St. Patrick’s Day Parade

People wear Irish green for this big day when marching bands, politicos, and lovely lasses march down 5th Avenue to proclaim their love of the Emerald Isle. Millions come to watch and the celebrations last way into the night.

• 5th Ave

• 11am Mar 17

• Check press for exact route

Easter Parade

Following a long-time tradition, 5th Avenue closes to traffic in Midtown, and New York families in their Sunday best stroll up the avenue, with ladies sporting amazing hats, both traditional and outrageous.

• 5th Ave

• 11am Easter Sunday

9th Avenue Food Festival

New York’s biggest food extravaganza began in 1974. Vendors come from all over and thousands of people jam the streets to sample a United Nations of food from burritos to samosas.

• 9th Ave, 37th to 57th Sts

• Mid-May

4th of July Fireworks

River drives close to traffic and huge crowds come out to see this pyrotechnic spectacular over the East River. Macy’s spends over $1 million for this salute to the red, white, and blue.

• East River

• 9:30pm Jul 4

West Indian Day Carnival

Brooklyn’s West Indian population celebrates its heritage with a parade of enormous floats, lavish, feathered costumes in rainbow hues, and contagious Caribbean music. Street stands offer Caribbean specialties.

• Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

• Subway C to Franklin Ave

• Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep)

Feast of San Gennaro

The patron saint of Naples is carried through the streets of Little Italy, and Mulberry Street is packed day and night with music, game booths, and tons of tasty, traditional food. Sausage and pepper sandwiches are the trademark of this 10-day event, but there is an Italian treat for every taste.

• Mulberry St

• 3rd week in Sep for 10 days

New York City Marathon

An amazing 30,000 entrants run the 26.2-mile (42-km) marathon that starts on Staten Island, takes in all five boroughs, and finishes in Central Park. New Yorkers line the route, cheering and offering water to the runners.

• 1st Ave above 59th St is a good viewpoint

• 10:45am 1st Sun in Nov

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

New Yorkers take to the streets and America watches on television as cartoon character balloons, marching bands, lavish TV and movie star-laden floats, and the dancing Rockettes announce the start of the Christmas season.

• Central Park West at 77th St along Broadway to 34th St

• 9am Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

America’s tallest Christmas tree, festooned with miles of lights, stands next to the skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Trumpeting angel decorations in the Channel Gardens and animated windows in 5th Avenue department stores add to the holiday spirit.

• Rockefeller Center

• 1st week in Dec

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Crowds begin gathering hours before, ready to cheer when a giant, illuminated, Waterford crystal ball lowered at midnight marks the official start of the New Year. Other “First Night” events include dancing at Grand Central Station or the Empire State Building and a midnight run, with fireworks, in Central Park.

• Times Square

• Midnight Dec 31

U.S. Open Tennis Championships

The last Grand Slam of the year.

• USTA National Tennis Center, Queens

• Aug–Sep

New York Yankees and Mets Baseball

Perennial rivals compete in America’s favorite pastime.

• Yankee Stadium, Bronx; Citi Field, Queens

• Apr–Sep

New York Knicks Basketball

Fast-paced games that always sell out.

• Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

• Oct–Apr

New York Liberty

Women’s professional basketball.

• Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

• Jun–Aug

New York Jets and Giants Football

Both teams play in New Jersey; tickets are scarce.

• Giants Stadium, New Jersey

• Sep–Dec

New York Rangers Hockey

Played on ice, requiring speed and skill.

• Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

• Sep–Apr

Millrose Games

America’s fastest runners compete in this indoor track meet.

• Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

• Feb

Wood Memorial

Race featuring Kentucky Derby contenders.

• Acqueduct Raceway, Queens

• Mid-Apr

Belmont Stakes

The last of racing’s “triple crown.”

• Belmont Park, Long Island

• 2nd Sat in Jun

New York Red Bulls

The growing popularity of soccer draws devoted fans.

• Giants Stadium, New Jersey

• Apr–Oct