January - Chinatown New Year
New York is probably the best place to celebrate Chinese New Year outside China. With several days of celebrations, there are a number of free events held within the city, including The Firecracker Ceremony, Cultural Festival, and the Lunar New Year Flower Market, followed by the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival in February.
February – Westminster Kennel Club Show
Head to Madison Square Garden and catch the pandemonium and excitement that is the Westminster Kennel Club Show. With more than 200 pooches taking part in this champion dog show, watch in amazement as the regal canines battle it out to be named top dog.
March - St. Patrick's Day Parade
Ireland is a great place to celebrate St. Patricks Day, but if you happen to be in New York you can have just as much fun. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the city’s oldest and largest, so celebrate Irish culture and the Catholic Faith on the streets of New York.
April – Tribeca Film Festival
This annual festival was created by Robert De Niro in the wake of September 11. Now on par with the likes of Sundance and Cannes, the festival celebrates film, music and culture, transforming the neighbourhood into a hub of red carpet glamour. With more than 100 world films shown, there’s even free drive-in screenings – no car required.
May – Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
This annual food festival sees more than 200 vendors and restaurants come together to serve up various culinary delights, satisfying everyone’s taste buds. Taking place over 15 blocks, you can enjoy gastronomic feasts from the world over, with Greek, Brazilian, Moroccan, Ukrainian and Italian specialities all on offer. There’s also plenty of music, arts, crafts and dancing to go along with the edible feast too.
June – Pride Week
With a vibrant and thriving LGBT community, the city embraces its incredible diversity with annual pride week. Fun for people of all ages and backgrounds, there are various activities happening throughout neighbourhoods in the five boroughs of New York. Pride Week concludes with the famous march down Fifth Avenue.
July – Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
Take a moment to celebrate one of the most historically significant days in America’s long history; Independence Day. With thousands of fireworks lighting up the New York skyline during the spectacular display, there’ll also be musical accompaniment from the New York Pops Orchestra and special guest stars. With millions watching in person and at home, waterfront locations are the best spots to obtain spectacular views.
August - New York International Fringe Festival
Lasting for two weeks during August, the Fringe Festival plays host to over 1,000 distinct and unique performances. With local and world theatre companies taking part, alongside hip-hop musicals and comedians who range from absurd to social commentary, there’ll be something to suit everyone. You can even buy a multi-day pass to make the most of everything on offer at the Fringe.
September – Atlantic Antic
Head over to Brooklyn and experience one of the city’s biggest and best street fairs. Attended by an estimated one million people, the festival features a host of different handicrafts and culinary delights, with a mixture of jazz, rock and R&B music coming from the multiple stages. Alongside this you’ll find storytelling and pony rides for the children. A fun filled festival for the whole family to enjoy.
October – Village Halloween Parade
You haven’t experienced Halloween until you’ve experienced it in the USA. When in New York on Halloween head to the West Village and take part in the massive party, which features fantastically costumed characters, puppets, dancing and bands amongst the estimated two million spectators. This lively New York tradition is a Halloween experience like no other.
November - Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Experience one of the biggest days in the New York calendar, the Thanksgiving Day parade. Filled with school marching bands, celebrity guests and performances making the streets come alive like never before, you’ll be awestruck when the true stars of the show, the balloons, make their way past. With millions of people cheering along the 2.5 mile route, you’ll see inflated versions of Spongebob and Snoopy amongst others on this magical day.
December - Times Square New Year's Eve
If you’re in New York to welcome in the New Year, then the only place to be is Times Square. With more than a million people baring the cold and gathering in one of New York’s most famous locations, you can be part of the world’s most iconic New Year party as you embrace the musical performances, balloons, confetti and fireworks whilst waiting for the ball to drop.