Don’t miss out on the OZY Fest for a great day out for the entire family. The festival’s mission is to help New Yorkers and tourists discover new stars and fresh trends, through TV shows, podcasts, stories, and more. Pushing boundaries through culture, the festival is a tailor-made event designed to broaden everything you thought you knew about music and its culture. Official 2022 dates TBA.
You can’t visit New York and escape a baseball game; it’s an iconic tourist activity that’ll leave you with life-long memories. New York Yankees are playing multiple dates in May, so you have got a great chance of sporting tickets for at least one game. For top-tier seats, you’ll need to increase your budget, though no matter where you’re positioned, the atmosphere will be thrilling.
See the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked in the famed Gershwin Theatre for a magical night. The play tells the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West before she was crushed by the house - the struggles she faced growing up in Oz as someone who never fit in. Tickets start at $149 and can be purchased here.
The New York Empire State Tattoo Expo is a convention for everyone and anyone who loves tattoos, including the history and development of them. The entire event celebrates tattoos. Expect tattoo artists all in one location showing their best work to guests, and you can even get tatted when you attend. Tickets are only $39 for the day, or $76 for the weekend.
Your favorite NYC restaurants are battling to claim the fame of having the best margarita in town, and who better to judge them than… You! Let the tequila do the talking and vote for the tastiest drink of the day at the Margarita Rumble. Judging can be hard work, so listen to some live music while you’re at it. Tickets start from $53.
Learn more about Japanese culture at Japan Day in Central Park. Listen to traditional music, try delicious cultural cuisine, and try different activities that are popular in Japan. Get up-to-date information on the official website, such as the musical line-up.
View unique contemporary art pieces at Frieze New York Art Fair. From paintings to sculptures to interactive art, the full range of mediums will be represented, and most installations will be available for purchase if you want to take a masterpiece home. Tickets can be purchased online.
Celebrate the diversity of Manhattan’s culinary scene with the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. Taking place on May 20th and 21st along Ninth Avenue from 42nd Street to 57th Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience delicious ethnic dishes from a wide range of participating merchants. Some top spots to look out for are Gossip Bar & Restaurant, Vivi Bubble Tea, Valhalla Bar 815, and Nizza 630.
On May 20th, Sunset Park will be alive with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Dance Parade. Celebrating its 17th year, watch as colorful floats and costumed dancers will weave through the park, showcasing a variety of dance styles from around the world. In addition to over 10,000 dancers, there will be DJs, live music, and food from various vendors. Guests can also test out their dancing skills by taking dance lessons. Dance Parade is free to the public.
Fleet Week is an annual event where the men and women who served our country are honored by the Coast Guard, the Marine Corps, and the United States Navy. There are a ton of events around this time, like enjoying the Parade of Ships, embarking on a General Public Ship Tour, or watching the Navy Dive Tank in Times Square. Some of the ship tour locations include the Staten Island Homport Pier and Manhattan Pier 88 South. The whole thing lasts from May 24th to May 30th, so there's plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the festivities. Times vary depending on the day and event in question, but in general, most of the scheduled times seem to be between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Remember the fallen on Memorial Day by coming out to see the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the United Military Veterans of Kings County. Other marchers include members of the New York Police and Fire Departments, and various marching bands from Brooklyn high schools. Visit the official website for more information.
