New York City Mayor Adam Adams announced on June 10 that in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City, the city government will kick off a series of large-scale cultural activities, including concerts, street celebrations, free movies, and food festivals, covering all five boroughs of the city.
According to the plan released by the city government, the “Founded by NYC” series of activities will integrate various types of artistic and cultural resources, with highlights such as the Summer Streets carnival, Movies Under the Stars, and music and art exhibitions that emphasize the city’s multiculturalism. The government also encourages the public to participate in various activities to promote New York’s status as a global cultural hub.
Adams also announced that the budget for the 2026 fiscal year will allocate nearly $215 million to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), including a $45 million increase in base funding. This marks the first substantial budget growth for DCLA in a decade. The budget also includes a $3.1 billion 10-year capital plan to enhance cultural institutions and library facilities throughout the city. Adams stated that this funding will help enrich New York’s cultural assets, attract tourism, and create more job opportunities.
“As New York City marks its 400th anniversary, these activities will showcase the connection between New York’s past and future, and solidify its position as an international hub for arts, culture, and tourism,” Adams said.
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Fanatics Fest NYC (June 20-22) will host a large sports and memorabilia exhibition at the Javits Center in Manhattan, featuring meet-and-greets with sports stars, themed merchandise, and interactive experiences.
Summer Streets carnival (August 2, 9, 16) will expand in scale this year, closing 400 blocks in all five boroughs during the summer, creating car-free outdoor spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy together.
Movies Under the Stars (all summer) in collaboration with the New York City Parks Department, will showcase 10 films filmed in New York City for free outdoor screenings, sharing the city’s stories and spirit.
Founded on Broadway (September 7) in conjunction with the Broadway League, the city government will host a 90-minute live music concert at Times Square to kick off the fall Broadway Week, open to the public for free.
Global Citizen Festival (September 27) will take place in Central Park, bringing together international artists and leaders with exclusive art installations.
New York Comic Con (October 9-12) the largest pop culture exhibition on the East Coast will be held at the Javits Center, demonstrating New York’s influence in comics, movies, and television.
New York City Food and Wine Festival (October 15-19) a gourmet event held in Brooklyn and Manhattan, will feature activities at the South Street Seaport, highlighting the city’s waterfront culture and classic seafood dishes.
New York City Marathon (November 2) runners will traverse all five boroughs for a 42-kilometer race, integrating the promotion of New York City’s 400th anniversary.
New York Comedy Festival (November 7-16) a week-long comedy festival inviting comedy celebrities from various backgrounds to participate and promote the 400th anniversary theme.