NYC cancels all large events through September
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All major events that require a city permit have been canceled through September 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. The city said it will not issue a permit for any event that would be located within a designated Open Streets or Open Restaurants area, an attempt to “prioritize open spaces for public use.” This means annual street fairs and parades, like favorites the Feast of San Gennaro and the West Indian-American Day Carnival, will not take place this year.
“As New York has begun its reopening process, accessible open spaces are more important than ever,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “While it pains me to call off some of the city’s beloved events, our focus now must be the prioritization of city space for public use and the continuation of social distancing.”
In a press release, the city said permits will not be given to events that are larger than one block, street fairs, or events in parks that may “unreasonably diminish public use.” Events that do not interfere with any open streets or outdoor dining and are smaller than one block can still apply for a permit. These applicants must outline ways they will reduce the spread of coronavirus at the site, including cleaning before and after the event.
Demonstrations, religious events, and press conferences are all exempt from the mayor’s order.
During the peak of COVID-19 in the city in April, de Blasio had canceled all non-essential permitted events through June, which included the Pride March, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and Shakespeare in the Park. While many events and activities are put on hold for the summer (or the rest of the year), baseball is back, the High Line and Governors Island is reopening, with other museums and cultural institutions expected to follow suit in the coming weeks. Stay up to date on what’s opening (and what’s not) here.
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