So many exciting things are happening across New York, and I got a sneak peek at what’s ahead! This week, I headed into Manhattan for the Icons of New York Media Night, hosted by I LOVE NY at The Plaza Hotel.
Fun fact: My high school prom was actually held at The Plaza, so this hotel has a special place in my heart. Walking through those doors always brings back a little nostalgia. It’s one of those New York landmarks that never seems to lose its magic.
The evening brought together tourism boards and destinations from across New York State to share what’s new, what’s being renovated, and what visitors can look forward to over the next year. And let me tell you, a lot is happening! From major sporting events and new cultural attractions to waterfront projects and historic anniversaries, here are some of the announcements that caught my attention.
The New York happenings I would put on your radar
Etihad Park – Queens (2027)
Soccer fans have something big to look forward to! NYCFC’s new 25,000-seat stadium is coming to Willets Point in Queens. It will be New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium and the country’s first fully electric outdoor stadium. The club now expects to play its first match there in summer 2027, at the start of the 2027–28 MLS season.
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival – Long Island (June 3–5, 2027)
This one is especially exciting for us Long Islanders! The Belmont Stakes returns to its newly rebuilt home at Belmont Park after three years in Saratoga. The three-day racing festival culminates with the 159th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 5. The new grandstand and expanded fan amenities are part of a major transformation of this iconic destination.
Enslavement to Freedom: 1627–1827–2027
An important statewide historical initiative will mark two significant anniversaries: 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in New Netherland and 200 years since the legal end of slavery in New York. Expect exhibitions, educational programs, traveling displays, and opportunities to learn more about this often overlooked part of our state’s history.
More information can be found here.
The Island F.C. Stadium – Uniondale (2027)
More soccer coming to Long Island! The Island F.C. is preparing to launch its professional team in 2027, with a new stadium planned for the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale. The venue is designed to accommodate 2,500 fans initially, with the ability to expand to 5,000. It will also serve as a year-round training facility and community gathering space.
The Hip Hop Museum – The Bronx (2027)
Hip-hop fans, this one’s for you! The Hip Hop Museum is preparing to open in the Bronx, celebrating the music, culture, artists, and global influence of a movement that originated right here in New York. The museum is expected to open in spring 2027 and will feature exhibits and interactive experiences.
Arthur Ashe Stadium – Queens (2027)
If you’ve ever been to the US Open, you know Arthur Ashe Stadium. The iconic venue is undergoing a massive $800 million transformation, with expanded concourses, upgraded dining and hospitality areas, improved seating and a new Player Performance Center. The project is scheduled for completion by the 2027 US Open, with construction taking place in phases so the tournament can continue.
Floating + POOL at Pier 35 – Manhattan (Targeted for 2027)
This is one of the more unusual projects on the list! A floating swimming pool is planned for the East River at Pier 35 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The concept uses a specialized filtration system to filter river water, creating a place for New Yorkers to swim right on the waterfront. It’s part of a larger effort to improve public access to the city’s waterfront.
Ellis Island Museum – New York Harbor (Renovation underway)
Ellis Island is getting a $100 million makeover! The multi-year project will reimagine more than 100,000 square feet of museum exhibits, introduce interactive displays and new visitor experiences, and expand the ability to research family immigration history. The Records Discovery Center is also being expanded, with its searchable database expected to grow from 65 million to approximately 154 million records. The museum remains open during construction, although some exhibits may temporarily close.
America’s 250th Anniversary – Statewide (2026–July 2027)
New York is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with events, historic tours, exhibitions, reenactments, and special programming throughout the state. From New York City’s waterfront to historic destinations upstate, you can explore the state’s role in American history. I LOVE NY has an events calendar to help you find something happening near you.
And that’s just a sampling of what’s coming! There were so many other announcements, new attractions, hotel renovations, cultural experiences and destination updates shared throughout the evening. I could honestly have written an entire book.
One thing this event reminded me of is how much there is to explore without even leaving our own state. We have history, incredible food, beaches, sporting events, museums, entertainment, and so many places worth discovering.
I’m already making a mental list of places I want to visit and experiences I want to check out. Something new is always happening in New York, and I love having a little inside scoop on what’s ahead.
A big thank-you to I LOVE NY for bringing everyone together and giving us a peek at what’s to come. Now, who’s ready for a little exploring?