Credit: @bustarhymes on Instagram

New York has always been a hotbed for the biggest names and faces who want to hold an unforgettable event in a similarly memorable city. 

Last year, one of the brands that made the most of the Big Apple’s charisma was Ray-Ban. Specifically, the eyewear leader has held a number of events for their Ray-Ban Meta smart specs collaboration.

In fact, Forbes even included last summer’s Ray-Ban Meta summer block party as one of New York’s most stylish happenings. The Brooklyn-based event, which featured hip-hop icons Busta Rhymes and Offset, provided a unique look into how the glasses, thanks to their smart tech, allow for hands-free experiences. Another successful Ray-Ban Meta event last year was one held at T-Mobile Times Square. During this weekend-long activity, the public was treated to exclusive demonstrations, special entertainment, and free food and drinks.

Given this trend, it’s fair to assume that Ray-Ban Meta has more planned out for New York in 2025. But just what exactly might these events be?

Credit: @raybanmeta on Instagram

Understanding Ray-Ban Meta

To understand the patterns by which Ray-Ban and Meta plan and hold their events, it’s first important to grasp just what they offer. First introduced in 2021, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are some of the most cutting-edge in contemporary wearable tech. Designed to embolden practicality and style, the specs allow for convenient content creation, communication, and even AI assistance. As such, users can utilize the glasses to take videos, make calls, livestream, set reminders, and real-time virtual assistant queries, to name a few. These are meant to be stylish and practical, and they are also available in Ray-Ban’s famous silhouette, which includes their bestselling Wayfarers.

Currently, the smart glasses are in their second generation, with updates released regularly. According to reports, the newest upgrade, which is likely to be rolled out this year, will integrate elements from the Meta Quest AR/VR headset. Specifically, the smart glasses may soon have a small in-lens display. With this, users can extend the functionality of their glasses even more.

What Ray-Ban Meta event can 2025 expect?

Considering these features and benefits, Ray-Ban and Meta have been crafting events that highlight the glasses' versatility and real-life usability. Unlike past smart spec iterations that were too bulky or only appealed to certain niches, these glasses are intentionally made to look good and work even better for users of all backgrounds and lifestyles. This same sentiment is the driving similarity across all Ray-Ban Meta events, which aim to encourage the public to explore the world in the unique way that smart specs can offer.

With this in mind, there is a big chance that New York will soon be treated to an immersive Ray-Ban Meta pop-up. Late last year, the two industry leaders opened a limited-time experimental retail store in Los Angeles. Called Meta Lab, the space featured local activities, like comedians, cooking classes, and live podcasts. Of course, visitors could also shop for their own pair of smart glasses, with shoppers able to tap the Meta AI for assistance. Currently, while a New York version of this store is yet to be announced, there is talk that it will hit other major cities, with Phoenix next in line. As it is, pop-ups are already very popular in New York. For instance, even elite fashion house Louis Vuitton has joined the fray. A few years ago, the label had a neon green store pop-up that went viral. As such, if any Ray-Ban Meta fans are wondering what happenings these two may have in store for the Big Apple next, it’s likely that an immersive retail pop-up is on the horizon.