Fun Events, Parties, and Things To Do in NYC in May 2025 (with Free Events!)
From Mother’s Day and the Met Gala to a galaxy of art shows, May in New York City is serving red carpet energy and spring garden fantasies—your calendar’s about to get very full. There’s plenty to do in NYC in May 2025.
Evelyn Mê-Linh Graduate Recital: Love Never Dies
Evelyn Mê-Linh. Image via the artist.
What is it: A hauntingly beautiful evening of music theatre and operatic selections led by soprano Evelyn Mê-Linh, known for roles like Cinderella (Into the Woods), Rosalba (Florencia en el Amazonas), and Juliette (Romeo et Juliette). Joined by pianists Mason Margut, Sue-Hee Hong, and Ella Jurusz, this NYU graduate recital promises both technical brilliance and heart-wrenching drama, featuring selections that span genres and languages. With a resumé that includes performances at the Kennedy Center, The Met, and Open Jar Studios, this is a rising talent worth witnessing.
Why go: It’s not every day you get to hear a soprano who can both belt Christine from Phantom and sing Manon without blinking. The program title hints at emotional excess—in the best way. Plus, it’s free.
What’s involved: Expect a curated lineup of dramatic solos, nuanced storytelling, and the kind of musical moments that linger. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.
Thursday, May 1st, 2025 from 8:00 PM at Room 303, 35 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014. Information and free RSVP here.
Spring Is Blooming at Rockefeller Center
A past performance at Spring Is Blooming at Rockefeller Center. Image: Van Cleef & Arpels.
What is it: Rockefeller Center bursts into bloom with a whimsical French twist, courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels and artist Alexandre Benjamin Navet. The iconic plaza transforms into a playful sketchbook-meets-garden scene with towering sculptures, pastel installations, and charming vignettes. Free daily programming includes live painting by New York Academy of Art, poetry readings by Guggenheim and the Academy of American Poets, contemporary dance, storytime, and spontaneous spring-themed giveaways while supplies last.
Why go: It’s Rockefeller Center reimagined as a joyful Parisian daydream. Expect cultural performances, interactive art, and unexpected surprises—all designed to charm your inner flower child.
What’s involved: Stroll through the transformed Channel Gardens and Summer Rink, take in performances and readings on select weekends, and catch impromptu moments of delight curated by some of NYC’s most beloved cultural institutions.
Saturday, May 3 to Sunday, May 18, 2025 open daily; special weekend programming runs 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan. Information and events here.
MET Gala Red Carpet Viewing at Fouquet’s New York
Fouquet’s Cannes Cinema. Image: Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York.
What is it: A front-row seat to fashion’s biggest night, without needing to brave the steps of the Met. Celebrate the first Monday in May in cinematic style at Fouquet’s Cannes Cinema room. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, signature light bites, and a curated flow of champagne, wine, and movie snacks while watching the Vogue.com livestream of the MET Gala red carpet on the big screen.
Why go: Impeccable French hospitality, excellent lighting, and a plush interior design. Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York has quickly become a magnet for celebrities seeking Parisian elegance in the heart of Tribeca. Notable figures such as Taylor Swift, Sophie Turner, and Blake Lively have been spotted dining at the hotel's brasserie.
What’s involved: Cocktail hour with light bites served through 8:00 PM. The livestream kicks off during the soirée.
Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM onward at Fouquet’s, TriBeCa. Information and reservations here.
The Culinary Institute of America Leadership Awards
The Culinary Institute of America Leadership Awards. Image: Kevin Paige.
What is it: A prestigious evening celebrating the leaders and legends of the culinary world, all while supporting future culinary talent. This annual event, hosted by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), raises critical funds for scholarships that will help students reach their full potential in the food and hospitality industry. Guests will be treated to a reception featuring top-tier dishes from renowned chefs, followed by a gala dinner, awards presentation, and dessert reception. The night culminates with an exciting online auction featuring luxury food, travel, and hospitality experiences.
Why go: An evening that blends culinary excellence with philanthropy, this event not only honors some of the industry's most influential figures, like Marcus Samuelsson and Elizabeth Blau, but also plays a pivotal role in securing the future of tomorrow’s culinary leaders. Expect a room full of heavy-hitters from the world of food, hospitality, and high society, plus plenty of surprises and high-end auction items to bid on. Your ticket supports a worthy cause and promises a night of unforgettable experiences.
What’s involved: Reception, gala dinner, awards ceremony, dessert reception, and live online auction.
Dress code: Cocktail attire.
Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:00 PM at Ziegfeld Ballroom, 141 W. 54th Street, NYC. Information and tickets here.
R U STILL PAINTING??? Exhibition by FALCON Art Collective
What is it: A bold, sprawling exhibition that revives the rebellious spirit of New York’s early 2000s art scene, transforming 40,000 square feet of unfinished corporate space into a gritty, raw gallery. Hosted by FALCON Art Collective, the show confronts the digital era’s "post-truth" culture and brings back the tactile, human nature of painting. Artists from diverse backgrounds challenge today’s sanitized art world, reclaiming creative spaces and pushing boundaries through imperfect, visceral works of art.
Why go: This isn’t just another art show—it's a return to freedom. The question “R U STILL PAINTING???” isn’t posed to the artists, but to the disembodied world of digital culture, offering an ironic yet earnest response. It’s an exhibition of unapologetic spontaneity, featuring over 40 talented artists, from rising stars to seasoned veterans. Past art-world rebels, memorable warehouse pop-ups, and unlikely collaborations set the stage for a night of inspired rebellion and refreshing unpredictability. Plus, it's all happening in a disused, corporate space that's as raw as the art itself.
What’s involved: Live painting, performances, pop-up art showcases, and the chance to mingle with the city's artistic underground.
Tuesday, May 6th through Sunday, June 1st, 2025 from 12:00 PM- 5:00 PM daily at 520 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018, 15th Floor. Information and RSVP here.
Frieze New York 2025
Frieze New York. Image: Casey Kelbaugh.
What is it: Returning to The Shed for another stellar edition, Frieze is bringing together over 65 highly-vetted contemporary art galleries from more than 25 countries. This year’s fair showcases premier international names alongside New York’s best, offering a dynamic selection of contemporary works. With new voices in the art world, a spotlight on emerging galleries, and celebrated pieces from established masters, this event promises to deepen your appreciation for the ever-evolving art scene. Special sections like Focus provide a platform for young galleries, with immersive and thought-provoking presentations that highlight urgent social issues.
Why go: If you want to immerse yourself in the future of art, this is the place to be. Frieze New York is a meeting point for the most influential artists, curators, and collectors from around the globe. With exciting new installations, powerful showcases from rising stars, and works from legends like Marcus Samuelsson, this fair is as much about discovery as it is about experience. It’s not just an event—it’s a chance to engage with the conversations that are shaping art today.
Ruinart Presents Conversations with Nature at Frieze
Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, has long fostered a dialogue with nature. As part of Ruinart’s Conversations with Nature series, attendees can witness artist Sam Falls brings his creative vision to Frieze New York. Falls creates works in direct connection with the elements, incorporating organic materials into his paintings to capture nature and reflect on the relationship with the environment.
See Sam Fall’s work from Tuesday, May 7th through Saturday, May 11, 2025 in the Ruinart Art Lounge.
What’s involved: Solo presentations, large-scale installations, and interactive video works, plus special events throughout Frieze Week.
Tuesday, May 7 through Sunday, May 11, 2025, daily at The Shed. Information and tickets here.
Opening hours:
Wednesday Preview, May 7 (invitation only): 11am – 7pm
Thursday Preview, May 8: 11am – 7pm
Friday, May 9: 11am – 7pm
Saturday, May 10: 11am – 7pm
Sunday, May 11: 11am – 5pm
TEFAF New York Art Fair
TEFAF New York Art Fair. Image via The Design Release.
What is it: A gathering of 91 world-class exhibitors showcasing modern and contemporary art, jewelry, antiquities, and design. Hosted within the historic Park Avenue Armory, this prestigious event transforms the space into a dynamic exhibition of global talent. Exclusive curated displays in the Armory’s period rooms and a vast hall filled with artistic marvels offer a rare glimpse into the finest collections from around the world.
Why go: This fair is the ultimate destination for collectors and art lovers, featuring some of the world’s most renowned galleries and dealers. Past exhibitors have included names like Gagosian and David Zwirner, while AXA XL and Bank of America continue their strong support. The perfect blend of old-world elegance and cutting-edge art is bound to impress anyone with a passion for culture and creativity.
What’s involved: Exhibit tours, private previews, art sales, curated displays.
Thursday, May 8th through Tuesday, May 13, 2025 daily at the Park Avenue Armory. Information and tickets here.
Opening Hours:
Thursday Preview, May 8 (invitation only)
Friday, May 9, 11am–7pm
Saturday, May 10, 11am–7pm
Sunday, May 11, 11am–7pm
Monday, May 12, 11am–7pm
Tuesday, May 13, 11am–6pm
69th Viennese Opera Ball at Cipriani 42nd Street
The 68th Viennese Opera Ball. Image: David Plakke for The Viennese Opera Ball.
What is it: A formal celebration under the patronage of the Austrian President, this black-tie evening brings Old World glamour to Midtown. Organized by the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce, the event benefits the music therapy program at Memorial Sloan Kettering with support from Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation. This year, the ball honors the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II with a slate of opera, ballet, and Viennese tradition.
Why go: Waltzing at midnight? Yes. A full orchestra, opera stars, and a Tanzbar until 2AM? Also yes. The night includes performances by ABT’s Christine Shevchenko, Grammy-winner J’Nai Bridges, and a string of impressive international vocalists. This is New York’s most serious excuse to wear a long white gown and curtsey under chandeliers.
What’s involved: Reception, performances, formal dinner, auction, midnight Quadrille, late-night DJ.
Dress code: White tie. Long ball gown. Decorations encouraged.
Friday, May 9, 2025 from 8:00 PM until late at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York, NY. Information and tickets here.
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at The Met
What is it: This new exhibition explores the cultural evolution of the Black dandy, a sartorial symbol from the 18th century to the present. The exhibition examines how this figure transformed from an imposed role in Europe during the Enlightenment to a powerful symbol of Black identity and autonomy across cosmopolitan cities like New York, London, and Paris. With historical and contemporary garments, as well as artworks from literature, music, and visual arts, this groundbreaking exhibition showcases the political, aesthetic, and cultural dimensions of Black dandyism.
Why go: This exhibition is a celebration of style as power and the showcase influencing the dress code of the legendary Met Gala. Witness how fashion, gesture, and wit have helped redefine Black identity throughout history. From the figure of the Black dandy’s origins to its modern-day manifestations, it offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection of race, class, and gender through the lens of fashion. Featuring works from influential figures like Torkwase Dyson, Tyler Mitchell, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams, it’s an experience that combines history, culture, and cutting-edge style. Gain insights into the political and aesthetic significance of Black dandyism.
What’s involved: A dazzling collection of historical and contemporary garments, multimedia art, and the works of renowned Black designers.
Saturday, May 10 through Sunday, October 26, 2025 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Information and tickets here.
Opening Hours:
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, 10:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday, closed
Friday and Saturday, 11:00am-9:00pm
Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch at The Mark Restaurant
The Mark Hotel Dining room. Image via The Mark Hotel.
What is it: A Mother’s Day tradition for the Upper East Side set, this multi-course brunch is hosted inside The Mark Hotel’s elegant dining room. Jean-Georges leads the kitchen with a spring-forward menu designed for those who take their pea fritters seriously. It's one of the more polished (and pricey) ways to celebrate Mom over a white tablecloth.
Why go: The $218 price tag comes with caviar, lobster tartine, and a dessert cart that leans heavy on seasonal indulgence. The Mark is reliable for its quiet luxury vibe—expect smooth service, soft lighting, and maybe a celebrity or two in the corner booth. It’s fancy, but familiar.
What’s involved: Prix fixe brunch, curated menu, optional wine pairings.
Dress code: Smart brunch attire.
Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 11:00 AM at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, 25 E 77th St, New York, NY. Information and reservations here.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour at MetLife Stadium
What is it: Queen Bey rides again—this time on horseback. Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed Cowboy Carter Tour gallops into MetLife Stadium for a historic five-night run, culminating in a final showdown on May 29. The show celebrates her genre-bending eighth studio album that blends country, folk, psychedelic soul, and Texas radio nostalgia. Expect powerful vocals, high drama, and jaw-dropping stage design—plus cameos (virtual or otherwise) from Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
Why go: She’s the most awarded artist in Grammy history. She made history again with Cowboy Carter topping the Country charts. Now she’s giving us a rodeo rave you’ll tell your grandchildren about. You don’t want to be the only one without glitter in your boots.
What’s involved: Concert.
Dress code: Western glam.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 7:00 PM onward at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ. Information and tickets here.
