We don’t know about you, but grabbing a matcha and strolling around NYC has to be one of our favorite ways to enjoy a day in the city. And, this weekend, you’re in luck because you can snag a slew of free samples on May 2 thanks to Jade Leaf Matcha, the founders of National Matcha Day. The date aligns with “Hachiju Hachiya” (88th Night), which marks the start of the spring tea harvest in Japan.
For its 5th year, the city-wide celebration is bigger than ever with several collaborations across NYC and beyond. From indulging in a limited-edition Milk Bar menu to a full matcha takeover at open-air market Smorgasburg and enjoying exclusive items at PLANTA like a Matcha Martini or the Lemon Matcha Cookie Sandwich. Keep scrolling to try matcha drinks, desserts, and limited-edition treats across NYC and see why this popular Japanese drink is quickly becoming an everyday staple stateside.
Snag free matcha samples at one of the largest open-air markets in NYC
For one day only on May 2, head to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg and get the most out of National Matcha Day. Enjoy Jade Leaf’s Matcha Lounge for delicious free samples and limited-edition specials from vendors.
🗓️ When: May 2, 2026 from 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
📍Where: 1196 Broadway at 29th St., New York, NY 10001
Try a delicious, limited-edition matcha menu at two NYC locations
Milk Bar
At Milk Bar’s NYC flagship inside the artsy Ace Hotel to try a limited-edition menu with the Strawberry Matcha Cookie, a delicious treat pairing sweet strawberry with earthy matcha available for eight weeks only. Don’t miss the Cereal Milk Matcha Latte, a creamy drink made with Milk Bar’s iconic cereal milk and Jade Leaf matcha.
🗓️ When: May 2, 2026 – June 27, 2026
📍Where: 1196 Broadway at 29th St., New York, NY 10001
PLANTA New York
The popular restaurant PLANTA, known for their delicious vegan sushi and plant-based dishes, has also created a limited-edition matcha menu. For the entire month of May, New Yorker’s can get their hands on decadent treats like the Lemon Matcha Cookie Sandwich and the Matcha Refresher. But one of our top things to try on this new menu has to be the Matcha Martini topped with dragonfruit.
🗓️ When: May 2, 2026 to May 31, 2026
📍Where: 15 W. 27th St., New York, NY 10001
