New York City Events, Broadway & Things to Do 2025

Iconic stages, skyline views for days, museums you could live in, and neighborhoods with their own heartbeat. Use this guide to compare tickets, book must-do tours, and stitch together an NYC trip you’ll actually brag about.

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Jump to: Broadway & Shows · Concerts & Venues · Sports · Observatories & Landmarks · Museums & Culture · Neighborhood Tours & Cruises · Nightlife & Rooftops · Festivals & Big Weekends · By Month · FAQ

Broadway & Shows

From long-running phenomena to buzzy new openings, Broadway and Off-Broadway light up the calendar nightly. Weekends and holidays sell fast—midweek seats can be easier.

Classic Houses

  • Richard Rodgers, Gershwin, Majestic & Shubert Theatres
  • New Amsterdam (Disney), Lyric, Al Hirschfeld
  • Radio City Music Hall (seasonal spectaculars & concerts)

Concerts & Venues

Arena headliners, intimate theaters, borough festivals—NYC’s live-music scene never clocks out. Compare dates and marketplaces for best pricing.

Major Venues

  • Madison Square Garden (Manhattan)
  • Barclays Center (Brooklyn)
  • UBS Arena (Queens / Long Island)
  • Radio City Music Hall · Beacon Theatre
  • Forest Hills Stadium · The Theater at MSG

Sports

Baseball in the Bronx or Queens, hoops at the Garden, hockey under bright lights, and derby days in New Jersey—rivalry games go first.

Home Teams & Venues

  • New York Yankees — Yankee Stadium
  • New York Mets — Citi Field
  • New York Knicks / Rangers — Madison Square Garden
  • Brooklyn Nets / Islanders — Barclays Center / UBS Arena
  • NYCFC — Yankee Stadium / Citi Field · NY Red Bulls — Red Bull Arena
  • Football & special events — MetLife Stadium (NJ)

Observatories & Landmarks

Pick your view: Art Deco classics, harbor panoramas, mirrored sky-rooms, or outdoor decks with a rush. Book timed entries to skip lines.

Top Picks

  • Empire State Building
  • Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)
  • One World Observatory (Downtown)
  • Edge at Hudson Yards (outdoor deck)
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (immersive mirrors)
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (ferry + pedestal/crown)

Museums & Culture

Iconic collections and blockbuster exhibits—reserve timed tickets for popular shows and weekends.

Don’t Miss

  • The Met · The Met Cloisters
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Guggenheim · Whitney Museum of American Art
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Neighborhood Tours & Cruises

Walk SoHo to Greenwich Village, cross the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, graze through a pizza or dumpling crawl, or loop the skyline on a harbor cruise.

Easy Wins

  • Circle Line or skyline night cruise
  • Harlem gospel & history tour (select days)
  • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO walking tour
  • Central Park bike tour or rental
  • SoHo–Little Italy–Chinatown food tour

Nightlife & Rooftops

Rooftop views, late-night comedy, and jazz basements that define the word “vibe.” Check door policies and consider skip-the-line options.

Fan Favorites

  • Comedy Cellar (Greenwich Village)
  • Blue Note · Village Vanguard (jazz)
  • 230 Fifth · PHD · Harriet’s (Rooftops)

Festivals & Big Weekends

City-wide celebrations and tent-pole events fill the calendar—book lodging early.

  • Times Square New Year’s Eve & holiday season
  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
  • NYC Pride (June)
  • US Open Tennis (Aug–Sep)
  • Tribeca Film Festival · NY Fashion Week
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade · Fourth of July Fireworks

New York City by Month

Seasonal shifts affect crowds and pricing—lock top attractions and shows early for weekends & holidays.

  • Jan–Mar: Winter deals; Broadway & museums shine.
  • Apr–Jun: Spring bloom; concerts & outdoor events ramp up.
  • Jul–Sep: Summer rooftops, harbor cruises, US Open.
  • Oct–Dec: Fall foliage, marathon & holidays, NYE countdown.

New York City FAQ

What’s the best time to visit?

Spring and fall for weather; holidays for lights and shows; winter weekdays offer great value.

Do I need to book Broadway in advance?

Yes—popular titles sell out early. Midweek shows are easier; same-day tickets exist but aren’t guaranteed on peak dates.

Which observatory should I choose?

Empire State for classic; Top of the Rock for Central Park views; One World for harbor scenes; Edge for open-air thrills; SUMMIT for mirrored immersion.

Do I need a car in NYC?

No—walking, subway, and tour transport cover everything.

Where should I stay?

Midtown for shows & landmarks; Downtown for waterfront vibes; Brooklyn for arts and skyline views.