There’s never a dull moment in New York City—and that’s not just a saying, it’s a fact. From confetti-filled countdowns in Times Square to Caribbean carnivals in Brooklyn, this city pulses with world-famous festivals and cultural celebrations all year long. Whether you’re a first-time visitor planning your trip around iconic events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or a repeat traveler looking to catch an offbeat local tradition like the Mermaid Parade, there’s something unforgettable happening every month.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a month-by-month guide to 40 of NYC’s top annual events and festivals. These are the can’t-miss moments that capture the city’s diverse spirit, creativity, and love for celebration — whether through food, fashion, music, or pure spectacle.
FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year Parade (Lunar New Year)
Held in Chinatown with lion dances, firecrackers, and traditional performances celebrating the Lunar New Year.
New York Fashion Week (Winter Edition)
Designers unveil their fall/winter collections through runway shows and industry events.
Winter Jazzfest
A showcase of innovative jazz performances across downtown venues, drawing music lovers and top-tier artists.
MARCH
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
One of NYC’s oldest parades, with bagpipes, Irish dancers, and festive crowds celebrating Irish heritage.
Armory Show (Art Fair)
A major contemporary art fair featuring galleries from around the world at the Javits Center and nearby venues.
Orchid Show at NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden’s breathtaking display of orchids, with dazzling floral designs and evening light shows.
APRIL
Tribeca Film Festival
Founded by Robert De Niro, this festival features indie film premieres, director panels, VR experiences, and storytelling.
Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s springtime Japanese cultural fest includes taiko drumming, kimono fashion shows, and tea ceremonies.
Earth Day New York Festival
Held in Union Square or online, this green-living fair includes eco-activism booths, music, and educational workshops.
MAY
Five Boro Bike Tour
A 40-mile bike ride through NYC’s five boroughs with scenic views and closed roads for cyclists.
Fleet Week
Welcomes the Navy and Marine Corps with ship tours, military demos, and sailor meet-and-greets at the piers.
Dance Parade
Thousands of dancers groove down Broadway in all styles—salsa, breakdance, ballet—in a celebration of movement.
JUNE
NYC Pride March
The vibrant culmination of Pride Month, with floats, performers, and a global celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and love.
Governors Ball Music Festival
A major music fest with top-tier artists, art installations, and food vendors on Randall’s Island.
Museum Mile Festival
Fifth Avenue transforms into a cultural block party with free museum entry and street performers.
SummerStage Festival
Free outdoor concerts, dance, and theater across NYC parks all summer long, with local and international acts.
Shakespeare in the Park
Free performances of Shakespeare’s plays in Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater—NYC summer magic.
Mermaid Parade
Coney Island’s wild, whimsical ocean-themed parade featuring costumed mermaids, Neptune, and cheeky creativity.
JULY
Fourth of July Fireworks (Macy’s)
NYC’s biggest pyrotechnic show, launched from barges on the East River, with synchronized music and patriotic fanfare.
Jazz Age Lawn Party
A swingin’ 1920s picnic on Governors Island with vintage costumes, jazz bands, and cocktails on the lawn.
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
A free summer arts series with music, dance, and theater in the open air at Lincoln Center.
AUGUST
Harlem Week
Month-long cultural programming in Harlem celebrating Black excellence through music, food, health, and entrepreneurship.
Jazz Age Lawn Party (August Edition)
A second round of the 1920s-themed revelry with vintage dancing, jazz orchestras, and classic fashion.
US Open Tennis Championships
Held in Queens, it draws global tennis stars and fans to Flushing Meadows for two weeks of elite play. Learn more about the US Open Tennis Championships
Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
A celebration of bebop pioneer Charlie Parker, featuring free jazz concerts in Harlem and the East Village.
SEPTEMBER
West Indian American Day Carnival (Labor Day Parade)
Brooklyn’s colorful Caribbean carnival with feathered costumes, soca music, and joyful vibes down Eastern Parkway.
San Gennaro Feast
Little Italy’s best food, music, and Italian-American traditions fill Mulberry Street in this beloved street fair.
New York Fashion Week (Fall Edition)
Fashionistas gather for spring/summer debuts from designers during runway shows and influencer-packed after-parties.
Brooklyn Book Festival
A major literary event with author talks, panels, and signings featuring both indie and mainstream authors.
OCTOBER
The New Yorker Festival
Cultural deep dives with celebrities, journalists, and thinkers, hosted by The New Yorker.
Open House New York
Explore secret architectural spaces like historic landmarks, rooftop gardens, and cutting-edge studios during this weekend event.
New York Comic Con
A geek culture extravaganza of comics, anime, cosplay, panels, and celebrity sightings at Javits Center.
Village Halloween Parade
Thousands of costumed revelers march through Greenwich Village in NYC’s spookiest and most creative parade.
NOVEMBER
New York City Marathon
The world’s largest marathon runs through all five boroughs with 50,000+ runners and 1 million cheering spectators. Learn more about the New York City Marathon
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes’ high-kicking holiday show delights with synchronized dancing, toy soldiers, and Christmas cheer.
Holiday Markets
(Bryant Park, Union Square, Columbus Circle)Festive markets pop up with local artisans, cozy food vendors, and holiday gifts from around the world.
Thanksgiving Day Parade (Macy’s)
Massive balloons, Broadway performances, and Santa’s sleigh delight millions during this iconic parade. Learn more about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
DECEMBER
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
Watch NYC’s most famous tree come to life with lights, music performances, and holiday magic.
Kwanzaa Celebrations at the Apollo
Celebrate African American heritage with dance, music, and community at the historic Apollo Theater.
DECEMBER – JANUARY
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
One of the world’s most famous countdowns with live music, celebrity hosts, and the iconic ball drop at midnight.
