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

Playful, kinetic, and full of surprises, Songs of New York is an immersive interactive experience that introduces visitors to a full range of music from and about New York City, from the 1920s to the 2020s, showcasing everything from be-bop to K-pop, across genres, boroughs, and musical movements. Songs of New York will be installed in a dedicated gallery on the Museum’s second floor in February 2025. Featuring music from 100 artists, programmed with both sound and visuals, Songs of New York reflects on topics like the subway, apartments, nightlife, and neighborhoods, toggling through acts as diverse as Susanne Vega, Tito Puente, Merle Haggard, LCD Soundsystem, Yoko Ono, Lil’ Kim, and many, many others. The interactive experience will be paired with original photography from the MCNY collection, including works by notable photographers including Allan Tannenbaum, Joe Conzo, Fred W. McDarrah, and Janette Beckman, who captured images of NYC icons such as Blondie, LL Cool J, and the Velvet Underground that celebrate the city’s longstanding role as a place for music making and a source of inspiration for artists across the five boroughs.

The Lion King Show is an exceptional event that takes place in the vibrant city of New York. Held at the renowned Minskoff Theatre, this show promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. From now on, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of The Lion King. Based on the 1994 Disney film and the original book by Roger and Erin, the musical won an Oscar for the song Can You Feel the Love Tonight. This remarkable production showcases the timeless tale of Simba, the young lion prince, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage. This visual feast successfully blends animals, puppets and real people seamlessly and is loved by audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event, Trip.com offers a wide range of ticketing options. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Minskoff Theatre and witness the magic unfold before your eyes. Whether you are a fan of the original animated film or a newcomer to the story, this show guarantees to leave you in awe.

Organized by the New Art Dealers Alliance, the fair primarily showcases the work of emerging artists and small galleries, continually meeting the needs of exhibitors and the art world at large by creatively reinventing the experience and presentation of art in a fair setting.

DIMENSIONS OF SOUND - MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH SPACE AND TIME “The ear lies nearest to the human soul.” (Johann Gottfried Herder, „Kritische Wälder”, 1769 ) The House of Music, Hungary is a tree of life in the heart of Városliget, with a trunk, and a crown of golden leaves on slender branches. We are standing here by its roots, which provide the institution with its spiritual sustenance. The roots are entwined, like a labyrinth, and we walk among them. Our journey begins far back in time and space, back at the birth of music itself where we can grasp the roots of Hungarian folk music and European music. Progressing through the centuries, we will follow the development of music, discovering what a series of organised tones has meant to mankind, with the emphasis on Hungarians in the light—or sometimes the shadow—of Europe. Through the language of music, the exhibition speaks for itself: Everywhere we go, we hear music playing; the subject of the exhibition is music itself. Quoting Shakespeare, we might say, “Mark the music!” Mark not only the music coming from the headphones, but also the music around and within you. When you reach the end of the path, the modern day, many sounds will have been etched into your heart and mind: music to take home with you, the music of ancient times.

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.

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.

Back to the Future the Musical is an extraordinary event taking place at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. From now on, immerse yourself in this captivating experience. “Back to the Future: The Musical” is an extraordinary stage adaptation of the beloved 1985 sci-fi masterpiece “Back to the Future”. Transporting audiences through time, this captivating production follows the thrilling journey of Marty McFly. With the aid of a remarkable DeLorean time machine, invented by his ingenious friend, Marty ventures from the year 1985 to the enchanting era of 1955. Along this extraordinary odyssey, he encounters his own parents during their teenage years, facing the pivotal task of ensuring their destined love and unity, ultimately safeguarding his very existence in the future. Experience the awe-inspiring magic of the theater “Back to the Future: The Musical” Secure your tickets on Trip.com now for an unforgettable journey through time and witness the enthralling attractions that await.

Coinciding with The Noguchi Museum’s 40th anniversary in 2025, works from the Museum’s original second floor installation will return to those galleries for the first time since 2009. Against Time is curated by Matthew Kirsch, Noguchi Museum Curator and Director of Research. Against Time uses as its basis the catalogue The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1987), written by Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) as a guide to works in the Museum in place of traditional wall labels, which was in turn used to define the Museum’s permanent collection after his death in December 1988. This original installation consisted of sculptures that had accumulated before and after Noguchi’s move to his 10th Street studio in Long Island City in 1961. Noguchi considered a number of these to be personal breakthroughs, works that represented significant turns and returns within his cyclical practice over the course of six decades. Against Time could never replicate Noguchi’s exact vision for these galleries, as they have since been repartitioned after renovations in the early 2000s. Rather, this installation is a distillation of various phases from 1985–88, adapted and reimagined according to archival photographs documenting how Noguchi assiduously arranged and rearranged his works in different constellations in the first years of the Museum.

Coinciding with The Noguchi Museum’s 40th anniversary in 2025, works from the Museum’s original second floor installation will return to those galleries for the first time since 2009. Against Time is curated by Matthew Kirsch, Noguchi Museum Curator and Director of Research. Against Time uses as its basis the catalogue The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1987), written by Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) as a guide to works in the Museum in place of traditional wall labels, which was in turn used to define the Museum’s permanent collection after his death in December 1988. This original installation consisted of sculptures that had accumulated before and after Noguchi’s move to his 10th Street studio in Long Island City in 1961. Noguchi considered a number of these to be personal breakthroughs, works that represented significant turns and returns within his cyclical practice over the course of six decades. Against Time could never replicate Noguchi’s exact vision for these galleries, as they have since been repartitioned after renovations in the early 2000s. Rather, this installation is a distillation of various phases from 1985–88, adapted and reimagined according to archival photographs documenting how Noguchi assiduously arranged and rearranged his works in different constellations in the first years of the Museum.

The story revolves around the fading star Noma Destmond. She lives in her ruined mansion on the legendary streets of Los Angeles and lives a life of the past. When the lighter screenwriter Joe Galius accidentally met her, she saw the opportunity to return to the big screen from him, and then a series of romance and tragedy occurred.

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.

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel Water for Elephants comes to vivid life on Broadway in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical. After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. Directed by Tony Award® nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co., Water for Elephants unites innovative stagecraft with the very best of Broadway talent in an authentic and deeply moving new musical that invites us all to give ourselves to the unknown.

Join Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart and a talented ensemble cast as they bring Louis Armstrong’s incredible journey to life, from New Orleans to worldwide fame. This full-scale musical features a rich tapestry of characters, including the extraordinary women who helped shape his remarkable life and career. Be captivated by Armstrong’s timeless hits like “What a Wonderful World” and “When You’re Smiling,” performed by a large, dynamic cast. Don’t miss this spectacular celebration of music, filled with vibrant dance numbers, stunning sets, and unforgettable performances. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night that honors the iconic man who defined an era.

Friedrich is a master of landscape painting. He pioneered the back-drawing method and was good at depicting landscapes with profound symbolic meanings in a romantic style, expressing faith through the depiction of the natural world. This is Friedrich's first major exhibition in the United States, which will display 75 exquisite works from 30 collections. You can let your inner tenderness fly in the mist and mountains that the artist has painted for us.

Friedrich is a master of landscape painting. He pioneered the back-drawing method and was good at depicting landscapes with profound symbolic meanings in a romantic style, expressing faith through the depiction of the natural world. This is Friedrich's first major exhibition in the United States, which will display 75 exquisite works from 30 collections. You can let your inner tenderness fly in the mist and mountains that the artist has painted for us.

The exhibition is co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. It brings together more than 200 collections from important domestic and foreign institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in the UK, the Cernuschi Museum in France, the Palace Museum, the Shanghai Museum, and the Liaoning Provincial Museum. This exhibition is a friendly exchange project between the two museums. After the closing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in September 2025, the exhibition will move to the East Hall of the Shanghai Museum.

The exhibition is co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. It brings together more than 200 collections from important domestic and foreign institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in the UK, the Cernuschi Museum in France, the Palace Museum, the Shanghai Museum, and the Liaoning Provincial Museum. This exhibition is a friendly exchange project between the two museums. After the closing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in September 2025, the exhibition will move to the East Hall of the Shanghai Museum.

The exhibition is co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. It brings together more than 200 collections from important domestic and foreign institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in the UK, the Cernuschi Museum in France, the Palace Museum, the Shanghai Museum, and the Liaoning Provincial Museum. This exhibition is a friendly exchange project between the two museums. After the closing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in September 2025, the exhibition will move to the East Hall of the Shanghai Museum.

Thousands of artists—including Norman Rockwell, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence—have studied and taught at the Art Students League, a New York institution founded in 1875 by a group of young artists who believed that an arts education should be accessible to anyone seeking it and who envisioned an artist-run school free from dictates of process or style. To mark the 150th anniversary of the League, The New York Historical showcases works by League affiliates with featured paintings drawn from The Historical’s promised gift of 130 scenes of New York City from art collectors and philanthropists Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld. The installation is part of a larger city-wide, cross-institutional, year-long celebration programmed by the Art Students League. Curated by Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto, vice president & chief curator, in collaboration with Ksenia Nouril, gallery director and curator, and Esther Moerdler, curatorial assistant, at the Art Students League.

Thousands of artists—including Norman Rockwell, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence—have studied and taught at the Art Students League, a New York institution founded in 1875 by a group of young artists who believed that an arts education should be accessible to anyone seeking it and who envisioned an artist-run school free from dictates of process or style. To mark the 150th anniversary of the League, The New York Historical showcases works by League affiliates with featured paintings drawn from The Historical’s promised gift of 130 scenes of New York City from art collectors and philanthropists Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld. The installation is part of a larger city-wide, cross-institutional, year-long celebration programmed by the Art Students League. Curated by Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto, vice president & chief curator, in collaboration with Ksenia Nouril, gallery director and curator, and Esther Moerdler, curatorial assistant, at the Art Students League.

Thousands of artists—including Norman Rockwell, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence—have studied and taught at the Art Students League, a New York institution founded in 1875 by a group of young artists who believed that an arts education should be accessible to anyone seeking it and who envisioned an artist-run school free from dictates of process or style. To mark the 150th anniversary of the League, The New York Historical showcases works by League affiliates with featured paintings drawn from The Historical’s promised gift of 130 scenes of New York City from art collectors and philanthropists Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld. The installation is part of a larger city-wide, cross-institutional, year-long celebration programmed by the Art Students League. Curated by Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto, vice president & chief curator, in collaboration with Ksenia Nouril, gallery director and curator, and Esther Moerdler, curatorial assistant, at the Art Students League.

One of the most prominent features of art from the late eighteenth century onwards, particularly after World War II, is artists’ tendency to evolve traditional artmaking methods outside the studio’s boundaries. This exhibition examines the ways in which contemporary artists enacted new ideas formed by the social and historical contexts of their time and pushed the boundaries of artmaking and materials as a result. By Way Of offers a suite of works from the museum’s permanent collection inspired by the D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift. Major artists from the Arte Povera movement of the 1960s and 1970s, like Jannis Kounellis and Mario Merz share the galleries with artists working today, such as Rashid Johnson, Mona Hatoum, and Senga Nengudi.

The exhibition is drawn from the Museum’s collection, as well as through key loans from organizations including: Institute of Jazz Studies, Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Public Library, Celia Cruz Foundation, Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Centro), Royal House of LaBeija, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Remix⟷Culture, CUNY Center for Dominican Studies, Apollo Theater, Karla Flórez School of Dance, Think!Chinatown, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Brooklyn Contra, and private lenders such as Rubén Blades, DJ Rekha, Judy Santos, Hellotones, and many more.

Sargent is one of the greatest painters of the early 20th century, on par with Whistler. This exhibition, co-hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Musee d'Orsay, brings together more than 90 works by Sargent, focusing on his time in France. In 1874, the 18-year-old Sargent arrived in Paris as a student. In the mid-1880s, his portrait "Madame X" was a great success at the Paris Salon. This was the peak of Sargent's creation in Paris and also the highlight of the exhibition.

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

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.

Honor, Remember, and Run for Freedom This Memorial Day, join us for the Memorial Day Freedom Run - a special event that combines a run with the powerful spirit of remembrance. Whether you're running solo or with friends and family, this event honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom.Every mile you complete is a tribute to their courage and service. With scenic routes, motivating challenges, and a community united in purpose, the Memorial Day Freedom Run is more than just a race - it's a meaningful way to pay respect while staying active.Sign up today to celebrate freedom, remember our heroes, and run for a cause that matters. Together, we can make this Memorial Day unforgettable.Overview: Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey. Timing:- Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.- No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!What You Get (Swag Bag):-Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)- Finisher's Towel or Giveaway- Finisher's Medal!- Digital Training Pack- Online Results & Certificate of Completion-Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs- We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.Packet Pickup:No hassle of picking up packets required!-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)- Race bibs are provided on race dayWhen will I get my Swag?You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.Race Updates:We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race! Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time:info@thebestraces.com) (Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis) Wave A: 7:30AM Wave B: 8:00AM Wave C: 8:30AMLate runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)Are there any other Questions we missed? https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/Virtual Run Option: - Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!Race Bundle:Sign-up for more races and get a discount!Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business! https://www.thebestraces.com/events Team Glo Volunteers:If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/ Be part of the Journey!Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional) Information Source: The Best Races | eventbrite