As we ring in the new year, we can’t help but reflect on an incredible 2025 in Madison Square Park. From ping-pong and pollinators to meditation and music, MSPC hosted a wide range of memorable moments, both intimate and communal, for visitors last year. With nearly 100 programs and events throughout the year, narrowing the highlights down to just ten favorites was no easy task. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped make each of these possible—thank you for making 2025 a year to remember!

1. The Official Madison Square Manhattan is Crowned at Barlume

Celebrating the history of the iconic Manhattan cocktail on Madison Square Park, four local mixologists competed at Barlume to craft the perfect blend as determined by a panel of esteemed judges, with all proceeds supporting MSPC.

2. Gardens of Renewal Takes Root in Madison Square Park

Artist Lily Kwong worked with MSPC’s team to create Gardens of Renewal, a two-lawn installation featuring a botanical meditation spiral and a children’s garden, affirming the importance of nature to our collective wellbeing.

3. Famous Comedians Bring the Laughs all Summer Long

National talents Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Ronny Chieng and others entertained thousands with free comedy sets and children’s story hours here in the park and at our Texas Toast fundraiser at Hill Country Barbecue, providing much-needed comic relief during some pretty extreme spring weather. 

4. Denise Markonish Joins MSPC as Martin Friedman Chief Curator

Our newest Martin Friedman Chief Curator, Denise Markonish, started her tenure in June. Denise joins us after eighteen years curating at MASS MoCA, and we can’t wait to see her vision take shape in the coming years!

5. The Inaugural Jazzfest takes Center Stage in the Park

During its incredible debut, the NoMad Jazz Festival provided a weekend of free outdoor concerts and family activities, in celebration of our neighborhood’s rich musical roots.

6. Our First Canine Kindness Campaign Brings Smiles to the Dog Run

With the help of our first Park Pup Ambassador, Marlen, we launched a new Park Pup Membership program and kindness campaign to educate patrons on dog run etiquette, hand out treats, meet neighbors, and encourage cooperation in Jemmy’s Dog Run.

7. The US Open Returns to Madison Square Park with Love

Thanks to our new neighbor IBM, NYC’s favorite tennis tradition returned to the park, adding free AI-powered table tennis to a weekend of match-viewing on the Gravel and Oval Lawn. Bonus if you managed to get a professional photo snapped of you and a loved one in The Knot’s recreation of Taylor and Travis’ engagement garden. 

8. Larry Bell’s Improvisations in the Park Reveals the Park in a New Light

Our latest commission, Improvisations in the Park, is artist Larry Bell’s largest public exhibition to date, gracing six lawns through March 29. Using architectural glass arranged in geometric shapes, Bell’s minimalist forms play with color and light in dramatic ways that shift naturally throughout the day and seasons.

9. Taste of Asia Unites and Delights

Over 40 top NYC restaurants filled Madison Square Park with some of the city’s best bites during the fourth Taste of Asia fundraiser, celebrating the richness of the AAPI culinary community while directly supporting MSPC and Apex for Youth.

10. The 113th Holiday Tree Lights Up the Park

Last but not least, our Holiday Tree Lighting in December was the perfect way to close out the year, complete with free cocoa and treats and carols performed by Tin Pan Alley favorites, The Kidwell Sisters, and our neighbors in the New York Life Singers. We’re grateful to have been joined by thousands of revelers to ring in the holiday through the oldest tree lighting ceremony in the U.S. 

Thank you all for a wonderful year. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for 2026….coming soon!

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