Herald Square is the crossroads that Macy's built, and the pedestrian plaza carved out of Broadway there now works as a stage rather than a traffic island. A day of music, drop-in fitness classes and circus acts turns the busiest shopping corner in New York into something you can sit down in for free. If you are in Midtown anyway, it is the difference between passing through and stopping.
What to expect
Expect a rotating programme across the day - performance sets, open fitness sessions anyone can join, and close-range circus and acrobatic acts - with movable chairs and tables set out around them. The audience turns over constantly as commuters and shoppers pass. Nothing is ticketed and you can join a class mid-session.
Good to know
- Herald Square Plaza is between 34th and 35th Streets at Broadway and Sixth Avenue; the B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W stop directly beneath it.
- Free and open to the public — it is a permitted public event, so no ticket or RSVP is involved.
- Wear something you can move in if you want to join a fitness session.
- Movable public seating is set out across the plaza.
- Fully level and accessible from all sides.
- Bring water and sun protection — the plaza has minimal shade.
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Common questions
Do I need to sign up for the fitness classes?
No — plaza fitness sessions are drop-in and free.
Where is Herald Square Plaza?
On Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets, at the Sixth Avenue crossing.
Is any of it ticketed?
No, all of the programming is free and open.
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