EVENTS

January
New year's Day - January 1st, Public Holidayublic Holiday
Times Square New Year's Eve
When & Where: The Ball Lowering is held atop One Times Square, located at the southern end of the "BowTie" of Times Square between 42nd and 43rd Streets on Broadway/Seventh Avenue.
More info: (212) 768-1560
TimesSquareBID.org for Times Square New Year's Eve || TimesSquareBID
Traditionally marked by a 200,000 people gathering to watch the ball drop. No parade, but it does signal the beginning of the pre-Lenten Carnival season throughout the world to the millions watching the event on TV.
New York Road Runner's Club Midnight Run
More info: New York Road Runners Club - 212 860 4455
Midnight Run on nyrrc.org
Four-mile event that takes place at Central Park. Live DJs, fireworks, a costume masquerade and a non-alcoholic toast are all part of the fun.
First Night - New Year's Eve family oriented celebrations
New Year's Eve Concert for Peace - Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Harlem. Come early for free general seating, or call 212-581-1212 for reserved tickets.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration - South Street Seaport
New Year's Eve Fireworks - Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. This is a safe event (ie no alcohol), but there are DJs, bands and a laser light show.
New York Philharmonic New Year's Eve Concert - Lincoln Center
Three Kings Day Parade
When: January 6
Where: 3rd Avenue from 106th to 116th Streets
More info: 212 831 7272 ext 135
Filling the streets of Spanish Harlem with camels, sheep, donkeys, hoards of schoolchildren, men dressed as kings and Latin music, the Three Kings Day Parade is a thoroughly colourful and festive Christmas affair, Latin American-style.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
When: 3rd Mon in Jan - Public Holiday
Where: Manhattan's Fifth Ave, from 61st to 86th St.
More info: 212 316 7540
A yearly grand parade celebrates the accomplishments of the great civil rights leader. Also: There is a yearly musical celebration, The Feast of Martin Luther King Jr., at St. John the Divine Cathedral in Harlem.
Chinese New Year Parade
When: on the first full moon after January 21& before Feb. 19
Where: Around Mott Street, Chinatown.
More info: Chinatown Online or 212 431 9740, 212 941 0920
Dragons, clashing cymbals, colourful costumes, firecrackers and good family fun.

February
Valentine's Day
February 14th
NY Valentine's Guide on ny.com.
What could be more romantic than weddings atop the Empire State Building? A special honor, couples must prove their worth by writing to the building supervisors. Those chosen are wed on the 80th floor, and are entitled to free visits to the Observatory every Valentine's Day.
Chinese New Year Parade
When: on the first full moon after January 21& before Feb. 19
Where: Around Mott Street, Chinatown.
More info: Chinatown Online or 212 431 9740, 212 941 0920
Dragons, clashing cymbals, colourful costumes, firecrackers and good family fun.
Lunar Year Parade
When: Like the Chinese New Year, this parade falls on the first full moon after Jan 21 & before Feb 19.
Where: Main Street & 37th Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue
Presidents Day Parade
When: The third Monday in February - Public Holiday
Where: 5th Ave, from 35th to 50th Sts.

March
Fantasy Express
Fantasy Express, entertaining children, parents and grandparents, benefits the Lenox Hill Hospital Neonatal Critical Care Unit and Department of Pediatrics. Toy give-aways, face painting, magicians and other street fair attractions are part of themed fun changing each year. Call (212) 434-6858 for more information.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Everything goes green along Fifth Avenue, from 44th to 86th streets on March 17 when the world-famous parade starts at 11 a.m. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Circus tradition combines with newfangled twists when the Greatest Show on Earth comes to town. Call (212) 465-6741 for more information.
USA Memory Championship
At Con Edison Auditorium, this day-long challenge for “mental athletes” features a string of 1,000 random digits, a deck of shuffled cards, 100 random words, 99 names and faces and an unpublished 50-line poem for a pentathlon-type tournament. Call (201) 573-0376 for more information.
Manhattan Antiques Triple Pier Expo
New York's largest antiques show extends over two consecutive weekends as more than 600 dealers display treasures along the Hudson River. Call (212) 255-0020 for more information.

April
Easter Parade
The Easter Parade on Fifth Avenue provides a showcase of finery from elegant to outlandish. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.
The Wedding Salon
This day-long event at Gotham Hall provides a luxury wedding showcase for sophisticated brides and grooms, with tools for planning ceremonies and receptions. Featured are the finest in gowns, cakes, florists, calligraphers, photographers and more. Admission is $125 per person, $150 for couples. A silent auction benefits the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Call (212) 631-7777 for more information.
New York International Auto Show
At the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the week-long New York International Auto Show includes "concept cars" as well as consumer models. Call (800) 282-3336 or (212) 216-2000 for more information.
Family Matters: National Fertility and Adoption Conference
Hosted by the American Fertility Association, Family Matters: The National Fertility and Adoption Conference is the largest annual event of its kind. More than three dozen workshops are led by top physicians and healthcare professionals, providing fresh perspective on in vitro fertilization (IVF), female and male factor infertility, ovum donation, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), blastocyst transfer, alternative medicine, urology, adoption issues, and more. An exhibit hall features IVF programs, egg donor-surrogacy programs, urologists, and others. Meet face-to-face, ask, and learn. Call (212) 714-3537 for more information.
The Big Swim
More than 1,000 children from 6 to 16 compete in the decade old Big Swim day of free races in a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool at Manhattan’s Asphalt Green. Kids are met at the finish line by Olympians and all participants take home a medal, photo, other goodies, plus all-important memories. Call (212) 369-8890 for more information.
National Tartan Day
On National Tartan Day, pipers and drummers march down Sixth Avenue in the Tunes of Glory Parade to support the fight against cancer. Call (212) 980-0844 for more information.

May
Great Five Boro Bike Tour
As the nation’s largest cycling event, the Great Five Boro Bike Tour attracts some 30,000 competitors to weave through the five boroughs on a 42-mile course. For more information, call (212) 932-0778.
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
May transforms portions of Ninth Avenue from 37th to 5th street into one of New York's best street fairs. Call (212) 581-7217 for more information.
Artists for the African Rainforest
Celebrating a night for artists as well as Africa, the $500 per person fundraiser benefits men, women, and children of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Awards to activists are also announced. Call (212) 431-5508 for more information.
Spring Dachshund Festival
Every May, Washington Square Park hosts a party for Dachshunds and their owners, sponsored by the Dachshund Friendship Club. Call (212) 475-5512 for more information.
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
For more than 70 years, the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit has featured some 250 artists in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Call (212) 982-6255 for more information.

June
Philippine Independence Day Parade & Festival
When: 1st Sunday in June
Where: Madison Avenue from 39th to 26th Street
Celebrates the 1898 anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain
Queens Pride Parade
When: 1st Sunday in June
Where: 37th Avenue from 89th to 75th Street
More Info: 518 474 4116
The annual Queens Pride and Festival is the most important event in the gay Queens calendar - a colourful, vibrant celebration of sexuality and community spirit.
Brooklyn Pride Parade and Festival
When: Second weekend
Where: 15th Street from Bartel-Pritchard Circle to 7th Avenue | 7th Avenue from 15th Street to Lincoln Place
More info: 718-670-3337 (fax) 718-836-9535 map
Brooklyn Pride
PO Box 150508 Brooklyn, NY 11215
The Brooklyn Pride Committee seeks to create a new bridge, whereby local gay people, organizations, businesses, friends and supporters of equal human rights can come together in solidarity and celebration, and bring visibility to our multicultural Brooklyn gay community
Hare Krishna (Hindu) Parade
When: Usually 2nd Saturday in June
Where: 5th Avenue from 57th Street to Washington Square Park
Produced by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The Puerto Rican Day Parade
When: 2nd Sunday in June
Where: 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street
More info or add a link: Aforum.com || Search Google|
The largest of several Puerto Rican celebrations in the city with 3 hours of bands, batons twirling and bodies swaying. A traditional celebration of the heritage, culture and history of over 800,000 New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent. The first Puerto Rican parade was held in New York City in 1958. In 1998 organizers said parade would contains almost 100,000 marchers and nearly 3 million spectators.
Children's Evangelical Parade
When: Third Sunday in June
Where: 3rd Avenue from 96th Street to 116th Street
Bronx Week Parade
When: Last Saturday in June
Where: Moshulu Parkway
More info: I Love the Bronx
Mermaid Parade
When: Usually last Saturday in June
Where: Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
More info: 718.372.5159 || parade@whirl-i-gig.com
The Mermaid Parade from photo-arts.com plenty of photos!
Everyone dresses as mermaids and King Neptunes and parades the boardwalk. Afterwards, fruit is thrown into the Atlantic to appease the sea gods.
Heritage of Pride Parade (formerly Gay Pride Parade)
When: Last Sunday in June
Where: 5th Avenue from 52nd Street to 8th Street | 8th Street to Christopher Street | Christopher Street to 7th Avenue South
For press/media information: hopmedia1@aol.com

July
New York City Tap Festival
For nine days, tap classes offered for kids, teens and adults, followed by evening performances by tap dance legends, ensembles and up-and-coming hoofers. Call (646) 230-9564 for more information.
July Fourth
On July 4, New York City activities include tall ships sailing up the Hudson River and a Macy's fireworks extravaganza over the East River. Call (212) 484-1222 for more information.
Lincoln Center Festival
The Lincoln Center presents an array of dance, theater, music, opera and circus performances from around the world. Call (212) 546-2656 for more information.
Mostly Mozart
Mostly Mozart showcases classical music virtuosi, also performing works of Beethoven, Schubert and others. Call (212) 875-5103 for more information.
Midsummer Nights Swing
Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza hosts an outdoor dance party with sounds of swing, salsa and tango. Call (212) 875-5766 for more information.

August
Harlem Week
Concerts, poetry readings, kid activities, sporting events, fashion shows and more celebrate historic Harlem culture. Call (212) 862-7200 for more information.
Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors
This month-long free international summer festival includes interactive workshops for kids and families. Call (212) 875-5108 for more information.
New York International Fringe Festival
Held in Lower East Side of Manhattan at some 20 venues, the New York International Fringe Festival features theater, musicals, dance and comedy. Call (888) FRINGE-NYC for more information.
U.S. Open Tennis
The U.S. Open is the final Grand Slam event of the season, drawing top competitors for singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Call (800) GO-TENNIS for more information.

September
Big Apple Performing Arts Festival
For nearly a quarter century, the New York City gay men’s chorus and others have created a carnival performing arts setting along Seventh Avenue. Call (212) 809-4900 for more information.
Feast of San Gennaro
This Italian street festival honors the patron saint of Naples, with carnival rides, food, floats and music. Call (212) 768-9320 for more information.
Katherine Hepburn Garden Festival
More than 500 ethnic foods, art, craft, antique and jewelry exhibitors create a midway along Second Avenue. Call (212) 809-4900 for more information.
West Indian-American Day Parade
Labor Day Weekend in Brooklyn brings on a festival with food and entertainment from top Caribbean artists. Call (718) 467-1797 for more information.
Long Island Motorcycle Fair
At the famed Riverhead Raceway, in June and again in September, the Long Island Motorcycle Fair brims with entertainment, bike shows, and vendors to create the ultimate motorcycle weekend getaway. East End Stunt Challenge contests include the longest and slowest wheelies, stoppies, quads, and more, with a trophy and cash prizes. Call (631) 774-9380 for more information.
Escape New York
Escape New York, starting and ending in Manhattan by Grant’s Tomb, is open to all, with three supported routes through Rockland and Bergen counties. Snacks and drinks are provided, with giveaways and raffle prizes. Profits go to Recycle-a-Bicycle, a 501c3 charity teaching inner-city youth about cycling and recycling. Call (212) 828-5711 for more information.
New York Film Festival
This 17-day festival showcases new cinematic works from around the world. Call (212) 875-5050 for more information.
Wigstock
New York City's legendary dragstravaganza on Pier 54 features a show, wigs and drag, drag, drag. Call (212) 213-3958 for more information.

October
Columbus Day Festival
Lower Broadway celebrates Columbus Day with cultural and corporate displays to go with food and live entertainment. Call (212) 809-4900 for more information.
Independent Feature Film Market
The Angelika Film Center screens new American independent films, while hosting workshops and seminars. Call (212) 995-2000 for more information.
NYC Underground Comedy Festival
As a showcase for emerging and established comedians of the world, NYC’s Underground Comedy Festival features more than 350 laugh artists over seven nights at assorted venues including The Bitter End, with free shows at the New York Public Library and most branches. XM-Radio covers, and Chris Rock made a 2004 special guest appearance. E-mail info@nycundergroundcomedy.com for details.
NYC Oktoberfest
More than 500 ethnic food, art, craft, and other exhibitors create an Oktoberfest midway along Lexington Avenue.
Dachshund Oktoberfest
Every October, Washington Square Park hosts a party for Dachshunds and their owners, sponsored by the Dachshund Friendship Club. Call (212) 475-5512 for more information.
Tibetan Festival
Food, crafts and a puppet show star at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art on Staten Island. Call (718) 987-3500 for more information.
Union Square Autumn Fair
More than 200 American and international merchants, restaurants and others celebrate along Park Avenue. Call (212) 809-4900 for more information.
Bluegrass Music Festival
Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island provides a rural setting within New York City for the decade-old annual Bluegrass Festival, featuring top musical entertainment. Call (718) 351-1611 for more information.
Dewey’s Halloween Costume Party
Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory at Dewey’s Flatiron Bar & Lounge (on Fifth Avenue between 25th and 26th streets) where there’s a discount with mention of EventGuide to go with 2-for-1 drinks and plenty of ghoulish fun. Call (201) 264-6318 for more information.

November
Chocolate Show
Chocolatiers show their tasteful artistry amid live music from chocolate-producing countries at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Call (212) 865-6100 for more information.
Lighting at Rockefeller Center
The city's holiday season kicks off with Rockefeller Center’s annual tree lighting and ice skating show. Call (212) 332-6868 for more information.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Times Square provides an excellent view of this spectacular parade, known for elaborate floats and marching bands. Call (212) 695-4400 for more information.
Madison Avenue Holiday Expo
Madison Avenue comes alive as exhibitors create a balloon archway leading to arts, collectibles and fashion musts. Call (212) 809-4900 for more information.
New York Comedy Festival
This five-day event festival of laughs features more than 50 stand-up comedians at venues throughout the city. Call (212) 757-4100 for more information.

December
Kwanza Festival
African food, culture and traditions in gift-giving unfold at the Jacob J. Javitz Convention Center. Call (212) 216-2000 for more information.
Times Square New Year’s Eve
Crowds gather early in the day for the thrill of watching the Times Square ball drop at the stroke of midnight. Call (212) 768-1560, ext. 44 for more information.
Polar Bear Christmas
On weekends, Central Park Zoo polar bears are on the take, opening gift-wrapped turkeys and other yule treats. Call (212) 861-6030 for more information.
Matzo Ball
From a humble start in a Boston bar, Matzo Ball bashes in more than a dozen cities including San Francisco and Washington D.C. have arrived at the Manhattan Mission as a holiday party for Jewish singles on the night before Christmas. Call (212) 473-3113 for more information.

Public Festivities

Mar/Apr - Easter
11 Nov - Veterens' Day
second Monday in October - Columbus Day
third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Jr Day
third Monday in February - Presidents' Day
1 Jan - New Year's Day
last Monday in May - Memorial Day
4 Jul - Independence Day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
first Monday in September - Labor Day