New York’s popularity in the United States of America is unquestionable. A city that is so vibrant and cheerful - so diverse and unique - it is no wonder why millions of people land here with the hope of experiencing the life of a true New Yorker. With plenty of attractions all over the city, from the reputable One World Trade Center to the classic Liberty Statue and the celebrated Grand Central Station, there is so much here keep you busy. Although there are several things to do in the city, there is another side to the coin that shows a different culture, tradition, and heritage that has carried on for years. And that is the various festivals held every year that cater to a plethora of platforms and genres. Below, we have compiled a list of some of the top festivals in New York. So plan ahead and get a chance to be a part of these festivals.
1. Tribeca Film Festival
If you want to up your game from being an average “movie night” person to being the ultimate cinephile, then attending the well-known Tribeca Film Festival in New York City is your gateway. One ticket and you can watch some of the most notable stars in spectacular films, unnoticed documentaries, new and exciting premieres, and low budget indie movies trying to catch a big break. These should be enough to set you up as a cinephile. Some of the passes are expensive, but you will have access to all the interviews, talks, and events. If you just want passes for regular screenings, they are very pocket-friendly.
Tribeca Film Festival
Address: New York City, New York, U.S
Website: Tribeca Film Festival
Takes place: Usually held in April
2. Chinese New Year
Although Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and the dates keep changing, it somehow always falls in the middle of winter. And the people of New York celebrate Chinese New Year by starting with a parade that goes through China Town to Little Italy. This is usually filled with martial artists and dragons. You can bring your whole family or your friends to celebrate this occasion that also showcases dance performances where the dancers dress up as the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The other highlight is the display of fireworks.
Chinese New Year
Address: Forsyth Street, Manhattan, New York, New York, 10002, USA
Takes place: February
3. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
It is time to go green and bring the luck of the Irish into your life when you attend the St. Patrick’s Day festival in New York City. Renowned as the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade across the globe, every March, Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue is brought to life with the loud cheers of over two million visitors and a chorus of bagpipes. There is so much green all around and so much fanfare that you will forget about how cold it is.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street, New York City, New York, USA
Website: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Takes place: March
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4. Brooklyn Book Festival
Posted by Brooklyn Book Festival on Wednesday, 25 September 2019
One of the largest literary events in New York, Brooklyn Book Festival includes a wide variety of international and national authors, both up-and-coming and famous. This one-day book event attracts over 40,000 bookworms from all over the world to line up for book signings, panel discussions, author readings, and many other activities.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Address: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Website: Brooklyn Book Festival
Takes place: Usually held in September
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
5. New York Comic Con
Posted by New York Comic Con on Monday, 7 October 2019
The only way to satisfy your inner geek is by attending the New York Comic Con. Held in early October, this event showcases vendors catering to all the fandoms. Expect beer, special promotions, celebrity meet-ups, contests, and more. Most people who attend the event dress up as their favorite superheroes, characters, villains, or even as sidekicks. This is a festival that will leave no one disappointed, and you can even bring out the inner child in you and live the dream. There will also be music, food, and many other performances to enjoy.
New York Comic Con
Address: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, New York
Website: New York Comic Con
Takes place: October
6. Frieze Art Fair New York
If you are a die-hard art lover, you will have to check out Frieze Art Fair. Just like the Frieze Art Fair in London, New York’s version also features leading galleries and artists under one roof. Everyone comes together to showcase their works, to indulge in talks, and to witness the exhibitions and the performances. You’ll surely have a relaxing time appreciating and admiring works of art away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Frieze Art Fair New York
Address: 20 Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan, New York, New York, 10035, USA
Website: Frieze Art Fair New York
Takes place: May
7. Asian American Heritage Festival [Last event in 2019]
Posted by Asian American Heritage Festival on Sunday, 15 May 2016
Held annually in the city of New York, Asian American Heritage is an event that celebrates the culture and tradition of the city’s immigrant communities. The communities here include citizens from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philipines, Japan, and Korea. The visitors attending the festival will get to enjoy a wide range of cultures, including traditional dance performances, sampling traditional food, listening to music, and more.
Asian American Heritage Festival
Address: Mot St. (South of Canal), New York City, New York, United States
Takes place: May
8. New York International Fringe Festival [Last event in 2019]
The Fartiste
Posted by FringeNYC - The New York International Fringe Festival on Friday, 13 May 2011
The largest multi-arts festivals in North America, New York International Fringe Festival celebrates innovative and unique works, art performances, comedy shows, solo performances, educational events, children’s events, outdoor performances, musicals, puppetry, and more. Fringe in New York City, unlike the other Fringe Festivals, is based on a jury selection process. This month-long event is spread over 20 stages and attracts over 80,000 people across five boroughs.
New York International Fringe Festival
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Website: New York International Fringe Festival
Takes place: October
9. New York City Pride
One of the largest pride festivals in the world has somehow made its way to New York City. This parade is filled with nothing but rainbow, glitter, and some over-the-top wigs. New York City Pride hosts several events to celebrate the LGBTQ community, history, and art. To witness how the community has progressed throughout the years, attending this event is a must. All the donations and proceeds made here go straight to those in need. So, come join the party. Spread the word. And most of all, show your support and love for the community.
New York City Pride
Address: 109 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: New York City Pride
Takes place: June
10. New York City Easter Parade
Posted by Loretta Snoeren on Monday, 20 May 2019
An American festival, Easter is actually an unorganized event - New York City Easter Parade kicks off the event with a procession through Fifth Avenue. This event usually comes either with or without any religious significance, and visitors attending the event play dress up in fashionable and unique clothing, especially hats. After the procession, visitors can relish tasty delights at the best restaurants, catch a show, or head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
New York City Easter Parade
Address: Fifth Avenue, New York City, New York, USA
Takes place: April
11. Times Square Comedy Festival
There is no better therapy than laughing out loud or even rolling on the floor laughing. And you can get this therapy at Times Square Comedy Festival. This annual festival centered only on comedy started its journey back in 2015. This event includes stand-up comedy acts as well as competitions held for up-and-coming comedians. You can also expect a variety of other fun activities all over Times Square. The festival is usually organized at venues mostly in and around this area and in Broadway theaters. Times Square Comedy Festival invites some of the biggest stars in the world of comedy.
Times Square Comedy Festival
Address: Times Square, New York City, New York, USA
Takes place: Usually held in May or June
12. Fall for Dance Festival
Are you a dance lover who appreciates every form and genre of dance? Or do you love to watch beautifully choreographed dances telling a story? This event right here is your calling. An annual dance event that was established back in 2004, Fall for Dance Festival was organized to introduce different forms of dance to people all over the world. The festival invites dance companies, choreographers, artists, and performers from across the globe to come together under one roof and showcase what they are best at.
Fall for Dance Festival
Address: New York City Center, 131 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Website: Fall for Dance Festival
Takes place: October
13. Fresh Fruit Festival
A public event featuring beautiful works of art from the LGBTQ community, Fresh Fruit Festival is an annual, multi-week event that includes solo shows, short acts, full-length works, theater, poetry, music, dance, and more. The event gathers both new and famous artists from all over America to put on a performance. All the artists from New York City’s boroughs plus people from Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, Israel, Philippines, France, Australia, and more are represented in this event.
Fresh Fruit Festival
Address: Wild Project, 195 East 3rd Street, New York City, USA
Website: Fresh Fruit Festival
Takes place: Usually held in July
14. The New Yorker Festival
In this event, you will get to meet and hear from some of the most popular staffers from the New Yorker. They will travel around the city with the biggest personalities in film, theatre, music, and literature, among others. You will also get to witness previews from some upcoming shows, check out panel discussions where talented and notable people from the media talk about interesting topics, watch interviews with celebrities, and enjoy a few concerts. If you are planning to ask a question during the Q&A, it is better to come prepared and do a little research on the subject and the topic of discussion.
The New Yorker Festival
Address: New York City, New York, U.S
Website: The New Yorker Festival
Takes place: October
15. New York Burlesque Festival
Love a good burlesque show? Or do you want to experience what a burlesque show is all about? Here’s your chance. New York Burlesque Festival features a variety of performances by performers from across the globe. This is one of the largest events in the world of burlesque. In addition to the performances, visitors get to attend all the live music shows, get a burlesque-inspired makeover, and devour some tasty food.
New York Burlesque Festival
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Website: New York Burlesque Festival
Takes place: September to October
16. Dominican Day Parade
Organized by a community of Dominican Americans, the Dominican Day Parade is a celebratory event that was established in 1982 and showcases cultural events, parades, and concerts. It gives attendees a better chance of understanding the Dominican culture, tradition, and heritage. This annual festival starts off with a parade that celebrates the anniversary of the Dominican Restoration War that lead to the country’s independence from Spain in 1865. The festival is attended by over 10,000 marchers.
Dominican Day Parade
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Website: Dominican Day Parade
Takes place: August
17. World Science Festival
Planets "rolling" in orbit around the sun
Posted by World Science Festival on Tuesday, 5 November 2019
World Science Festival has been organizing events for years, and it has been attended by over two million visitors so far, along with millions of other viewers watching programs online. This event includes an array of live activities that draw in more and more visitors each year. Some of the shows and events involve educational theatre, musical performances, informative museum exhibitions, and more. This event definitely has enough to keep you on your toes all throughout.
World Science Festival
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Website: World Science Festival
Takes place: May to June
18. Vision Festival
Posted by The New York City Jazz Record on Monday, 5 June 2017
If you love and appreciate the experimental form of music, especially avant-garde jazz or free jazz, you will find your home at the Vision Festival. Established over two decades ago, this event in New York City is known as the top experimental music festival in the world. Held annually in May or June, it showcases a variety of exhibits and performances, including film, dance, art, experimental music, and various other concerts and events. It is mostly spread out over the course of a few days and features 30 to 60 performances. Over the years, this fancy event has been organized at famous venues, such as Roulette Intermedium, St. Patrick’s Youth Center, Abrons Art Center, and New Age Cabaret, among others.
Vision Festival
Address: 509 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York, USA
Website: Vision Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
19. River to River Festival
Loved by people and especially by artists from around the world, River to River Festival is an arts festival with a variety of events held each year in the city of New York. Each summer, downtown Manhattan comes alive for at least two weeks, offering the public some of the best visual and musical performances. Over the course of two weeks, visitors can check out a plethora of exhibitions, events, and performances. The highlight of the celebration is that it showcases poetry, music, visual arts, film screenings, installations, and many other eye-pleasing and fun events that will keep you wanting more. Everything at this festival is open and free to the public.
River to River Festival
Address: Downtown New York, New York, USA
Website: River to River Festival
Takes place: June
20. Museum Mile Festival
Three weeks from today we'll be parading down Museum Mile! #MMF2014
Posted by Museum Mile Festival on Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Love seeing exhibitions and going to museums? Then you will love attending the Museum Mile Festival. Hosted by some of New York’s leading institutions, Museum Mile Festival features works of art for every kind of visitor. Take a stroll through the streets of New York City as you explore some of the world’s best paintings at Neue Galerie New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. The festival also showcases many other activities and events. Participating museums will be open to the public for free over the course of this event.
Museum Mile Festival
Address: 5th Ave, 82nd - 110th Streets, New York, USA
Website: Museum Mile Festival
Takes place: June
21. Bryant Park Film Festival
The HBO Summer Film Festival at Bryant Park kicked off with showings of classic films curated by our friends at HBO. Photo by Angelito Jusay.
Posted by Bryant Park on Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Now, who doesn’t love watching a movie under the stars? Come and join the most-loved outdoor cinema screening event in New York City. Having established its first event in 2015, the Bryant Park Film Festival now showcases free screenings of amazing movies, including classic, contemporary, comedy, action, and more. In addition to this, the festival also offers food stalls and wine concessions that are open from five in the afternoon until the first movie at sunset. So while attending the event, make sure to bring a blanket, grab a nice spot on the grass, invite your friends and family, and most importantly, have the best time!
Bryant Park Film Festival
Address: Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018, United States
Website: Bryant Park Film Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
22. Harlem Week
Harlem Week, a celebration that has only grown stronger and more popular, kicked off its first event approximately 45 years ago. This event celebrates and honors the best and most historic neighborhoods in the world. What started as a one-day festival was then extended to a day or two, later a week, and finally ended up being a month-long celebration, despite the title “Harlem Week.” During this entire month, visitors who attend the event get to explore an array of activities, including an outdoor film festival, a children’s festival, a 5K marathon, Harlem Jazz & Music Festival, and so much more.
Harlem Week
Address: 253 W. 125th St., New York, NY, USA
Website: Harlem Week
Takes place: July to August
23. New York City Fleet Week
Sailors from USS Carter Hall marched in the 100th Veteran's Day Parade in New York City yesterday. Were you watching?! #VeteransDay #NYC
Posted by Fleet Week New York on Tuesday, 12 November 2019
Ahoy, sailors! New York City Fleet Week is a tradition that honors and celebrates the United States Coast Guard, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Navy. This annual, week-long festival kicks off with a parade of ships along the Hudson River, followed by the Memorial Day ceremony, the demonstrations performed by the military, and some other fun things to do. Expect some parties in and around the city, as well.
New York City Fleet Week
Address: New York City, NY, USA
Website: New York City Fleet Week
Takes place: May
24. New York Art Book Fair
New York Art Book Fair Highlights: Zines, Zines and a Switchblade...
Posted by ANIMAL on Friday, 20 September 2013
Best friends with books? Are you someone who prefers getting lost in the world of books? Or just someone who truly believes that knowledge is power? This event, the New York Art Book Fair showcases a world that is filled with collectors, book lovers, curators, authors, readers, and publishers. This event is also open to the public, and it attracts approximately 50,000 visitors every single year. In addition, it also hosts over 350 exhibitors from across the globe that includes presses, collectives, artists, galleries, distributors, and others. New York Art Book Fair acts as a meeting point for exchange and dialogue regarding arts and publishing.
New York Art Book Fair
Address: MoMA PS1, Long Island City, NY
Takes place: Usually held in September
25. BAM's Next Wave Festival [Last event in 2019]
Experience the multi-cultural facet of Brooklyn Academy of Music, or BAM, under one roof. Situated in Brooklyn, New York, BAM’s Next Wave Festival showcases the talents of innovative modern masters and daring artists from both the local and global communities. This is something that can be enjoyed by any audience coming to witness the magic. BAM features a programming section in dance, theater, and film, among others. This will be your one true shot to catch some of the best shows on stage and create unforgettable memories.
BAM's Next Wave Festival
Address: Brooklyn, New York City, NY, USA
Website: BAM’s Next Wave Festival
Takes place: October - December
26. Harlem Cultural Festival
Harlem Cultural Festival, also famously called Black Woodstock, featured several music concerts across Manhattan, Harlem, and New York City during the late 1960s. It was held to honor African American culture and music, to promote awareness, and to support the black community. Some of the notable participants back then included B.B. King, Chuck Jackson, Nina Simone, and more. Over 50,000 people attended to watch these artists create magic on stage. For 50 years, this event is still going strong and follows the same traditions. To celebrate the Harlem Cultural Festival, the event showcases concerts from legendary artists, panel talks, and discussions on how Harlem has grown and changed over the years.
Harlem Cultural Festival
Address: New York, USA
Website: Harlem Cultural Festival
Takes place: Usually held in August
27. New York Festival of Light [Event has passed]
Want to experience what light can create? An annual festival that celebrates light - New York Festival of Light is the perfect event to admire the incredible incarnations created with nothing but light. Held on the Manhattan Bridge by the waterfront, this location showcases lighting installations, a laser light show, a street full of video art, DJs, performing artists, lighting designers, and other multimedia. So come witness these works of art and be mesmerized.
New York Festival of Light
Address: Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY 11201, United States
Website: New York Festival of Light
Takes place: November
28. Great World Beer Festival [Event has passed]
Love chugging beers? Here’s your chance to live the dream. The Great World Beer Festival, also known as Brewtopia, started in 2002 and ended up being the largest beer festival in the city of New York. This event, coined as “United Nations of Beer” is comprised of brewers and beer companies from across the globe. They come for a competitive yet fun festival aimed to promote and make more people aware of craft beer. Visitors attending the event get to indulge in tasting sessions, live entertainment, food, and more.
Great World Beer Festival
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Takes place: October
29. New York Musical Theatre Festival [Event has passed]
Come and be serenaded throughout this three-week event. New York Musical Theatre Festival hosts musical performances by leading theater artists from New York City’s midtown theater district. The festival has organized over 700 musicals since its first opening and features works of art from over 10,000 artists. This stunning event has been attracting guests from all over the world, and it has been attended by nearly 500,000 theatergoers.
New York Musical Theatre Festival
Address: New York City, New York, USA
Website: New York Musical Theatre Festival
Takes place: July to August
30. New York Photo Festival [Event has passed]
In New York, you will find festivals dedicated to everything - music, dance, culture, and photography. New York Photo Festival aims to celebrate the future of contemporary photography. Established in 2007 by Daniel Power and Frank Evers, this event brings leading and budding photographers from all over the world to share their passion for photography. This four-day event makes sure it provides the right exposure to new works. If you are interested in attending this great event, it takes place annually in May near Dumbo, Brooklyn.
New York Photo Festival
Address: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Takes place: May
Come and be a part of the festivities
If you crave an experience that will welcome you to a world of culture, tradition, and heritage in New York City, there is an array of festivals here guaranteed to please your soul. On the flip side, if you are on the lookout for something contemporary, then check out the book, photography, or film festivals. Whatever you choose, New York’s festivals offer merriment and fun to all who attend.
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