As a new season approaches, NYC’s energy will soon be shifting into summer mode. But before we get there, let’s not forget that May is totally jam-packed with fun things to look forward to.
That said, we’ve put together a giant list below of all the must-do activities happening this month in the city. Let’s get into it:
1. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (Monday, May 5th) commemorates Mexico’s victory against France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla, and the city’s Cinco de Mayo happenings are a way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their cultural heritage and show off their pride. Find some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday in NYC.
2. Dine in complete darkness for a fun date night
Are you ready to take part in an unforgettable culinary journey? Surprise your senses as you enjoy one of NYC’s most unique dining experiences–dining while blindfolded! Choose from a meat, seafood, or vegan menu and allow your tastebuds to guide you through your meal. Make your reservations here.
3. Honor AAPI Heritage Month at these AAPI-owned restaurants & businesses
AAPI Month is a month where we recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the US. And one of our favorite ways to honor this month is by supporting all of NYC’s AAPI-owned bars and restaurants! You can find some of our favorite ones here.
4. Experience breathtaking music by candlelight in beautiful NYC spaces
If you’d like to hear beautiful melodies surrounded by the flickering glow of candlelight, this series is perfect for you. From classical music performances to romantic candlelit experiences, this concert series certainly has something for everyone. Some of our favorites include:
- Candlelight Jazz: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra
- Candlelight: A Tribute to David Bowie
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites
5. Treat the mother figure in your life to a special Mother’s Day
Another big May holiday is Mother’s Day of course (falling on Sunday, May 12th), and there are so many fun ways to celebrate mama in the city. Find some of the best Mother’s Day plans here.
6. Soar over the city on an aerial adventure at RiseNY
Get ready for spring with a soaring adventure over NYC’s most iconic monuments and moments. Escape the last bit of cold weather before April comes at RiseNY and experience a full year’s worth of NYC’s vibrant culture and history. Grab your tickets here.
7. Get a free tree to plant in your backyard
On Saturdays and Sundays now through Sunday, May 12th New Yorkers can get their hands on a free tree at various locations across all five boroughs. Species include Alleghany Serviceberry, Black Cherry, Hackberry, Pussy Willow, and Witchhazel, just to name a few. Learn more here.
8. Grab tickets to this unforgettable Jazz Age Lawn Party
Transcend time at the 19th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, returning to Governors Island this June and August! Show off your moves on the expansive dance floor, listen to incredible jazz at two different stages, play Pétanque, shop Paper vintage clothes and bring home pics from Moon photo booths. Get your tickets here.
9. Be dazzled by the year’s first Manhattanhenge sunset
Manhattanhenge is when the setting sun aligns with the street grid of Manhattan, illuminating every cross street on the north and south sides of the borough, and the first one of the year is taking place on Thursday, May 30th! Get your camera ready because this is a can’t miss event–get all the details here.
10. Appreciate the best in art around NYC
One of NYC’s best assets is its accessibility to beautiful art. Everywhere you look there’s new installations popping up like the Met’s 2023 rooftop exhibit or this whimsical floral display coming to NYC’s Fifth Ave. See more of the ones you should check out this May here.
11. Make your Memorial Day plans
Falling this year on Monday, May 27th, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer while also remembering those who have fallen. And, as always, there’s tons going on around NYC to celebrate and honor the holiday. Find all the best things to do here.
12. Beat the Sunday scaries with brunch
Everyone knows the only way to do a weekend right in NYC is to brunch. Whether you’re looking for brunch and beats, bottomless options, East Village locations, or West Village favorites, we know just the spots.
13. Hear Broadway’s best sing your favorite musical hits
Broadway Sings is a unique concert series that has Broadway’s best, alongside a full orchestra, sing all your favorite hits. From ABBA to Queen to Taylor Swift, there’s something for everyone. Grab your tickets here.
14. Take in amazing views at NYC’s best waterfront parks
With the warmer weather arriving, there’s no better place to enjoy a spring breeze than at one of NYC’s gorgeous waterfront parks. Whether you’re looking out onto the Hudson or perched near the East River, there are picturesque parks to soak in the sun everywhere you look. Check out these best waterfront parks in NYC with the most amazing views here.
15. Tour the historic catacombs beneath Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Explore what’s beneath the 200-year old Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral with this one-of-a-kind historic tour. The space was once sealed off to the public, but now invites those brave enough to venture through it by candlelight. Plus, they’re the only Catholic catacombs in New York City! Score your tour tickets now.
16. Catch a breeze at a waterfront bar or restaurant
On a nice day, there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink or bite to eat on the waterfront. From a historic air craft carrier ship to sweeping rooftops, try one of our favorites be it Grand Banks, Baylander Steel Beach or La Barca Cantina. See our entire list here.
17. Get up close and personal with animated dinosaurs at Dinos Alive
Schenectady’s Dinos Alive Exhibit is the perfect family outing–if you’re brave enough! Here you’ll come face to face with moving dinosaurs, including the massive T-rex, Stegosaurus, Spinosaurus, and more! There’s even an area where kids can ride their own dinosaur! Learn more and get tickets here.
18. Roam through fields of lavender just a quick ways away from the city
Make a day trip to the East End of Long Island at family-owned farm, Lavender By The Bay. Explore 17-acres that are home to over 80,000 lavender plants. Though full bloom typically occurs in mid-June, visitors are still welcome to roam the farm as the flowers begin to grow! Read more about Lavender By The Bay here.
19. Shop at Bryant Park’s spring market
We sure love Bryant Park in the winter with all of its vendors, and lucky for us, this spring we won’t have to wait another winter for their return. Explore over 100 vendors at an exciting spring version of the beloved shopping destination by Urbanspace titled “Makers Market.” Discover artisanal items from local businesses on every weekend this month. Get more details here.
20. Grab a drink at the second best bar in North America
North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024 was recently revealed, and NYC’s very own Superbueno made it to second place–just one short year after opening! Located in the East Village this spot bumps salsa and reggaeton and serves up creative drinks such as Mole Negronis, Mushroom Margaritas, and Roasted Corn Sours! Get all the deets about this must-visit spot here.
21. Take a day trip to Governors Island
NYC’s favorite local island getaway awaits! Catch a ferry and pretend you traveled a lot farther. Our suggestions? Relax at the spa or go glamping on Governors Island.
22. See the last of the cherry blossoms
NYC’s magical cherry blossom bloom will reach their ending come May, but you can still catch the beautiful flowers and their confetti on the ground for a little while longer! Check out our top spots in NYC here.
23. Check out all of NYC’s newest openings
Though NYC has more bar and restaurants than we even know what to do with, new ones continue to open–at least we always have a new place to check out! Some of NYC’s best new bars and restaurants include:
- This Chelsea cocktail bar offering 70’s Italian disco & “cold ass martinis”
- This West Village spot from the Don Angie team specializing in seafood
- The new “sister” trattoria to NYC’s iconic Delmonico’s Steakhouse
24. Roam Pier 57’s rooftop park
Explore the 80,000-square-foot stretch of Pier 57’s rooftop park, completely free to the public! The 12 year project is mixed-use and shares a home with Google offices plus a a City Winery on the pier. Learn more here.
25. Discover mouthwatering bites at one of NYC’s many outdoor night markets
Another perk of warmer weather in NYC is being able to check out all of the outdoor night markets. These are some of our favorites:
The full list can be found here.
26. Dine at secret outdoor spots
Yes we all agree that people watching while dining can be very entertaining, however, some nights we understand you just want some privacy. At times like that, you definitely should check out all of the city’s hidden outdoor dining spots. These secluded spaces will help you avoid the crowds as you have to enter through secret staircases and unseen patios. Uncover our full list here.
27. Travel straight to Dublin via a portal–sorta
A sculpture known as The Portal is heading to NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood this month on Wednesday, May 8th, forming a visual bridge connecting NYC to Dublin, Ireland! The Portal will create a real-time, visual live stream connecting the two iconic cities. Read all about it here.
28. Try every rooftop in NYC
It’s rooftop season, NYC! From Midtown mainstays to backyard escapes, there are tons of amazing options on our top rooftops of NYC list here.
29. Pick beautiful tulips in NJ
This tulip farm only an hour and fifteen minutes from NYC mimics Holland’s gorgeous fields a lot closer to home! Find out more here.
30. Pack a picnic
Grab the gingham and take advantage of NYC’s many gorgeous parks and gardens with a lovely picnic. Here are some of our favorite, under-the-radar spots.
31. Honor Japan culture and lifestyle at NYC’s epic Japan Day Festival
The third annual Japan Day Festival returns to NYC this May, including the Japan Day Parade marching through Central Park! The festival is an annual event meant to introduce Japanese culture to New York and to honor its rich art, tradition, and food. Both events go down on Saturday, May 11th, and you can learn more here.
32. …then eat your way through NYC’s Filipino Street Festival
Philippines Fest is NYC’s premier Filipino street festival, and it returns to Brooklyn this May! Returning on Sunday, May 19th the festival will offer handcrafted products, cultural performances, and plenty of delicious food promoting Filipino culture. Get all the details here.
33. Stock up on local produce at the farmer’s market
Get all of the fresh produce you need at one of your local farmer’s markets. You’ll find some of the freshest ingredients that will pair perfectly for whatever you decide to cook up at home. Find NYC’s best ones here.
34. Jam out to T-Pain, Counting Crows, & More at SummerStage
One of the most beloved events of the summer season in NYC is SummerStage, and they just announced their epic 2024 lineup! The festival spotlights emerging artists across all genres through free performances across all five boroughs of NYC, and it kicks off this May! Read all about it here.
35. Cool off with some delicious ice cream
We already have heard the ice cream trucks blaring their tune on the street so it’s definitely ice cream season. Explore all of the sweetest offerings around town with our 20 must-try ice cream shops in New York City.
36. Stop by one of our SNYC-approved businesses
We’re leaving our mark across the five boroughs! Keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about for our signature yellow stickers on windows and doors and be sure to give those businesses a little love. Find our full map of Secret NYC-approved businesses here.
37. Find treasures at NYC’s best outdoor flea markets
Whether you’re looking for something vintage, unique, or downright quirky, flea markets are arguably some of the best places to find interesting treasures. A sunny, weekend afternoon is best spent outdoors exploring, so be sure to check out one of NYC’s best outdoor flea markets–all of which can be found here.
38. Sing & dance at this new 6-day music festival, making its Governors Island debut
We Belong Here is an adult-oriented music festival for those who have outgrown the current festival and club scene, and this summer they’re bringing a stacked lineup of performers to NYC’s Governor’s Island for the first time ever! Spread out across two weekends the lineup includes amazing lineups curated by talented DJs and live performances along with premium curated experiences. Learn more here.
39. …or show off your moves at Bryant Park’s three-week dance party
A tradition since 2014, the dance party will take over Bryant Park with a variety of in-person dance events throughout the first three weeks of May. And the best part–it’s completely free! Attendees will first learn basic steps with expert instructors before testing out their new moves to live music. Learn all about the dance party here.
40. Get some (sloppy) kisses from this doggy kissing booth
The annual puppy-centered outdoor street fest, Woofstock: Badass Spring Fest!, is returning to NYC on Saturday, May 4th! The festival comes from Badass Animal Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from high-kill shelters, and will include activities, food, and entertainment for families, dog lovers, and anyone looking to have a blast. Read all about the event here.
41. Watch a movie atop this enormous aircraft carrier
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s free summer movie nights return this season on Friday, May 24th! Guests can get comfy atop the aircraft carrier’s massive flight deck–with awesome views of the Hudson and skyline–and watch a movie al fresco. Read more about these movie nights here.
42. Do weekly yoga atop the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere
Edge is bringing back its popular Sky High Yoga on Tuesday, May 21st! The program provides incredible yoga classes on the very top of the city, and even includes admission to Edge 30 minutes before the class to enjoy the view! Learn more about the program here.
43. Celebrate the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard during Fleet Week
One thing that always lets us know that summer fun is on its way is the annual NYC Fleet Week! NYC Fleet Week is a week-long celebration that invites participants from all around the world to enjoy various events held to honor the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, and this year it’ll run May 22 through May 28. Read all about it here.