Tribeca Festival
Twelve days in early to mid June
Approximate window. The organisers publish the exact days a few months ahead.
What it is
The Tribeca Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff to bring people and money back to Lower Manhattan after September 11. It has grown from a film festival into twelve days of premieres, documentaries, talks, games and music across venues in Tribeca and beyond, in early to mid June. Individual screening tickets go on sale before the full programme is out, and some outdoor screenings are free.
What to expect
A festival that is easy to attend as a visitor, unlike Cannes or Sundance. You buy a single screening ticket like a cinema ticket, and the talks and premieres come with the director or cast in the room. The free outdoor screenings, held on piers and in parks, are the best value in the programme and they fill early. Venues are spread across Lower Manhattan and Chelsea, so read the address before you book two things in a row.
Getting there
Most venues sit within walking distance of Canal Street, reached on the 1, A, C, E, 6, J, N, Q, R, W or Z, or of Chambers Street on the 1, 2, 3 and A and C. Outdoor screenings move each year to piers along the Hudson, walkable from the 1 at Houston Street or Christopher Street.
Best tours and tickets
Curated from Viator. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
NYC: Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour with 6 Flavorful Dishes
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tribeca Festival?
Can members of the public buy tickets?
Is anything free?
Is it only about film?
Sources: tribecafilm.com
