If you’ve ever visited New York or even just dreamed of it, you know there’s no place on earth quite like it. From its towering skyscrapers and world-class art to its legendary music scene and unforgettable food, NYC never stops buzzing. In 2025, the Big Apple is pulling out all the stops with exciting best upcoming events, concerts, parades, and cultural happenings that promise to keep locals and tourists alike on their toes.
Whether you are a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or a die-hard sports fan, the city’s colorful scene has something on the horizon for you. The best part? Many of these events are bigger and better after years of smaller turnouts or limited experience. So, if you are planning a trip to New York or you live here and want to stay in the loop, this is your ultimate guide to the top 10 best upcoming events you simply can’t miss in 2025
1. New York International Auto Show (April 18–27, 2025)
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Manhattan from March to April. It is held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter.
This annual event showcases the latest innovations in the industry, featuring over 34 automakers and over 100 exhibitors. The show opens every year, and several auto companies debut new productions and concept vehicles for the press.
Attendees can explore cutting-edge vehicle design, technological advancements, and even witness the unveiling of new models. With a history dating back to 1900, this show remains a cornerstone event for car aficionados.
2 The Met Gala (May 5, 2025)
The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual haute couture festival held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which is an institute in Manhattan. The Gala is popularly regarded as the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event.
This year’s theme, tailored for you. Celebrates classic tailoring and coincides with the Costume Institute exhibit, Superfine. Tailoring Black Style. The Gala not only showcases avant-garde fashion but also serves as a significant fundraiser for the museum’s costume collection and promises a blend of high fashion and star-studded attendance. Over time, the Met Gala has evolved beyond the New York fashion epicenter to become increasingly global and diverse in its perspective and scope.
3. Governors Ball Music Festival (June 6–8, 2025)
The Governors Ball Music Festival is known as Governors Ball or Gov Ball. This is a multi-day music festival that is held in New York City. This festival was first launched in 2011 by Jordan Wolowitz, Tom Russell, and Yoni Reisman, The festival features an array of genres and styles of music, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Americana, pop, folk, and more. The 2025 lineup boasts headliners like Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier. Spanning three days, the festival offers a diverse array of musical genres complemented by art installations and a variety of food vendors. It’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of New York’s dynamic music scene.
4. 78th Tony Awards (June 8, 2025)
The 78th Tony Award will be held on June 8, 202,5, to recognize the achievements in Broadway productions during the 2024-2025 season. The ceremony will be held at Radio City Hall in New York City, which will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo. The ceremony honors outstanding performance and predictions from the last season.
The official document, Rules and Regulations of the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Award, outlines the rules for the Tony Award, which is applied for that season only. The Tony Awards are the New York theatre industry’s equivalent to the Emmy Award for television and the Grammy Awards for musicand the Academy Awards (Oscars) for films. A person who has won all four is said to have won the EGOT.
5. Coney Island Mermaid Parade (June 21, 2025)
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an art parade held annually in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. The event, the largest art parade in the United States, is held every year in June and features celebrities of the summer season. A beloved tradition, the Mermaid Parade is the nation’s largest art parade. Where participants do not elaborate, handmade costumes inspired by marine mythology celebrate the summer with creativity and flair.
The trditond began in q1983, when the first event of this kind was cncepualized and organized by Dick Zigun, the founder of the non-prfoys arts organization Coney island USA, who is sometimes dubbed the Mayor f coney island. The parade embodies the artistic spirit of Coney Island, offering a visual feast of color and imagination.
6. Stray Kids World Tour (dominATE) in New York (June 18–19, 2025)
The Dominate World Tour (stylized as Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE>) is the ongoing third world tour and fourth overall concert tour by the South Korean boy band Stray Kids, in support of their ninth Korean-language album. The fan can expect high-energy performance, intricate choreography, and a setlist featuring the latest hits. The two-night concert underscores the global appeal of K-pop and its growing influence in the New York music scene.
7. New York Comic Con (October 9–12, 2025)
The New York Comic Con is an Annual New York City fan convention dedicated to Western comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, cosplay, toys, movies, and television. Pop culture enthusiasts will gather at the Javits Center in New York. It was first held in 2006. With an attendance of 200,000 in 2022. It is America’s most attended fan convention. The convention features panel discussions. Exclusive previews, and opportunities to meet creators and celebrities, it’s os a hub for fans to immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms and discover new ones.
8. Village Halloween Parade (October 31, 2025)
A Village Halloween Parade is an Annual holiday Parade held on the night of Halloween in Greenwich Village in New York City. This is a hallmark of New York’s Halloween festivities. Thousands of costumed participants march alongside piers and performers. Creating a spectacle of creativity and spookiness. The parade is a testament to the city’s embrace of the whimsical and macabre.
The village Halloween parade has been called New York’s carnival. The parade’s signature features include its large puppets, which are animated by a hundred volunteers. The official parade theme each year is applied to the puppets. In addition to the puppets, more than 50 marching bands participate each year. In addition, there are some commercial Halloween parade floats.
9. New York City Marathon (November 2, 2025)
The city of New York City, currently branded as the TCS New York City marathon for sponsorship reasons. It is an annual marathon that courses through the five boroughs of New York City. The marathon not only changes athletes but also unites spectators who line the streets to cheer on participants. Embodying the communal energy of the city.
These events highlight the rich tapestry of cultural, artistic, and athletic experiences that New York City offers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, 2025 presents a calendar brimming with opportunities to engage with the city’s dynamic spirit.
10. New York Film Festival (September 26 – October 12, 2025)
The New York Film Festival (NYFF) is held every fall in New York City and is presented by Film at Lincoln Center. The festival is a prestigious event that features a curated selection of the year’s most significant cinematic work. The festival includes a mix of premieres, retrospectives, and panel discussions, attracting filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. It’s an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking films and participate in conversations about the art of cinema. This was founded in 1963 by Richard Roud and Amos Vogel with the support of Lincoln Center president William Schuman. NYFF is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States.
Conclusion
New York City Amver fails to deliver when it comes to unforgettable experiences, and 2025
It is shaping up to be one of its most exciting years yet. From the glamour of the Met Gala and the electric vibes of Governors Ball to the heartfelt moments of the NYC Marathon and the magical glow of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, there’s truly something for everyone.
