More than 3.5 million in-person spectators and a TV audience of 50 million people across the country tune in each year to watch the massive floats, balloons, marching bands, and performances that comprise the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2018 extravaganza featured 26 floats, more than 1,000 clowns, 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers, and appearances from headliners including John Legend, Bad Bunny, Sugarland, and Rita Ora. Next: November 28, 2019
While all eyes will be on New York for major televised productions like the U.S. Open, Times Square New Year’s Eve, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, exclusive galas like the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit also capture the world’s attention. High-capacity venues like the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Piers 92 and 94 set the stage for massive conventions like the New York Boat Show and the Architectural Digest Design Show, which are among the events here with tens of thousands of attendees.
Two major fund-raisers—the UJA-Federation Wall Street Dinner and the Financial Services Cares Gala—made their Top 100 debuts this year, joining longtime staples like the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Gala and the New York Botanical Garden’s Conservatory Ball. Also new to the list is the Accessories Council Excellence Awards, a black-tie affair in the fashion category.
To choose and rank the annual events on this list, we look at several factors, including economic impact, buzz, innovation, and an event's prominence within the communities it intends to serve.
Here’s a look at the top 100 events that take place each year in New York.
