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Cultural Celebrations New York

Explore vibrant cultural celebrations in New York

Let's celebrate Indonesian Independence Day with food and new friends!

Let's celebrate Indonesian Independence Day with food and new friends!

Sat, Aug 15, 9:10 PM
From New York Indonesian Language Exchange Group

Indonesian Independence Day is just around the corner on August 17! Each year, the New York Indonesian Consulate brings the celebration to life with a showcase of food, art, and vibrant Indonesian culture. This year, they’re teaming up with Pasar Malam on Saturday, August 15 for an even more exciting experience. *Pasar malam*, meaning “night market,” is a beloved tradition in Indonesia, filled with delicious street food, lively entertainment, and a warm sense of community. No Indonesian language experience is needed! Come celebrate, eat and explore together- hope to see you there! 📍 Culture Lab LIC, Long Island City, Queens 📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026 Please find more information about the event here: https://www.instagram.com/pasarmalam.ny/ https://pasarmalamny.wixsite.com/pasar-malam-new-york

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5 attendees
India Day! 🇮🇳

India Day! 🇮🇳

Sun, Aug 16, 4:00 PM
From Borough Hoppers
4.9

On Sunday, August 16th let’s celebrate India Day! 🇮🇳 (While the NYC parade is on August 16th, India’s Independence Day is actually on August 15th) Event is free. You’re welcome to join and leave whenever! (If joining for dinner at Madam Ji Ki Shaadi at 154 Bleecker, please try to show up by 5:45pm!) Details on locations and times below: Indian Food Stalls Noon to 12:30pm Madison & E 26th Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPuRyddbHaQsUR3K8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPuRyddbHaQsUR3K8) India Day Parade 12:30pm to 1:30pm At Madison & E 30th Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2gxCmSonKQimxsWn6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2gxCmSonKQimxsWn6) Parade from Madison & E 38th to Madison & E 27th Cultural Events Onstage 1:45 to 3pm Madison Square Park At Madison & E 24th Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/oPG6PBUvhLDy2t5B7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oPG6PBUvhLDy2t5B7) Cultural Events until 5:30pm Chai Spot 3:30 to 5:30pm Hang out, play Indian board games 156 Mott Street Little Italy Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgY2qyA65Tw325DG9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgY2qyA65Tw325DG9) Madam Ji Ki Shaadi 5:45 to 8pm Dinner 154 Bleecker St By Washington Square Park Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/oxZp1koM272LzjyW6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oxZp1koM272LzjyW6) Of course, please reach out if you have any questions! The not so fun rule on RSVPs Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

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15 attendees
Pakistan Day! 🇵🇰

Pakistan Day! 🇵🇰

Sun, Aug 23, 2:00 PM
From Borough Hoppers
4.9

On Sunday, August 23rd let’s celebrate Pakistan Day! 🇵🇰 (While the NYC parade is on August 23rd, Pakistan’s Independence Day is actually on August 14th) Event is free. You’re welcome to join and leave whenever! Details on locations and times below: Kaafi by Chaiguy 10am to 10:45am Pakistani Coffee, Snacks 109 Ludlow Street Lower East Side Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3xTbHjKcyRQE5B2F8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3xTbHjKcyRQE5B2F8) Pakistani Bites 11am to 11:30am Kolachi for Chicken, Beef, Veggie Rolls Nishaan for Pakistani Chopped Cheese East Village (The two shops a 2 minute walk from each other) Kolachi is at 1st Ave and St Marks Pl aka East 8th Google maps to Kolachi: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dpia4g1NKbyJNPcSA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dpia4g1NKbyJNPcSA) Nishaan is at 1st Ave and East 10th Street Google maps to Nishaan: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeV3uM11P8Ut5qGHA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZeV3uM11P8Ut5qGHA) Pakistan Day Parade 12:15pm to 1:30pm At Madison & E 29th Google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/fBVP5teoSYBJcvLG9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fBVP5teoSYBJcvLG9) Parade from Madison & E 38th to Madison & E 27th Of course, please reach out if you have any questions! The not so fun rule on RSVPs Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

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8 attendees
K-Culture Talk: Understanding Banchan (Korean Side Dishes) 1

K-Culture Talk: Understanding Banchan (Korean Side Dishes) 1

Fri, Aug 14, 10:00 PM
From NYC Korean–English Language Exchange at Li’l Jay’s Cafe
5.0

Have you ever noticed all those colorful little dishes on the table in K-dramas and Korean TV shows? Have you ever sat down at a Korean restaurant and wondered, *"What are all these side dishes?"* Or wandered through the Korean markets, amazed by the endless selection of ready-made banchan, not knowing what to try? Join us as we unpack the fascinating world of **반찬 (banchan)**—the small side dishes that are an essential part of Korean cuisine and everyday life. Together, we'll explore: * What exactly is banchan? * Why do Korean meals come with so many side dishes? * Popular banchan beyond kimchi * How banchan reflects Korean family life, hospitality, and the tradition of sharing food * How to navigate the banchan section in the Korean markets * Your favorite banchan and the stories behind them We'll chat about Korean food culture, share experiences, compare favorite banchan, and learn from one another in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime K-drama fan, learning Korean, planning a trip to Korea, or simply curious about Korean food and culture, everyone is welcome. **Native Koreans are especially encouraged to join!** We'd love to hear your stories. What banchan did you grow up eating? Which ones are always in your refrigerator? Which dishes do you make yourself, and which ones do you buy? Help us discover the everyday Korean food culture! 한국인 분들의 참여를 특히 환영합니다! 여러분의 이야기와 경험을 들려주세요. 어릴 때부터 즐겨 먹었던 반찬은 무엇인가요? 냉장고에 항상 있는 반찬은 무엇인가요? 직접 만들어 드시는 반찬과 주로 사 드시는 반찬은 어떤 것들인가요? 여러분의 일상을 통해 한국의 반찬 문화를 함께 알아가고 싶습니다! **🗣 Language:** **We will mix English with Korean naturally throughout the conversation.** ✨ **The Vibe:** Easygoing, friendly, and open. Some people love to share opinions, some just come to listen — all good! **👥 Who it’s for:** – Korea food lovers – K-drama fans – Korean speakers and learners – Anyone interested in Korean culture.

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16 attendees
40s/50s Speed Dating with Icebreakers

40s/50s Speed Dating with Icebreakers

Fri, Aug 21, 10:30 PM
From New York City Culture & Social Club (18,000+ members)
4.7

For tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995390250955](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995390250955) **IMPORTANT NOTE: CLICKING THE RSVP AND PAY ORGANIZER BUTTON ON MEETUP DOES NOT GET YOU A TICKET/ SPOT. YOU HAVE TO CLICK THE LINK TO THE EVENTBRITE PAGE AND PURCHASE A TICKET THERE. PRICE GOES UP AS EVENT TIME APPROACHES AND MAY SELL OUT SO GET YOUR TICKET ON EVENTBRITE ASAP.** **\*This is a multigroup event so event responses are only a portion of the total number of attendees** *\* Check in starts 15 minutes before event start time so if possible please arrive a bit early.* At this event you will be going on a series of about 7 to 12 mini dates with each date lasting about 5 minutes each. Women stay seated and the men rotate from table to table until they meet each woman. *We will have fun, thought provoking ice breaker questions available to pull out of an envelope on the tables so there will never be a lull in conversation. The questions are also a great way to gauge chemistry with the other person.* You will get a match sheet and at the end of each mini-date you'll indicate whether or not you'd like to see the person again. At the end of the evening you will hand your match sheet in to the event host. If you both select each other, you'll receive an email within 48 hours with the first name and email of your mutual matches. We do not give out names or contact info unless there is a mutual match. Our Speed Dating events tend to attract quality, single professionals who are done with the dating games and ready to meet that special someone. Most people know within a few minutes if they would like to see someone again. *\* Check in starts 15 minutes before event start time so if possible please arrive a bit early.* For tickets and information: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995390250955](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995390250955) See more upcoming NYC events at: **[WWW.FRIENDZYEVENTS.COM](http://www.friendzyevents.com/)**

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1 attendee
Korean Party in Williamsburg

Korean Party in Williamsburg

Sat, Aug 15, 11:30 PM
From International parties & experiences
4.3

🇰🇷✨ **Dear friends,** We can't wait to welcome you to our **Korean Party!** 🎉 Come experience the vibrant spirit of Korean culture as we enjoy delicious Korean food 🍜, dance 💃, sing 🎤, play fun games 🎲, and spend a joyful evening together. Join us at **Shalom Park**, a beautiful and cozy place that's perfect for fellowship, laughter, and making new friends. 🌳💛 Whether you're already a K-culture fan or simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome! Bring your love for Korean culture and language—or just come with an open heart, ready to discover something new and have an amazing time. 🇰🇷❤️ 🎟️ **Admission is FREE!** 🍽️ Korean food and drinks will be available for purchase at **affordable prices**. We can't wait to see you there! Come hungry, bring your friends, and get ready for a fun-filled evening! 🥳🎶

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19 attendees
430kMonthly events
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60mMembers
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4.5App store rating
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup is a platform for discovering and joining local groups and events based on shared interests, such as cultural celebrations.

You can search for cultural events in New York by browsing categories or using location-based filters on Meetup to explore local options.

In New York, you can find events celebrating various cultures including parades, festivals, and traditional ceremonies.

Yes, Meetup events are open to anyone interested. Simply RSVP to attend cultural celebrations that interest you.

Some Meetup events are free, while others might require a fee set by the organizers for participation.

Once you find a cultural event in New York, you can RSVP by clicking the attend button on the event page.

Absolutely! Cultural celebrations are excellent opportunities to meet others who share your interests and learn about different cultures.

Many cultural events welcome participants of all ages, but it’s best to check event details for specific age recommendations.

Variety depends on what’s organized in your area. Larger cities like NYC typically offer a broad range of cultural celebrations.

People join cultural events to connect with their roots, explore new cultures, and share in community traditions.

While Meetup encourages connections, making friends depends on your engagement and participation in the events.

If you don’t find events of interest, consider starting your own group or event to attract others with similar cultural interests.

Some cultural celebrations may also offer online participation, depending on the event organizer's setup.

If specifics about an event are unclear, try contacting the host through the Meetup site for further clarifications.

Event frequency can vary; however, New York's diverse community often hosts frequent cultural gatherings and celebrations.