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Places to Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, in NYC 2025
March 11, 2025, 8:25.51 pm ET

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Photo: ShutterStock

New Yorkers are about to get drenched in color as Holi, the Hindu festival of love that traditionally ushers in spring, gets underway.

The South Street Seaport is kicking off the celebration on Saturday, March 15 from 11am to 2pm, with a family-friendly festival featuring interactive dance performances, storytelling, and, of course, plenty of powder play. Hosted in partnership with The Culture Tree and the South Street Seaport Museum, the event will be inaugurated by Indian Consul General Ambassador Binay S. Pradhan, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and actors Jugal Hansraj and Shoba Narayan. No outside colors are allowed, but can be purchased from Kulture Khazana for attendees to throw in the air as they welcome spring. Register here


Photo: Passerine

Celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi at Passerine in Flatiron, where the colors of the season come alive in every dish. Guests can enjoy unique offerings like beet poriyal tart, melon with green sauce, and pistachio cremeux. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Chetan Shetty, Passerine showcases his bold reimagining of Indian cuisine, with flavors inspired by his hometown of Pune. It's a joyous celebration of color and creativity that diners won't want to miss.


Photo: ISHQ

For those looking to feast in style, ISHQ, the Michelin recognized Indian restaurant, is rolling out a Holi-inspired menu from Executive Chef-Owner Vamshi Adi (Baar Baar, Junoon). Expect colorful plates like Murgh Gilafi Kabab and Maacher Paturi, paired with equally vibrant cocktails like the Jubilee Affair, a creamy, clarified rum-based drink, or the Pink City made with rose-infused bourbon and garnished with a rose petal.

Meanwhile, Veerays, a prohibition-era Indian speakeasy, is serving up a traditional Holi favorite—Thandai. This spiced milk drink is a staple at Holi celebrations in India, though Veerays is keeping its cannabis-free.

In honor of Holi, Baar Baar is hosting a Bollywood Brunch on March 15th and 16th (11:30am-4pm) featuring live Bollywood music, a live chaat station and 3-course meal for $49 per person.


Photo: Junoon

Celebrate Holi at Junoon with a special feast curated by Chef Manish Mehrotra in honor of the restaurant’s 15th anniversary. Indulge in a vibrant four-course ($115) or three-course ($98) menu featuring dishes like Butter Crab & Prawns, Delhi Butter Chicken, Braised lamb Shank with coconut kasundi, and Pistachio Gujiya for dessert. Optional wine pairings available.

For partygoers ready to get messy, 3DB Yard, the largest queer venue in Brooklyn is throwing the city’s only open-air Holi bash, running all day on March 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Forget gimmicks—this event is all about real Holi colors, live DJs, and an electric atmosphere. Revelers should come dressed in white and be prepared to leave covered in every color of the rainbow.

For those who prefer their color fights with a waterfront view, Bollywood Holi by the River, hosted by Cobble Fish, is bringing the festival to Pier 16 on March 22 and 29 from 2-8pm. The event, organized by Blue Glove & DESI HOP, will have guests dancing to Bollywood beats against the stunning backdrop of the East River.

And if you want to party with skyline views, 230 Fifth Rooftop is hosting Holi Fest 2025: Rang De New York on March 15 from 12-9pm, promising a full-day bash with live DJs, Dhol drummers, free airbrush colors, dance performances, and three different party spaces—including a glow-in-the-dark Bhangra floor and a penthouse blasting Bollywood and Tollywood tunes.

Whether you’re tossing colors in the air, sipping festive cocktails, or dancing to Bollywood beats, one thing is certain—Holi in NYC is going to be unforgettable.

Happy Holi!


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