New York State Embarks on a Monumental Year of Major Events, Anniversaries and Openings

The Empire State is celebrating milestone anniversaries, hotel and museum openings, and major sporting events, making it a must visit destination in 2025

Albany, NY – January 30, 2025 – New York State is brimming with major anniversary celebrations, international sporting competitions, and a variety of new hotels, museums and attractions in 2025, offering new opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in new destinations throughout the state. From the opening of the National Urban League's Urban Civil Rights Museum - Manhattan’s first museum dedicated to civil rights - to the PGA Ryder Cup on Long Island, to a Canopy Walkway at Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum in the Finger Lakes, New York State expands its offerings as a year-round destination for adventure, relaxation and cultural immersion. Whether travelers are seeking history, innovation or natural beauty, the Empire State is continuously providing ways to explore and connect.

I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “This year, New York State is rich with opportunities to experience major milestone anniversaries, stay in new hotels and explore new museums and exhibits. The Bicentennial of the Erie Canal's completion can be celebrated throughout upstate communities, while downstate, New York City commemorates its 400th anniversary. The 100th anniversary of the Great Gatsby can be explored at Gold Coast mansions on Long Island, where the famous novel was set. Travelers can visit Peppa Pig at the new LEGOLAND playground, or stay in a new boutique hotel in the mountains of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. As we have for centuries, our state welcomes visitors with open arms to come explore our 11 vacation regions and see how easy it is to love New York.” 

Here is a glimpse of what’s new across New York State this year:

Bicentennials and Quatercentenaries

• Erie Canal Bicentennial (Multiple Regions): The Bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s completion will be celebrated throughout the summer and fall of 2025 across New York State’s canal system. To mark the canal’s 200th anniversary, communities throughout the Greater Niagara, Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Central New York and Capital-Saratoga regions will host a series of events, festivals, concerts and historic tours, showcasing its transformative impact on New York and the nation. Highlights include the launch of the navigation season with a parade of vessels in Waterford on May 16; Fairport Canal Days, the 48th edition of this premier arts festival outside of Rochester featuring artisans, music and local cuisine from June 6-8; and the 27th annual Cycle the Erie Canal from July 12-20, during which 600+ cyclists embark on a 400-mile journey from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canal towpath and part of the Empire State Trail. A replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, the boat Governor Dewitt Clinton used for his inaugural journey to open the Erie Canal in 1825, will set sail on September 24, recreating the maiden voyage from Buffalo Canalside to New York Harbor. The boat will make stops in multiple communities along the way, with celebratory events at each and a grand commemoration in New York City on October 25, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this iconic waterway’s legacy and beauty. Finally, from September 21-25, the World Canals Conference 2025 will take place in Buffalo, bringing together inland waterway experts, enthusiasts and stakeholders from across the globe in an especially notable event as it coincides with the Bicentennial.
• NYC's 400th Anniversary (New York City): New York City will celebrate its 400th anniversary throughout the entirety of 2025 with the "Founded by NYC" campaign, honoring the city's rich history and ongoing reinvention. Major events will span art, music and film, and will feature art installations at Gracie Mansion, free summer movies and performances by the New York Philharmonic. The campaign will also offer unique itineraries that showcase historic sites and highlight the diverse contributions of Indigenous people, women and people of color, with involvement from key cultural institutions and city agencies.
• Orleans County Bicentennial (Greater Niagara): Orleans County will celebrate its bicentennial throughout 2025 with a series of events honoring its rich history and agricultural roots. A highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of a fiberglass oxen, painted by regional artist Stacey Kirby Steward, which will serve as the "bicentennial mascot" and be displayed at the county fairgrounds during fair week in July. The county will also feature a public arts project this year where local municipalities, businesses and organizations will sponsor oxen sculptures to further commemorate the county’s pioneer heritage.

Major Events: 

• Belmont Stakes at Saratoga (Capital-Saratoga): The historic Saratoga Race Course will host two iconic events this summer: the expanded Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and, for the first time, a special July 4th Racing Festival. Due to ongoing construction at Belmont Park, the Belmont Stakes will return to Saratoga from June 4-8, highlighted by the prestigious $2 million Belmont Stakes on June 7. The July 4th Racing Festival will make its debut in Saratoga from July 3-6, offering fans an exciting prelude to the summer meet, which will open on July 10 and continue through Labor Day.
• 2025 Ryder Cup (Long Island): New York State will host golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup at the renowned Bethpage Black Course in Bethpage State Park on Long Island from September 25-28. Known for its challenging layout, Bethpage Black has previously hosted major championships like the 2019 PGA Championship and will now provide the backdrop for the intense U.S. vs. Europe golf rivalry.
• Westchester Soccer Club Opening Season (Hudson Valley): Professional soccer is coming to the Hudson Valley this March with the opening season of the Westchester Soccer Club. The team will be part of USL League One and will play at the Stadium at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. Dedicated to celebrating the region’s profound love for soccer, the league provides exciting game experiences, community-focused events and a focus on youth talent development. 

Major Milestones Across New York State

• Adirondack Thunder Turn 10 (Adirondacks): The New Jersey Devils’ minor league affiliate is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. During the 2023-2024 season, the Thunder made it to the conference finals in the Kelly Cup playoffs after finishing first in the North Division. There is no better time for visitors to the region to grab tickets with family and friends to one of team’s many sold out games.
• Forty-Five Years Since “The Miracle on Ice” (Adirondacks): This year marks the 45th anniversary of 1980’s "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid, a town that remains synonymous with Olympic and hockey history. The legendary U.S. hockey team’s upset win over the Soviet Union will be honored through tournaments held on the iconic Olympic ice, while the Mike Eruzione Team Shop, which opened in 2024, will continue to showcase a treasure trove of 1980 memorabilia. The community's patriotic spirit shines through as both locals and visitors proudly wear USA jerseys, making Lake Placid a living tribute to one of sports' greatest moments.
• “The Great Gatsby” Centennial (Long Island): This year marks the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” set largely along Long Island’s iconic Gold Coast. The region will be showcasing its connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, particularly its ties to the Gold Coast’s opulent mansions and landscapes, with special promotions, exclusive events and Broadway performer appearances. This year of celebration will bring the glamour of the Jazz Age to life while attracting visitors to explore Long Island's rich cultural and historical heritage.
• Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Hudson Valley): This year, the Hudson Valley nature preserve will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the reservation is holding a 100-Mile Hike Challenge. Participants will have until May 7 to complete the challenge and will be recognized at the park’s anniversary celebration on May 17. The event invites outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature and commemorate a century of the Reservation's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
• Willard Straight Hall at Cornell Celebrates 100 Years (Finger Lakes): Cornell University’s iconic Willard Straight Hall is celebrating its centennial, and stands as a symbol of the institution’s commitment to student engagement, activism and community. Visitors can explore the building's distinctive architecture, visit the public art gallery, enjoy the lounges and dine at eateries like Okenshields and Straight from the Market. Its history and architecture make it a cornerstone of the Cornell experience and Ithaca culture.
• 50th, 70th and 150th Anniversaries in Binghamton (Central New York): This year, Binghamton is celebrating three significant milestones: the 150th anniversary of the Ross Park Zoo, the 50th anniversary of Broadway in Binghamton, and the 70th anniversary of the Binghamton Philharmonic. The Binghamton Zoo is one of the oldest in the country, while Broadway in Binghamton and the Binghamton Philharmonic continue to enrich the cultural life of the region with their diverse productions and educational programs.

New Hotel Openings

• Faena New York (New York City): Opening this spring, Faena New York will bring its signature tropical glamour and experiential luxury to the heart of West Chelsea, overlooking the High Line. This highly anticipated property will offer 120 guest rooms and suites, the lavish Tierra Santa Healing House, dynamic dining options and vibrant nightlife, all designed to immerse guests in art, culture and opulence. With its bold blend of creativity and luxury, Faena New York promises to enhance the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and embody the spirit of innovation for which New York is renowned.
• The Haven of the Wild (Central New York): This sister property to the nearby Wild Animal Park will offer Central New York a unique venue that blends rustic charm with an immersive safari-inspired experience. Guests will enjoy unique accommodations like the Big Cat Bungalows, where they can stay close to tigers and lions. Or, the soon to open Luxury African Tents, which are set against a stunning savanna habitat with roaming giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. The resort also features a 15,000-square-foot Wedding & Event Center, designed to enhance memorable moments while combining the beauty of wildlife with special events, all with a strong focus on animal welfare and meaningful connections. 
• The Perch (Catskills): This new mountainside boutique hotel, restaurant and venue retreat is opening this spring in Windham, the mountain town known as “the gem of the Catskills.” The new hotel is uniquely located 2,000 feet above sea level on the scenic Mohican Trail-Route 23, adjacent to the beloved Five State Lookout vista point. Rooms in The Perch will offer panoramic views overlooking the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the Helderberg Mountains of New York and the Connecticut Valley. 
• The Six Bells Inn (Hudson Valley): Opening this spring, Six Bells Inn will bring boutique charm to the Hudson Valley. Co-founded by Audrey Gelman, this intimate retreat in Rosendale is set within a restored historic building, seamlessly blending local character with modern elegance. Featuring 11 uniquely designed rooms, a cozy café and a thoughtfully curated retail shop, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region’s scenic beauty and artisanal culture.

New Museums and Attractions

• Borscht Belt Museum Reopens (Catskills): The Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville is set to officially open its doors in April. The museum has been working in a temporary space, creating pop-up exhibitions and hosting comedy shows, preparing for its grand opening in 2025. This exciting museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Catskills resort era. Here, visitors will discover how this region served as a sanctuary from prejudice, nurtured the birth of stand-up comedy and played a pivotal role in shaping American culture, as shown in popular entertainment like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Dirty Dancing.
• Canopy Walkway at Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum (Finger Lakes): Chemung County is preparing to unveil the Canopy Walkway at Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum in Elmira, set to open in late 2025. As the second of its kind in New York State (following the Wild Center in the Adirondacks), this exciting new attraction will offer visitors a unique bird's-eye view of the forest, allowing them to experience nature from an entirely new perspective. The Canopy Walkway promises to become a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in the region.
• Completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail (Adirondacks): This year will mark the completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use recreational path connecting key towns like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. This year-round trail will provide a unique opportunity for guests to hike, bike, ski, snowshoe and more, while showcasing the stunning Adirondack landscape. With its wheelchair-friendly design and access to local businesses, the trail promises to enhance both outdoor recreation and tourism across the region.
• PEPPA PIG Playground Opens (Hudson Valley): LEGOLAND® New York Resort in Goshen is set to unveil the LEGO® DUPLO® PEPPA PIG Playground, marking the first collaboration between LEGO DUPLO and Peppa Pig in North America. This new attraction will immerse guests in Peppa Pig's world, featuring interactive play areas and experiences designed for young children. The playground aims to blend the creativity of LEGO DUPLO with the beloved Peppa Pig universe, offering families a unique and engaging destination. This addition is part of LEGOLAND New York's ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and provide diverse experiences for visitors.

Highly Anticipated Reopenings and Renovations

• Center for Photography at Woodstock Reopens (Catskills): This year, the Catskills is celebrating the grand reopening of the Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) in its newly renovated Kingston headquarters. The renovations include four exciting exhibitions alongside an expanded Digital Media Lab, theater and community spaces, marking the first phase of a larger transformation. This milestone highlights CPW's commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and community engagement, while positioning its new space as a cultural hub in Kingston's growing arts district.
• Channel Marker 243 Rebuilds (Thousand Islands-Seaway): After a fire temporarily closed the Cape Vincent restaurant and bar shortly after its opening, Channel Marker 243 will reopen this year. The community has shown overwhelming support for the establishment, and Channel Marker 243 will soon welcome back visitors with its signature dishes like Prime Rib, French Onion Soup and BBQ platters, along with live music and a cozy atmosphere by the fire pit. With its grand return, Channel Marker 243 promises to offer a renewed dining experience for locals and tourists alike.
• Michigan Street Baptist Church Renovations (Greater Niagara): Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is celebrating the reopening of one of its historic landmarks: the Michigan Street Baptist Church. After extensive restorations, this key stop on the Underground Railroad has reopened its doors to the public with a newly renovated foundation, ceiling and pews, along with plans for a new visitor center. 

• Storm King Art Center Expansion (Hudson Valley): This renowned 500-acre outdoor museum in New Windsor, is preparing to unveil the results of a $45 million capital project to enhance the visitor’s welcome experience, support artistic endeavors and ensure environmental sustainability. This project will include an innovatively designed new welcome space, landscape enhancements and sustainability initiatives. 
• Utica Children's Museum Opens (Central New York): Set to open this year, the Utica Children’s Museum will bring adventure learning, skill discovery, culture and play to visitors. Embracing the traditions and seasons of the Mohawk Valley, the new exhibits will showcase their vision and values to the region.

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

###

About I LOVE NY

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 or on X (formerly Twitter).

Learn more at iloveny.com and follow us on social media:

Twitter: @ILoveNYPR (PR handle)

Twitter: @I_LOVE_NY (consumer handle)

Facebook: Facebook.com/ILOVENY

Instagram: ILOVENY

TikTok: iloveny

YouTube: YouTube.com/OfficialILoveNY

Threads: @iloveny

Contact:

Eric Scheffel (I LOVE NY) | (518) 292-5274 | eric.scheffel@esd.ny.gov

Lea Komitzky (MMGY) | (646) 589-0182 | lkomitzky@mmgy.com