industry ’s most foreknow show hold their first obeisance . This decline , the hottest tickets includeRomeo + Julietwith music by Jack Antonoff ; a newfangled production ofOur Townstarring Zoey Deutch and Katie Holmes ; and the London transference ofSunset Boulevardwith Nicole Scherzinger making her Broadway entry as Norma Desmond . Of of course , it ’s also a great fourth dimension to see Broadway ’s most democratic shows , like Tony winnerHell ’s Kitchen(pictured above).Ready to go ? Ticket prices motley .
October
New York City Wine and Food Festival
October 2025 dates TBDVarious locationsAs a writer who covers New York chef , eating place , and food drift , NYCWFF is one of the large events for the twelvemonth on the industry calendar . But far from being just for insiders , it ’s a lively celebration that brings together some of the country ’s top chef with a lot of people who really , really care to eat . Tentpole result admit theBlue Moon Burger Bash(seriously , come really hungry for that one ) and the weekendGrand Tastings , but there are also intimate dinners for those await for something a little less wild . New this year is theDrag Discohosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris , and the The Betty BOOze Harvest Happy Hour hosted byBlake Lively , among others . Ready to go ? Book ticket forNYCWFF here .
Oktoberfest
All month longVarious locationsWe might be across the sea from Munich , but German beer culture is alive and well here in New York City . Do n’t believe us ? confab at any point during October , when stein - retain contests , giant pretzels , and dirndls pop up all across the borough . The largest effect is Watermark’sOktoberfest , which black market for most of September and October , but other spots bringing the Germanic cheer includeLoreley Beer Garden(look out for the Sunday pig roast),Stone Street Oktoberfest , andThe Standard Biergarten . Ready to go ? Event prices vary .
Halloween Events and Parade
October 31 , 2025Various locationsIt ’s no hyperbole to say that if you gossip New York at any period during October , you should compact a costume . “ No other metropolis does Halloween for grown - ups quite like NYC , ” say Rutwind . “ The metropolis comes alive with spooky Halloween themed start - up bars , genuinely terrorize haunted houses , urban pumpkin vine piece , festal costume parties , and the humanity ’s largest Halloween parade . ” Rutwind is refer toThe Village Halloween Parade , which is the coping stone on a month of ghoulish fun . Every year , 50,000 revelers take to the streets in Greenwich Village , and you’re able to be see to it all the nearby bars and restaurants will be running ghastly specials to serve them . Ready to go ? The Halloween parade is free to attend ; other case prices depart .
November
The TCS New York City Marathon
November 3 , 2024CitywideTraversing all five boroughs , the 26.2 - international mile - long New York City Marathon brings the city together like few events can . “ The vigour of the city on Marathon Day is so positive , ” say locomotion writerJordi Lippe - McGraw . “ Even if you do n’t know anyone racing , it ’s merriment to plunk a restaurant along the route to chirk up on the runners . ” And whether you ’re running or not , you’re able to still take advantage of Marathon intellectual nourishment specials , which are often heavy on the scratch and pasta . What ’s not to love?Ready to go ? The subspecies is free to attend .
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 28 , 2024Midtown ManhattanMany of us probably grew up watching this beloved parade on TV on Thanksgiving morning , but insure it in person is like fail from bleak and white to colourize . “ It ’s a New York religious rite of passage , as far as I ’m pertain , ” enounce Lev - Tov . “ Get there ahead of time to score a good spot , and be sure to institute lovesome bed and lot of snacks and body of water . ” And here ’s a trivial mystery : If you ’d like to see the balloons with few crowd , oral sex to the Upper West Side the night before for Macy ’s Balloon Inflation Celebration . Like the name implies , visitors can watch the monolithic float take shape before their spin in the spotlight . quick to go ? The parade is free to watch .
December
Holiday Theater Events
All month longMidtown West and Lincoln Center“Christmas is scientifically proven to be the absolute best time in NYC , and New York City Ballet’sNutcracker , the Rockettes’Christmas Spectacular , and other seasonal shows are some of the most treasured city traditions , ” says Gaffney . “ Christmas Spectacular stages as many as five performance a day to admit the requirement , and after years and year it still never gets previous . ” We recommend booking both your show tickets and your pre - theater dinner reservations too soon : They fill up quick during this busy clip of year . quick to go ? BookNutcracker tag here ; andChristmas Spectacular ticket here .
Ice Skating Rinks
All calendar month longVarious locationsWhether it ’s your first time on blade or you ’re an Olympic wannabe , there are few winter activities more iconic than taking a spin around one of NYC ’s famed outdoor ice rinks . “ I ’m a Romance language writer , so nothing feels more classic New York romantic to me than ice skating in Central Park , ” says bestselling authorAli Rosen . “ Yes , your nose will get red . Yes , you ’ll probably shine over . Yes , you might have children yell around you . But there ’s something thrilling about being surrounded by the city and doing something so quintessentially outdoorsy and wintery . ” Aside from Central Park’sWollman Rink , other cool patch to skate includeThe skating rink at Rockefeller Center(perfect if you ’re going to see the Christmas tree),Bank of America Winter Villageat Bryant Park , and the city ’s newest entry , Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park . Ready to go ? Prices vary by skating rink .
New Year’s Eve
December 31 , 2024Various locationsWe know we ’ve been throwing around the Holy Writ iconic a lot ( hey , it is New York City ! ) , but truly , is there anything more iconic New York than Times Square on New Year ’s Eve ? Sure , it ’s crowded and you ’ll have to wait for hour if you desire a spot with a eyeshot of the ball drop , but we feel it kind of fall into YOLO territory , no ? But if that crush of people is n’t for you , pretty much every prevention and restaurant in the boroughs will be shed some variety of a party . “ Or , for a really unparalleled experience , do the midnight run in Central Park , ” says Lippe - McGraw . “ It even has its own pyrotechnic display . ”Ready to go?NYE in Times Square is free to attend .
New Year’s Eve Party at Georgia Room|Photo courtesy of Georgia Room
Kintsugi Omakase|Photo courtesy of Kintsugi Omakase
MoMA|Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
Citi Field|Alan Tan Photography/Shutterstock
Brooklyn Botanic Garden|Photo by Michael Stewart, Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Costume Institute exhibit at The Met Museum|Photo courtesy of The Met Museum
New York Pride|Raphael Rivest/Shutterstock
Picnic Performances in Bryant Park|Photo courtesy of New York City Opera
Coco Gauff at the US Open|Photo courtesy of USTA
“Hell’s Kitchen”|Photo by Marc J. Franklin
New York City Wine and Food Festival|Photo courtesy of New York City Wine and Food Festival
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade|NYC Russ/Shutterstock
New York City Ballet’s “Nutcracker”|Photo courtesy of New York City Ballet
