New York City Annual Events Calendar

What's Happening Year Round in the Big Apple

Written by
Heather Cross
Heather Cross is a longtime New York resident who has written about the city since 2002. She is also a travel agent and NYC & Company-certified New York City specialist.
Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines
Heather Cross

Updated 06/26/19

They say it's the city that never sleeps, so if you are curious about when is happening in New York City, here is a list the major events, festivals, holidays, parades and more, organized by month.

01 of 12

January in New York City

The Pond, Central Park, New York City
Getty Images/joe daniel price

From watching the ball drop in Times Square to the Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown, though it may be cold in the Big Apple, these events keep things hot! For a more detailed guide to visiting in January, ​check out a January weather & event overview online.

02 of 12

February in New York City

Annual Chinese New Year Parade Held In Manhattan's Chinatown
Getty Images News/Bryan Thomas

Romance is in the air with couples flooding the local restaurants on Valentine's Day. February is not the most popular time to visit, out there is still plenty to do in this chilly month, including the fall/winter fashion week presentations. Read the February weather & event guide for more information.

03 of 12

March in New York City

Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Marches Down New York's Fifth Avenue
Getty Images/Spencer Platt

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is by far, the most popular March event in New York City. Though March can be tricky weather-wise, you could be in for a delightfully mild surprise, so consider that when reviewing the March weather & event guide.

04 of 12

April in New York City

42nd annual Macy's annual Flower Show heralds the arrival of Spring
Getty Images/Corbis News/Richard Levine

"April showers bring May flowers". This saying is a cliche for a reason: it is almost guaranteed to rain in April, but if you visit later in the month, you'll get a glimpse of the stunning cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and even get to celebrate our one and only planet on Earth Day. For a more detailed guide to visiting in April, check out an April weather & event overview.

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05 of 12

May in New York City

Fleet Week Begins In NYC
Getty Images News/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

May has the mildest weather conditions, and it's before the kids are off school, making it an ideal time to visit. The Tribeca Film Festival and Fleet Week are among the popular events this month, and there's much more to discover in the May weather & event guide.

06 of 12

June in New York City

Annual Mermaid Parade Held In Coney Island
Getty Images News/Yana Paskova

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade has grown exponentially in the last few years, and definitely worth a visit, as are the many street fairs, outdoor performances, and even horse races. Consult a guide before planning your trip: June weather & event guide.

07 of 12

July in New York City

41st Annual Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks
Getty Images North America/Jackson Lee

Celebrate the sweltering summer by watching the Independence Day fireworks, or catching a live performance or film in one of the many parks. July is a fine time to visit, despite the inevitable heat, and learn more about this month's climate by visiting the July weather & event guide.

08 of 12

August in New York City

Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees
Getty Images/Abbie Parr

New York is notorious for being empty in August. This is good news for visitors because they can feel like they have the city to themselves. Just because the locals are away, doesn't mean that there isn't a bevy of exciting events happening, and you can learn more about them in the August weather & event guide.

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09 of 12

September in New York City

Mixed race model on runway in fashion show
Getty Images/Hill Street Studios

From the exciting U.S. Open to the spring/summer presentations at New York Fashion Week, September is the month for New Yorkers to go back to work, and resume their daily routines. Check out more tips for visiting in the September weather & event guide.

10 of 12

October in New York City

Halloween Parade on 5th Avenue.
Getty Images/Franz Marc Frei

Two major parades take place in October: The Columbus Day parade and the ghostly fun Halloween Parade. The cool, crisp air is perfect for enjoying this fair city, making October weather & events very pleasant.

11 of 12

November in New York City

Marathon runners, Verrazzano Narrows, Bridge, New York City, USA
Getty Images/Sylvain Grandadam

While you may have viewed the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade from the comfort of your home, it's truly an incredible experience to see these larger than life balloons in person. November in New York also brings the yearly city-wide marathon, where you can cheer on your favorite runners from the sidelines, or even participate yourself. Learn more about the marathon and other fall events with the November weather & event guide.

12 of 12

December in New York City

Crowds watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas light show from Rockefeller Center, New York City.
Getty Images/Jon Hicks

There's nothing quite like spending the holiday season in the city. The legendary window displays and of course, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree draws crowds from all over the globe. For an in-depth look at everything to do in December, check out December weather & event guide.

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