New York’s Top 10 : Festivals and Events – Top 10 Sports Events

by


  1. 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

  2. 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




    Easter Parade

  3. 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

  4. 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




    4th of July fireworks over the East River

  5. 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)

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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


Top 10 Sports Events


  1. U.S. Open Tennis Championships

    The last Grand Slam of the year.

    • USTA National Tennis Center, Queens

    • Aug–Sep

  2. New York Yankees and Mets Baseball

    Perennial rivals compete in America’s favorite pastime.

    • Yankee Stadium, Bronx; Citi Field, Queens

    • Apr–Sep

  3. New York Knicks Basketball

    Fast-paced games that always sell out.

    • Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

    • Oct–Apr

  4. New York Liberty

    Women’s professional basketball.

    • Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

    • Jun–Aug

  5. New York Jets and Giants Football

    Both teams play in New Jersey; tickets are scarce.

    • Giants Stadium, New Jersey

    • Sep–Dec

  6. New York Rangers Hockey

    Played on ice, requiring speed and skill.

    • Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

    • Sep–Apr

  7. Millrose Games

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

    • Madison Square Garden, 7th Ave

    • Feb

  8. Wood Memorial

    Race featuring Kentucky Derby contenders.

    • Acqueduct Raceway, Queens

    • Mid-Apr

  9. Belmont Stakes

    The last of racing’s “triple crown.”

    • Belmont Park, Long Island

    • 2nd Sat in Jun

  10. New York Red Bulls

    The growing popularity of soccer draws devoted fans.

    • Giants Stadium, New Jersey

    • Apr–Oct