Summer is almost here, and you can certainly get the vibe that New York is ready for warm weather and festival season. May is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some of the many fun festivities happening all over the island.

Taste of the Lower East Side

(May 3) Part tasting event, part block party, the Taste of the Lower East Side celebrates the delicious food and vibrant energy of this iconic neighborhood. Sample bites from all the best LES restaurants, grab a drink at one of the open bars, and enjoy music from some of NYC’s hottest DJs. This really is one of the coolest parties in town.

Cinco de Mayo Party Cruise

(May 5) Hop aboard the Hornblower Serenity Yacht Boat departing from South Street Seaport for one of the best Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Manhattan. The party cruise starts at 10pm and includes a live DJ spinning music on three levels, Corona beer buckets and tasty soft tacos.

Cat Camp

(May 5-6) If you love all things cats, you must make it to Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp, a celebration of felines and feline advocacy. Shop for merchandise, meet your favorite cat celebrities, learn from cat experts and even adopt a new friend. This hugely popular event takes place at Penn Pavilion across the street from Penn Station. General admission tickets for one day are $25 for adults and $13 for kids.

Five Boro Bike Tour

(May 6) Join more than 30,000 cyclists for the Five Boro Bike Tour billed as the bicycle ride of a lifetime. Ride your bike through a traffic-free, 40-mile course through all five boroughs. It’s one of the best ways to get some exercise and see the city. Although standard registration is already closed, you can still register as a VIP or ride in support of one Bike New York’s charity partners.

Neighborhood Movie Night at St. Paul’s Chapel

(May 11) Enjoy a free movie and snacks with friends and neighbors at St. Paul’s Chapel at Trinity Church Wall Street. The final spring showing will be Cool Runnings starring John Candy on May 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the film starting at 7 p.m. All films are suitable for general audiences.

Holi Hai Festival

(May 12) Do you need a little color in your life? Then take the ferry to Governors Island and enjoy Holi Hai, the spring festival that celebrates colors. There will be live music, dancing, food vendors and of course lots of color! Organizers suggest wearing white, and to be prepared to get colorful and messy.

Mother’s Day at the Zoo

(May 13) What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day with your little ones than by sharing an animal adventure at the zoo? The Mother’s Day Celebration at Central Park Zoo gives you and the kids a chance to meet some zoo animal moms and their babies. The $75 admission includes one adult and one child and lets you make treats for the animal moms, go on a scavenger hunt, make a Mother’s Day craft and have a yummy treat.

Japan Day

(May 13) Another fun way to commemorate Mother’s Day is to enjoy Japan Day at Central Park Zoo. This fun and festive event is a celebration of Japanese culture and includes performances, activity tents, delicious food and other attractions suitable for all ages.

Fleet Week

(May 23-29) Now in its 30th year, Fleet Week is an annual week-long event that gives New Yorkers a chance to meet those who serve at sea and visit participating ships. There are also exhibits, concerts and aviation events throughout town during the week.

Central Park Memorial Walk

(May 28) On Memorial Day, join the Central Park Conservancy from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. for a guided walk through the park to honor our veterans. Visit Maine Monument, Merchant’s Gate, Heckscher Ballfields, Red Cross Memorial Flagpole and many more spots that honor and remember those who have served. The cost is free and no registration is required.

More Information

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