What’s Happening at NFT.NYC 2022? A Field Guide of Must-See Events and Activations
Over the years, NFT.NYC has evolved from a small, niche annual conference into one of the most monumental events in blockchain culture. After a massive upscaling for 2021’s NFT.NYC, the event has nearly tripled in size for its 2022 iteration, now featuring over 1,500 speakers at multiple venues over a span of four days.
For the entire week of June 20, NFT.NYC will act as a stomping ground for those both interested in and involved in blockchain-based art, music, film, gaming, sports, fashion, and more. With a roster including appearances and keynotes from celebrities such as French Montana and Timbaland to NFT stars including Roham Gharegozlou and Chad Knight, the annual conference will undoubtedly be one to remember.
However, the conference is only one element of the week, which will feature an eye-popping number of parties, including Bored Ape Yacht Club’s highly-anticipated ApeFest, and activations all over the city.
Yet, among all the fanfare, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to navigate the lists of speakers, events, and activations. So to help NFT enthusiasts and maximalists of all types get through this year’s wealth of festivities, we’ve created a roadmap through NFT.NYC’s most exciting and influential happenings.
Must-see speakers
As was the case in previous years, NFT.NYC will combine both educational programming and on/off-site entertainment for its thousands of attendees. The event’s scheduled guest speakers are intended to reflect the state of the NFT ecosystem and the broad spectrum of innovative blockchain tech sectors that have cropped up over the past few years.
Don’t expect to catch every speaker in the same building, though, as the conference will be hosted across seven separate venues with multiple stages and breakout rooms featured throughout each. Below we’ve highlighted some of the most influential speakers/topics being featured at NFT.NYC that you definitely don’t want to miss. For more options, and for a full list of venues, see the full NFT.NYC program here.
Tuesday (June 21)
10:25 – Onboarding The World to NFTs w/ Ivan Soto-Wright (Radio City Music Hall)
11:50 – How NFTs are Shaping the Future of Music w/ Mike Darlington, French Montana, Jim Jones, and more (Radio City Music Hall)
2:25 – Future of Film and NFTs w/ Spike Lee, Sade Baderinwa (Radio City Music Hall)
3:35 – NFT Art for Good: Artist Spotlight with MAPS and Christie’s (Radio City Music Hall)
5:40 – Coinbase Presents “The Degen Trilogy: Part 1” (Radio City Music Hall)
Wednesday (June 22)
9:15 – How do NFTs Impact the Future of Entertainment w/ Timbaland, Yam Karkai, and more (Town Hall Theatre)
10:40 – NFTs: The Digital Asset that Brings People Together w/ Tom Bilyeu, David Gokhshtein, and more (Town Hall Theatre)
1:00 – NFTs and Activism: Making a Difference with NFTs w/ Matt Medved, Thanasi Dilos, Danielle Mclaughlin, and more (Edison Ballroom South)
1:20 – The Year of NFTs w/ Roham Gharegozlou (Marriott 7th Floor – Astor)
3:10 – The Impact of NFTs in Africa: From Community to DAO w/ African NFT Community (Marriott 7th Floor – Astor)
Thursday (June 23)
10:20 – From Physical to Digital: How to Make it in NFTs w/ Franky Nines (Marriott 6th Floor – Broadway)
12:05 – Rebranding with NFTs for Independent Creators w/ Darren Moore, Alex Solis, and more (Marriott 6th Floor – Broadway)
12:15 – Expanding the ENS Ecosystem with NFTs w/ Allen Hena (Town Hall Theatre)
2:55 – How to Build a Marketplace for Your Brand’s NFTs w/ Donnie Dinch (Marriott 5th Floor – Westside)
3:50 – How Women are Changing the NFT World w/ Maya Nicks, Erin Cell, and more (Edison Ballroom Main)
Events and activations
Of course, official programming doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what NFT.NYC is all about. NFT.NYC is quite possibly best known as a melting pot and celebration of NFT and blockchain culture — highlighted by the array of satellite events and activations hosted by various artists, projects, DAOs, and teams that make up the NFT ecosystem.
From galleries to parties, to tournaments, and in-person, real-life (IRL) web3 experiences, there’s quite a bit to do and see off-site at NFT.NYC. Yet, similar to official programming, there’s almost too much to list. So here are some of the top few happenings to get you started. To see a full list of community and satellite events, visit the NFT.NYC website here.
Digital Diaspora
When: June 19: 3 – 10 p.m.
Where: Samsung837 (837 Washington St.)
To mark Juneteenth, Diana Sinclair and DrifterShoots are co-hosting the second installment of Digital Diaspora to shine a light on Black artists working in the NFT space. Featuring live performances, an art exhibition, a public installation, and a fundraising auction, Digital Diaspora seeks to increase awareness of racism and inequity while continuing to uplift the importance of human dignity. In addition to Sinclair and Drift, featured artists include Cory Van Lew, IX Shells, Latashá, Swopes, Andre Oshea, Misan Harriman, and more.
Universal Space Station
When: June 19: 8 p.m. – Midnight
Where: Webster Hall (125 E 11th St.)
Canadian record label Monstercat and community-driven NFT platform Universe.xyz are teaming up again this year for a large-scale NFT.NYC party. Presented this time by Pranksy‘s NFTBoxes subscription-based project, Universal Space Station will be an evening of music, technology, and art. Featuring live performances from Don Diablo, BT, and Vindata, the event will center around the RELICS Collectors Cocktail Lounge and an NFT gallery curated by Micah Johnson and his influential Akuverse project.
Women in Web3: Her Dreams Realized
When: June 20 – July 17
Where: The Oculus at the World Trade Center
Retail giant Westfield has officially entered Web3 with the first-ever NFT show to take over the iconic 100-yeard digital screen at the Oculus at the World Trade Center. Entitled “Women in Web3: Her Dreams Realized” and curated by Afrodet Zuri, the inaugural collection is comprised of five female-identifying artists — Diana Sinclair, Emonee LaRussa, Olive Allen, Serwah Attafuah, Shay the Surrealist — and will be displayed across Westfield’s national network. All featured NFTs are available for purchase through July 17 directly on Westfield’s digital media network in partnership with Blockparty.
NFTSea
When: June 20: 1 p.m. – Midnight
Where: IPIC Theaters (11 Fulton St.)
Centered around a 25-piece NFT poster collection commissioned from leading artists in web3, NFTSea. presented by Blockparty, will be an open-to-the-public event and a takeover of the iPic Theatre in The Seaport. With live DJs, immersive art, and AR experiences, the activation is set to be one of the largest satellite happenings during NFT.NYC. NFTSea also comes complete with a philanthropic aspect as all proceeds from the poster collection sales will go directly to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds children’s cancer research.
LinksDAO
When: June 20: 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Five Iron Golf – Herald Square (883 6th Ave. 3rd floor)
Golf and leisure club LinksDAO — a global community of thousands of golf enthusiasts that are crowdfunding the acquisition of a physical club and course — is hosting an interactive NFT.NYC satellite event at indoor golf simulation facility Five Iron Golf. Attendees will have access to a range of golf experiences by a line-up of partners, including Michelob Ultra, Erik Anders Lang, and a surprise visit from OTTO: the world’s first autonomous ball-fitting robot. Open to LinksDAO NFT holders and the public with tickets on sale here.
Forgotten Runes
When: June 20: 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Iron 23 (29 W 23rd St.)
Popular fantasy-themed NFT project Forgotten Runes will be hosting a single-night NFT.NYC satellite event titled “Enter the Runiverse.” Featuring an exclusive “first look” preview of the forthcoming Runiverse free-to-play game, the event will showcase how the project has been actively delivering initiatives across gaming, film/tv, merchandising, IRL events, and traditional publishing. Join the Forgotten runes crew as they sacrifice jelly donuts, bask in sorcery, and chant in ritual to release viral sensation Oliver Tree as the Beast Gigas Chad for a magical musical performance.
Starcatchers & Friends
When: June 20: 8 p.m. – Midnight
Where: Peak NYC (30 Hudson Yards, 101st Floor)
Looking to kick off your NFT NYC week proper with a stunning panoramic view of Manhattan? Feel good PFP project Starcatchers has you covered with a 101st-floor blowout in partnership with Vinnie Hager, Whiskers, and Sprite Club. Come enjoy free food and drinks, surprise musical guests, and a number of exclusive experiences overlooking the skyline of the city that never sleeps.
Web3Fest
When: June 20: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: VR World NYC (10 E 34th St.)
The NFT Guild and Redpill VR are teaming up to present Web3Fest — a mixed reality event hosted as part of the Dented Feels NYC Vacation. Hosted by Paolo Moreno, Web3Fest is presented as part of Redpill VR’s mission to create the most innovative VR experiences on the market. The event will feature a fully immersive live DJ set by Georgia Sinclair and her metaverse avatar, as well as artwork from featured projects Dented Feels, SuperNormal, and friends.
Apefest
When: June 20 – 23: Times TBA
Where: Pier 17 (89 South St.)
Back again for another year of debauchery, the Bored Ape Yacht Club will be hosting four days of events at this year’s NFT.NYC. So far, BAYC has announced that attendees can expect merch, art, an open bar, free food, and music with new live performances every night. Do note that the events will only be open to owners of BAYC and MAYC NFTs and their guests.
Cool Cats
When: June 21/22: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. & June 23: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Center415 (415 5th Ave.)
Popular PFP project Cool Cats is planning an IRL activation for NFT.NYC, which will include a fully immersive, physical version of their popular Cooltopia game. Featuring a gamified journey aimed at inspiring, educating, and entertaining guests, the experience will be open to both Cool Cats holders and event attendees, free of charge. The activation is slated to illustrate that NFTs are only a singular part of the Cool Cat’s evolving, multi-faceted mission.
Doodles
When: June 21 & 22: 12 – 8 p.m.
Where: TBA
The influential Doodles project will be hosting three days of immersive events, two of which will be open to the public. Taking over an exclusive theater (location TBA) to showcase the upcoming project roadmap, the Doodles crew will be hosting a premiere of their product trailer, brand new IRL experiences, and exclusive information drops at events throughout the week. With major announcements and partnerships to be revealed and live performances on the docket, the Doodles community is encouraged to come out and show their support.
LVCIDIA
When: June 21-23: 12 – 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Studio 525 (525 W 24th St.)
Influential crypto-artist FVCKRENDER will be bridging the gap between the metaverse and IRL with a physical activation of his prominent LVCIDIA metaverse project. For three days, LVCIDIA will be on display as a virtual gallery that connects FVCKRENDER’s imaginative celestial and terrestrial worlds to his FVCK_AVATAR generative NFT collection. The event will also feature a collaboration with Steve Aoki’s A0K1VERSE, as well as performances by Steve Aoki, TOKiMONSTA, and The Holy.
nft now Shake Shack Takeover
When: June 22: 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Shake Shack at Madison Square Park (23rd Street & Madison Ave.)
nft now invites you to join us on Wednesday, June 22, as we take over the Shake Shack at Madison Square Park to bring the web3 community together in celebration of NFT NYC. We’ll have delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a live jazz quartet playing. See you all in the park!
Due to limited capacity in nft now’s designated area, we’ll be sending confirmation emails to guests with invite codes to ensure access to our limited and complimentary food and drinks. Please RSVP here!
Krause House
When: June 22: 3 – 9 p.m.
Where: Classic Car Club Manhattan (1 PIER 76, 408 12th Ave)
Sports and web3 DAO Krause House will be throwing a 3v3 basketball tournament for NFT NYC with a custom-built court. To commemorate the event, the court will be fractionalized into over 1,000 pieces and sold as the world’s first physical NFT basketball court via public mint on June 15. A portion of all NFT sales will be donated to a basketball-focused charity of the community’s choice, while the winning team of the 3v3 tournament will receive a $5,000 cash prize and one percent of the total court NFT sales.
Miami X NYC Tech Happy Hour
When: June 22: 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Freehold in the Park (20 Union Square W)
Influential NFT platform OneOf has teamed up with JPEG Morgan and others to present a Miami x NYC Tech Happy Hour. Set to be a casual recurring happy hour for new and old Miamians and New Yorkers, the event is open to the public (with RSVP) for those interested in connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, tech folks, and more. Although the gathering is hosted every other week at Freehold, this special NFT.NYC edition is sure to see a turnout from NFT/crypto community members from all over.
Zoratopia
When: June 23: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Knockdown Center (52-19 Flushing Ave.)
The multi-faceted community behind the ever-popular Zora NFT protocol is planning yet another NFT.NYC bash for this year’s conference. While the main activation — which will include an NFT exhibition, free merch, and live performances — is set to happen on June 23, Zora will be hosting a range of in-person events throughout NYC on both June 21 and 22. View the full schedule here.
FWB x SuperRare
When: June 23: 9 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Where: Le Poisson Rouge (158 Bleecker St.)
Premiere NFT marketplace SuperRare and exclusive, token-gated community Friends With Benefits are joining forces for a night of live music during NFT.NYC. Featuring DJ sets from Flying Lotus, Toro y Moi, Empress Of, Blue DeTiger, and BRUX, the exclusive event will only be open to those that hold at least 5 $FWB tokens. Learn more about the event and $FWB here.
MoveMint
When: June 24: 3 – 7 p.m.
Where: Lavan541 (541 W 25th St)
Multidisciplinary artist Crux will expand her mission to push the boundaries of movement art with a physical NFT.NYC experience. Inspired by the weekly moveMINT Twitter Spaces presented by Forbidden Fruit, this IRL event will intimately highlight performers from the web3 Dance collective and is curated to bring awareness to dance and equitable opportunities for dancers. Trained in Hip-Hop, African, ballet, modern dance, jazz, contemporary, tap, musical theatre, and acro/gymnastics, Crux was featured in the March edition of Next Up, and we are happy to present Move Mint as an official nft now Next Up partner event.