Manhattan is New York’s third most-populated borough and one of the most densely populated regions on Earth. Its eclectic ethnic makeup offers a rich cultural landscape, reflected in the myriad fairs, festivals and events that grace the city’s streets, incorporating food, music, religion, film, theater and more.
The Harlem International Film Festival occurs in September, with screenings and workshops taking place at venues throughout Harlem. Key to the event is the promotion of Harlem’s cultural scene. The theme of diversity in the arts continues in September at the opera-inspired Verdi Square Festival. Named after the Italian composer, the collection of free open-air concerts incorporates opera, jazz, American musical theater, klezmer and bluegrass. During the summer, be sure to catch a Shakespeare in the Park production. The Delacorte Theater stages the free, live shows at its 1,800-seat open-air auditorium in Central Park. Since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, over 5 million people have watched more than 150 interpretations of the Bard’s plays starring acting legends such as Al Pacino.
The popular Hester Street Fair sprang from humble beginnings as a one-off goods and specialty foods outdoor market and now gives back to the community by supporting artists, traders and first-time entrepreneurs. Find it on the Lower East Side from April through to October. Also in October, party like a Bavarian at Zum Schneider’s Oktoberfest celebrations on East Seventh Street. You’ll find beer tastings and authentic European offerings such as spanferkel, or pig on a spit. On Lexington Avenue each March the Coffee & Tea Festival attracts over 60 international exhibitors peddling their finest beverages. Vendors also sell sweet and savory foods to complement the tea and coffee tastings.
The Feast of San Gennaro has taken place in Little Italy since 1926 and has become New York City's largest religious festival. The not-for-profit event takes place each September for 11 days in celebration of the martyrdom of its eponymous saint. Events include a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, a cannoli eating competition, street processions and blessings of local stores. Also in September the Jewish organization 92Y stages the one-day 92Y Annual Street Festival to celebrate international arts, culture and entertainment. Throughout the year, the performing arts center, at 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue, showcases music and dance of all genres and puts on workshops, classes and seminars. Weekly activities range from Shakespearean study to tai chi.
For two days in September, families flock to the West Side Community Garden's Annual Arts & Crafts Festival for free activities set among stunning flowerbeds and robust vegetable plots. The professionally designed and volunteer-maintained gardens sit on what once was a derelict lot in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Now, the community garden hosts events year-round, such as the festival, which caters to families with poetry readings, sing-alongs and a children’s art workshop. In October, just in time for Halloween, the Children’s Harvest Festival takes over the groomed grounds of the Jefferson Market Garden in Greenwich Village. Kids receive complimentary pumpkins and the means to decorate them and also enjoy storytime and art projects. In the midst of December's gift-giving season, Crafts at the Cathedral brings more than 60 artisans and their wares to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Amsterdam Avenue. The three-day event showcases handmade goods as a counterpoint to mass-produced merchandise.
