New York Events: New York Events Calendar

There’s always something to do in New York. Below is a list of the best events in New York.
Be sure to call ahead to confirm dates, times and other important information.

May 2004

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit. In its 70th year, this event which takes place May 27-29 and June 3-5, features the wonderful works of 250 artists on display in and around Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Call (212) 982-6255 for more information.

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. Sometime in mid-May there will be music in the streets while you enyoy the eats and the festival atmosphere at one of the New York's best street fairs. The festival takes place along Ninth Avenue from 37th to 57th streets. Call (212) 581-7217 for more information.

The Great Five Boro Bike Tour. This is the largest cycling event in the United States, attracting as many as 30,000 cyclists from all over the world. The race takes place on May 7th and stretches over 42 miles weaving through the five boroughs. The race begins at Battery Park in Manhattan and ends at Fort Wadsworth Naval Station on Staten Island. For more information or to register, call (212) 932-0778 to register.

June 2004

Shakespeare in the Park. In June and July, the Delacorte Theater in Central Park presents free performances under the stars. Visiting performers have included Patrick Stewart (The Tempest) and Andre Braugher (Henry V). But for obvious reasons, the wait is long as people line up hours in advance for (2) tickets. Call (212) 539-8750 or (212) 539-8500 for more information.

Metropolitan Opera in the Parks. During much of June and July, the city parks offer free evening performances. Call (212) 362-6000.

The Belmont Stakes. To take the Triple Crown, The Belmont Stakes cannot be forgotten. This event, which takes place in early June, is held at the Belmont Park Race Track in Elmont, Long Island. Call (516) 667-5055 or (718) 641-4700 for more information.

Lesbian and Gay Pride March. This mid to late June weeklong event, which includes parties, fundraisers,and events designed to heighten awareness, is highlighted with a parade commemorating the Stonewall Riot of June 27, 1969, which marks the beginning of the gay liberation movement. There will be bands, floats and fireworks, on upper Fifth around 52nd Street where the march will begin and then continue into the Village. Call (212) 807-7433 for more information.

JVC Jazz Festival. During late June and early July, you will find jazz greats playing sites like Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Beacon Theater, and Town Hall. Call (212) 501-1390 for more information.

July 2004

America's Independence Day - July Fourth. Much to see on America's birthday - the tall ships sailing up the Hudson River and Macy's fireworks extravaganza over the East River. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.

Lincoln Centers Festival. Every summer, this festival features a wide array of dance, theater, music, opera, and circus performances from around the world. Call (212) 546-2656 for more information.

Mostly Mozart. This event showcases the greatest classical music virtuosi performing the works of Wolfgang Amadeus as well as Beethoven, Schubert, Baroque Masters and more. Call (212) 875-5103 for more information.

Midsummer Nights Swing. Gather at Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza to participate in this outdoor dance party for beginners to experts. Move your feet to the sounds from big band swing, salsa, and tango performed by the world's leading dance bands. Call (212) 875-5766 for more information.

August 2004

Harlem Week. Celebrate the culture, music and people of this historic community with concerts, poets, children's activites, sporting events, fashion shows and more. Call (212) 862-7200 for more information.

Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors. A free international summer festival with four weeks of music, dance, and more. Events include specially designed programs for children and families, including interactive workshops. Call (212) 875-5108 for more information.

US Open Tennis Championship. Final Grand Slam event of the tennis season is held at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York and features today's most popular tennis stars competing for the title. Call (800) GO-TENNIS for more information.

New York International Fringe Festival. Held in Lower East Side of Manhattan at 20 different venues, this festival features theater, musicals, dance, comedy performances. Call (888) FRINGE-NYC for more information.

September 2004

Feast of San Gennaro. This Italian street festival honors the patron saint of Naples, proceeds north along Mulberry Street, between Canal and Hester Street with carnival rides, food, floats, and traditional music. Call (212) 768-9320 for more information.

Broadway on Broadway. An afternoon delight starring current casts from Broadway shows performing their popular songs from their theater production. Call (212) 768-1560 for more information.

Wigstock. New York City's legendary dragstravaganza features tens of thousands of spectators, hundreds of wigs, a show, and drag everywhere. Held on Pier 54, 14th Street and West Side Highway. Call (212) 213-3958 for more information.

West Indian-American Day Parade. Brooklyn's street celebration strolling down Eastern Parkway, features extravagant costumes, music of all sorts, food and dance. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.

Bam New Wave Festival. Takes place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, BAM presents new dance, theater, concerts, performance art, theater for young people, and repertory and first run films. Call (800) 755-4000 for more information.

New York Film Festival. This 17-day festival showcases the newest cinematic works by directors from around the world - late September to early October. Call (212) 875-5050 for more information.

October 2004

New York Oyster Festival. In mid-October, the Bowery Ballroom on Delancey Street hosts the city's annual oyster shucking contest. Come to compete, or just eat some of the best oysters around, along with live music and street theater. Call (212) 533-2111 for more information.

Tibetan Festival. Tibetan food, crafts and a puppet show for the children are featured, during the first or second week in October, at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Staten Island. Call (718) 987-3500 for more information.

Independent Feature Film Market. Every year, through the month of October, the Angelika Film Center at 18 West Houston Street screens several hundred new American independent films, and hosts many workshops and seminars on film making. Call (212) 995-2000 for more information.

November 2004

Chocolate Show. Every year in mid-November, learn about every aspect of chocolate making, sample the creations of some of the world's best chocolate chefs, and enjoy live musicians from the chocolate-producing countries, in the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. Call (212) 865-6100 for more information.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. See it live this year, instead of on television. Times Square probably has the best view, but come early. Call (212) 695-4400 for more information.

Lighting at Rockefeller Center. Enjoy the symbolic start of the city's Christmas season, towards the end of November, with the annual tree lighting and ice skating show, between 5th and 7th Avenues and 47th and 51st Streets. Call (212) 332-6868 for more information.

December 2004

Kwanza Festival. Held a few weeks before the holiday, around the first week in December, the Javitz Convention Center at 655 West 34th Street hosts the annual celebration of African food, culture and gift-giving. Call (212) 216-2000 for more information.

Polar Bear Christmas. All during December, the polar bears in the Central Park Zoo at 830 Fifth Avenue receive their presents each weekend. Watch them open their giftwrapped turkey, peanut butter and sardine surprises. Call (212) 861-6030 for more information.

New Year's Eve at Times Square. See it live this year, instead of on television. You should be able to get a good view if you arrive by 8 PM, but dress for some of the coldest weather of the year, and be prepared to stay in the same area for a few hours. By the time the ball drops at midnight, you will not be able to move. Call (212) 768-1560, ext. 44 for more information.

To have your event listed in our Events Guide, please Click here.