The sun is out, birds are singing, we think we can all agree that winter is finally over.
It's time to get into the sun and explore the city.
From a 5 Boro Bike Ride, Kendrick Lamar, to May staples Fleet Week and Memorial Day, and don't forget all food festivals.
May in the city is always a good time. Check our May guide below for the best way to spend your month.
Tuesday, May 1st
The Hum (House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn @ 7 PM)
LPR presents The Hum at House of Yes, an all-female gender queer concert series that celebrates and nourishes the community of female musicians in NYC.
Featuring Jessica Lea Mayfield, Emily Maxwell, Audrey Whisides, Ana Asnes Becker, OSHUN and many other amazing female and female identifying performers.
Thursday, May 3-6th
The Other Art Fair (72 Noble St, Brooklyn @ Times Vary)
The Other Art Fair is the leading artist fair presented exclusively by Saatchi Art, and it is back at Greenpoint’s Brooklyn Expo Center. It will showcase 130 talented independent artists who were handpicked by a committee of art world experts.
If you’re an art lover, this fair will wow you with a unique and immersive experience.
Friday, May 4th
King Krule (Hammerstein Ballroom, Manhattan @ 8 PM)
King Krule is an English singer and songwriter, and his music is mainly jazz derivatives such as punk, jazz, jazz fusion, and darkwave.
Recently, King Krule released his second full album, “The Ooz,” and has been receiving positive reviews. He was nominated for IMPALA’s European Album of the Year Award.
So, come out and dance along with the soothing vibes London sound.
Saturday, May 5th
Cinco de Mayo Boat Cruise (Skyport Marina, 240 FDR Service Road, Manhattan @ 7:30 PM)
Ready for the summer?
Let’s kick it off with an epic three-hour, Cinco De Mayo sunset cruise party on a 130-foot dual-floored luxury yacht that flows down the East River, under the Brooklyn Bridge, and right past the Statue of Liberty.
Dance the night away to live music by NvR Sleep & DJ Nick Zallo. Fuel up with an open NY Craft Pilsner & IPA beer bar by Bronx Beer Hall and an open Santera Tequila Bar. Plus nosh on a guacamole bar, and 7-layer dip tortilla cups.
Tickets are running out, make sure to grab yours now so you're not celebrating Cinco de Fomo.
Sunday, May 6th
5 Boro Bike Tour (Pier 12, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal)
Come transform lives and community at Bike New York.
32,000 fellow bikers will ride together as well as 100,000+ people who have attended the bike education program.
Tour rides will collect donations for the country’s largest charitable bike ride. It’s gonna be a fun way to make friends and stay healthy. There also will be a finish line festival with artists and DJs such as Dragonfly 13, DJ Kristava, The Rusty Guns, and more!
Don’t have a bike? That’s okay! The event will have other rental resources for you to join and cruise through the streets of NYC.
Monday, May 7th
New York Independent Film Festival (358 West 44th Street, Manhattan @ 6 PM)
The NYC Independent Film Festival is a showcase for the best independent cinemas from NYC and all around the world.
For the past few years, it has embraced fresh ideas, screening over 1200 movies from 61 countries; and the festival is back for its 9th time. Supporting and creating opportunities for true independent filmmakers to mingle and network with the press, supporters, and fans.
Advance Screening: Boom For Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michael Basquiat (308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn @ 6:45 PM)
One of the most inspiring depictions of the Downton New York movie, Sara Driver’s “Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean Michel Basquiat”, is playing at Videology Bar & Cinema.
Delve into the teenage years of cultural icon Basquiat while exploring New York City arts culture of the late 70s and 80s.
Thursday, May 10th
The Secret of Agave Spirits (62 Bayard St, Brooklyn @ 6:30 PM)
Want to know more about tequila, mezcal, and raicilla?
The Museum of Food and Drink will be hosting Los Angeles botanist Rachel Meyer. Guests will have the opportunity to taste some of the distillates, as well as some scientific cocktails prepared by Don Lee of Booker and Dax.
This is one fiesta you won’t want to miss!
Saturday, May 12th
Holy Hai (Governor’s Island, 12pm-7pm)
Translated from Hindi, “Holy Hai” means “It’s Holi”! This festival celebrates the coming of Spring, fruit harvests, unity, and joy.
There will be tons of food, drink, music, and performances to keep you feeling the spirit all day long. Make sure to wear your dancing shoes, and, as always, your good mood!
Saturday, May 12th
New York Taco Takeover (Brooklyn EXPO Center, Brooklyn)
Taco Tuesdays are officially expanding through the weekend with this tasty “fiesta”val!
They’ll have tacos from the best local chefs, as well as an unlimited bar with tequila cocktails and beer. In between all the ingestion, take part in some of the fun activities they’ve got planned, like limbo, hula hooping, and bobbing for churros.
Monday, May 14th
More Life Monday (206 Avenue A, Manhattan, 6 PM)
If you’re looking for the happiest hour in Manhattan, look no further.
Gather at Garrett East to celebrate the end of Aries season and beginning of Spring with killer music, people, and drinks.
Need more incentive? Every Aries will get their first drink free to commemorate their new trip around the sun.
Wednesday, May 16th
The Edgar Allen Poe Festival (Radio Theater, NYC)
Coming upon its 14th season, Radiotheatre has racked up plenty of accolades for its innovative works and performances.
One of its niftiest upcoming endeavors is this tribute to famed poet Edgar Allen Poe. The festival will present 14 classic tales of horror and suspense through storytelling, orchestral music, and heart-pounding sound effects.
Friday, May 18th
New York Guitar Festival (Brookfield Place Winter Guardian, NYC)
Since 1999, the New York Guitar Festival has been a platform for some of the world’s most influential guitarists in the world.
Performing at various venues throughout Manhattan, from Carnegie Hall to the MoMA, the festival features Grammy winners as well as emerging artists in an effort to display a wide range of sounds.
Take your pick and jam during this musical extravaganza!
Saturday, May 19th
NYC Vegetarian Food Fest (Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC)