New York State is poised to welcome domestic and international visitors in 2026 for a year that celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the FIFA World Cup. Combined with new attractions, hotel openings and a calendar packed with can’t-miss moments during every season, 2026 is set to become a milestone year for travel in New York State.
I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, there’s no better time to explore New York State – where every corner tells a story. From the historic grounds of Fort Ticonderoga and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, to the Statue of Liberty and the thundering power of Niagara Falls, visitors will discover experiences as iconic and unforgettable as the milestones we’re honoring throughout 2026.”
Here is a glimpse of what travelers can expect in 2026 across New York State:
Major Events Across New York State:
- FIFA World Cup (New York City): An easy train or bus ride from New York City, the New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) will host eight games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beginning on June 13 and culminating with the World Cup Final on July 19. Various viewing parties, fan fests and other special events will be occurring throughout the region as well.
- U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Long Island): Hosted by the United States Golf Association and one of the PGA Tour’s four major championships, the always challenging golf tournament will take place at the Southampton golf course June 15 – 21. The club has hosted the championship competition six times in the past, most recently in 2018.
- Saratoga Race Course’s Final Belmont Stakes (Capital-Saratoga): Historic Saratoga Race Course will hold its third and final Belmont Stakes while Belmont Park remains under construction. The 158th running of the storied Triple Crown finale is set for June 6, marking the culmination of Saratoga’s remarkable run as the race’s temporary host. Other prestigious races like the Travers Stakes occur throughout the 40-day summer meet at America’s oldest sporting venue, which runs from mid-July through Labor Day.
America 250 Events Currently Scheduled:
- Sail4th 250 (New York City): New York City and New Jersey will serve as the hosts for this incredible event commemorating America 250. From July 3 – 9, the largest international flotilla of tall ships ever assembled will arrive in New York Harbor. The celebration will feature a wide array of celebrations, including fireworks displays presented by Macy’s, an International Aerial Review headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, culinary festivals and an amplified Fleet Week.
- FourLeaf Air Show (Long Island): The renowned event at Jones Beach State Park will move from Memorial Day Weekend to July 5 – 6 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Spectators will be dazzled with incredible feats by military and civilian aerobatic performers, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the headlining act.
- Fort Ticonderoga Real Time Revolution™ Event Series (Adirondacks): The iconic historic site will continue honoring its role in America’s origin story with the Real Time Revolution™ event series, designed to bring the Revolutionary War to life on the very grounds it took place upon through a variety of key event reenactments. A significant point in the series will take place during Independence Day Weekend, with a signature reenactment event: “Return of an Army.” This will depict the Northern Continental Army’s retreat to Ticonderoga during the same period that the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia.
- Genesee Country Village & Museum (Finger Lakes): The museum will deepen its role as a platform for foundational narratives by inviting visitors to explore early American life through costumed interpretation, working trades and educational programs that illuminate the nation’s evolving identity. In its 50th year, the museum plans to spotlight its “Seeking Freedom” initiative, highlighting stories of enslavement, freedom-seekers and abolitionists while hosting special cross-century exhibits and events tied to the national 250-year commemoration.
- Commander in Cheers Augmented Reality Experience (Hudson Valley): Running through 2026, restaurants, pubs and other locations in the region will offer a unique augmented reality experience that brings a pint-sized George Washington to life, sharing stories of Dutchess County’s Revolutionary past, all by scanning a specialty coaster. Participating locations include Mill House Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie, The Tavern at Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck, Tenmile Distillery in Wassaic and Treasury Cider at Fishkill Farms. More information will be announced soon on additional programs as part of Dutchess County’s Commander in Cheers celebration.
- Orangetown and the Bicentennial 1776-1976: From Democracy to Disco (Hudson Valley): On view through 2026 at the Orangetown Historical Museum’s DePew House, this exhibition highlights Rockland County’s crucial contributions during the Revolutionary War and showcases the historical and cultural impact of the 1976 Bicentennial. This spring, the Spirits of ’76 Wine Tasting companion event will feature historically inspired wines curated by Grape d’Vine, honoring Orangeburg and Tappan’s Revolutionary War legacy.
- RevCon 2026 (Hudson Valley): Dutchess County will host RevCon on June 13 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. The Revolutionary War reenactment and history fair brings the era to life with weapons demonstrations, military drills, camp displays and Q&A sessions with reenactors.
Airport Upgrade:
- JFK Terminals 1 and 6 Phase One Reopening (New York City): The first two terminals of the $19 billion John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) redevelopment program are scheduled for a Phase One reopening in 2026. Terminal 1, a brand new and all-international terminal, will see the reopening of its arrivals hall and 14 of its 23 state-of-the-art gates. Premier dining venues, an indoor greenspace and refreshed family-oriented amenities complete with New York-inspired public art are still to come. Terminal 6 will reopen its first five gates; upon completion, the entire Terminal will encompass the former Terminal 6 and 7 spaces. The JFK redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed in 2030.
New Hotel Openings and Renovations:
- Mirbeau Inn & Spa – Beacon (Hudson Valley): Set to open this spring, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon will blend the Gothic Revival architecture of its historic mansion setting with Mirbeau’s signature French-inspired hospitality. Designed to evoke the charm of a French country manor, the property will feature tranquil ponds and gardens modeled after Monet’s at Giverny, offering guests a restorative retreat just two miles from the Beacon Train Station.
- Kimpton Era Midtown NYC (New York City): Opening this spring, the 529-guestroom hotel in Rockefeller Center features an elegant, yet dynamic design that immerses guests in the energy and spirit of Manhattan. The Kimpton Era Midtown NYC will feature three on-site restaurants, a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline, and will be pet-friendly.
- Little Nell Hotel (New York City): Scheduled for a fall opening, the Aspen-based luxury hotel brand announced its first expansion property: a 130-key hotel – the first and only hotel within the 10 Rockefeller Plaza building.
New Museums:
- Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute (Greater Niagara): Launching this summer in Buffalo’s Hispanic Heritage District, this dynamic hub will feature artistic and cultural programming with a speaker series, traveling performances and local artist showcases at the Raíces Theater.
- Canyon (New York City): Scheduled to open on the Lower East Side, Canyon is a 40,000-square-foot cultural venue dedicated to video, sound and performance that blends elements of a museum, performance space and downtown social hub. Canyon will focus on evening programming, an intentional atmosphere and cutting-edge technology to transform how audiences engage with the art.
- Urban Civil Rights Museum (New York City): Located within the National Urban League’s new Harlem headquarters, the Urban League Empowerment Center, the museum will be the first institution solely dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement, when it opens next year.
New and Improved Outdoor Attractions:
- Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium (Greater Niagara): Opening ahead of the Buffalo Bills’ 2026-27 season, the new Highmark Stadium is a $2.2 billion cutting-edge facility replacing the half-century-old venue. The state-of-the-art stadium will also feature the world’s largest heated roof, covering 60% of seats.
- Gore Mountain Zip Coaster (Adirondacks): Opening this summer at the North Creek Ski Bowl, Gore Mountain’s new Zip Coaster will combine a zipline with a twisting, turning rail system for a unique ride down the mountain. Part of a larger redevelopment that includes a new lodge and upgraded chairlifts, the attraction will strengthen the North Creek Ski Bowl as a hub for year-round fun.
- The Discovery Lodge at Belleayre Mountain (Catskills): The 28,600-square-foot expansion will introduce a modern rental center, expanded dining facilities, additional seating and upgraded amenities. The renovation elevates the guest experience and supports future growth for year-round programming and tourism.
- Tanglewood Nature Center Canopy Treetop Walkway (Finger Lakes): Opening in late spring/early summer, this ADA-accessible forest canopy path climbs 70 feet into the air, offering sweeping views of the area. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned scientist “Canopy Meg” Lowman, this treetop walkway is only the second of its kind in New York State (the first being Wild Walk at The Wild Center).
- Long Island Greenway Trail Expansion (Long Island): With construction scheduled to begin in winter 2026, the trail is designed to connect to the 750-mile Empire State Trail, creating nearly 200 miles of new greenspace connecting Manhattan to Montauk. The Long Island Greenway will connect 27 communities and 26 existing parks, offering a safe and enjoyable space for visitors to bike, walk and run. Once complete, travelers can walk, run and bike from the tip of Long Island to Buffalo and even Canada.