Susan Gail Johnson has her finger on the pulse of New York City. As editor of An Almanac of New York City, she gathers the most exciting events happening throughout the five boroughs each year. The new fourth edition of the almanac, published by Abbeville Press, will be available on September 10th.
Inside, readers will find historical tidbits about the city, quotes from famous figures, charming illustrations by Andrey Kokorin, and a stacked calendar of happenings. The book also contains helpful information like weather predictions from noted meteorological sage Professor Vaticinate, notes on the night sky by Joe Rao, an Associate of the Hayden Planetarium, and style predictions by fashion historian Raissa Bretaña. For each month, Johnson recommends a New York book and movie to set the mood. Here, we take a sneak peek inside the book and pull out some of the most exciting upcoming events and a few fun facts!
Join Susan Gail Johnson for a live virtual talk about An Almanac of New York City on September 12th! Johnson will discuss events coming up in 2024 and 2025, fascinating stories from NYC history, and interesting things she discovered while creating the book. This online event is free for Untapped New York Insiders. Not an Insider yet? Become a member today and use code JOINUS to get your first month free!
October 27, 2024: Â Halloween on the Farm at Queens County Farm
Celebrate Halloween at New York City’s largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland, which dates to 1697! The festivities will include a DJ dance party, trick-or-treating, The Amazing Maize Maze, a haunted barn experience, and more.
November 9, 1912: Elizabeth Arden hands out red lipstick to marchers advocating for women’s right to vote
December 2024: Clement C. Moore Memorial Candlelight Service at Church of the Intercession
Clement C. Moore, Christmas, and New York City are inextricably linked. Every year, the author of A Visit from St. Nicholas (Twas the Night Before Christmas) is honoredat the site where he is buried in Washington Heights.
January 2025: Last Chance to See Liberty the Tattooed Lady
In April 2024 Brooklyn’s City Reliquary opened the exhibition Liberty the Tattooed Lady: The Great Bartholdi Statue as Depicted in Tattooing. Presented in partnership with Daredevil Tattoo, this exhibition displays a stunning collection of vintage tattoo art depicting the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can see works never on public display before and art from legendary tattooers of the early twentieth century like Bert Grimm, Owen Jensen, Dainty Dotty, Lou Normand, and Ralph Johnson. The exhibit closes on January 12th, 2025.
February 27-28, 2025: The Lord of the Rings in Concert: The Return of the King
Nothing makes for a more legendary viewing experience than watching your favorite film with the accompaniment of a symphony orchestra and choir. On February 27 and 28 and March 1 and 2, Radio City Music Hall will host The Lord of the Rings in Concert: The Return of the King where viewers can watch the film on a 60-foot screen while the soundtrack is provided by 238 musicians.
March 15, 2025: Celebrate Flaco the Owl’s Birthday
Flaco, a beloved Eurasian eagle-owl who died in February 2024, was born in March. The owl escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023 and flew into the hearts of New Yorkers who mourned his loss.
April 3-6, 2025: 65th Annual New York International Antiquarian Book Fair
Every year, exhibitors from all over the world bring their rare tomes, maps, documents, photographs, and more ephemera to the Park Avenue Armory for New York’s International Antiquarian Book Fair. Over the weekend, bibliophiles can browse through coveted first editions and spectacular bindings selling for tens of thousands of dollars or find a more affordable treasure.
June 2025, Thursdays: Summer Evenings in the Garden at the Merchant’s House Museum
As one of the most haunted places in New York City, the Merchant’s House Museum is usually busy during the fall months, but the historic East Village home is a destination to visit all year round. In June and July, the museum will host Summer Evenings in the Garden where guests can enjoy light refreshments and live music.
August 6-13, 2025: International Puppet Fringe Festival of New York (IPFFNYC)
Produced by Teatro SEA in partnership with The Clemente on the Lower East Side, the IPFFNYC will return for its fourth year in 2025. As New York’s only international fringe festival dedicated to puppetry, the multi-day event includes exhibitions, workshops, panels, film screenings, and performances from leading puppet makers and troupes from around the world.
September 19, 2025: Feast of San Gennaro
Eat your way through Little Italy at this annual feast that has taken over the streets of Manhattan every year since 1926.
Uncover more fun facts, seasonal knowledge, and upcoming events by purchasing your own copy of An Almanac of New York City and gain behind-the-scenes insight during our virtual talk with the author!
