This post lists the top things to do in New York in February, updated for 2023.
We include free, nighttime, as well as family-friendly events and activities.
TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY
This is our list of the fifteen best events and things to do in NYC in February.
For even more suggestions, see our comprehensive guide to things to do in NYC.
Several of the items below are already included for free with the purchase of a tourist discount pass.
For tips on the most popular activities in NYC, check out the following posts:
- When is the Best Time to Visit NYC?
- Walking Tours
- Bus Tours
- Boat Cruises
- Top NYC Attractions
- 3-Day NYC Itinerary
Keep in mind that President’s Day falls on the 3rd Monday of February. This is a public holiday so some activities may be affected that day.
1. Celebrate Black History Month
All of February is Black History Month. There will be relevant events throughout the city, but the place where you will find the best events is in Harlem.
Check out a show at the historic Apollo Theater or take a deep dive into Harlem's history and culture on our pay-what-you-like Harlem Walking Tour.
If you want to move at your own pace, you can also use our GPS-enabled audio tour of Harlem at any time.
Our Guide to Harlem lists resources to find events, sights to see, where to eat, shop, see live music, and more.
2. Go to a Concert
Warm yourself up at a concert with some of the hottest stars coming to town in February.
Here are some of the more notable artists scheduled to perform in NYC this month:
- Tribute to Bob Marley | February 5th
- Marc Anthony | February 9th, 11th
- Elvis Costello | February 9th - 22nd
- Kenny Vance | February 11th
- Billy Joel | February 14th
- Danny Ocean | February 17th
- Angie Stone | February 17th
- Carrie Underwood | February 19th, 21st
- Central Cee | February 23rd
- Dune Rats | February 25th
- Judy Collins | February 25th
- Morgan Wade | February 27th
If you're looking for another type of concert, see what else is on in February.
3. See a Broadway Show
February is off-peak time on Broadway and you should be able to find good prices on many shows. See what's playing when you are in town.
Since Broadway made its return last fall, there should be plenty to see this month:
- Aladdin
- The Book of Mormon
- Chicago
- Funny Girl
- Hamilton
- Lion King
- MJ The Musical
- Moulin Rouge
- Six the Musical
- Sweeney Todd
- Wicked
Find all the shows playing when you are in town.
4. Go Ice Skating
In New York City you have many choices of where to skate, at varying prices and all different hours.
Of course, there is the famed Rockefeller Center Rink and the Wollman Rink in Central Park.
A new outdoor rooftop rink has opened at Pier 17 by the South Street Seaport.
As you skate, you'll have views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even Empire State Building in the distance!
Bryant Park will have the Bank of American Winter Village with ice skating throughout the month. They also have Cozy Igloos and a Curling Cafe.
To find out the many places you can go skating in the city, see our post on Where to go Ice-skating in New York City.
5. Take a Sightseeing Tour
Join us for our pay-what-you-like SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour.
We spend 45 minutes in Chinatown, a small neighborhood but with a huge amount of history that our guides share with you in a colorful and engaging way.
If you can't join us for a tour, or care to explore on your own, see our guide to Things to See in Chinatown.
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6. Enjoy Restaurant Week
During Restaurant Week, more than 300 of New York City’s best restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu for a very low price, relative to their regular prices.
In 2023, Restaurant Week takes place from January 17th - February 12th.
Guests can get a 2-course lunch and/or a 3-course dinner with prices at $30, $45, and $60
The list of participating restaurants will be available in early January.
See our post on how to make the most of Restaurant Week for more details.
7. Look into a Tourist Discount Pass
A tourist discount pass affords you discounted entry into most of NYC’s most popular attractions.
While the passes themselves certainly aren’t free, if you plan your itineraries well, you will end up getting one or two attractions for free each day.
There are several different types of passes, so be sure to read our comparison post to learn about how you can save the most money on your trip.
If you've already researched the passes and know which one best suits your purposes, you can purchase one here: All Inclusive - Go City New York | Explorer - Go City New York | Day Pass - New York Sightseeing | Flex Pass - New York Sightseeing
8. Attend a Sports Event
February is perfect for seeing an ice hockey game and all three major NYC hockey teams have multiple games to choose from.
For excitement off the ice, you can see a basketball or football game.
NBA Basketball
NCAA Basketball
NHL Hockey
There is also a Monster Jam taking place in Elmont, NY February 3rd-5th at UBS Arena, and the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic taking place in Newark at the Prudential Center on Feburary 4th.
Check to see which games are available to attend with this list of sporting events in New York City this February.
TIP: Madison Square Garden offers All-Access Tours so you can see how this iconic arena has become a world landmark.
9. Visit a Free Museum
Many NYC museums offer free days or free hours. If you go on these days you save yourself a bundle!
Here are just a few museums that offer free days/hours.
- National Museum of the American Indian - always free.
- Bushwick Street Art Collective - always free
- National September 11th Museum - Mondays
- 9/11 Memorial - always free
- American Museum of Natural History pay-what-you-wish for residents of NY, NJ, or CT, discounts with some discount passes
For a complete list see our post, Free Museums in New York.
10. Valentine's Day: Love in Times Square
At 6 pm on February 14th, head to Times Square for the heart-warming Love in Times Square.
This is a mass ceremony where couples renew their vows at the crossroads of the world.
Anyone can come and watch couples pledge themselves again to each other on the famous red steps at W. 46th Street & Broadway in the heart of Times Square.
Before or after the ceremony, discover Times Square using our guide on things to do in Times Square.
NOTE: This event has not yet been confirmed for 2023, but it will likely take place as it has for many years.
11. Take a Romantic Valentine's Day Evening Cruise
Nothing beats the nighttime views from a cruise on the water just off the shore of Manhattan's sparkling skyline.
There are many companies that offer night boat tours, some with a Valentine's Day theme.
See our post, Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?
For a free nighttime ride, you can take the Staten Island Ferry 24 hours a day!
Our post on riding the free Staten Island Ferry has all the information you need to plan a magical, affordable voyage.
Note: you can check here to see which boat tours and cruises are included on discount passes: All Inclusive - Go New York | Explorer - Go New York | Day Pass - New York Sightseeing | Flex Pass - New York Sightseeing
12. Visit a Museum at Night
Avoid the crowds and visit a New York museum in the evening. Some are free, others have a small cost.
The Museum of Modern Art is open late every Saturday until 7 pm.
The Whitney Museum of American Art is open until 10 pm on Friday evenings. Better still, it is free to enter from 7 pm to 9:30 pm.
The Rubin Museum of Art's K2 parties occur every Friday night until 10 pm. Admission is free, and food and drinks for purchase are available.
Our post on free museums in New York City has many more listings.
Read our post on things to do in NYC at night for other after-dark activities.
13. Commemorate President's Day
On President's Day on February 20th, 2023, visit the free Federal Hall National Memorial where Washington was sworn in as the first president.
See all the Trump buildings in New York City using our free self-guided tour.
If you don't mind paying, you can say hello to former Presidents Trump, Obama, Lincoln and Washington at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
14. Take a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are especially good for young children who can tire easily from a day of sightseeing.
They have the additional advantage in February of being nice and warm - something the whole family can enjoy!
Our post The Best Hop-On, Hop-Off NYC Bus Tours can help you decide which is best for you and your family.
Note that these tours can also be found on some of the discount passes.
15. Explore Grand Central
This world-famous terminal is a great place to spend some time, especially on a cold day.
While you can enjoy it just by walking around, you will learn secrets about this historic station by taking a tour.
We offer a pay-what-you-wish two-hour tour of Grand Central and also have an audio tour that can be used any time, day or night.
Our guide on what to see in Grand Central Station is filled with helpful information, so be sure to take a look.
Honorable Mentions:
If you're interested in seeing a comedy show or other type of entertainment, there are a few that might be of interest to you in February.
Jerry Seinfeld is appearing at the Beacon Theatre with 2 shows on both February 3rd and February 4th.
MadTV performer Aries Spears will be at Valentine's All-Star Comedy Show in Netwark twice on February 11th along with comedians like Tommy Davidson, Eddie Griffin, Adele Givens, and Bill Bellamy.
Irish comedian Joanne McNally will be at The Town Hall in NYC on January 4th.
Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese will be at the Beacon Theatre on February 9th.
The Metropolitan Opera will have Lohengrin on February 26th at the Opera House.
The family-friendly Jurassic World Live will be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn from February 24th-26th.
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