Saturday, September 26, 2026, is a date every fitness lover in New York City should have locked in. One of the most exciting annual events on the East Coast returns to The Glasshouse in Manhattan, bringing together thousands of health enthusiasts, world-class trainers, expert speakers, recovery specialists, and more than 100 wellness brands for a full day of movement, learning, and community.
Named by Forbes as one of the country’s top fitness festivals, this is not your typical gym event. It is a one-day celebration of what it means to live well, move well, and show up fully. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a wellness beginner, or someone simply ready to try something new, this event has something built for you.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Event Overview: What, Where, and When
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Strong New York 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Venue | The Glasshouse NYC, 660 12th Avenue, Manhattan |
| Format | Full-day fitness and wellness festival |
| Expected Attendance | 5,000+ |
| Confirmed Brands | 100+ |
| Confirmed Speakers and Trainers | 50+ |
| Industry Leaders Expected | 250+ |
| Organizer | Kenny Santucci |
The Glasshouse is one of Manhattan’s most striking event spaces. It sits in Hell’s Kitchen and offers 75,000 square feet of indoor space with 360-degree views of New York City. The venue gives the event an atmosphere that makes every workout, panel, and conversation feel genuinely memorable.
The Story Behind the Festival
Kenny Santucci, owner of The Strength Club, founded the event in 2015. His vision was straightforward. He wanted to create a space where fitness brands, elite trainers, and everyday New Yorkers could come together in a way that no other event had done before.
“Back in 2015, one thing the city didn’t have was a fitness event that showcased all the incredible talent, studios and energy here,” Santucci has said. “I wanted to create a space where brands could launch, experts could connect directly with people who needed their knowledge and New Yorkers could feel inspired to live healthier lives.”
Over the past decade, the festival has grown steadily into one of the most important dates on the East Coast wellness calendar. The 2026 edition is the tenth, and organizers are calling it the most ambitious yet. Additionally, this year marks the New York City debut of ATHX Games, the Adidas-backed hybrid fitness competition that is eyeing global expansion. That debut alone makes this a landmark edition.
Tickets: Options, Prices, and How to Buy
Tickets for the 2026 edition went on sale in June, with early access pricing available first. Historically, the festival has offered a tiered ticketing structure ranging from General Admission at around $65 to VIP All-Access packages at approximately $850. The 2026 pricing tiers reflect a similar structure, though exact current pricing should always be confirmed at the official site at strongnewyork.com, as early bird and promotional rates change throughout the sales period.
Here is a general overview of what past editions have offered and what to expect:
| Ticket Type | Access Level | Approximate Price Range |
| General Admission | Expo floor access only, no included workouts | From $65 |
| All-Access | Full day workouts, panels, expo, recovery zone | Mid-range tier |
| VIP All-Access | Premium entry, additional perks, exclusive areas | Up to $850 |
One important detail to note: a General Admission ticket grants entry to the expo floor only. It does not include access to the workout sessions or the main stage. If you want to participate in classes and live training, you need an All-Access or VIP pass. Therefore, reading the ticket descriptions carefully before purchasing is essential.
Tickets are available at strongnewyork.com. No refunds are issued once a purchase is made. Attendees under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. All ticket types may also come with sponsor-backed discounts during specific promotional windows, so following the official social media channels in the weeks before the event is a smart way to catch any deals.
Workouts and Fitness Experiences
The workout lineup is one of the main reasons people travel from across the country to attend this event. The 2026 edition features high-energy sessions and immersive fitness experiences from some of the most respected names in the industry.
Confirmed workout partners for 2026 include:
- Gotham Gym
- STRONG Pilates
- Tremble
- The Pack
- obé Fitness
- Serotonin Club
- P90X
- Pvolve
- TRX
Additionally, the introduction of ATHX Games brings a competitive hybrid fitness format to New York City for the first time. ATHX Games is backed by Adidas and combines strength, endurance, and skill challenges in a competition format designed to push athletes across disciplines. The New York City debut of this competition adds a dimension to the event that no previous edition has offered.
Beyond the branded workout sessions, the festival also features:
- A Strong NY 5K run for attendees who want to log miles on the day
- Kid-friendly movement classes for younger attendees and families
- One-minute challenge stations where anyone can test themselves in deadlifts, pull-ups, rowing, and cycling for tracking and bragging rights
The festival runs all day, so you can come for a single session or stay for the full schedule. The organizers design the timetable so there is always something happening, no matter what time you arrive.
Speakers, Panels, and Expert Sessions
Movement is only part of the story. The event’s educational programming brings some of the most respected voices in medicine, performance, and human health to a stage where they speak directly with the audience in an accessible format.
The 2026 speaker lineup includes:
| Speaker | Role |
| Carl Daikeler | Co-founder of BODi (formerly Beachbody) |
| Dr. Drew Pinsky | Physician and media personality |
| Stefi Cohen | World-record-holding powerlifter |
| Phil Daru | Performance coach to elite combat athletes |
| Dr. Tommy Wood | Physician and neuroscientist |
Topics across the speaker sessions span fitness and training, nutrition, longevity, mental health, biohacking, recovery science, and personal growth. The goal is to give attendees information they can apply immediately, not just inspiration that fades by the time they get home.
Sessions cover both the physical and the psychological. Therefore, whether you arrive wanting to improve your training program or looking for tools to manage stress and build resilience, the panel schedule has sessions worth planning your day around. The event app and official website typically publish the full session schedule closer to the event date.
Recovery and Wellness Zone
The recovery and wellness zone is one of the most talked-about areas of the entire festival. It is essentially a premium pop-up wellness spa built into a full-day fitness event, and it sets this gathering apart from anything else on the New York calendar.
In past editions and again in 2026, the zone has featured:
- Cold plunges and ice baths
- Infrared saunas
- IV drip therapy
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture treatments
- Facials and skincare treatments
- Hair braiding
For many attendees, the recovery zone is the reward they build their whole day around. After back-to-back workout sessions and speaker panels, sliding into a cold plunge or booking a post-session massage transforms the event from purely intense into something genuinely restorative. Additionally, recovery technology brands set up live demonstrations here, giving visitors a chance to try the latest products before they hit mainstream retail.
ATHX Games: The Headline Competition
ATHX Games makes its New York City debut at the 2026 edition. Backed by Adidas, this hybrid fitness competition pits elite athletes against each other across a range of physical disciplines. The format combines strength, speed, and endurance in a spectator-friendly competition that draws intense crowd energy.
Cash prizes are on the line. Athletes at the competitive level compete in front of live audiences, making it a true sport-meets-festival experience rather than a typical expo demo. However, the ATHX format also makes space for non-professional participants to test themselves in challenge-based formats throughout the day.
The NYC debut gives the festival a global headline that no previous edition has had. ATHX Games is eyeing worldwide expansion, and New York is its next major market. Attending the 2026 edition means being part of the first time this competition has ever come to the city.
Miles for Change: Community with a Cause
The 2026 edition introduces a charitable activation called Miles for Change, run in partnership with Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that uses running as a tool to support people experiencing homelessness. Attendees contribute toward a collective walking and running mileage goal throughout the day. Every mile logged counts toward the shared target.
This activation gives the festival a community service dimension that extends the meaning of the day beyond personal fitness. It connects the energy of thousands of people moving their bodies to something larger than any single workout. Therefore, whether you join the Strong NY 5K or simply log steps on the expo floor, your movement contributes to a cause with real-world impact.
The Healthy Marketplace and Happy Hour
Fueling well is part of training well. The festival’s Healthy Marketplace brings together the newest innovations in food and beverage, all curated to support performance and recovery. Visitors can sample products, meet founders, and discover brands they are unlikely to find in any single store.
Title sponsors Celsius, SweatPals, Impact Kitchen, and TMPL all bring activations to the floor alongside dozens of additional food, supplement, and wellness brands. The result is one of the most comprehensive healthy food and beverage experiences available at any fitness event in the country.
As the day winds down, the festival transitions into a Happy Hour that blends the energy of a fitness gathering with a social atmosphere. In 2026, Strong New York also hosts its first official after-party in partnership with TMPL Clubs. This after-party gives the day a proper, celebratory ending that extends the community feel well beyond the main event hours.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
First-time attendees often arrive slightly overwhelmed by the scale of the event. A little preparation makes a significant difference.
- Wear workout clothes you can move in all day. You will go from a Pilates session to a strength class to a speaker panel without time to change.
- Bring a water bottle. Hydration stations are available, but the faster you can refill, the better.
- Pack a small bag with your phone, ID, sunscreen for any outdoor areas, and a portable charger.
- Download the official app or bookmark the schedule page on strongnewyork.com before you arrive. Sessions fill up quickly, and knowing which ones you want to attend in advance saves frustration.
- Arrive early if you plan to join the ATHX Games viewing or any of the high-demand workout sessions. Popular classes can reach capacity before the formal start time.
- If you are bringing children, check the kid-friendly session schedule in advance. Parent waiver requirements apply to anyone under 18.
- Wear comfortable shoes you can both exercise and walk long distances in. The 75,000-square-foot venue covers a lot of ground.
Sponsors and Brand Activations
The 2026 festival features more than 100 fitness and wellness brands across the expo floor. Title sponsors include Celsius, SweatPals, Impact Kitchen, and TMPL. Beyond these anchors, brands use the event to launch new products, run exclusive giveaways, and give attendees hands-on access to experiences that go far beyond a standard product booth.
Interactive brand activations are a signature feature of the event. In past editions, 80 or more brands ran activities, competitions, and sampling experiences throughout the day. For brands in the fitness and wellness space, this event offers direct access to one of the most engaged, informed consumer audiences in the country. For attendees, it means walking away with samples, gear, and discoveries you would not find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Strong New York 2026 returns to The Glasshouse in Manhattan on Saturday, September 26, for its tenth edition and arguably its most exciting yet. More than 5,000 attendees are expected, alongside 100 or more wellness brands, 50-plus speakers and trainers, and the New York City debut of ATHX Games. Ticket options range from General Admission expo access to full VIP All-Access passes, with pricing confirmed at strongnewyork.com. The workout lineup spans Pilates, strength training, jiu-jitsu, yoga, and a 5K run, while the recovery zone brings cold plunges, massages, saunas, and IV therapy to the festival floor.
Expert speakers including Stefi Cohen, Phil Daru, Dr. Drew Pinsky, and Dr. Tommy Wood lead panels on longevity, mental health, nutrition, and human performance. The Miles for Change activation supports Back on My Feet throughout the day, and the first official after-party with TMPL Clubs closes the event on a high. Whether you come for the competition, the classes, the community, or the speakers, this is the one fitness day in New York City in 2026 that earns every minute of your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the 2026 festival take place?
The event takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Glasshouse NYC, located at 660 12th Avenue in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The venue offers 75,000 square feet of event space with panoramic views of New York City.
Does a General Admission ticket include workout classes?
No. A General Admission ticket grants access to the expo floor only. To participate in live workout sessions, expert panels, the recovery zone, and the main stage programming, you need an All-Access or VIP ticket. All ticket types and access levels are detailed at strongnewyork.com before purchase.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 edition?
Historically, tickets have ranged from around $65 for General Admission to approximately $850 for VIP All-Access. The 2026 pricing structure follows a similar tiered model. Early access tickets dropped in June, and pricing may change as the event approaches. Check strongnewyork.com for current availability and pricing.
What is ATHX Games and why is it significant for 2026?
ATHX Games is an Adidas-backed hybrid fitness competition that combines strength, speed, and endurance challenges. The 2026 edition marks the first time ATHX Games has come to New York City. Elite athletes compete for cash prizes in front of live audiences, and challenge-based formats allow non-competitive attendees to test themselves throughout the day.
Is the event family-friendly, and can children attend?
Yes. The festival includes kid-friendly movement classes specifically designed for younger attendees. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Parents should check the official schedule for kid-specific programming times and plan their arrival accordingly.
