Come one, come all to this –not so- tragic affair.
If you’re headed into the city this weekend, you likely won’t see a marching band, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be joining The Black Parade.
Nearly two decades after The Black Parade became one of the defining rock albums of the 2000s, My Chemical Romance is bringing its theatrical masterpiece back to New York City for a massive stadium show.
The concert marks the second U.S. leg of the band’s Long Live The Black Parade Tour, celebrating the landmark album with a full performance from front to back, alongside additional fan favorites. After years of reunion speculation and sold-out comeback shows, this weekend’s performance promises to be one of the biggest rock events to hit NYC this summer.
Whether you’re making the trip to our favorite city—just across the river from the band’s home state of New Jersey—to catch the show, or you’re a New Yorker looking to get into the spirit before heading to Citi Field on Sunday, we’ve got you covered with 15 ways to celebrate My Chemical Romance’s return to NYC before the band takes the stage.
The first post on the band’s newly active TikTok has been giving fans a rare glimpse back at the recording of I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, celebrating the scrappy, analog beginnings that started it all.
At the Lower East Side’s Autophoto Museum, you can tap into that same spirit by recording up to two minutes of audio onto your very own 6-inch vinyl using one of only two surviving Auto-Voice recording booths in the world. It’s a one-of-a-kind keepsake that feels perfectly in step with the tour’s nostalgia and beginnings, new and old.
For anyone looking to fully embrace the dramatic, theatrical side of My Chemical Romance, Green-Wood Cemetery is the perfect pre-show pilgrimage. With winding paths, towering Victorian monuments, ornate mausoleums, and sweeping skyline views, the historic Brooklyn landmark feels like it belongs in the band’s universe of dark romance and grand storytelling.
The cemetery’s hauntingly beautiful landscapes, 19th-century architecture, and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal stop for fans of the Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and The Black Parade eras — a place where gothic elegance meets the kind of cinematic drama MCR has built its legacy around.
Just don’t expect a marching band to appear around the corner. (Though, in true Black Parade fashion, we wouldn’t be entirely surprised.)
A church lit almost entirely by candlelight feels like it could have been pulled straight from a MCR music video.
Between the soaring architecture, flickering candles, and dramatic string arrangements, Fever’s Candlelight concerts capture the same theatrical, gothic atmosphere that runs through albums like Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and The Black Parade.
Even if the soundtrack isn’t MCR, the setting alone is enough to make you feel like you’re stepping into one of the band’s cinematic worlds.
Upcoming concerts to check out:
- Candlelight: Tribute to Trent Reznor — Church of the Heavenly Rest (perfect if your taste leans darker and moodier)
- Candlelight: Tribute to Metallica — Church of the Heavenly Rest
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More — Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer — Church of the Heavenly Rest
- Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics — Church of the Heavenly Rest (if you’re visiting later this fall)
- Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings — St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church (for another sweeping, cinematic experience)
The first act of Long Live The Black Parade is a full-blown rock opera, complete with dystopian world-building, mysterious rules, crowd “elections” that decide executions, and a storyline that unfolds throughout the night (plus Gerard Way’s puppet companion, the Gentleman).
For a pre-show stop that feels like it could exist somewhere inside the world of Draag, head to House of Wax. This candlelit Brooklyn bar is filled with Victorian curiosities, anatomical models, taxidermy, and eerie museum-like displays that make it feel like a forgotten archive from the Black Parade universe. Pair it with your black parade uniform and prepare to follow the rules of Draag…or face the consequences.
While you’re still recovering from Sunday’s concert, keep the eyeliner on and the playlist queued up because 3 Dollar Bill is hosting what might be the most unexpected (and most fun) post-MCR celebration in the city. Head to the Brooklyn venue on Tuesday, August 11 for “Sugar, We’re Hoein Down,” an emo-inspired line dancing night where cowboy boots meet your favorite sad songs.
It’s not quite the marching band, funeral procession energy of The Black Parade, but it’s the perfect excuse to extend the concert weekend, trade the stadium crowd for a dance floor, and keep the spirit alive a little longer.
Shop for some MCR-inspired finds
Whether your style leans Bullets,Three Cheers, The Black Parade, Danger Days, or somewhere in between, NYC has plenty of places that capture the band’s punk, alternative, horror, and comic book influences.
- Search & Destroy – Punk, goth, and vintage clothing on St. Marks Place that’s pure East Village rock history. (Bonus points for sharing a name with Frank’s tattoo)
- Trash and Vaudeville – Leather jackets, band tees, combat boots, skinny jeans, and classic punk staples.
- Midtown Comics – Another must-visit for comic book lovers, with massive selections of graphic novels and collectibles.
- Gothic Renaissance – Victorian-inspired clothing, corsets, military-style jackets, lace, and gothic accessories.
- Village Revival Records – An independent Greenwich Village record store with plenty of alternative, emo, punk, and classic rock vinyl to dig through.
- East Village Vintage Collective – A collection of vintage vendors where you can hunt for leather jackets, denim, band tees, and one-of-a-kind pieces worthy of an MCR-era wardrobe.
Much like Green-Wood Cemetery, The Morgan Library & Museum feels like stepping into another era.
Wander through grand reading rooms, antique book collections, and ornate halls filled with old-world charm for a dose of gothic elegance without leaving Manhattan. With centuries-old manuscripts, gilded details, and a quietly dramatic atmosphere, it’s the perfect stop for anyone looking to embrace the literary, theatrical side of The Black Parade aesthetic.
Watch a (late) sunset in honor of Early Sunsets over Monroeville
Though we’re not exactly in the late dawns and early sunsets part of the year here on the East Coast—and you definitely can’t see Monroeville from here (or New Jersey, for that matter, since the song actually references the Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania)—it’s always the perfect time to channel the band’s best song. No arguments.
There’s endless perfect sunset spots here in our favorite city, but some of our favorite spots are:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 1, Pier 2, or Pebble Beach) – Arguably the city’s most iconic sunset, with Lower Manhattan glowing across the East River.
- Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City) – One of the best skyline views in NYC, especially as the sun dips behind the skyscrapers.
- The Elevated Acre – A hidden rooftop garden in the Financial District that’s surprisingly peaceful at golden hour.
- Little Island – Rolling hills, winding pathways, and west-facing Hudson River sun.
- Domino Park – Watch the sun set behind Manhattan while sitting along Williamsburg’s waterfront.
- Pier 57 Rooftop Park – A free rooftop overlooking the Hudson with wide-open sunset views.
Spend some time with a rescue dog in honor of Frank Iero
Guitarist Frank Iero has long been an advocate for animal rescue and is rarely shy about showing off his own beloved dogs.
If you’re looking for a feel-good way to spend part of your MCR weekend, consider stopping by one of NYC’s animal shelters or rescue organizations to meet adoptable pups—or, if you’re a local, sign up to volunteer or take a shelter dog out on an adventure. It’s a small way to give back while celebrating one of the band’s biggest dog lovers.
- Meet adoptable pups at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center — One of NYC’s largest adoption centers, with dogs and cats available to meet daily, plus volunteer and foster opportunities.
- Take a shelter dog for a walk with Sean Casey Animal Rescue — One of the few rescues where volunteers can sign up for dog walking, making it a perfect outing for anyone wanting to spend time with a rescue pup.
- Volunteer with Animal Care Centers of NYC Pet Adoption Center — NYC’s municipal shelter system is always looking for volunteers to socialize animals, assist with adoptions, and (after training) walk dogs. They also occasionally host “Borough Breaks,” which let members of the public take shelter dogs out on day trips.
- Visit Animal Haven — This SoHo rescue is a great place to meet adoptable dogs and cats, with volunteer opportunities available for those looking to get more involved.
- Support Muddy Paws Rescue — A beloved foster-based rescue that regularly hosts adoption events around the city and relies heavily on volunteers behind the scenes.
- Help pets stay with the people who love them through PAWS NY — Rather than operating a shelter, this nonprofit pairs volunteers with older adults and New Yorkers with disabilities to help with dog walking, pet care, and vet transportation.
- Walk dogs and volunteer at Second Chance Rescue — This Long Island City rescue offers volunteer opportunities and even “Weekender” foster programs so dogs can enjoy a break from shelter life.
Dine somewhere worthy of the Demolition Lovers on a date night
Needless to say, NYC has plenty of restaurants that feel like they could double as My Chemical Romance set. From candlelit dining rooms and historic taverns to neon-soaked diners and moody hideaways, these spots are just as much about the atmosphere as what’s on the menu.
Some favorites include:
- One if by Land, Two if by Sea — One of NYC’s most romantic restaurants, with candlelit rooms, fireplaces, exposed brick, and a hauntingly beautiful historic setting.
- Freemans — Hidden at the end of an alleyway, this rustic tavern is filled with taxidermy, antique décor, and cozy colonial-era charm that feels straight out of a gothic novel.
- The Wren — Dark wood interiors, vintage details, and candlelit tables make this East Village gastropub feel perfectly suited to a Three Cheers evening.
- La Lanterna di Vittorio — An intimate Greenwich Village favorite with a lush garden and warm, old-world atmosphere that feels surprisingly cinematic after dark.
- Veselka — A legendary East Village institution that’s been feeding generations of musicians, artists, punks, and late-night concertgoers for decades.
You may need some vocal rest either before or after screaming along to I’m Not Okay (I Promise), (I know I will) and we have the place.
This East Village Belgian beer bar is designed to resemble a medieval monastery, complete with candlelit interiors, Gregorian chants, and bartenders who famously shush guests to preserve the quiet atmosphere. It’s moody, mysterious, and dramatic in all the right ways, exactly the kind of place that feels worthy of an MCR weekend side quest.
If you’re hoping to leave NYC with a new soundtrack, make a stop at Generation Records in Greenwich Village.
One of the city’s most iconic independent record stores has long been a go-to for punk, hardcore, metal, and emo fans, and its shelves are always worth digging through for My Chemical Romance vinyl, CDs, posters, and adjacent artists.
With Danger Days back in the spotlight thanks to this year’s deluxe reissue and new vinyl variants, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one while crate digging—or at least leave with something that would fit perfectly alongside it.
Bassist Mikey Way has never been shy about his love of baseball—especially his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. While this year’s Dodgers-Yankees series wrapped up last week, you can still channel one of Mikey’s favorite pastimes by spending an afternoon at the ballpark before The Black Parade rolls into Queens.
Whether you’re catching the Mets or Yankees, there’s something fitting about soaking in America’s pastime before heading to one of the biggest rock shows of the summer.
Channel your inner Frank and Ray at one of NYC’s legendary guitar shops
No mention of My Chemical Romance is complete without the legendary guitar work of Frank Iero and Ray Toro. Whether it’s the razor-sharp riffs of Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, the soaring solos on The Black Parade, or the garage-rock energy of Danger Days, the duo’s playing helped define the band’s unmistakable sound.
If the concert has you dreaming of picking up a guitar—or just admiring a few beautiful ones—NYC is home to some incredible independent shops where you can browse everything from vintage Gibsons to boutique pedals.
Some favorites include:
- Carmine Street Guitars – A tiny West Village workshop where handcrafted guitars are built from reclaimed New York City wood, making every instrument one of a kind.
- Retrofret Vintage Guitars – Part guitar shop, part museum, with rows of rare vintage instruments that feel worthy of rock royalty.
- Chelsea Guitars – A longtime NYC favorite packed with vintage guitars, amps, and enough rock history to inspire your next obsession.
- Rudy’s Music Soho – A boutique-style guitar destination with high-end instruments and an impressive collection of electric and acoustic guitars.
If your ideal pre-show plans involve good music over a packed sports bar, head to Eavesdrop in Greenpoint.
The audiophile listening bar is known for spinning records through a high-fidelity sound system, creating the kind of immersive, album-first experience that feels perfectly suited to revisiting Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, The Black Parade, or Danger Days.
The intentional listening atmosphere is the perfect reminder that some albums are meant to be experienced from start to finish.
If you’re committed to the aesthetic from the moment you put on your black parade uniform, make a reservation at Oscar Wilde.
The opulent bar is overflowing with Victorian décor, antique furnishings, dramatic chandeliers, stained glass, and ornate woodwork that feels like it was lifted straight from a gothic novel. It’s the kind of place where the theatrical world of My Chemical Romance doesn’t feel so far removed from reality, and where your pre-concert outfit will look right at home.
Long before fronting My Chemical Romance, Gerard Way was a comic book writer and lifelong comics fan—and that influence is woven through the band’s music, visuals, and storytelling.
Spend some time wandering Forbidden Planet, one of NYC’s most iconic comic shops, where you’ll find shelves of graphic novels, collectibles, horror, sci-fi, and pop culture oddities. Whether you’re hunting down The Umbrella Academy, The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, or just looking for something that feels like it belongs in the MCR universe, this is an essential stop before the show.
Grab a bite at a retro diner worthy of being the Killjoys hideout
If Danger Days is your favorite MCR era, make a pit stop at one of NYC’s classic diners before heading to the show.
While Battery City may thankfully be fictional, chrome counters, neon signs, spinning stools, and endless coffee refills feel right at home in the Killjoys universe. It’s easy to imagine the Fab Four pulling over somewhere like this before hitting the road through the Zones.
Some great options:
- Lexington Candy Shop – One of NYC’s oldest luncheonettes, with an authentic 1940s soda fountain.
- Empire Diner – Sleek Art Deco design with classic stainless steel exterior and neon-lit charm.
- Tom’s Restaurant – A timeless neighborhood diner that feels frozen in another era.
- Neptune Diner – A quintessential New York diner with glowing neon and plenty of late-night energy.
See some roses (when they think you need to smile)
Inspired by one of the band’s most haunting lyrics? NYC has no shortage of places to stop and smell the roses — literally. Though peak rose season was earlier in the summer, you can still see some beautiful blooms throughout the city.
From hidden gardens to sprawling parks, a little floral detour is the perfect way to channel the dramatic, romantic side of My Chemical Romance before or after the show. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment away from the stadium crowds or just want a photo op worthy of a music video, these spots are worth adding to your itinerary.
Some rose-filled NYC stops:
- The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden — One of the city’s most spectacular rose collections, with thousands of blooms in a beautifully designed garden setting.
- The Shakespeare Garden in Central Park — A literary, slightly overgrown-feeling garden filled with plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.
- The Conservatory Garden in Central Park — A formal European-style garden with fountains, pathways, and romantic scenery.
- The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Cranford Rose Garden — A classic Brooklyn destination for rose lovers with hundreds of varieties on display.
- The Battery’s gardens — A peaceful waterfront escape with flowers, greenery, and skyline views. World’s away from Battery City, of course.
Jet-age design, retro lounges, and carpets as red as Gerard’s Danger Days-era hair? Yeah, TWA Hotel is about as close as NYC gets to stepping into a retro-futuristic world.
The iconic airport hotel feels like it could be a stop somewhere between Battery City and the Zones. Not to mention their heated pool where you can watch planes take off.
Explore one of NYC’s stunning cathedrals
Despite all of My Chemical Romance’s members being from the tri-state area, the church featured in the iconic Helena music video is actually on the West Coast. Making a cross-country pilgrimage before Sunday’s show isn’t exactly realistic, but luckily, NYC has no shortage of hauntingly beautiful places that capture the same dramatic, gothic atmosphere.
With towering spires, stained glass windows, intricate stonework, and centuries of history, NYC’s cathedrals offer the perfect backdrop. Because if you’re traveling to NYC, your trip may come to an end at some point, but it’s better if you stay.
- Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine — One of the largest cathedrals in the world, with massive arches, stained glass, and an awe-inspiring interior that feels almost otherworldly.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral — The iconic Midtown landmark is a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, complete with soaring ceilings, marble altars, and dramatic spires.
- Riverside Church — A towering Gothic Revival church with one of the city’s most striking silhouettes.
If there’s one thing My Chemical Romance has always loved as much as the music, it’s ambitious storytelling.
From the post-apocalyptic world of Danger Days to the rock opera of The Black Parade, the band’s albums often feel as much like novels as they do records.
Spend some time wandering the New York Public Library’s iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, where soaring marble halls, grand staircases, and the breathtaking Rose Main Reading Room offer all the gothic grandeur and literary inspiration you could ask for.
Whether you’re revisiting The Umbrella Academy, flipping through horror classics, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s easy to find inspiration somewhere between the stacks.
Warm up your vocals with karaoke before the B-stage singalong
There’s a good chance you’ll lose your voice once the band makes its way to the B stage, so you might as well get a little practice in first. And also, you never know what deep cuts they’ll break out, so best to practice before Sunday.
Whether you’re belting your heart out with friends or dramatically committing to every lyric like you’re already at Citi Field, NYC has plenty of karaoke spots where you can warm up before the show. My go-to? Summertime!
Some great spots include:
- Gagopa Karaoke — A Koreatown favorite with private rooms perfect for screaming every word to The Kids From Yesterday.
- Karaoke City — A longtime Midtown staple with an extensive song catalog and late-night hours.
- RPM Underground — Stylish private karaoke rooms just steps from Koreatown.
- Maru Karaoke Lounge — Spacious rooms, food and drinks, and one of the city’s most popular karaoke destinations.
- Planet Rose — One of NYC’s most beloved public karaoke bars, where every performance gets an enthusiastic audience.