9th Avenue Food Festival 2025

New York's most delicious street party is back—get ready to eat your way through the 9th Avenue Food Festival!

The 9th Avenue International Food Festival is one of New York City's longest-running and largest street fairs. It honors the rich culinary and cultural legacy of Hell's Kitchen. Established in 1973, the festival has been an annual tradition for over 50 years, transforming Ninth Avenue from 42nd to 57th Street into a vibrant hub of global flavors, live entertainment, and local craftsmanship.

Inspired by the neighborhood's immigrant heritage, the event features global cuisine, highlighting Greek, Italian, Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes. That's why it's a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors.

Plan your trip to NYC and prepare to delight your taste buds with mouth-watering treats on May 17 and 18!

What to Expect When Attending the 9th Avenue Food Festival 2025

Attending the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival is a sensory overload in the best way possible! Here’s what you can expect:

• Endless food choices: From grilled street meats to traditional festival treats like zeppoles and funnel cakes, you’ll find flavors from all over the world!
• Live entertainment: The stages feature a mix of ethnic performances, live bands, and street acts—expect everything from belly dancing to folk music!
• Unique shopping: Alongside the food, vendors sell handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, and quirky festival souvenirs.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: A special kids’ zone offers activities, so it will be a great day out for families.

The official vendor list for the upcoming 9th Avenue International Food Festival hasn’t been released yet, but many local favorites return each year. Here’s a look at some past vendors and their delicious offerings to give you an idea of what to expect:

• El Mil Sabores 695 Ninth Ave: Authentic Mexican tacos, flautas, juices, and street food favorites.
• Gossip Bar & Restaurant 773 Ninth Ave: Appetizers, burgers, beer, and Irish-American comfort food.
• Poseidon Bakery 629 Ninth Ave: Old-School Greek pastries, baklava, strudel, spinach pies, cookies and sweets.
• Vivi Bubble Tea 609 Ninth Ave: Taiwanese bubble tea, green tea, milk tea, and other snacks.
• Medi Wine Bar 811 Ninth Ave: Grilled Octopus, Greek Salad, and other Mediterranean favorites.
• Blue Seafood Bar 856 Ninth Avenue: Seafood raw bar, bruchetta, specialty pizzas, and other dishes.
• Rudy's Bar & Grill 627 Ninth Avenue: Dive bar atmosphere with a stacked bar and quick eats.
• 5 Napkin Burger 630 Ninth Avenue: Crafted burgers, wings, and other elevated finger foods.
• Marseille 630 Ninth Avenue: French escargot, beignets, and other favorites.
• Nelore Grill 744 Ninth Avenue: Brazilian seasoned meats and traditional meals.
• Karahi Indian Cuisine 803 Ninth Avenue: Traditional Tikka Masala, Naan, and Curries.

Check the weather forecast closer to the event dates. However, based on historical data, expect pleasant days for strolling down 9th Avenue. During May, daytime highs in New York City typically reach around 69 F (20.5 C), with nighttime lows averaging 53 F (11.6 C). Dress in comfortable clothing and bring an umbrella; rain is frequent this time of year!

Security Protocols

The festival follows standard security protocols for everyone's safety. Expect bag checks at entry points, and large backpacks or oversized items are discouraged. Security personnel will be present to ensure a fun and safe experience. Attendees are encouraged to stay aware of their belongings and report any suspicious activity to festival staff or police officers on-site. Enjoy the delicious food, performances, and lively atmosphere with peace of mind!

How to Get To or From the Event

Here's how to reach the Hell's Kitchen:

• Subway: A, C, and E trains will take you to 42nd St. (Port Authority Bus Terminal). You can also take the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, or S trains to Times Square, then walk west to 9th Avenue. The B, D, F, and M trains lead to 47-50 Sts (Rockefeller Center), and the C and E trains to 50th St. (closest to the middle of the festival).
• Bus: Lines M11 and M12 run along or nearby 9th Avenue, while M50 and M42 are crosstown buses from the East Side.
• Car: Parking in Midtown Manhattan is limited, and street closures will be in place. Consider using paid parking garages nearby, such as Icon Parking (301 W 51st St), Edison ParkFast (307 W 44th St), or Quik Park (400 W 55th St).

9th Avenue Food Festival 2025 Bag Policy

The festival hasn’t shared a bag policy yet, but based on similar events, there are likely a few common rules:

• Bag restrictions: Large backpacks are typically discouraged or prohibited. To make security checks easier, it's best to carry small handbags or clear bags.
• Prohibited items: Items commonly banned at festivals include dangerous items, illegal substances, outside alcohol, glass containers, large umbrellas, drones, and laser pointers.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the festival's official website or contact the organizers before attending.

9th Avenue Food Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Join the Vibrant Celebration

If you're traveling with heavy luggage and wondering where to drop it, Bounce has many conveniently located spots throughout NYC.

Just check our website or download the Bounce mobile app and easily book the store in the desirable area.

For just $4.90 per day, $10,000 in bag protection, and 24/7 support, you can have fun and enjoy this festival worry-free. And if your plans change, you can cancel your booking before checking in - there will be no charges!

How to Stow Your Bag at the 9th Avenue Food Festival 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Choose a store, book, and pay online.
• Store your bags: Bring your payment confirmation and show it to the store employee to drop off your stuff.
• Enjoy food and drinks: Head to Hell's Kitchen and explore everything this fair offers.

How to Make the Most Out of the 9th Avenue Food Festival 2025

• Arrive hungry – Pace yourself and leave room for unexpected food discoveries!
• Try something new – Challenge yourself to taste a dish you’ve never heard of before.
• Share with friends – Split dishes so you can sample more without overstuffing!
• Wear comfy shoes – You'll be strolling and standing a lot, so keep those feet happy.
• Chat with vendors – Many have great stories about their food and culture—ask and learn!
• Capture the flavor – Take photos of your food finds and tag your favorites on social media.
• Explore beyond food – Enjoy the live music, cultural performances, and artisan market!
• Store your bags with Bounce – Explore cultural diversity and have fun without worrying about your luggage.

From sizzling street eats to lively performances, the 2025 9th Avenue International Food Festival will be a feast for the senses—come hungry and leave happy!