What to Do in New York City in May 2025
Three John Chamberlain Sculptures Arrive at Rockefeller Center, and It’s the First Time They’ll Be Presented in the U.S.
The Rockefeller Center Guide to Wedding Season in New York
Rough Trade Debuts a New 4,000-Square-Foot Underground Location at Rink Level
The Best Places in New York to Grab Afterwork Drinks
Naturalist Edwin Way Teale may not have been talking about New York City specifically when he famously said “all things seem possible in May,” but he should have been. New Yorkers wait all winter long for this special month, when beaches reopen, flowers bloom, events move outdoors, and the sun finally decides to stay a while.
After an April full of unpredictable weather, May is the time to get merry and moving, whether you’re strolling through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, cycling the Five Boro Bike Tour, running a race on Governors Island, or taking on a scavenger hunt through Central Park. If you prefer to take this season to pause and soak in the springtime glory, you might find yourself the perfect sunset-watching perch during Manhattanhenge or score a seat for happy hour at one of Rockefeller Center’s restaurants with a view. And this time of year, life truly does imitate art, so browse the Frieze New York art fair or the large-scale John Chamberlain sculptures waiting now on Rockefeller Center’s Center Plaza, and start living your most beautiful, creative May life.
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1. Weekends in Bloom at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
April 26-May 11
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden knows that after a long, cold winter, blooming flowers are certainly something to celebrate—and it’s giving New Yorkers the chance to do so every weekend through May 11 with its beloved Weekends in Bloom series. Expect educational garden tours; cultural music and dance from Brazil, India, Japan, and more; interactive fun for kids who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty; and lots of colorful and fragrant flora to admire. You could even experience forest bathing, cheer on a marching band, or visit the Discovery Garden for family-friendly learning. All programming is included for the price of admission.
2. TD Five Boro Bike Tour
May 4
Wide-open city streets with no cars? On May 4, what sounds like a pipe dream becomes reality. At the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, riders will have full access to 40 miles of open roads and traffic-free bridges as they cycle throughout the five boroughs. Not just a fun activity, the bike tour is primarily a fundraising event and one of the world's largest charitable bike rides. Funds go toward bike education and safety programs, and the event also partners with dozens of nonprofits to raise money for causes that range from cancer research to social services. Standard registration costs $168.24, or you can ride for a charity or a team, or sign up as a VIP, which comes with all the merch and lounge access. If you’re more cheerleader than cyclist, joining in the sideline revelry is also a great option.
3. Frieze New York Art Fair
May 7-11
A who’s who of the contemporary art scene, Frieze New York showcases works and activations from more than 65 renowned galleries representing 20-plus countries across the globe, though many of the participants operate at least one art space in New York. The fair is returning to The Shed in Hudson Yards from May 7 to 11 and will include the highly regarded Focus section for young galleries (each showing solo presentations by up-and-coming talent), this year led by curator Lumi Tan. Tickets are on sale now. If you feel inspired to see more, download the Frieze app and head to Rockefeller Center for the guided audio tour of Frieze Sculpture at Rockefeller Center, a free public art display featuring 14 international artists.
4. NYCRUNS Summer Lovin’ 5K and 10K
May 10-11
Rest your legs on the ferry to Governors Island and then get ready to race. Whichever distance you choose, the NYCRUNS Summer Lovin’ 5K and 10K is the perfect way to get an early jump on summer. Soak in those skyline views against a (hopefully) clear blue sky, and you might even forget you’re out of breath. After the race, you’ll find yourself ready to relax in one of the city’s chillest atmospheres, especially if you choose to kick your feet up in Hammock Grove. Your race entry fee comes with a free ferry ride for you and all your cheerleaders, a T-shirt, and a finish line photo. Plus, runners and friends can enjoy Taco Vista specials and drinks, right next to the Manhattan ferry slip.
5. NYCxDesign Festival
May 15-21
Back for its 13th year, the NYCxDesign Festival will present exhibitions, installations, studio tours, talks, and more from May 15 to 21. Celebrating New York City as a global center of design excellence and spreading the belief that “design is for everyone,” the festival spotlights the designers, makers, and manufacturers behind it all. Welcoming thousands of visitors each year for programming throughout all five boroughs, the festival showcases the power of design and its essential role in our city. The festival’s new Keynote speaker series, launched last year, will also be back in 2025, with inspirational chats daily.
6. Manhattanhenge
May 28-29
There may be no moment more wholesome in this city than Manhattanhenge, when New Yorkers actually slow down for once and gather in the streets, just to admire a beautiful sunset. Manhattanhenge is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the sun sets in perfect alignment with Manhattan’s rectangular grid, radiating its golden light upon the city’s streets. It only happens twice per year, for two nights at a time, a few weeks before and after the summer solstice. To see it, park yourself on a numbered street that runs east to west and has unhindered views of the Hudson River. Prime time in 2025 is 8:13 pm ET on May 28 to see a half-sun framed by the city grid, and 8:12 pm ET on May 29 to see the sun in full, according to the American Museum of Natural History.
7. The Amazing Race-Style DIY Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Central Park
Ongoing
Want us to let you in on a little-known secret about New York City’s most famous park? There’s an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt available from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year, and May is the best time to try it out. All you need is a phone and some clever friends. This is a DIY, choose-your-own-adventure type of outing, and you can start in lower Central Park at Columbus Circle or mid Central Park at the Dakota. Then, get your virtual guide for two to five people (20% off with promo code CENTRAL PARK) and start exploring the park’s incredible sights, solving clues, and learning fun facts along the way.
- Arts & Culture04.18.25
![Three sculptures by artist John Chamberlain on view on Center Plaza at Rockefeller Center]()
Arts & Culture04.18.25Three John Chamberlain Sculptures Arrive at Rockefeller Center, and It’s the First Time They’ll Be Presented in the U.S.
- Events04.15.25
![A bride and groom at Top of the Rock]()
Events04.15.25The Rockefeller Center Guide to Wedding Season in New York
- Shopping04.10.25
![Four people inside the photo booth at Rough Trade Below]()
Shopping04.10.25Rough Trade Debuts a New 4,000-Square-Foot Underground Location at Rink Level
- Food & Drinks03.31.25
![A tray with two cocktails from NARO at Rockefeller Center]()
Food & Drinks03.31.25The Best Places in New York to Grab Afterwork Drinks
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