I LOVE NY Logo - stackedHistoric Anniversaries and New Openings Highlight New York’s Ever-Evolving Story

 Albany, NY (October 5, 2026) – New York State is set for an exciting 2027 with a new lineup of major events, milestone anniversaries, hotel and restaurant openings and new attractions. The year will also mark the 50th anniversary of the I LOVE NY campaign and its iconic logo, celebrating five decades of inspiring travelers to discover New York while showcasing all there is to love about the state today. From Freedom 2027, marking 200 years since New York abolished slavery, to the Belmont Stakes and Breeders Cup returning to the reimagined Belmont Park, unique opportunities await travelers of all interests, alongside new places to stay, dine and explore. 

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “For 50 years, the iconic I LOVE NY logo has represented the many reasons people love to visit New York State. Five decades later, that spirit continues to connect travelers with the places, experiences and communities that make the Empire State so special. 2027 is the perfect year for travelers to return to longtime favorites and discover new destinations to love while making memories all across New York State.”

Here is a look at what’s new and noteworthy across New York State:

Iconic Anniversaries and Major Milestones to Mark

In addition to the 50th anniversary of I LOVE NY, a number of significant milestones will be celebrated with events across New York State:

  • Battles of Saratoga – 250th Anniversary (Capital-Saratoga): Widely regarded as a turning point in the American Revolution, the Battles of Saratoga will take center stage with commemorative events throughout the region. Events in 2027 will build on the ongoing “Victory Season at Saratoga,” featuring living history experiences, Surrender Day ceremonies and concerts at Saratoga National Historical Park, while the free, self-guided Turning Point Passport invites visitors to explore historic sites, museums, farms, breweries and local businesses throughout Saratoga County.
  • United States Military Academy at West Point – 225th Anniversary (Hudson Valley): Established on March 16, 1802, the nation's oldest military school has a longstanding legacy of “forging the future leaders of America.” The historic military academy offers visitors a scenic, immersive destination for military history and striking historic architecture, set against the picturesque Hudson River.  
  • New York State Abolition of Slavery – 200th Anniversary (Statewide): New York State will commemorate the legal abolition of slavery with the Freedom 2027 initiative, highlighting the people, places and movements connected to this history. From the Underground Railroad and the homes of abolitionist leaders to the cultural legacy of communities like Harlem, Buffalo, Brooklyn, and Rochester, New York offers countless opportunities to experience the enduring impact of Black history and culture. Throughout the year, communities across the state will host commemorative events, exhibitions, performances and educational programming that bring these stories to life. Spearheaded by the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State, the commemoration will culminate in a symbolic ringing of bells statewide at noon on July 4.
  • American Railroading – 200th Anniversary (Statewide): The nationwide commemoration for American Rail 200 will celebrate the role railroads have played in shaping travel, commerce and communities across the country. New York has long been part of that story, with travelers able to experience its rail legacy firsthand, from the architectural grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and vintage subway cars at the New York Transit Museum to walking a former railroad bridge at Walkway Over the Hudson and taking a historic train excursion aboard the Arcade & Attica Railroad. Additional New York State events will be added to the I LOVE NY Events Calendar as details become available ahead of the anniversary.
  • Niagara Wine Trail – 25th Anniversary (Greater Niagara): For a quarter-century, the Western New York-based wine trail has helped bring the region’s unique wineries, vineyards and winemaking heritage to the forefront for locals and visitors alike. Oenophiles are increasingly drawn to this diverse array of wineries along the beautiful Lake Ontario and Niagara Escarpment thanks to its cool-climate varietals, scenic vineyard views and welcoming tasting experiences. 

More to Explore

  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (Multiple Regions): Following the 2026 designation of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway’s first phase, a 176.76-mile route connects Auburn, Harriet Tubman’s chosen home and final resting place, to Niagara Falls, linking 22 heritage sites along the way. If designated, a second phase in 2027 would expand the New York corridor to approximately 550 miles, extending the route east through 14 additional counties to Manhattan and connecting with a broader multi-state route stretching from Maryland to Ontario.
  • The Rockwell Museum's Reimagined Art Lab (Finger Lakes): A newly renovated, 2,500-square-foot creative space will serve as the new home to the museum’s KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab this spring. The reimagined family space at the Corning-based institution will include a performance stage, sensory-friendly area, family restroom and accessibility improvements, alongside updates to the museum’s admissions area and lobby.
  • The Beacon Theater (Long Island): The historic venue in Port Washington is set to reopen in spring, 100 years after first welcoming audiences in 1927. Following a $15 million renovation, the 30,000-square-foot theater will return as a destination for dining, live entertainment and events, with capacity for nearly 500 guests. Plans include a supper club, dinner theater experiences, a speakeasy and spaces for weddings, private events and cultural programming. 

Game On!

  • Belmont Stakes Returns to Belmont Park (Long Island): The Belmont Stakes will return to Belmont Park in Elmont in June for its 159th running, bringing the final leg of the Triple Crown back to its longtime home following a three-year reconstruction project. The reimagined park features a new five-story grandstand and clubhouse with new dining and hospitality offerings, infield access, nearly five times more green space and four new racing surfaces that will allow for year-round racing. Belmont Park will also host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 29-30, 2027, marking the first time in more than two decades that the prestigious international racing event will return to the venue.
  • Etihad Park (New York City): Opening next summer in Willets Point, Etihad Park will become the new home of the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium. The fully electric outdoor professional sports venue will sit alongside Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and include Paze City Square, a year-round public plaza featuring the Five Boroughs Food Hall, rotating local vendors and space for community events. The stadium is part of the larger Willets Point redevelopment, which will also bring new housing, a public school, hotel and open space to the neighborhood.
  • The Island FC Takes the Field (Long Island): Long Island will welcome its first professional soccer club in August as The Island FC begins play in MLS NEXT Pro. The team will call a new 2,500-seat stadium at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale home, with plans to eventually expand the venue to 5,000 seats. The new complex will also support academy training and host additional sporting and community events throughout the year. 

New Hotels Check In

  • Black Creek Barns (Hudson Valley): Set to open in Esopus in late 2027, Black Creek Barns will transform a historic 153-acre estate into a 70-room resort. The property will restore six existing buildings while adding guest accommodations, a wellness spa, two restaurants and event spaces, with access to outdoor recreation nearby.
  • Graduate by Hilton at Syracuse University (Finger Lakes): A new Graduate by Hilton property near Syracuse University is targeted to open in the fall. With approximately 200 guest rooms, the hotel will add new dining and gathering options near campus, including a restaurant, rooftop bar and meeting facilities, along with on-site parking. 

Taste What’s Ahead: Dig Into New Dining Experiences

  • New York Kitchen (Finger Lakes): Set to relocate to a new lakefront home in Canandaigua in the late summer, New York Kitchen will move across from Kershaw Park into a facility featuring two teaching kitchens, a demonstration theater for culinary and beverage programming and a tasting room highlighting food, wine, beer, cider and spirits from across the state. Indoor gathering spaces and an outdoor patio overlooking Canandaigua Lake will support seasonal events.
  • Four Corners (Hudson Valley): Opening in Chatham in late 2027, Four Corners will bring a new restaurant to the historic building formerly home to Blue Plate, a longtime local dining destination. Led by the former head chef and culinary director of Tribeca-based One White Street, the restaurant will feature seasonal cooking with an emphasis on ingredients sourced from Hudson Valley farms. 

For more information about travel around New York State, visit iloveny.com. 

###

 About New York State

New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a vibrant craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail. Add in the state’s unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it’s no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts. 

For more information on new developments and other happenings in New York State, visit iloveny.com. Press releases and other media assets can be found online in the press room.