Spring is in full swing, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in May in NYC to keep your calendar well-stacked ahead of the summer.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy time outside, soaking up the cherry blossoms in all their glory, or want to head to the Great White Way for a stellar performance, our list of activities has you covered. There’s certainly no shortage of entertainment options.
Grab your sunnies and get to ’em! Oh, and friendly reminder: If you’re thinking about leaving NYC — perish the thought! — don’t forget you’ll need your Real I.D. to travel!
Visit the newly-reopened Frick Collection
After a nearly five-year hiatus, the Frick Collection is once again welcoming guests to peruse its Gilded Age splendor on the Upper East Side. Home to over 1,800 works of art, a brand-new theater, and a great lineup of exhibits and musical happenings, the beloved institution is pulling out all the stops for its next chapter.
📍 1 E 70th Street
Shake and shimmy at Bryant Park Dance Parties
The eleventh-annul dance fest invites guests to ditch the gym and get their workout on in the park with global music genres to accompany those moves: Motown, salsa, Latin fusion, and beyond. Have a look at our event guide for a complete schedule.
📍 6th Ave. between W. 40th and W. 42nd Streets
Embark on a jasmine-infused celebration of community at MELA
“Studio 54 meets your favorite cultural block party” on May 10th. Created by Michelle Desouza, founder of wellness brand Same Skin, and Poonam Thimmaiah, founder of jewelry brand Maalicious, MELA is a market-meets-dance party where culture, commerce and community collide. 15+ brands will display their offerings, including rare vintage finds and handcrafted goods, as the intoxicating smells of Brooklyn Curry Project, Dono NYC and more take over the space.
🗓 May 10th, 4PM – late
📍Secret East Village Townhouse
🎟️ Book your tickets here & get 10% off with our Secret NYC code – SAMESKIN
Shop local vendors at the Bryant Park spring market
We have some time before the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park completely transforms the green space during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop your favorite local artisans. In fact, Bryant Park’s Makers Market by Urbanspace is here to fill the springtime void.
Opening April 18th, the event will run weekly from Fridays to Sundays until June 1st. Favorite pitstops include Graffitiart365, Sage & Saber, Babka Bailout, and natchie. Shoppers can also expect new vendors, including Oliver Flynn, Maple Lane Mosaics, Stephanie Browne Art and Anaïs Home Design.
📍 6th Ave. between W. 40th and W. 42nd Streets
Stop by The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn
The Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns to Brooklyn ahead of Mother’s Day weekend from May 8th to 11th for its 15th iteration, bringing 125 local artists along for the ride. Unlike a typical gallery presentation, this immersive showcase at ZeroSpace Brooklyn in Park Slope celebrates attainable artwork and invites guests to dabble in the creative process themselves, from flower-making course with Summer Space Studio to participating in Joe Kraft’s interactive art scavenger hunt and allowing Anna Marie Tendler to take your portrait amidst a lush tableau. (Yes, please!)
Escape to Italy In Manhattan at Italy On Madison
From Tuesday May 13 to Thursday May 15 only, NYC will be fully immersed throughout the week in Italian excellence! From fashion, beauty, and eyewear to design, food and wine (of course), there will be demonstrations, immersive classes and more presented by the Italian Trade Agency. Guests will also receive exclusive goodie bags filled with samples from Italian brands (while supplies last), so be sure to register here!
Visit Pier 17 for its rooftop concert series
Once May hits, Pier 17’s 3,500-capacity, open-air rooftop transforms into the ultimate concert venue. This year’s lineup includes performances from JET, The Fray, 311, Rilo Kiley, Guster & The Mountain Goats, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, to name just a few. Explore the full lineup in our Pier 17 guide.
📍 89 South Street
Explore cool new exhibits
Museum-hopping this spring? You’re in luck. There are plenty of engaging and thought-provoking works being showcased throughout the city at our favorite museums. While you’re attempting to figure out what to explore and when, be sure to have a look at our guide to free museum days before your outing. Here are a few of our favorite works on display this season:
The Met Rooftop: “Ensemble”
“Ensemble” by artist Jennie C. Jones is the latest Met Rooftop art collection to grace the iconic institution — and it’ll be the last one to do so until 2030. Using the Met as inspiration, the artist created larger-than-life sculptures that mimic string instruments. A sight for the eyes and ears, the pieces’ construction makes for “sonic potential.”
📍 1000 5th Avenue
“Cosmic Splendor” at AMNH
For the astronomy and astrology-obsessed folks among us, the American Museum of Natural History’s latest exhibit, “Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels” is a gorgeous celestial-inspired collection of nearly 70 gorgeous jewels includes the High Jewelry Maison founded in Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906. Sure the pieces are 119 years old, but trust us, they only get more dazzling with age.
📍 200 Central Park West
The Horizon of Khufu
Horizon of Khufu, the VR experience in NYC, puts you in the footsteps of pharaohs, exploring the grandeur of the pyramids — and Egypt — as they stood 4,500 years ago.
With a virtual guide leading the way, you’ll trek through the Giza Plateau and venture inside the Great Pyramid. Other participants and their avatars will go with you on the captivating journey, uncovering precious insight on the civilization that shaped history.
📍 555 W 57th Street
Tonight with the Impressionists
While booking that flight to Paris takes planning — and let’s face it, a hefty budget — Tonight with the Impressionists brings you to Nadar’s studio on Boulevard des Capucines for a fraction of the effort (and price). Excurio’s VR expedition, in collaboration with Gedeon Experiences and the Musée D’Orsay and held at the Eclipso Center, transports you back to 19th century Paris at the very first impressionism exhibit.
📍 555 W 57th Street
Stop by Norman Reedus’ FREE exhibit
Though we’re typically used to seeing Norman Reedus, a.k.a. Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead, fighting off zombies in Georgia, NYC is near and dear to the actor’s heart — his latest pursuit is proof. “Norman Reedus: In Transit” is currently being held at The Gallery at the Soho Grand Hotel on the ground floor and is available to the public until May 18th. It showcases his time in the city in the 90s and 2000s.
📍 Soho Grand Hotel: 310 W Broadway
Stop by the Hello Kitty Truck for one day only
The Hello Kitty Truck is pulling into town, but not for long. Stop by The Shops at Skyview, 40-24 College Point Blvd, on Saturday May 3rd from 10am-7pm to score adorable merch in honor of Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary and 10 years of the super-trendy Hello Kitty Truck.
Grab a bite at this new food fest…
Keith Lee, former MMA fighter-turned-social media food critic, is bringing a new festival to NYC, so bring your appetite. His Family Style Food Festival will set up shop at Brooklyn’s Industry City on Saturday, May 17th with over 40 different vendors, including Katz’s Delicatessen, Carmen’s Empanadas, Fish Cheeks, and more. Tickets for the event start at $40 for general admission.
📍 220 36th Street, Brooklyn
Prepare for Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge is the sensation when the sun is partially obscured by the horizon and framed by NYC’s grid, making for fantastic Instagram content — and a gorgeous moment to enjoy, sans camera. Look out for it at the end of May.
📍 Various locations
Attend a Candlelight concert
Imagine this: a strings ensemble, your favorite tunes, a gorgeous venue, and of course, thousands of (faux) candles. That’s exactly what you’ll be treated to at a Candlelight Concert. The performers set up shop at locations throughout the city, such as St. Ann’s in Brooklyn Heights, for a thrilling ode to today’s most popular artists — from Taylor Swift to Metallica and everyone in between.
📍 Various locations
Embrace the fun of Dopamine Land
Take a break from reality and embrace your inner child as you explore playful projections, interactive displays, and blissful installations at Dopamine Land in New Jersey at Westfield Garden State Plaza. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Reserve a spot to the Jazz Age Lawn Party
No time machine needed: the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party is a blast from the past that transforms Governors Island into a celebration of the roaring 20s. From live jazz music to vintage clothing vendors and old-timey snacks from viral food vendors, this is one throwback you can’t miss.
The 2025 dates are June 14th to 15th and August 9th to 10th. Get your tickets to the bees knees of summer gatherings.
See an illuminating drone show during “Van Gogh Starry Nights” at NYBG
From May 24th through October 26th, wander through a vibrant lawn of yellow blooms, dance to live music and performers and stare in awe at the night sky with the illuminated “Starry Night” inspired drone show. NYBG captures Van Gogh’s work in unexpected ways this spring, and you don’t want to miss out.
Come evening, the exhibition Van Gogh’s Flowers, comes aglow — culminating in a drone show that lights up the sky. NYBG will present their own rendition of “Starry Night,” capturing the post-impressionist’s love for nature and the open sky.
Attend the annual Dumbo Drop
Thousands of toy elephants will parachute down Washington Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn for a good cause: to raise funds for Dumbo’s Title 1 public schools, PS307 Elementary and The Dock Street Middle School. The event will take place on May 30th from 5-7pm.
Additionally, there’s a chance to cash in on cool prizes, including a $500 to Dumbo’s beloved Almondine Bakery, an Escape Room experience for six at Beat the Bomb ($500 value), and more.
Enjoy the Macy’s Flower Show
The 50th annual Macy’s Flower Show gets a surrealist twist this year with drifting cloudscapes, and vibrant vistas. In addition to the gorgeous blooms stationed throughout the Herald Square flagship store, guests can enjoy Honey Flower Strawberro Cup tastings, giveaways, and more. The show runs until May 11th.
Plan the ultimate East Coast camping adventure
Whoever says you have to compromise comfort to enjoy the great outdoors clearly hasn’t heard of AutoCamp. Whether you want to experience the timeless magic of Cape Cod or escape upstate to the Catskills, the design-forward destinations allow you to reconnect with nature from the comfort of upscale Airstreams, tents, and cabins. Take this as your sign to book that trip and check out all the AutoCamp escapes here!
Attend Japan Day in Central Park
Celebrate AAPI Month with a pitstop to Japan Day on Saturday May 10th at 1pm. The annual celebration will include Japanese sword fighting, traditional folk dance, martial arts, and more. And but of course, bring your appetite.
The event begins on Central Park West at West 81st Street and travels to West 67th Street.
Stop by a new rooftop bar for a sip of something sweet
Delicious cocktails, unmatched skyline views, and a cool atmosphere — what could be better? Our list of new rooftop bars, including Leonessa and Bar Tetto Rooftop, to name a few, should absolutely be on your list for the warm-weather months.
Watch the Knicks in playoffs
New York basketball fans are loving every minute of the New York Knicks playoff run. Our guide will provide all the info you need: game times, important stats, tickets info, and more.
Book a kayaking slot at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Grab your paddles and life vests: Brooklyn Bridge Park kayaking, one of our favorite free activities in NYC, is gearing up for the 2025 season later this May.
The 2025 festivities will get underway beginning Wednesday, May 28th from the Pier 4 beach. Free paddle sessions are available on Wednesdays from 5-7pm, Thursdays from 5-7pm, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. All levels are welcome to give the sport a try.
Learn how to secure a spot through our guide.
Play pickleball in Central Park
CityPickle will completely take over Wollman Rink this season, giving you plenty of time to perfect your pickleball game. Are you up to the challenge? Reservations will be available daily from 8am to 9pm, with bookings opening one week prior to the season kick-off.
Book your session online.
Head to a baseball game
The Yanks and Mets are ringing in their new season, and we’re particularly excited to see how it all unfolds. If you’re a fan, here’s what to check out:
- The best Yankee bars
- The best Mets bars
- What to eat at Citi Field this year (a.k.a. the best MLB ballpark food)
- What to eat at Yankee Stadium this year
Enjoy salsa in Washington Square Park — and other cool free activities
Welcome the warm weather with a bit of dancing! Free Salsa dancing returns to Washington Square Park on Wednesdays beginning May 7th at 6pm!
Not a dancer? There are plenty of other complimentary activities to scoop up, from outdoor concerts to museum days.
Catch Rolling Stone’s awesome exhibit with never-before-seen photos
“Amplified,” the new interactive exhibit curated by Rolling Stone editors, filmmakers and designers transforms a space in Chelsea that was once a century-old boiler room. You’ll go on a visual journey through six decades of music history with over 1,000 rare photographs—and even more surprises inside— this is the ultimate experience at ARTECHOUSE.
Listen to your favorite artists with a Broadway twist
Broadway Sings will delight listeners with songs from their favorite artists — Queen, ABBA, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, etc. — with a theatrical twist. Stop by for the sound sensation at The Cutting Room
📍 44 E. 32nd Street
Get a taste of Spanish culture with Authentic Flamenco
Authentic Flamenco is making its grand return to NYC with shows that are bigger and better than before. Stop by the Angel Orensanz Center on June 6th and 8th to experience the sensation. Tickets are currently on sale.
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month
Ring in AAPI heritage month with a pitstop at the best AAPI-owned restaurants and businesses throughout the city: think MáLà Project, Chef Katsu Brooklyn, Ihawan, and Lakruwana, to name just a few. Be sure to stop by the newly-opened LIC Food Hall, which takes its inspiration from Asia’s renowned night markets.
📍 Various locations
Book a Mother’s Day brunch
Show the special lady in your life some appreciation this May. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 11th, and it’s the perfect reason to book a table at your go-to eatery. Explore our guide to the best Mother’s Day brunches and RSVP before someone else snags your spot!
📍 Various locations
Celebrate Fleet Week
Pay tribute to those who serve our country this Fleet Week. The annual event that welcomes and celebrates all those in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard at the Intrepid Museum. You can expect a week of events and guided tours of various ships.
📍 Pier 86, W 46th Street
Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend
Keep the sentiment for those who serve going with a variety of Memorial Day Weekend events, including the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, the New York Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert, and more. Additionally, as the unofficial start of the summer season, expect outdoor activities galore. (BBQ, anyone?)
📍 Various locations
Snap a photo of unique outdoor art exhibits
All the city’s a gallery space, just take a look at the gorgeous art exhibits right outside. From the Highline to the Upper West Side and every space in between and beyond, art is lurking in the concrete jungle.
One of our current favorites? It’s right over in 30 Rock. After a respite in Amsterdam, Scotland, and London, artist John Chamberlain’s work is on its way to Midtown: FIDDLERSFORTUNE (Pink) (2010), BALMYWISECRACK (Copper) (2010), and RITZFROLIC (Green) (2008) are large-scale glittery masterpieces that are some of the creator’s final pieces before his death in 2011.
📍 Various locations
Get fresh goods at your local farmers market
From seasonal blooms to sweet fruits and veggies, NYC farmers markets offer a wide array of locally-grown goods that are perfect for your next spring and summer recipe.
📍 Various locations
Stop by fun street festivals and night markets
City streets come alive with festivals and night markets. Whether you’re searching for some local goods or want to snack on global cuisine, NYC has an event for you.
📍 Various locations
See a new show on Broadway
There are plenty of new shows on Broadway in 2025, from George Clooney in Good Night, And Good Luck to Nick Jonas in The Last Five Years , the lineup is star-studded.
Catch the Off-Broadway Premiere of Alexandria
Celebrate friendship, motherhood, and community at the world premiere of Alexandria, debuting this May at Dixon Place. This intimate off-Broadway production offers a heartfelt story in a laid-back, affordable setting—perfect for theater lovers looking for something fresh and under the radar.
The show kicks off on Mother’s Day, May 8, and runs through May 25. Bonus: Saturday matinees come with free Pop Up Bagels, making it even more of a treat. Tickets are on sale now.
📍 Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street
Catch a movie in theaters
Once you start mapping out all of the movies releasing in 2025, you’re liable to wind up with a pretty lengthy list. From remakes to horror newbies, family-friendly animation and the end of a long-standing action franchise, 2025‘s lineup is guaranteed to turn anyone into a film buff.
Recent movie releases include the period vampire horror hit Sinners and the extra-terrestrial English adaptation of Watch the Skies! Check out the latest screenings here.