There’s no such thing as downtime in New York. Just when you think the city might take a breather, someone’s setting up a stage in a park, blocking off half of Fifth Avenue, or launching a confetti cannon somewhere in lower Manhattan. Sidewalks turn into dance floors. Entire neighborhoods fill with cheering crowds. And yes, you may hear the odd bagpipe or a marching band when you least expect it.

But what makes the city tick isn’t the number of events. It’s how fully they claim their space. You’ll find yourself weaving around movie premieres in the spring, navigating rainbow-covered crosswalks in June, squeezing into a spot along Sixth Avenue to catch the Halloween parade, or bouncing between cozy venues at Winter Jazzfest with a drink in hand and no real plan.

Ahead, we’re taking a look at some of the events that take over group chats and somehow convince you to leave the apartment, even when you swore you were staying in.

Spring: The Tribeca Film Festival

Once the weather starts warming up and the layers come off, New Yorkers are ready for the cultural season – and the Tribeca Film Festival kicks it off. Launched in the early 2000s to help revitalize Lower Manhattan, it’s become a major moment for indie films, documentaries, panels, and even red-carpet premieres.

The best part? You don’t have to be in the industry to enjoy it. With public screenings, outdoor showings, and smaller events throughout the city, Tribeca turns NYC into a giant movie theater for a few weeks every spring. It’s one of those things to do in NYC that feels both buzzy and laid-back at the same time.

Summer: NYC Pride

There are parades. And then there’s NYC Pride. What started as a protest in 1970 has become one of the biggest and most joyful celebrations in the world, with millions of people flooding the streets for the annual march.

The official parade winds through Manhattan, but the spirit of Pride shows up everywhere – from lowkey house parties in Brooklyn to over-the-top, packed rooftops in Queens. So, whether you’re waving a flag from the front row of the march or just soaking in the energy from the sidelines, for anyone looking to really feel the heartbeat of the New York City lifestyle, Pride is the weekend to do it.

Fall: The Village Halloween Parade

On Halloween night in NYC, the real party people are downtown. The Village Halloween Parade turns Sixth Avenue into a full-blown costume runway, complete with giant puppets, marching bands, and some of the most creative (and unhinged) outfits you’ll ever see.

This is one of the annual NYC events where anyone can join in, which makes it feel less like a show and more like a city-wide improv performance. It’s weird, loud, and wonderfully over the top. In other words, peak New York. And if you’re a bit of a costume connoisseur, they even have a $5,000 grand prize up for grabs at the official Webster Hall afterparty.

Winter: NYC Winter Jazzfest

Cold weather doesn't stop the city's creative energy, and NYC Winter Jazzfest proves it. Spread across multiple venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the festival showcases everyone from jazz legends to experimental newcomers.

It’s a citywide crawl where locals, artists, and visitors move between performances deep into the night. If you're looking for things to do in NYC during the colder months that aren't tourist traps, this is one of the most exciting ways to tap into the New York City lifestyle and discover just how alive the city is – even in January.

The City Runs on Events (...and Good Furniture!)

New York doesn’t really do quiet seasons. You might be watching movies in the park, going full cosplay, or hosting a pre-party before heading to a show – there’s always something going on. That’s why your apartment isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where you recover, recharge, and keep pace with the city around you. And your space should make that easier, not harder.

Figuring out how to live well in New York takes time. Furnishing your space doesn’t have to. Browse NYC furniture rental packages from The Everset and build a home that works in any season. Plus, get free delivery and assembly all year round.