Spring is in full swing in New York City, and May is blooming with exciting activities to keep your calendar full as summer approaches.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, take in the cherry blossoms, or head to Broadway for an unforgettable performance, this list has you covered with a variety of entertainment options.
As you explore, remember to don your sunnies and immerse yourself in the season’s best offerings.
If you’re considering a trip out of the city—don’t even think about it!—be sure to pack your Real I.D. for travel.
**Visit the newly-reopened Frick Collection**
After a nearly five-year hiatus, the Frick Collection is welcoming art enthusiasts back to its iconic museum on the Upper East Side.
Home to over 1,800 works of art, this beloved institution also boasts a brand-new theater and an exciting lineup of exhibits and musical events, marking an impressive new chapter for the collection.
📍 1 E 70th Street
**Shake and Shimmy at Bryant Park Dance Parties**
Get ready to dance at the eleventh annual Bryant Park Dance Parties, where guests are invited to ditch the gym in favor of a workout outdoors.
Get your groove on to global music genres including Motown, salsa, and Latin fusion.
Make sure to check out the event guide for a complete schedule of performances!
📍 6th Ave. between W. 40th and W. 42nd Streets
**Shop Local Vendors at the Bryant Park Spring Market**
Before the Bank of America Winter Village transforms Bryant Park for the holidays, enjoy spring shopping from local artisans.
The Bryant Park Spring Market by Urbanspace opened on April 18th and operates weekly from Friday to Sunday until June 1st.
Featured vendors include Graffitiart365, Sage & Saber, Babka Bailout, and natchie, along with new participants like Oliver Flynn, Maple Lane Mosaics, Stephanie Browne Art, and Anaïs Home Design.
📍 6th Ave. between W. 40th and W. 42nd Streets
**Visit Pier 17 for Its Rooftop Concert Series**
Starting in May, the open-air rooftop at Pier 17 becomes a prime concert venue with a capacity of 3,500.
This year’s lineup features performances from bands such as JET, The Fray, 311, Rilo Kiley, Guster & The Mountain Goats, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, among others.
Be sure to explore the full concert lineup in our Pier 17 guide!
📍 89 South Street
**Explore Cool New Exhibits**
Museum enthusiasts will be delighted to discover a plethora of engaging and thought-provoking exhibits across the city this spring.
Make sure to check out our guide to free museum days to save money while enjoying art.
Here are some of our top picks for exhibits to explore:
**The Met Rooftop: “Ensemble”**
“Ensemble” is the latest exhibit by artist Jennie C. Jones featured on the rooftop of The Met.
Representing her final collection until 2030, these larger-than-life sculptures are inspired by string instruments and evoke a unique sensory experience that engages both the eyes and ears.
📍 1000 5th Avenue
**“Cosmic Splendor” at AMNH**
For those who are fascinated by astronomy and astrology, the American Museum of Natural History presents the stunning “Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry from the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels.”
This exhibit showcases nearly 70 magnificent jewels from the High Jewelry Maison founded in Paris’ Place Vendôme in 1906.
While these pieces have a rich history of 119 years, their allure only increases with time.
📍 200 Central Park West
**“Keff Joons” by CJ Hendry**
CJ Hendry’s latest immersive experience, called “Keff Joons,” playfully pays homage to the balance of lightness and impermanence through the lens of Jeff Koons’ iconic balloon sculptures.
In this intriguing exhibit, guests can walk through a sprawling room filled with massive balloon animals, a fun and whimsical experience for all ages.
📍 50 Gold Street, Brooklyn
**Grab a Bite at This New Food Fest**
Food enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Family Style Food Festival hosted by Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter and popular social media food critic.
Set in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Saturday, May 17th, the festival will feature over 40 different food vendors—including Katz’s Delicatessen, Carmen’s Empanadas, and Fish Cheeks.
Tickets for general admission start at $40.
📍 220 36th Street, Brooklyn
**Prepare for Manhattanhenge**
Mark your calendars for Manhattanhenge, the captivating event when the sun is partially obscured by the horizon and framed perfectly by NYC’s iconic grid, resulting in stunning photo opportunities and breathtaking moments.
Look out for this phenomenon at the end of May.
📍 Various locations
**Attend a Candlelight Concert**
Imagine being surrounded by a strings ensemble, enjoying your favorite songs in a gorgeous venue illuminated by thousands of (faux) candles.
This is the magical experience offered at a Candlelight Concert, hosted at locations throughout the city such as St. Ann’s in Brooklyn Heights.
Prepare for a captivating tribute to popular artists, from Taylor Swift to Metallica, and everything in between!
📍 Various locations
**Embrace the Fun of Dopamine Land**
Step outside reality and channel your inner child as you explore playful projections, interactive displays, and joyful installations at Dopamine Land located in New Jersey at Westfield Garden State Plaza.
Adventure awaits, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
**Reserve a Spot for the Jazz Age Lawn Party**
No time machine is necessary for the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island—this event is a nostalgic celebration of the Roaring 20s.
Head over for live jazz music, vintage clothing vendors, and other delightful snacks from viral food vendors.
This cherished throwback event takes place on June 14th and 15th, as well as August 9th and 10th, so make sure to grab your tickets for one of summer’s must-attend gatherings!
**Listen to Your Favorite Artists with a Broadway Twist**
If you’re a fan of Broadway and popular music, Broadway Sings offers a sensational musical experience by performing songs from beloved artists—including Queen, ABBA, Ariana Grande, and Lady Gaga—thrown into a theatrical performance.
Be sure to attend this unique sound sensation at The Cutting Room.
📍 44 E. 32nd Street
**Get a Taste of Spanish Culture with Authentic Flamenco**
Authentic Flamenco is making a grand return to NYC with shows that promise to be bigger and better than ever before.
Join us at the Angel Orensanz Center on June 6th and 8th to immerse yourself in this extraordinary cultural experience.
Tickets are currently on sale.
**Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month**
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by visiting some of the city’s best AAPI-owned restaurants and businesses.
Be sure to attempt culinary adventures at places such as MáLà Project, Chef Katsu Brooklyn, Ihawan, and Lakruwana.
And don’t miss the newly-opened LIC Food Hall, inspired by Asia’s renowned night markets.
📍 Various locations
**Book a Mother’s Day Brunch**
This May, show appreciation to the special woman in your life by booking a table for Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 11th.
Explore various eateries to find the perfect spot and make your reservations before they fill up!
📍 Various locations
**Celebrate Fleet Week**
Fleet Week is an incredible opportunity to pay tribute to those who serve in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
This annual event takes place at the Intrepid Museum and includes a week of activities and guided tours of various ships.
📍 Pier 86, W 46th Street
**Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend**
As we honor those who serve, Memorial Day Weekend brings a myriad of events, including the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade and the New York Philharmonic Memorial Day Concert.
Additionally, as the unofficial start to summer, expect outdoor activities and gathering for BBQs and festivities galore!
📍 Various locations
**Snap a Photo of Unique Outdoor Art Exhibits**
New York City transforms into an outdoor gallery with numerous art exhibits scattered across its streets.
From the Highline to the Upper West Side, there’s stunning art waiting to be discovered at every turn.
One of our favorites is currently showcasing the work of artist John Chamberlain at 30 Rock, featuring large-scale glittery masterpieces such as FIDDLERSFORTUNE (Pink) (2010), BALMYWISECRACK (Copper) (2010), and RITZFROLIC (Green) (2008), which represent some of his final works before his passing in 2011.
📍 Various locations
**Get Fresh Goods at Your Local Farmers Market**
Spring into healthy eating by visiting NYC’s farmers markets, where you can find a wide array of locally-grown goods.
From seasonal blooms to sweet fruits and vegetables, there’s no better place to stock up for your spring and summer recipes.
📍 Various locations
**Stop By Fun Street Festivals and Night Markets**
City streets are coming alive with vibrant street festivals and night markets, where you can shop for local goods or enjoy delicious global cuisine.
No matter what you’re looking for, NYC has an event that caters to every taste!
📍 Various locations
**See a New Show on Broadway**
Broadway is buzzing with exciting new shows this season, including performances featuring star talents like George Clooney in Good Night, And Good Luck and Nick Jonas in The Last Five Years.
With such a star-studded lineup, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy on the Great White Way.
**Catch a Movie in Theaters**
As you start planning for cinematic adventures, 2025 is set to offer an exciting array of movies—from remakes to new horror flicks, family-friendly animations, and significant action franchise conclusions.
Whether you enjoy thrillers or comedies, this year’s lineup is sure to captivate movie buffs and casual viewers alike.
With so much to see and do, May in NYC is filled with opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
Embrace the season, and make the most out of the vibrant activities that await you!
image source from：https://secretnyc.co/things-to-do-in-may-in-nyc-2025/
