Top New York Festivals in 2025: Date, Location, Activities, Tickets, and Advice

Overview of New York Festivals in 2025

New York State’s festival scene reflects its rich cultural heritage, world-class art, and diverse population. In 2025, the Empire State’s festivals offer everything from global music and independent films to historic parades and holiday celebrations. Major events in New York City, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Times Square Ball Drop, showcase the city’s vibrant holiday spirit, while upstate events such as the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival bring a local flavor to the calendar.

With art, music, food, and holiday festivities, there’s something for everyone in New York, whether you’re looking to experience high-energy urban celebrations or enjoy scenic, laid-back festivals upstate.

Learn more: List of New York's State Holidays: Significance and Celebration

Festivals in New York 2025. Image: KnowInsiders

New York Festivals in 2025: Significance and Activities

January

1. Winter Jazzfest

Winter Jazzfest

• Date: January 9-15, 2025
• Location: Various venues across New York City
• Significance: A highlight of NYC’s jazz scene, Winter Jazzfest features both legendary jazz musicians and fresh talents, celebrating the genre’s rich history and modern evolution.
• Activities: Performances across multiple venues, panel discussions on jazz culture, and screenings. The two-day marathon offers the chance to see numerous acts back-to-back in a variety of settings.
• Tickets: Marathon passes start at $75; single-event tickets vary by venue.
• How to Get There: Most venues are in Manhattan and Brooklyn, easily accessible by subway, bus, or rideshare.

February

2. New York Fashion Week (Spring Collections)

• Date: February 6-13, 2025
• Location: Various venues in New York City
• Significance: NYFW is a global fashion event, setting trends that influence the fashion world throughout the year.
• Activities: Runway shows by top designers, exclusive presentations, parties, and pop-up events. Fashion Week attracts industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts alike.
• Tickets: Most shows are invite-only, but some public events and shows offer tickets starting at $150.
• How to Get There: NYFW venues are typically spread throughout Manhattan, accessible by subway, bus, and rideshare.

3. Kerry King’s 2025 Tour at Irving Plaza

• Date: February 7, 2025
• Location: Irving Plaza, New York City
• Significance: Legendary guitarist Kerry King performs in NYC as part of his debut solo tour, showcasing rock classics with special guests.
• Activities: A powerful live rock performance, including guest performances by Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry.
• Tickets: Tickets start at $50, available through Ticketmaster and the Irving Plaza box office.
• How to Get There: Located in Manhattan’s East Village, Irving Plaza is easily accessible by subway and bus.

March

4. New Colossus Festival

• Date: March 5-9, 2025
• Location: Lower East Side, New York City
• Significance: Known for spotlighting emerging indie musicians, this festival features talent from around the world.
• Activities: Performances across venues in the Lower East Side, panel discussions, and networking events for music professionals.
• Tickets: General Admission starts at $50; VIP packages are available for priority entry.
• How to Get There: Subway access via F, M, and J trains to Lower East Side venues.

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5. St. Patrick's Day Parade

• Date: March 17, 2025
• Location: Fifth Avenue, New York City
• Significance: Celebrating Irish culture, this is one of the world’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades.
• Activities: Marching bands, floats, and dance performances make for a lively display of Irish pride.
• Tickets: Free to attend.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway with multiple stations along Fifth Avenue, including the 59th Street and 42nd Street stations.

April

6. Tribeca Film Festival

• Date: April 16-27, 2025
• Location: Tribeca, New York City
• Significance: A platform for independent filmmakers to showcase creative storytelling across film, TV, and VR.
• Activities: Screenings, industry panels, networking events, and Q&As with filmmakers.
• Tickets: Individual screening tickets start at $20; festival passes and VIP options available.
• How to Get There: Accessible via subway to Chambers Street or Canal Street in Lower Manhattan.

May

7. Fleet Week New York

• Date: May 21-27, 2025
• Location: Piers and locations across New York City
• Significance: An annual tribute to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, allowing civilians to interact with service members.
• Activities: Ship tours, aviation displays, parades, and military demonstrations.
• Tickets: Free to attend; some events may require advance registration.
• How to Get There: Most events are near the Hudson River piers, accessible via subway and bus.

June

8. Tribeca Festival

Tribeca Festival

• Date: June 4-15, 2025
• Location: Various Tribeca venues, New York City
• Significance: Expanding beyond film, Tribeca now celebrates storytelling through new media and virtual reality.
• Activities: Screenings, VR exhibits, panel discussions, and industry networking.
• Tickets: Screenings start at $20; VR experiences and festival passes are available.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway via Chambers Street or Franklin Street.

9. Mountain Jam

• Date: June 20-22, 2025
• Location: Highmount, Catskills, NY
• Significance: This scenic festival combines music and nature with camping and hiking options.
• Activities: Outdoor concerts, food and craft vendors, and camping.
• Tickets: General admission tickets start at $100; VIP and camping packages available.
• How to Get There: Best accessed by car or rideshare from nearby upstate towns; shuttle options may be available.

July

10. Great Blue Heron Festival

• Date: July 4-6, 2025
• Location: Sherman, NY
• Significance: A family-friendly music festival focused on community and environmental sustainability.
• Activities: Live music, dance, arts and crafts, workshops, and kids’ activities.
• Tickets: General admission tickets start at $60; family packages available.
• How to Get There: By car; ample parking available on-site.

11. Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

• Date: July 4, 2025
• Location: East River, NYC
• Significance: A grand fireworks display celebrating Independence Day.
• Activities: Fireworks, live music performances, and patriotic festivities.
• Tickets: Free to attend.
• How to Get There: Viewable from multiple locations along the East River; accessible via subway and bus.

August

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12. Harlem Week

• Date: August 10-16, 2025
• Location: Harlem, NYC
• Significance: Celebrates Harlem’s cultural and historical contributions through arts, business, and community programs.
• Activities: Music performances, fashion shows, dance performances, and community forums.
• Tickets: Free to attend.
• How to Get There: Subway stations serving Harlem include 125th Street on the A, C, B, D lines.

September

13. New York Film Festival

• Date: September 26 - October 12, 2025
• Location: Lincoln Center, NYC
• Significance: An international film festival showcasing innovative and artful cinema.
• Activities: Film screenings, Q&As with directors and actors, and special premieres.
• Tickets: Screening tickets start at $25; festival passes available.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway via the 66th Street–Lincoln Center station.

October

14. Village Halloween Parade

Village Halloween Parade

• Date: October 31, 2025
• Location: Greenwich Village, NYC
• Significance: The world’s largest Halloween parade, known for its creative costumes and community spirit.
• Activities: A colorful parade with elaborate costumes, puppets, music, and dancing.
• Tickets: Free to attend; VIP viewing options available.
• How to Get There: Subway stations near the parade route include West 4th Street and Christopher Street.

November

15. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

• Date: November 27, 2025
• Location: Central Park West to Herald Square, NYC
• Significance: This beloved parade signals the start of the holiday season with festive floats, giant balloons, and marching bands.
• Activities: Spectacular balloons, floats, live performances, and an appearance by Santa.
• Tickets: Free to attend; grandstand seating is by invite only.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway, with stations along the route, including 59th Street–Columbus Circle and 34th Street–Herald Square.

December

16. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

• Date: December 3, 2025
• Location: Rockefeller Center, NYC
• Significance: A time-honored NYC tradition, marking the holiday season with a spectacular lighting ceremony.
• Activities: Live musical performances, tree lighting, and skating at Rockefeller’s iconic rink.
• Tickets: Free to attend.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway; the 47-50 Streets–Rockefeller Center station is nearby.

17. Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

• Date: December 31, 2025
• Location: Times Square, NYC
• Significance: A global New Year’s celebration, renowned for its midnight countdown and ball drop.
• Activities: Live music, celebrity appearances, and the famous ball drop at midnight.
• Tickets: Free to attend.
• How to Get There: Accessible by subway to 42nd Street–Times Square station.

Conclusion

New York State is home to a year-round festival calendar that celebrates every facet of culture and creativity, from historic parades and fashion shows to cutting-edge art festivals. For both locals and visitors, these festivals offer a chance to experience New York’s rich history, diverse communities, and innovative arts scene in unique and memorable ways. I

In 2025, New York’s festivals are set to be bigger and better than ever, providing countless opportunities for unforgettable experiences.

FAQs About New York Festivals in 2025

1. What are the best months to visit New York for festivals?

• New York’s festival season runs throughout the year, but peak months include June (for Pride and music festivals) and November-December for holiday events like the Thanksgiving Parade and Rockefeller Tree Lighting.

2. Are there family-friendly festivals in New York?

• Yes, many New York festivals are family-friendly, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and holiday events like the Rockefeller Tree Lighting. Some events, like New Year’s Eve in Times Square, may be better suited for older children due to large crowds.

3. Do I need tickets for New York festivals?

• Some festivals, like the Tribeca Film Festival, require tickets for screenings and events. However, many events, such as parades and holiday celebrations, are free and open to the public. VIP tickets may be available for enhanced viewing experiences.

4. What should I wear to New York festivals?

• It depends on the season. For spring and summer festivals, light, breathable clothing is ideal, while for fall and winter events, layers and warm outerwear are essential. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for events with standing or walking.

5. How can I stay updated on New York festival schedules?

• Check official festival websites and local event guides like Time Out New York. Many festivals, such as Tribeca and Winter Jazzfest, also have social media pages for the latest updates.

6. Are there accessible options for people with disabilities at New York festivals?

• Most major festivals and venues in New York provide accommodations for people with disabilities, including ADA-compliant seating, accessible restrooms, and parking options. Contact festival organizers in advance for specific accessibility information.

7. Can I bring pets to New York festivals?

• Pets are generally not allowed at large festivals in New York, except for service animals. Outdoor festivals in parks may have looser restrictions, but it’s best to check the festival’s official policy.

8. What’s the best way to get around during festivals in New York?

• Public transportation is usually the best way to get around, especially in New York City. Many streets are closed during parades and large events, making the subway, bus, or walking the most convenient options.

9. Are there any food and wine festivals in New York?

• Yes! New York hosts several food and wine festivals, including the NYC Wine & Food Festival and the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival. These events offer tastings, chef demos, and chances to sample New York’s culinary talent.

10. Are there eco-friendly festivals in New York?

• Many New York festivals are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and recycling. Events like the NYC Pride March and Outside Lands promote sustainability initiatives, so look for eco-friendly features at your chosen festival.

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