May in New York City is a fantastic time to experience the city as the weather warms up and outdoor activities come into full swing. With the arrival of spring, the city is buzzing with cultural festivals, food events, and outdoor entertainment. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in May.
Fleet Week
- Dates: Late May (typically the week leading up to Memorial Day)
- Location: Various locations, including Pier 86, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and New York Harbor
- Description: Fleet Week is an annual celebration honoring the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The week features ship tours, military demonstrations, and events across the city. Visitors can explore active-duty ships docked in the harbor, attend military band performances, and meet members of the armed forces. A highlight of Fleet Week is the Parade of Ships, which can be seen along the Hudson River. Memorial Day weekend typically marks the culmination of events.
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
- Dates: Mid-May
- Location: Ninth Avenue, from 42nd Street to 57th Street
- Description: The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival is one of the city’s longest-running street fairs, offering a culinary tour of the world. With over 100 food vendors lining Ninth Avenue, you can sample dishes from around the globe, including Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Thai, and Latin American cuisines. In addition to the food, the festival features live music, dance performances, and craft stalls, creating a lively atmosphere that showcases the diversity of NYC.
Governors Island Reopens
- Dates: Early May through October
- Location: Governors Island
- Description: Governors Island reopens in May after being closed for the winter, offering a beautiful escape from the city. Accessible by ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn, the island features parks, art installations, and bike rentals, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy picnics, explore historic sites, or take in stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Throughout the summer, Governors Island also hosts cultural events, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Japan Day at Central Park
- Dates: Early to mid-May
- Location: Central Park, near the Bandshell
- Description: Japan Day is a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture, featuring traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and food booths offering Japanese cuisine. Held in Central Park, the festival aims to foster cultural understanding between Japan and New York City. Highlights include a family-friendly cosplay contest, a calligraphy workshop, and a variety of fun activities for kids.
Dance Parade
- Date: Mid-May
- Location: Broadway from 20th Street to Tompkins Square Park
- Description: The Dance Parade is an energetic and colorful event celebrating all forms of dance. Starting at 20th Street and moving down Broadway to Tompkins Square Park, the parade features thousands of dancers showcasing styles ranging from ballet and modern to salsa, hip-hop, and African dance. After the parade, the celebration continues with a dance festival in the park, featuring free performances, workshops, and interactive activities.
Frieze Art Fair
- Dates: Early May
- Location: The Shed, Hudson Yards
- Description: The Frieze Art Fair is one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, attracting collectors, curators, and art lovers from around the globe. Held at The Shed in Hudson Yards, the fair features over 60 galleries showcasing works by emerging and established artists. In addition to the exhibits, Frieze offers talks, discussions, and performances, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in contemporary art.
Mother’s Day
- Date: Second Sunday in May
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: Mother’s Day in New York City offers plenty of options for celebrating with brunches, spa days, and family-friendly events. Popular Mother’s Day activities include afternoon tea at The Plaza, brunch cruises around Manhattan, and flower shows at the New York Botanical Garden or Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Many restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, and parks and gardens make for a lovely day out to enjoy the spring weather.
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
- Dates: Late May (Memorial Day weekend) and early June
- Location: Around Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village
- Description: The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit is a historic art show featuring works by local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and crafts. Held over two weekends in late spring and early summer, the event transforms the streets around Washington Square Park into a vibrant open-air gallery. It’s a great opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork and meet the artists behind the pieces.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
- Dates: Late April to early May (dates vary depending on bloom season)
- Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
- Description: The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates Japanese culture and the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The two-day festival features traditional Japanese music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, cosplay contests, and workshops on ikebana (flower arranging) and origami. The stunning cherry blossoms provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration of spring.
Rooftop Films Summer Series
- Dates: Late May through September
- Location: Various rooftop locations across NYC
- Description: The Rooftop Films Summer Series kicks off in May, offering outdoor film screenings at various rooftop venues across New York City. The series showcases indie films, documentaries, and short films, often followed by Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Screenings take place in unique settings, from rooftop bars in Brooklyn to open-air courtyards in Manhattan, providing a great way to enjoy cinema under the stars.
Memorial Day Events
- Date: Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: Memorial Day in New York City is a time to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. Events include the Memorial Day Parade in Brooklyn (the oldest Memorial Day parade in the country), as well as services and commemorations at places like the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Many people also head to parks and beaches to enjoy the unofficial start of summer, with barbecues and outdoor activities at Coney Island, Central Park, and Rockaway Beach.
New York African Film Festival
- Dates: May (usually early to mid-May)
- Location: Various venues, including Lincoln Center
- Description: The New York African Film Festival is an annual event that showcases the best in African cinema. The festival features films from across the African continent and its diaspora, offering a diverse lineup of dramas, documentaries, and shorts. Screenings are often accompanied by discussions with filmmakers, panel talks, and cultural events. The festival provides a platform for African stories and perspectives, making it a unique cultural experience in NYC.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks
- Dates: Late May through June
- Location: Various parks, including Central Park, Prospect Park, and others
- Description: The New York Philharmonic’s Concerts in the Parks series is a beloved summer tradition, offering free outdoor classical music performances in parks across the city. These concerts attract large crowds and provide a chance to hear world-class musicians perform symphonic works in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Bring a blanket, picnic, and enjoy a summer evening with live music under the stars.
Five Boro Bike Tour
- Date: Early May
- Location: Across all five boroughs
- Description: The Five Boro Bike Tour is the largest cycling event in the U.S., taking riders on a 40-mile tour through all five boroughs of New York City. The route is car-free, allowing cyclists to ride through iconic landmarks like Central Park, Battery Park, and across bridges, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a fun, active way to see the city, the Five Boro Bike Tour offers a unique perspective on NYC.
NYCxDESIGN Festival
- Dates: Early to mid-May
- Location: Various venues across NYC
- Description: NYCxDESIGN is a citywide festival celebrating the best in design, from architecture and interior design to fashion, technology, and graphic design. The festival features exhibitions, workshops, studio tours, and panel discussions across all five boroughs, attracting designers, artists, and creatives from around the world. Events take place at museums, galleries, and design studios, making it a great opportunity to explore the city’s creative scene.
Tips for Attending May Events in NYC
- Check Event Dates: Some events may vary slightly year to year, so be sure to check specific dates and times before attending.
- Dress for the Weather: May in NYC can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Layering is a good strategy, especially for outdoor events.
- Public Transportation: NYC’s subway and buses are the easiest way to get around the city, especially during large events like festivals and parades where street closures are common.
Conclusion
May in New York City is an exciting time, offering a mix of cultural festivals, outdoor activities, and seasonal events that celebrate the arrival of spring. Whether you’re attending the Ninth Avenue Food Festival, enjoying an outdoor concert in Central Park, or exploring Governors Island, there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC as the city comes alive with vibrant energy.
