If you’re in Manhattan, you won’t want to miss this. We’ve asked New Yorkers to nominate and vote for the best annual event/festival in the city, and we’re excited to reveal the winner. Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration!
2024: Manhattan Voted Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Best Annual Event/Festival!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York
macys.com/social/parade
Each November, the streets of New York City come alive with the enchanting spirit of the Thanksgiving Parade, a time-honored celebration that has captured hearts since 1924. As the parade meanders down Broadway from Central Park to Herald Square, it weaves a tapestry of wonder and joy, delighting spectators with its vibrant array of giant helium balloons, whimsical floats, and lively performances. The parade’s larger-than-life balloons, depicting cherished characters and fantastical creations, float gracefully above the city, while the majestic floats and marching bands infuse the air with festive cheer. This beloved tradition not only heralds the start of the holiday season but also embodies the warmth and unity of the community. The NYC Thanksgiving Parade remains a magical celebration, inviting all to partake in the joy and wonder of the season.
2023: Manhattan Voted Electric Zoo Best Annual Event/Festival!
Electric Zoo
Randall’s Island Park
(323) 908-0607 – electriczoo.com
Founded in 2009, Electric Zoo, hosted at Randall’s Island Park, has brought together fans of electronic music for a Labor Day weekend festival! Electric Zoo started strong with artists Armin van Buuren, Deadmau5, David Guetta and Ferry Corsten headlining. Since its inaugural event, it turned into a three-day extravaganza that has featured legends of the electronic scene such as Skrillex, Porter Robinson, The Chainsmokers, and more! Known simply as “E-Zoo” by fams, this year its theme was “Hyperspace” as it ran from Sept. 1 to 3. Electric Zoo has held festivals in Tokyo, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Sao Paulo — but Manhattan remains its home, where it has run every year since its inception except for 2021.
2022: Manhattan Voted Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Best Annual Event/Festival!
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
macys.com/social/parade/
Who doesn’t love a good parade? The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the best celebration of the holiday season around, featuring floats and characters from your childhood over the course of three hours that is sure to make your heart full before you chow down on your family meal. The three-hour parade takes place between 9 and 12 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, and ends outside Macy’s Herald Square. Bring your family, your friends, and a warm coat as you watch the enormous balloons sail through the concrete canyons of New York City! This is fun for all, and will absolutely be a memory that you will cherish forever!
2020: Manhattan Voted NYC Pride March Best Annual Event/Festival!
NYC Pride March
154 Christopher St
(212) 807-7433 – 2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org
As part of a month-long series of LGBTQ events and celebrations, this year’s New York City Pride March holds the record for the largest Pride celebration in the word! The march began at Madison Square Park and led participants past the Stonewall National Monument before dispersing in Chelsea on 23rd street. This year’s march welcomed some 150,000 participants, and bares heightened significance as the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots as well as the 50th anniversary of the first time a WorldPride event was held in the United States!
