10 Things We’re Excited for in 2025
Union Square is buzzing with energy and excitement as we kick off 2025! This year promises thrilling performances, stunning public art, must-visit restaurants, and unforgettable events. From family-friendly activities to groundbreaking developments shaping the future of our neighborhood, Union Square is the place to be.
More Public Art
Our 14th Street Busway Mural is back, and applications are open! Last year’s vibrant mural was a community favorite, and we’re eager to unveil 2025’s masterpiece.
Great Performances
Union Square continues to shine as a cultural hotspot. Don’t miss The Antiquities and Bowl EP at Vineyard Theatre or Wine in the Wilderness and Bus Stop at Classic Stage Company. Laugh out loud at Upright Citizens Brigade, sing along to Titanique, or catch the farewell performance of Blue Man Group on February 2nd.
Community Connections
Our Annual Meeting returns in May, offering a free chance to connect with the Union Square community. Plus, local favorites like Mission Ceviche and Another Country now host their own networking nights. Be sure to check them out, or reach out if you'd like to host a special event with your network.
USQ’S DINING RENAISSANCE
Union Square’s food scene is undergoing a vibrant revival, with exciting new restaurants and bars making their mark. Midnight Blue, a jazz bar offering Japanese whiskey, and Amo Seafood are already attracting crowds. Meanwhile, 17th Street has emerged as a culinary hotspot, with newcomers like Mission Ceviche and La Dong joining favorites such as Lillie's Victorian Establishment and Pasta Eater.
Another exciting addition is The Twenty Two, where the Food and Beverage operations are curated by the all-female team behind NYC’s Raf’s and the Michelin-starred The Musket Room. Learn more about this new space here. With so many exciting openings, Union Square’s dining scene is set to continue thriving in 2025!
A Fresh Look for Union Square
In partnership with The Working Assembly, we’re creating a unified brand strategy to celebrate Union Square’s identity. Watch for the launch of a refreshed brand that connects our community like never before!
Public Space Upgrades
In 2025, we’re taking big steps to improve Union Square’s public spaces. We’re working with NYC Parks to move toward becoming a park conservancy, which will help boost funding, services, and maintenance for Union Square Park. We’re also aiming to enter into a plaza concession agreement with NYC DOT to enhance and activate our plazas with more programming.
Alongside these efforts, we’ll continue advancing the USQNext Vision Plan to modernize the district’s streetscapes, adding custom tree guards, benches, and lighting. With support from our landscaping partners, we’ll enrich the district with beautiful, high-quality greenery. Want to help support our work? Consider making a donation or joining us at our annual Harvest fundraiser!
Stars, Stories & Screenings
In 2025, Union Square will be the place to be for exciting book and film events, often featuring celebrity appearances. Strand Bookstore and Barnes & Noble will host author talks and signings, while Forbidden Planet will bring comic book creators and filmmakers to the neighborhood. Regal Union Square will continue to be a hub for movie premieres, exclusive screenings, and major film festivals like the Chelsea Film Festival and the Urbanworld Film Festival. Whether it’s books or films, Union Square promises plenty of opportunities to meet the stars behind the stories.
Unforgettable Moments For The Whole Family
Union Square is gearing up for even more family-friendly fun in 2025! CAMP, the ultimate destination for family adventures, is bringing fun with its interactive experiences, including the ongoing Bluey x CAMP experience. Over at Genius Gems, kids can dive into art and science classes, sparking their creativity and curiosity. Books of Wonder offers a magical escape for young readers, hosting events and author meet-and-greets, while Union Square Play provides theater and art classes designed to inspire young performers.
And don't forget our cherished Summer in the Square, returning with fresh programming for families to enjoy all season long.
Zoning Updates Unlock New Opportunities
Recent zoning updates in NYC have unlocked exciting new opportunities for businesses in Union Square. These changes pave the way for unique attractions like amusement and recreation facilities, live entertainment, and maker spaces, all contributing to the area's vibrant growth. In 2025, we’ll see the launch of Flight Club, a darts-centric bar, along with experiential retail spaces such as Sweet Cats Café and Boba Box. For a quick guide to these new opportunities, read our blog “NYC Zoning for Ground Floor Businesses has Changed.”
Expect The Unexpected
Union Square is never short on surprises. From Dinner en Blanc to Tulip Fest and the infamous “Cheeseball Man,” 2024 had its fair share of unforgettable moments. Who knows what will pop up this year? One thing’s for sure—Union Square will continue to surprise and delight with unexpected events and experiences in 2025!
