Feast of San Gennaro 2025: Dates, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Every September, New York City’s Little Italy transforms into one of the most colorful street festivals in America: the Feast of San Gennaro. Since 1926, this beloved Italian-American celebration has brought together locals and travelers for food, parades, live music, and a deep sense of tradition. The 2025 edition promises the same mix of culture and entertainment that has kept it alive for nearly a century.

If you are visiting New York in September, this festival is not just another event. It is a full-on experience of history, heritage, and flavors you won’t forget.

What is the Feast of San Gennaro: An Overview

The Feast of San Gennaro honors the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro, and is one of the largest and most famous Italian street festivals in the United States. What started as a one-day religious commemoration in 1926 has now grown into an 11-day celebration that stretches across Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy.

The festival attracts over a million visitors each year, and it’s not just about food (though the food is legendary). It’s about community spirit, Italian pride, cultural performances, religious processions, and the kind of street energy that makes New York feel alive.

Feast of San Gennaro 2025: Event Details

• Dates: September 11 – September 21, 2025
• Venue: Mulberry Street, Little Italy, New York City
• Tickets: Buy Tickets Online

What to Expect at the 2025 Feast of San Gennaro

The Feast is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Think of it as New York’s ultimate street party, with layers of tradition and modern fun. Here’s what you can expect:

• The Religious Procession: On the first Saturday of the festival, a grand procession honors San Gennaro. A statue of the saint is carried through Mulberry Street with music, prayers, and a strong sense of community. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a moving cultural moment.
  
• Street Food Heaven: From zeppole (fried dough with powdered sugar) to sausage-and-pepper sandwiches, pizza, cannoli, meatballs, and fresh seafood, the food stands are endless. Some of the best Italian bakeries and restaurants in Little Italy set up special booths.
  
• Cannoli Eating Contest: A crowd favorite. Competitive eaters and brave participants battle to see who can finish the most cannoli in record time.
  
• Live Music and Entertainment: Every day features performances, from Italian folk singers and opera acts to modern bands. Expect lots of dancing, laughter, and crowd singalongs.
  
• Carnival Games and Rides: Families can enjoy midway-style attractions, adding a playful touch to the festival.
  
• Celebrity Appearances: Past years have seen appearances by actors, TV chefs, and local stars who love to connect with the crowd.
  

Things to Do Around New York City

Since the Feast is in the heart of Little Italy, you’re also perfectly positioned to explore beyond Mulberry Street.

• Explore Chinatown: Just steps away, you can dive into authentic dim sum spots, tea shops, and street markets.
  
• Visit SoHo: Known for boutique shopping, art galleries, and trendy cafés.
  
• The Tenement Museum: Learn the immigrant history of New York, which ties in beautifully with the cultural story of the Feast.
  
• Landmarks Nearby: A short subway ride takes you to the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, or the 9/11 Memorial.
  

Travel Tips for Attending the Feast

• Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons are less crowded. Evenings and weekends get packed.
• Getting There: Take the subway to Canal Street, Spring Street, or Grand Street. Driving is not recommended due to traffic and parking scarcity.
• Budgeting: Entry is free, but food can add up quickly. Expect $10–$20 per food item. Bring cash, though many vendors accept cards.
• Dress Comfortably: You’ll be walking a lot. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Accessibility: The streets can get crowded, but the festival is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Local Tip: Try foods from different stalls rather than ordering full meals. It lets you sample more flavors without overdoing it.

Conclusion

The Feast of San Gennaro 2025 is a celebration of culture, faith, and flavor in the heart of New York City. Whether you’re there for the religious traditions, the street energy, or simply the food, it’s an experience that blends history with modern festivity.

If you’re visiting New York in September, make space in your itinerary for this iconic event. It’s one of the best ways to taste and feel the soul of Little Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions