Festivals and sales: how to save money on shopping and entertainment in New York

New York is a shopping and entertainment paradise. Thousands of shops and establishments of various directions simply do not allow you to avoid the temptation to buy something. But if you approach planning entertainment and shopping wisely and arm yourself with the necessary information, you can save a lot, writes Tourist.

Major sales calendar

In New York, the largest sales are held in winter and summer. Winter fall in prices starts immediately after Thanksgiving (end of November) and ends at the end of January. Summer sales do not have a clear schedule, prices fluctuate throughout the three months, but before Independence Day (July 4th), you can definitely save money. Discounts range from 20 to 60 percent.

Prices are also reduced before Labor Day (first weekend in September), Valentine's Day (February 14), Easter and Memorial Day (last weekend in May).

The biggest discounts are on Black Friday (end of November), when you can save up to 90%.

Festival calendar

The ideal time for foodies in New York is three weeks in January and three weeks in July. It is during these months that the city's best chefs create their inimitable masterpieces. For 26 years in a row, twice a year - in summer and in winter - the city hosts Restaurant Week... Hundreds of New York establishments offer discounts on food and beverages to their customers. The restaurant week was held in winter from January 25 to February 28, the summer week will start on July 19

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Fashion lovers simply have to visit New York Fashion Week... It is one of the four major fashion weeks in the world (the other three are held in Milan, Paris and London). By the way, it was from the New York week back in 1943 that everything started. It was hosted by Eleanor Lambert. Usually the event takes place twice a year, presenting fashion for the fall / winter season in February and in September for the spring / summer season. This year, due to the pandemic, some of the winter fashion shows were transferred online (winter fashion week runs from February 11 to April 15). The dates and format of the autumn event have not yet been announced.

The most famous music festival Summerstage usually runs from May to October and is expected this year too. For half a year, about 100 collectives manage to give almost 500 concerts. The festival is held in 15 significant parks for the city, the main stage is located in Central Park. The entrance is free.

Literature lovers will also not be left without entertainment. The largest annual book fair in USA Book Expo America held including in New York. This year it will open on May 1. In addition, the festival takes place in Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles. Here you can meet not only publishers, but also librarians, writers, literary critics, booksellers, bloggers and book lovers.

Jazz festival starts annually on June 1 The blue note jazz festival... The best jazz bands from the USA, Europe and Latin America play all month at Sony Hall (46th West Street). The Blue Note Jazz Festival was first held in 2011, so 2021 is an anniversary one. The event is paid: one concert costs about $ 40 (the price includes dinner).

New York Film Festival New york film festival takes place annually in September-October. The event was founded by film critics Richard Rhode and Amos Vogel in 1962. So, for 59 years, the organizers have been showing how independent cinema is developing and what modern trends it brings. It is difficult to become a participant in the festival because of the high competition: a total of 30 full-length films and the same number of short films are selected.

International Coffee Exhibition New York Coffee Festival 2021 scheduled for October 8-10. It will be interesting for both long-time fans of coffee and those who are just beginning to take an interest in this drink. Seminars on its benefits, lectures on the coffee industry in general, demonstrations and workshops, competition for the "best barista", tasting coffee and coffee cocktails, selling a variety of coffees, free food, live music - the perfect atmosphere for a great weekend ...

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A parade will take place in the city in October The Village Halloween Parade... This is one of the largest festivals in New York, with about 2 million participants. Costume procession, light shows, street performances, fairs, various competitions - the event starts one week before October 31st.

Thanksgiving in New York hosts the famous Macy's inflatable parade... In 2021, the march is scheduled for November 25. This event needs no introduction, because everyone knows without it how bright and fun it is.

Useful advice. Apply for a New York Pass. With it, you can save 10 percent on shopping in city supermarkets, 40-70 percent - in malls (Woodbury Common Premium Outlet, Century 21 Department Store, Macy's and Bloomingdale's). Such a card can be issued on the official website and use it electronically or buy a physical one in the city. In addition to discounts, it provides free or discounted access to the city's museums. Learn more about the New York Pass.