The biggest and best festival this weekend near me is the annual NYC Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side. It’s a nerdy-fest with celebrity appearances, photo ops and Q&A sessions, merchandise booths and more. If you love comic books, sci-fi, action movies and video games, this is a must-see event. You can get tickets online in advance or at the box office.
Another great NYC festival this weekend is the Rockaway Film Festival, which runs from August 19 through August 27 at the Averne Cinema in Rockaway Beach. The festival features documentaries, premieres and shorts. Plus, there are also cultural activities and a marketplace fair that spotlights local vendors and artists.
If you’re looking for something more laid-back, there’s the Manhattan West Plaza Pride celebration. It’s a family-friendly event featuring performances by queerly-situated circus act Circus Amok and activities for dogs, like rainbow pawdicures and a doggie fashion show. Plus, there’s a beer garden with craft brews from Sixpoint and Tromba Vodka.
Whether you’re celebrating the end of summer or just looking for some lighthearted fun, Coney Island is the place to be for a spectacular fireworks display. It happens Friday nights through Labor Day weekend at the Riegelmann Boardwalk and West 12th Street. You can also watch the show from Deno’s Wonder Wheel or take a ride at Luna Park.
Head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a free festival that combines art and science. «Power of Trees» takes a look at how trees impact our lives in a fun and visually appealing way. The exhibit features site-specific sculptures by six local artists. Plus, you can see a special exhibition on how trees grow and change through the years.
There’s plenty of food and drink to enjoy at the festival. Several food trucks are in attendance, and there’s also a food court. Plus, there are several bars that serve wine and beer. And, if you want to make the most of the experience, plan on attending the nighttime parade and fireworks at the conclusion of the festival.
You can also catch a film at the annual New York City Film Festival, which starts on June 24 and runs through July 2. It’s one of the largest and most prestigious festivals in the country, and it’s a great place to see up-and-coming filmmakers and stars. There’s usually a wide variety of movies to choose from, including independent and foreign films.
The upcoming NYC Comic Con is a must-see event for any fan of comic books, sci-fi, action films and video games. It’s also one of the best festivals in NYC for anyone who loves to dress up in costumes (known as cosplay) and interact with their favorite characters.
This article was last updated in 2022 and is regularly reviewed. If you have any questions about this list, please contact us.