20 Upcoming Events To Look Out For In NYC
Whether you are spending the warmer months in the city or are a NYC local, there are plenty of fun events and activities to occupy your time!
From concerts to Broadway shows, sporting events, and arts & culture celebrations, here is a list of 20 upcoming events to look forward to this spring and summer:
If you are a true bookworm at heart and are looking for some new additions to your collection, check out the Printed Matter’s NY Art Book Fair! This year’s fair will take place at 548 West 22nd St in Chelsea at NADA New York and features galleries, special projects, discussions, performances, and distributors from a variety of artists.
- Hanami Cherry Blossom Viewing Nights in Brooklyn (Apr. 23-25)
Flowers are finally in bloom for the season and these cherry blossom trees in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are the perfect example. Advance tickets are required to attend this magical two-night event on the Cherry Esplanade, full of live performances, food, and Japanese beverages, but you can enjoy the Garden’s blossoms throughout April.
- Poetry & the Creative Mind by the Academy of American Poets (Apr. 30 – online)
Are you looking for an event that will stimulate your creativity? Check out this virtual poetry event, hosted by the Academy of American Poets at 7:30 p.m. EDT, to wrap up National Poetry Month. This free event will feature readings by multiple poets, and if you choose to donate $59+ to the Academy’s educational programs, you will be gifted a tote bag!
- NYC Tulip Festival at the West Side Community Garden (Mid April-Early May)
It is prime tulip season and what better way to celebrate than to enter a field full of NYC’s beautiful tulips at the West Side Community Garden? If you’re looking for a low-commitment activity, from morning til dusk, you can stroll through the tulip gardens and take in the beauty of Mother Nature.
Join the NYCB as they celebrate its dancers and their commitment through energetic works by Choreographers George Balanchine, Justin Peck, and Amy Hall Gardner. This 75th Anniversary show highlights the talented future of the NYCB! Visit the Spring Gala website for more information on ticket sales, reservations, and donations.
The Beatles are one of the most iconic bands in music’s history, and former band member and singer Paul McCartney is now making his mark in the world of art. The Brooklyn Museum will showcase his new “Beatlemania” photography exhibit, featuring prints and video clips reminiscent of the band’s legendary experiences.
- Sweeney Todd on Broadway (Closes May 5)
The revival of Sweeney Todd has been a Broadway treat and they have officially announced their closing date for this upcoming month. Purchase your tickets today and check out this phenomenal show before it’s too late!
- The Makeup Show NYC 2024 (May 4-6)
Are you an aspiring makeup artist or just a lover of the craft? Well, the NYC Makeup Show is back and welcomes you to join in on a three-day event full of education, mingling, and more! This year’s show is being held at the Metropolitan Pavilion and features incredible professionals in the beauty industry. Get your tickets now, you won’t want to miss out on this event!
- AMNH “Ice Cold” Hip Hop Jewelry Exhibition (Opens May 9)
The American Museum of Natural History fuses fashion, music, and history with its new “Ice Cold” exhibition. “Ice Cold” showcases the iconic influence of Hip Hop culture on jewelry that famous musicians like Nicki Minaj, Notorious B.I.G., Tyler the Creator, and more have made popular from the 1980s to today.
Did somebody say rivalry? For years, the Phillies and the Mets have been sworn MLB rivals and now you can see this competition come to fruition with tickets to back-to-back home games at the Citi Field Stadium. Enjoy an afternoon of baseball, park food, and energy at one, or both, of these games!
- James Arthur Concert in Central Park (May 17)
Singer James Arthur is coming to New York on his Bitter Sweet Love World Tour. The SummerStage in Central Park will hold the concert from 6-11 p.m.; tickets are still on sale. If you’ve been waiting for outdoor concert season, this is the perfect event for you!
The Sound Mind Musical Festival raises awareness for mental health as it presents talented musicians and peaceful sound sessions throughout the day. Check out their website for a full list of the set and activities, free festival tickets, and buy tickets for the after-party!
This celebration of dance showcases over 100 unique styles of dance, promoting community engagement in NYC’s cultural diversity! Each year, thousands of dancers come together to share their love for the art, both in the streets and on stage. The parade spans 1.5 miles, so get your dancing (and walking) shoes on and head to Tompkin’s Square Park at noon for a day full of music and fun!
- Ninth Avenue International Food Festival (May 18-19)
Join the Ninth Avenue Association for a weekend-long food festival in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen. This is one of the city’s largest food events, full of food vendors, arts and crafts, and live entertainment! Spend a full day enjoying the festival, held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Brooklyn Academy of Music DanceAfrica Show (May 24-27)
Celebrate African dance culture at the four-day DanceAfrica Festival. Enjoy beautiful performances from groups such as The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble, DanceAfrica Spirit Walkers, Cie La Calebasse, and more! This show is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Ben Platt: Live At The Palace Theatre (Opens May 28)
Ben Platt is returning to NYC with a 3-week concert residency at the historic Palace Theatre! This show opens May 28 and will close June 15, and fans can expect to hear various music, from the debut of his new album “Honeymoon” to Broadway classics. Get your tickets now!
- Gov Ball Music Festival (June 7-9)
With June on the horizon, it’s almost time for the Gov Ball Music Festival! Kick off the summer with the incredible headliners for this year’s festival including SZA, Post Malone, Peso Pluma, 21 Savage, and more popular artists. Tickets for all 3 days are available now and the merch is available to shop on the Gov Ball website!
- John Oliver & Seth Meyers Show (Closes June 16)
These two comedians are back by popular demand for monthly appearances at the Beacon Theatre! There is only one show left on May 19 before the closing night on June 16 so book your tickets before it’s too late and enjoy a night full of comedy.
- The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival (June 29)
Calling all country music fans! The 2024 Outlaw Music Festival has released its tour dates and they are coming to New York. This year’s line-up is unmatched, with famous singers such as Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and more! Buy your tickets now.
- NYC Pride Parade (June 30)
Finishing off the list with the iconic, annual NYC Pride Parade! If you are looking for a day full of excitement and love, check out the large list of events leading up to North America’s largest pride parade.
Step outside your comfort zone this season and explore all the Big Apple has to offer. No matter what your interests are, NYC has a place for you!