Fun Things To Do in New York This May 2025
There’s something about May in New York that just feels right — longer days, warmer weather, and the city finally stretching its legs after winter. From local street fairs to major cultural events, it’s the time when every neighborhood feels alive with something to see, taste, or experience. Whether you’ve lived here forever or it’s your first time in town, these 15+ fun things to do in New York City this May 2025 are absolutely worth checking out.
Fun Things To Do in New York This May 2025
Japan Day Parade and Street Fair 2025
Celebrate Japanese culture with performances, floats, food, and a street fair around Central Park West. The Japan Day Parade and Street Fair brings together traditional music, dance, and community groups from across the city in a vibrant tribute to Japan’s heritage.
- Website: www.japanparadenyc.org
- Pricing: Free admission
- Date: May 10, 2025 (Saturday), 11 AM – 5 PM
- Location: 72nd Street between Central Park W & Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
NYCxDESIGN Festival 2025
The NYCxDESIGN Festival 2025 transforms the city into a global hub for design with talks, exhibits, and gatherings under the theme “Design is for Everyone”. From keynote panels on AI and wellness to public art installations and international showcases, the week celebrates creativity with purpose.
- Website: www.nycxdesign.org
- Pricing: Most events are free or ticketed separately. Click here for more info
- Date: May 15–21, 2025
- Location: Locations vary across the city
TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2025
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2025 brings together thousands of cyclists for a car-free ride through all five boroughs of New York City. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends community, fitness, and views of the city from a new perspective.
- Website: www.bike.nyc
- Pricing: Registration is required. Get tickets here
- Standard adult & youth costs 162.90 plus processing fees
- VIP registration costs $432.04 plus processing fees
- Date: May 4, 2025 (Sunday), 7:30 AM
- Location: Lower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038
Frieze New York 2025
Frieze New York 2025 brings together over 65 leading contemporary art galleries from more than 25 countries at The Shed. With a strong mix of established names and rising talent through its Focus section, the fair offers a dynamic look at the voices shaping today’s global art scene.
- Website: www.frieze.com
- Pricing: General admission tickets range from $75 to $200. Tickets are $36 for students and youth (ages 12–18) and $10 for children (ages 2–12). Get tickets here
- Date: May 7–11, 2025 (Wednesday-Sunday), 11 AM – 7 PM
- Location: The Shed, 545 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001-1309
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival 2025
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival 2025 is a two-day street fair featuring dozens of vendors, global cuisine, live performances, and cultural displays. It’s a longtime city favorite that celebrates food and community.
- Website: www.ninthavenuefoodfestival.com
- Pricing: Free admission
- Date: May 17–18, 2025 (Saturday-Sunday), 10 AM – 6 PM
- Location: 9th Avenue 42nd to 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-2701
Free Kayaking at Pier 96
Free Kayaking at Pier 96 offers a chance to paddle on the Hudson River at no cost, with all gear and basic instruction provided. It’s a relaxed, beginner-friendly activity run by volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Website: www.downtownboathouse.org
- Pricing: Free on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Date: May 24, 2025 to October 13, 2025, 10 AM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Pier 96 at Hudson River Park, W 55th St, New York, NY 10019
Dance Parade and Dance Fest 2025
Dance Parade and Dance Fest 2025 bursts through the streets of New York with over 10,000 dancers showcasing more than 100 dance styles from around the world. From Afro-Caribbean rhythms to ballet, hip-hop, and Bhangra, the event is a vibrant celebration of movement, culture, and artistic freedom.
- Website: www.danceparade.org
- Pricing: Free to attend
- Date: May 17, 2025 (Saturday), parade begins at 12 PM and dance fest follows from 3 PM – 7 PM
- Location: 5 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011
Rooftop Films Opening Night 2025
Rooftop Films Opening Night 2025 kicks off the season with a curated short film program under the stars at Green-Wood Cemetery. The event launches a month-long celebration of indie cinema at a unique venue unlike anywhere else in the city.
- Website: www.rooftopfilms.com
- Pricing: Tickets are priced at $22.15 plus fees. Get tickets here
- Date: May 16, 2025 (Friday), 7:45 – 10:40 PM
- Location: Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
The RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon is one of the largest half marathons in the United States, drawing thousands of runners each year. The race offers a high-energy course filled with cheering crowds, scenic views, and a strong sense of community.
- Website: www.nyrr.org
- Pricing: Registration is required. Click here for more info
- Date: May 17, 2025 (Saturday), 7 AM
- Location: Prospect Park, 101 Eastern Pkwy, New York City, NY 11238-6001
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is New York City’s largest open-air food market, bringing together dozens of vendors each weekend in World Trade Center, Williamsburg, and Prospect Park. It’s a go-to spot for trying new bites, from trending street food to inventive global flavors, all in a lively, outdoor setting.
- Website: www.smorgasburg.com
- Pricing: Free entry, pay per vendor
- Dates: April 2025 to October 2025
- Fridays at World Trade Center, 11 AM – 6 PM
- Saturdays at Williamsburg, 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sundays at Prospect Park, 11 AM – 6 PM
- Locations:
- World Trade Center: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006
- Williamsburg: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- Prospect Park: Breeze Hill, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Fleet Week New York 2025
Fleet Week New York 2025 brings Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships and service members to the city for a week of public events and military demonstrations. The event honors 250 years of U.S. sea service and offers a unique opportunity to engage with maritime forces and experience their capabilities firsthand.
- Website: www.cnrma.cnic.navy.mil
- Pricing: Free admission
- Date: May 21–27, 2025
- Location: Various locations including Pier 88, New York
FourLeaf Air Show
The FourLeaf Air Show is an annual Memorial Day weekend event featuring thrilling aerobatic performances by military and civilian teams. It’s a spectacular display honoring the bravery of service members, set against the scenic backdrop of Jones Beach.
- Website: www.fourleafairshow.com
- Pricing: Free admission
- Date: May 24–25, 2025 (Saturday-Sunday), 10 AM – 3 PM
- Location: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793
South Bronx Culture Festival 2025
South Bronx Culture Festival 2025 celebrates the diverse cultural roots of the South Bronx through live music, dance, and art representing communities from across Latin America and the Caribbean. This family-friendly event features local artists and interactive activities for attendees of all ages.
- Website: www.casitamaria.org
- Pricing: Free admission
- Dates:
- May 30, 2025 (Friday), 3 PM – 7 PM
- May 31, 2025 (Saturday), 12 PM – 7 PM
- June 1, 2025 (Sunday), 1 PM – 6 PM
- Location: Father Gigante Plaza, 878 Tiffany Street, Bronx, NY 10459
BIG Salsa Festival New York 2025
BIG Salsa Festival New York 2025 brings together salsa lovers for four days of dance workshops, live music, and high-energy socials. Whether you’re new to salsa or a seasoned dancer, the festival offers an inclusive space to learn, connect, and celebrate Latin dance culture.
- Website: www.bigsalsafestival.com
- Pricing: Ticket prices range from $71.21 to $268.61, plus fees and tax. Get tickets here
- Date: May 23–26, 2025 (Friday-Monday), 1 PM – 4 AM
- Location: New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Bronx Night Market
Bronx Night Market is an open-air food and culture market showcasing local vendors, global eats, and live music. It’s a vibrant weekend hangout that celebrates the Bronx’s diversity through food, art, and community events.
- Website: www.bronxnightmarket.com
- Pricing: Free entry, pay per vendor
- Date: May 31, 2025 (Saturday), 12 PM – 7 PM
- Location: 1 E Fordham Plaza The Bronx, NY 10458
New York Philharmonic Free Memorial Day Concert
Each year, the New York Philharmonic presents a free concert at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in honor of Memorial Day. The program features a full evening of classical music performed in one of the city’s most iconic and acoustically rich venues.
- Website: www.nyphil.org
- Pricing: Free admission. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis
- Date: May 27, 2025 (Tuesday), doors will open at 6 PM
- Location: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
LIC Springs! 2025
LIC Springs! 2025 is a neighborhood street festival featuring over 100 local businesses, food vendors, live music, kids’ zones, fitness demos, and interactive art. The event brings the community together for a full day of outdoor fun and creative energy.
- Website: www.longislandcityqueens.com
- Pricing: Free to attend
- Date: May 31, 2025 (Saturday), 12 PM – 5 PM
- Location: Vernon Blvd between 46th & 50th Avenues, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101
New York in May hits a rhythm all its own — street fairs, concerts, outdoor films, and cultural celebrations pack the calendar with things to do. It’s a great time to get out and explore, with something happening in nearly every corner of the city. Mark your favorites, plan ahead, and make the most of the season.
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