New York City Events

Events in New York City, New York

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 and is the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States. The three hour event is held every year on Thanksgiving day. Join more than 2.5 million people kick off the holiday season with marching bands, balloons and floats. Santa Claus always ends the parade every year.

Times Square New Year's Eve - This famous event happens every New Years Eve in Times Square. More than one million people gather to watch the famous Times Square ball drop at midnight with over one billion people all over the world watching on tv. The ball first dropped in 1907 and has been happening every year since.

Nathan's International Hot Dog Eating Contest - Regarded as the world's most famous hot dog eating contest takes place every 4th of July at Nathan's Famous on Coney Island. Usually around 40,000 spectators attend the event and over 1.5 million households watch it live on ESPN.

St. Patrick's Day Parade - This New York City tradition first started in 1762. The parade celebrates the Irish faith and heritage found in New York. The parade is held on March 17th, unless the 17th falls on a Sunday, then it is held the 16th. The parade remains true to its roots and does not allow floats, automobiles or other commercial aspects.

JFK Runway Run - This annual race was first started in 1972 and is a major fund raiser for the JFK Rotary Club. Runners actually run on the longest runway at JFK Airport. The runway is almost 14,000 feet long, but only a small portion of the runway is actually used for the 5k race.

Tartan Day Parade - This celebration is New York's largest for pipers, drummers and Scottish music. During the whole week Scottish events take place and is held each April.

TD Five Boro Bike Tour - This large bike tour of the city takes place each year in May. The route is 42 miles long and travels through the five boroughs of New York City on car-free roads. Riders start in Battery Park and end on Staten Island. Afterwards is a festival with food and live music.

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival - During this annual event local food merchants serve an array of ethnic foods. The foods represent the different cultures found in the neighborhood. There are also vendors selling crafts, jewelry and home made items. A children's pavilion is set up for kids to enjoy the festival too.

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit - This event showcases artists from around the New York metropolitan area. The event takes place twice a year on Memorial Day weekend and the weekend following Labor Day. The show's venue is on University Place.

Macy's Fireworks Extravaganza - Each year at dusk on the fourth of July, Macy's presents a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson River. The show has also taken place over the East River. The event debuted in 1958 and today features more than 40,000 shells exploding. The event is also broadcast on live TV.

Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center - This annual Christmas tree lighting event takes place each year at the Rockefeller Center during the end of November or the beginning of December. The tree is usually 75 to 90 feet tall and has been put up every year since 1931. The tree remains illuminated until the first week of January. Millions of New Yorkers and tourists gather each year to witness this popular event.

New York Film Festival - This film festival has been taking place since 1963. The 17-day festival brings film makers from around the world together. It happens each year in the fall.

San Gennaro Street Festival - New York's oldest, biggest and best street festival is held each September on the streets of historic Little Italy. This eleven-day event features parades, musical entertainment, ethnic food, and a world-famous cannoli-eating competition.