Here’s a comprehensive calendar of major yearly events in New York City to help you plan your visits and experiences! From cultural parades and festivals to sporting events and holiday celebrations, NYC hosts something exciting every month.
Yearly events – January
New Year’s Day Parade & Fireworks
- Where: Times Square, Central Park
- What: Fireworks at midnight and a traditional run in Central Park mark the start of the new year.
Winter Jazzfest
- When: Early January
- Where: Venues in Lower Manhattan
- What: A multi-day jazz festival featuring performances by emerging and established artists.
New York Restaurant Week (Winter Edition)
- When: Late January – Early February
- What: Prix fixe menus at top NYC restaurants at discounted prices.
February
Chinese New Year Parade and Festival
- When: Late January or February (based on the lunar calendar)
- Where: Chinatown
- What: A vibrant parade with lion dances, music, and fireworks.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- When: Mid-February
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- What: One of the oldest and most prestigious dog shows in the world.
Yearly events – March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- When: March 17
- Where: Fifth Avenue
- What: The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade featuring bagpipes and Irish dancers.
April
Macy’s Flower Show
- When: Late March – Early April
- Where: Macy’s Herald Square
- What: Stunning floral displays transform Macy’s flagship store.
Tribeca Film Festival
- When: Late April – Early May
- Where: Various theaters in Tribeca
- What: Showcases films, TV, virtual reality, and conversations with filmmakers.
Yearly events – May
Five Boro Bike Tour
- When: First Sunday in May
- What: Cyclists explore all five boroughs on traffic-free streets.
Japan Day
- When: Early May
- Where: Central Park
- What: A celebration of Japanese culture with food, performances, and activities.
June
Museum Mile Festival
- When: Early June
- What: Museums along Fifth Avenue offer free admission and outdoor activities.
Puerto Rican Day Parade
- When: Second Sunday in June
- Where: Fifth Avenue
- What: Celebrates Puerto Rican heritage with music and dance.
Pride Month & NYC Pride March
- When: All June (Pride March typically on the last Sunday)
- Where: Greenwich Village
- What: Parades and events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Yearly events – July
Fourth of July Fireworks (Macy’s Fireworks)
- When: July 4
- Where: East River
- What: A grand fireworks display with musical accompaniment.
Shakespeare in the Park
- When: Mid-July – August
- Where: Delacorte Theater, Central Park
- What: Free outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays.
August
Harlem Week
- When: Throughout August
- What: Events celebrating the culture and history of Harlem.
Summer Streets
- When: First three Saturdays in August
- Where: Park Avenue
- What: Streets are closed to cars, allowing pedestrians to enjoy biking, walking, and activities.
Yearly events – September
US Open Tennis Championships
- When: Late August – Early September
- Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens
- What: The final Grand Slam of the year attracts top tennis players worldwide.
Feast of San Gennaro
- When: Mid-September
- Where: Little Italy
- What: A religious festival with Italian food, music, and parades.
October
New York Comic Con
- When: Early October
- Where: Javits Center
- What: One of the largest comic and pop culture conventions in the world.
Open House New York Weekend
- When: Mid-October
- What: Unique access to historical and architectural landmarks across the city.
Village Halloween Parade
- When: October 31
- Where: Greenwich Village
- What: The nation’s largest Halloween celebration with elaborate costumes and puppets.
Yearly events – November
New York City Marathon
- When: First Sunday in November
- Where: Across all five boroughs
- What: Runners from around the world participate in this iconic race.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- When: Thanksgiving Day
- Where: Central Park to Herald Square
- What: Giant balloons, floats, and performances kick off the holiday season.
December
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- When: Late November – Early December
- What: An iconic holiday tradition with live performances.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
- When: Late October – Early January
- What: Holiday market and ice-skating rink in Midtown.
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
- When: December 31
- What: Thousands gather in Times Square to ring in the New Year with performances and a ball drop at midnight.
Conclusion
New York City’s yearly events calendar offers something for everyone—from cultural festivals and sporting events to world-class parades and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re visiting during the winter holidays, spring festivals, or summer weekends, there’s always something exciting happening in the city that never sleeps.
