Featured Events in New York in May, 2025 (April Updated)

Experience the magic of a magical evening at our Loy Krathong Festival! Join us as we gather at the water's edge to celebrate love, hopes and dreams, all illuminated by the soft glow of floating lanterns.

Experience the magic of a magical evening at our Loy Krathong Festival! Join us as we gather at the water's edge to celebrate love, hopes and dreams, all illuminated by the soft glow of floating lanterns.

Before the world turned upside down... Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and the shadows of the past have a very long reach. From Netflix and the multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions comes Stranger Things: The First Shadow . Winner of two Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment, this landmark production is brought to life by an award-winning creative team including director Stephen Daldry ( The Crown , Billy Elliot , The Inheritance , The Hours , The Reader ) and co-director Justin Martin ( Prima Facie , The Inheritance ). With stunning special effects, extraordinary performances, and a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this gripping, stand-alone adventure will take you right back to the beginnings of the Stranger Things story.

Spring hasn't truly sprung until the Macy's Flower Show opens in midtown. This beautiful (and free!) show at Macy's Herald Square is beloved by locals and visitors. It joins the New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Show and Central Park's cherry blossoms as must-visits for springtime floral fans.

World's Greatest Tattoo Art Festival May 9th-11th 2025 at the NYC Midtown Manhattan. Meet & get tattooed by world famous tattoo artists, meet Inkmaster artists as seen on TV, shop unique fashion, jewelry & art, see burlesque performances, take seminars and enjoy live entertainment by Coney Island Sideshow Circus, plus lots more! Take part in giveaways and tattoo contests; shop, meet new friends..have fun. Watch world renowned tattoo artists & painters from around the world gather to create tattoo art so incredible, you have to see to believe it..plus get tattooed yourself. Vendors & sponsors include Maluma's Contraluz Cristalino Mezcal, Mexico’s first company that produces cristalino mezcal, World Famous Tattoo Supply, Hustle Butter Deluxe, FK Irons, Bishop Rotary, Cam Supply, Gorilla Gloves, Tatu Derm and More The NY Empire State Tattoo Expo Presented by Allegory Ink will take place at the NYC Midtown Hilton, Hosted by Stefano Alcantra, Megan Massacre & Yomico. Children 12 and under are free admission. The NYC Tattoo Convention, the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo Opens Friday May 9th at 4pm, open til midnite Saturday May 10th opens 12pm to midnite Sunday May 11th opens 12pm to 7pm See You There! Information Source: NY Empire State Tattoo Expo | eventbrite

Eight-time GRAMMY®-nominated diamond-certified iconAvril Lavigneannounced the 2025 extension of her highly successful, sold-out Greatest Hits Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 19-date tour kicks off on Sunday, May 18 in Moncton, NB at Avenir Centre, with additional stops across the U.S. and Canada in Halifax, New York, Columbus, St. Louis, Jacksonville, and more before wrapping up on Friday, June 27 in Bethel, NY at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Notably, the run of dates includes a massive stadium performance at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA, and a show at the legendaryMadison Square Garden in New York, NY.Special guestsSimple Planwill join Avril on all U.S. dates, whileFefe Dobsonwill join on all Canadian dates.We The Kingswill join on select U.S. and Canada dates. The Greatest Hits tour will again see Avril perform her biggest songs to-date including the RIAA 3x platinum-certified “Complicated,” the 2x platinum-certified “Sk8er Boi,” the 2x platinum-certified “Girlfriend,” the platinum-certified “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” and many more from her record-breaking catalog. The highliy anticipatedAvril Lavigne’s The Greatest Hits Tour in New Yorkwill take place in New York on 30 May 2025 at Madison Square Garden.

Spring hasn't truly sprung until the Macy's Flower Show opens in midtown. This beautiful (and free!) show at Macy's Herald Square is beloved by locals and visitors. It joins the New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Show and Central Park's cherry blossoms as must-visits for springtime floral fans.

Calling all adventurers! Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world’s greatest roleplaying game in the most epic way imaginable. Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an interactive adventure live on stage for you and 500 of your newest friends. Control the quest as you journey through an ever-changing campaign set in the heart of the Forgotten Realms. Find a new home at the Tavern, where laughter flows like ale and your new best companion is right beside you. Solve puzzles, explore hidden secrets, and conquer in action – this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for! Will your choices help restore the magic of the Forgotten Realms? Or will the world of your story crumble into chaos? Gather your party, roll for initiative, and become a hero in a theatrical experience like nothing else in the world. 2 hours and 30 minutes including 15 minute intermission

In East Asian cultures, the arts of poetry, calligraphy, and painting are traditionally referred to as the “Three Perfections.” This exhibition presents over 160 rare and precious works—all created in Japan over the course of nearly a millennium—that showcase the power and complexity of the three forms of art. Examples include folding screens with poems brushed on sumptuous decorated papers, dynamic calligraphy by Zen monks of medieval Kyoto, hanging scrolls with paintings and inscriptions alluding to Chinese and Japanese literary classics, ceramics used for tea gatherings, and much more. The majority of the works are among the more than 250 examples of Japanese painting and calligraphy donated or promised to The Met by Mary and Cheney Cowles, whose collection is one of the finest and most comprehensive assemblages of Japanese art outside Japan.

In East Asian cultures, the arts of poetry, calligraphy, and painting are traditionally referred to as the “Three Perfections.” This exhibition presents over 160 rare and precious works—all created in Japan over the course of nearly a millennium—that showcase the power and complexity of the three forms of art. Examples include folding screens with poems brushed on sumptuous decorated papers, dynamic calligraphy by Zen monks of medieval Kyoto, hanging scrolls with paintings and inscriptions alluding to Chinese and Japanese literary classics, ceramics used for tea gatherings, and much more. The majority of the works are among the more than 250 examples of Japanese painting and calligraphy donated or promised to The Met by Mary and Cheney Cowles, whose collection is one of the finest and most comprehensive assemblages of Japanese art outside Japan.

Eight-time GRAMMY®-nominated diamond-certified iconAvril Lavigneannounced the 2025 extension of her highly successful, sold-out Greatest Hits Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the 19-date tour kicks off on Sunday, May 18 in Moncton, NB at Avenir Centre, with additional stops across the U.S. and Canada in Halifax, New York, Columbus, St. Louis, Jacksonville, and more before wrapping up on Friday, June 27 in Bethel, NY at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Notably, the run of dates includes a massive stadium performance at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA, and a show at the legendaryMadison Square Garden in New York, NY.Special guestsSimple Planwill join Avril on all U.S. dates, whileFefe Dobsonwill join on all Canadian dates.We The Kingswill join on select U.S. and Canada dates. The Greatest Hits tour will again see Avril perform her biggest songs to-date including the RIAA 3x platinum-certified “Complicated,” the 2x platinum-certified “Sk8er Boi,” the 2x platinum-certified “Girlfriend,” the platinum-certified “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” and many more from her record-breaking catalog. The highliy anticipatedAvril Lavigne’s The Greatest Hits Tour in New Yorkwill take place in New York on 30 May 2025 at Madison Square Garden.

In the heart of New York City, the Richard Rodgers Theatre proudly presents the musical “Hamilton”. This highly anticipated event will captivate audiences from now on. Experience the captivating story of Hamilton, an extraordinary musical that delves into the life of a remarkable Founding Father. With an insatiable hunger for success and a relentless ambition, Hamilton defies all odds to leave an indelible mark on the new nation. From his humble beginnings as an orphan to becoming George Washington's trusted right-hand man, Hamilton's journey takes him from rebel to war hero. Amidst his rise to power, he becomes entangled in the first-ever sex scandal of the country, all while serving as the head of the Treasury and instilling faith in the American economy. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating storytelling of this critically acclaimed musical. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this extraordinary musical “Hamilton” live on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. Get your tickets now on Trip.com for an unforgettable journey into the world of Hamilton.

Over the course of forty years, Lea R. Sneider (1925–2020) formed a significant collection of Korean art that challenged established norms. While appreciating literati art, she was particularly drawn to lively and colorful forms connected to everyday life, resulting in a diverse collection that illustrates Korea’s vibrant material culture. This exhibition features a substantial gift and loans from the Lea R. Sneider Collection, generously provided by her children. Through approximately 100 pieces from the fifth century to the present, Including paintings, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and funeral and ritual objects, the exhibition highlights the pervasiveness of auspicious symbolism and the unpretentious dynamism in Korean art. Sneider has said that the works reflect the vitality and warmth of the people who engaged with them, a sentiment that her collection, with its emphasis on cultural and everyday relevance, underscores.

This exhibition features more than 500 works of art and writing by New York City teens who received the highest regional recognition in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards—the Gold Key Award. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States. The Met is honored to host this annual exhibition and celebrate the creativity of these young artists. This year more than 2,500 students in grades 7 to 12 entered nearly 14,800 works to the New York City Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, encompassing nearly 250 schools in all five boroughs. In addition, more than 200 literary and visual arts professionals served as judges, selecting works based on originality, skill, and emergence of a personal voice or vision.

How do elephants “hear” with their feet? Use the 40,000 muscles in their trunks? Or reshape the forests and savannas they live in, creating an environment upon which many other species rely? The Secret World of Elephants reveals new science about both ancient and modern elephants, including elephants’ extraordinary minds and senses, why they’re essential to the health of their ecosystems, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to their survival.

How do elephants “hear” with their feet? Use the 40,000 muscles in their trunks? Or reshape the forests and savannas they live in, creating an environment upon which many other species rely? The Secret World of Elephants reveals new science about both ancient and modern elephants, including elephants’ extraordinary minds and senses, why they’re essential to the health of their ecosystems, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to their survival.

Emmy® and Golden Globe Award® winner Darren Criss ( Little Shop of Horrors ) returns to Broadway alongside Helen J Shen in the new romantic musical comedy Maybe Happy Ending . Inside a one-room apartment on the outskirts of Seoul, Oliver lives a happily quiet life, listening to jazz records and caring for his favorite plant. But what else is there to do when you’re a Helperbot 3, a robot that has long been retired and considered obsolete? When his fellow Helperbot neighbor Claire asks to borrow his charger, what starts as an awkward encounter leads to a unique friendship, a surprising adventure, and maybe even…love? Winner of the Richard Rodgers Award, Maybe Happy Ending is the offbeat and captivating story of two outcasts near the end of their warranty who discover that even robots can be swept off their feet. Helmed by visionary director and Tony Award® winner Michael Arden ( Parade , Once on This Island ), with a dazzling scenic design by Dane Laffrey ( A Christmas Carol ) and book, music, and lyrics by the internationally acclaimed duo Will Aronson and Hue Park, Maybe Happy Ending is a fresh, original musical about the small things that make any life worth living. 100 minutes, no intermission

Before the world turned upside down... Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and the shadows of the past have a very long reach. From Netflix and the multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions comes Stranger Things: The First Shadow . Winner of two Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment, this landmark production is brought to life by an award-winning creative team including director Stephen Daldry ( The Crown , Billy Elliot , The Inheritance , The Hours , The Reader ) and co-director Justin Martin ( Prima Facie , The Inheritance ). With stunning special effects, extraordinary performances, and a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this gripping, stand-alone adventure will take you right back to the beginnings of the Stranger Things story.

Spring hasn't truly sprung until the Macy's Flower Show opens in midtown. This beautiful (and free!) show at Macy's Herald Square is beloved by locals and visitors. It joins the New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Show and Central Park's cherry blossoms as must-visits for springtime floral fans.

Explore Ryan Garcia v Rolando Romero sporting information for 2nd May, as well as links for Boxing tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. TheBoxing team Ryan Garcia is one of the most highly-regarded professional boxing teams in the world. Based in Los Angeles, California, the team is known for producing top-tier boxers and has a winning record in both national and international competitions. Led by the talented and charismatic Ryan Garcia himself, the team has garnered numerous awards and accolades, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the boxing world. With a roster of skilled athletes, including rising stars like King Ryan himself, the team boasts an impressive win record and has captured countless titles and championships. Their home stadium, the Staples Center in downtown LA, is known for hosting some of the most highly-anticipated matches in the sport. With a strong history of success and a dedicated fan base, the Ryan Garcia Boxing team continues to make waves in the world of boxing and shows no signs of slowing down. The Boxing team Rolando Romero, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a rising force in the world of professional boxing. The team has competed in various high-profile tournaments, including the prestigious Olympic Games and World Championships. Led by the undefeated fighter, Rolando Romero, the team has achieved numerous accolades and titles, solidifying their place as top contenders in the sport. The team also boasts a talented roster of players, each with their own unique strengths and abilities. Their home base, the famous T-Mobile Arena, is a state-of-the-art facility known for hosting some of the biggest boxing events in the world. With a record of determination and success, the Rolando Romero Boxing team continues to captivate audiences and leave their mark in the boxing world. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

How do elephants “hear” with their feet? Use the 40,000 muscles in their trunks? Or reshape the forests and savannas they live in, creating an environment upon which many other species rely? The Secret World of Elephants reveals new science about both ancient and modern elephants, including elephants’ extraordinary minds and senses, why they’re essential to the health of their ecosystems, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to their survival.

This groundbreaking exhibition explores the everyday clothing of ordinary women, from worn-out housecoats to psychedelic micro miniskirts and modern suits to the uniforms of fast-food workers. On view in the Joyce B. Cowin Women’s History Gallery and featuring objects from Smith College’s Historical Costume Collection on display for the first time in a museum, the exhibition traces how women’s roles have changed and evolved across race and class over the decades. Each garment holds a rich story about the women who wore it and made it, the materials used, and the context of place and time. Whether homemade or ready-made, many of the garments on display are modest and inexpensive, rarely preserved or displayed in a museum setting. Some are one-of-a-kind pieces; others are examples of clever makeshift pieces, and many were influenced by the popular styles and trends of their day. Visitors to Real Clothes, Real Lives will learn about the "real" women who worked and dressed in America for two centuries.

Otobong Nkanga has changed the way we understand the Earth and our place in it. “Humans are only a small, minute part of the ecosystem,” the artist has said. “My works connect us to our shared histories, not just through land and geography, but through emotions shaped by events and encounters. These are the cadences of life.” Otobong Nkanga: Cadence presents a new commission by the artist: an all-encompassing environment of tapestry, sculpture, sound, and text that explores the turbulent rhythms of nature and society. Created specifically for MoMA’s Marron Family Atrium, the installation centers on a monumental, multi-paneled tapestry that suggests sprawling ecosystems and galaxies.

What belongs in a museum, and who decides? How can we be more democratic in defining value? As a leading arbiter of taste, style, and form, The Museum of Modern Art played an instrumental role in shaping the history of modern design. Norman Teague invites us to reimagine the past by moving beyond "good modern design" as defined by institutions like MoMA. Drawing inspiration from artists and designers traditionally excluded from museums, and assisted by generative AI, he offers a reinterpretation of design history. These reimaginings—posters and full-scale prototypes shown alongside objects from MoMA’s collection—foreground makers of color and embody the cooperative, inventive spirit that guides Norman Teague Design Studios. Teague balances reverence for design innovation with an acknowledgment of the power dynamics that shaped it. With the rise of AI forcing a wholesale reevaluation of human creativity, he reminds us of the creative potential of inviting a diversity of voices into the chorus. As in a musical jam session, collaboration, respect, and improvisation bring us back to the question that sparks every act of imagination—the what if—inviting us to contemplate both the past and the future as realms of boundless possibility.

Featuring 25 site-specific, newly commissioned installations, Making Home—Smithsonian Design Triennial explores design’s role in shaping the physical and emotional realities of home across the United States, US Territories, and Tribal Nations. The exhibition is the seventh offering in the museum’s Design Triennial series, which was established in 2000 to address the most urgent topics of the time through the lens of design.

More than a hundred remarkable objects from the Heber Bishop collection, including carvings of jade, the most esteemed stone in China, and many other hardstones, are on view in this focused presentation. The refined works represent the sophisticated art of Chinese gemstone carvers during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) as well as the highly accomplished skills of Mogul Indian (1526–1857) craftsmen, which provided an exotic inspiration to their Chinese counterparts. Also on view are a set of Chinese stone-working tools and illustrations of jade workshops, which will introduce the traditional method of working jade.

Artists and artisans have been intrigued and inspired by the topic of death and visions of life thereafter for millennia. Afterlives: Contemporary Art in the Byzantine Crypt brings together modern-day works that reckon with death and visualize the afterlife and Byzantine Egyptian funeral art and artifacts in part of the Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries known as the Byzantine Crypt (Gallery 302). The intimate and enchanting gallery with exposed brick walls and arched portals was unveiled in the year 2000 after a renovation that reclaimed the space beneath the Museum’s Grand Staircase. In this transhistorical presentation, the Byzantine Crypt’s religious and secular jewelry, textiles, ivory objects, vessels, and architectural sculpture from Early Christian and Coptic monastic sites are complemented and enriched by contemporary sculptures, works on paper, and installations from the 1960s to present day that similarly serve as memorials, reliquaries, and tokens to ward off evil.

This exhibition features more than 500 works of art and writing by New York City teens who received the highest regional recognition in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards—the Gold Key Award. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States. The Met is honored to host this annual exhibition and celebrate the creativity of these young artists. This year more than 2,500 students in grades 7 to 12 entered nearly 14,800 works to the New York City Region of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, encompassing nearly 250 schools in all five boroughs. In addition, more than 200 literary and visual arts professionals served as judges, selecting works based on originality, skill, and emergence of a personal voice or vision.