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

Design is a fundamental element of life, an enzyme necessary to our evolution. It helps us cope with change and permeates our personal and social lives, embodying both our strengths and weaknesses. Many designers are intent on creating new behaviors, focusing on habits and circumstances most in need of change. Pirouette: Turning Points in Design features objects—from Post-Its to Spanx—that embodied experiments with new materials, technologies, and concepts; offered unconventional solutions to conventional problems; and had a deep impact both on design and the world at large.

The traditional East Asian lunar calendar consists of a repeating twelve-year cycle, with each year corresponding to one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. The association of these creatures with the Chinese calendar began in the third century BCE and became firmly established by the first century CE. The twelve animals are, in sequence: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each is believed to embody certain traits that are manifested in the personalities of people born in that year. January 29, 2025, marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, a creature characterized as alert, calm, and smart.

This exhibition of more than 30 works celebrates the recent acquisition of Gottfried's searing photographs taken during the last decades of the 20th century.

The idea of cutting up a medieval manuscript is almost unthinkable today. Historically, however, this practice was relatively common, and it reached a fever pitch in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. People cut up manuscripts for various reasons: Dealers unwilling to pay weight-based import duties on large choir books opted to remove their decorated initials and dispose of the heavy bindings. Art lovers excised pictures from manuscripts and pasted them into albums; many considered this an act of freeing precious artworks from the text-filled books that held them captive. The dismembering of manuscripts was thus regarded not as vandalism but as a tribute to the otherwise hidden illuminations.

This timely exhibition looks back at the year the captivating Eurasian eagle-owl took to Manhattan’s skies, learned to hunt, and peered into apartment windows.

This timely exhibition looks back at the year the captivating Eurasian eagle-owl took to Manhattan’s skies, learned to hunt, and peered into apartment windows.

In works full of sharp wit and incisive commentary, Christine Sun Kim (b. 1980, Orange County, California) engages sound and the complexities of communication in its various modes. Using musical notation, infographics, and language—both in her native American Sign Language (ASL) and written English—she has produced drawings, videos, sculptures, and installations that often explore non-auditory, political dimensions of sound. In many works, Kim draws directly on the spatial dynamism of ASL, translating it into graphic form. By emphasizing images, the body, and physical space, she upends the societal assumption that spoken languages are superior to those that are signed.

In works full of sharp wit and incisive commentary, Christine Sun Kim (b. 1980, Orange County, California) engages sound and the complexities of communication in its various modes. Using musical notation, infographics, and language—both in her native American Sign Language (ASL) and written English—she has produced drawings, videos, sculptures, and installations that often explore non-auditory, political dimensions of sound. In many works, Kim draws directly on the spatial dynamism of ASL, translating it into graphic form. By emphasizing images, the body, and physical space, she upends the societal assumption that spoken languages are superior to those that are signed.

Objects on view in J. Pierpont Morgan’s library reflect the past, present, and future of the collections in four curatorial departments, comprising illuminated manuscripts from the medieval and renaissance eras, five hundred years of printed books, literary manuscripts and correspondence, as well as printed music and autograph manuscripts by composers. These selections, which rotate three times a year, provide an opportunity for Morgan curators to spotlight individual items, to consider their historical and aesthetic contexts, and to tell the stories behind these artifacts and their creators. The rotation currently on view features items that complement the exhibition Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy. The selection showcases Greene’s acquisitions and demonstrates her intensive research into the collection and wide-ranging intellectual interests. Additional objects relate to literary and theatrical works that address themes reflective of her life, including racial passing. A special highlight is the last known photograph of Greene, taken in the West Room in 1950.

Objects on view in J. Pierpont Morgan’s library reflect the past, present, and future of the collections in four curatorial departments, comprising illuminated manuscripts from the medieval and renaissance eras, five hundred years of printed books, literary manuscripts and correspondence, as well as printed music and autograph manuscripts by composers. These selections, which rotate three times a year, provide an opportunity for Morgan curators to spotlight individual items, to consider their historical and aesthetic contexts, and to tell the stories behind these artifacts and their creators. The rotation currently on view features items that complement the exhibition Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy. The selection showcases Greene’s acquisitions and demonstrates her intensive research into the collection and wide-ranging intellectual interests. Additional objects relate to literary and theatrical works that address themes reflective of her life, including racial passing. A special highlight is the last known photograph of Greene, taken in the West Room in 1950.

Objects on view in J. Pierpont Morgan’s library reflect the past, present, and future of the collections in four curatorial departments, comprising illuminated manuscripts from the medieval and renaissance eras, five hundred years of printed books, literary manuscripts and correspondence, as well as printed music and autograph manuscripts by composers. These selections, which rotate three times a year, provide an opportunity for Morgan curators to spotlight individual items, to consider their historical and aesthetic contexts, and to tell the stories behind these artifacts and their creators. The rotation currently on view features items that complement the exhibition Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy. The selection showcases Greene’s acquisitions and demonstrates her intensive research into the collection and wide-ranging intellectual interests. Additional objects relate to literary and theatrical works that address themes reflective of her life, including racial passing. A special highlight is the last known photograph of Greene, taken in the West Room in 1950.

Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy starring Cole Escola as a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism and suppressed desires abound in this one act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot (Cole Escola).

Discover a whole new world at Aladdin , the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin , a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It's an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw ( The Book of Mormon , Something Rotten! ), this "fabulous" and "extravagant" ( The New York Times ) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley ( Mary Poppins ), Gregg Barnes ( Kinky Boots ), and Natasha Katz ( An American in Paris ). See why audiences and critics agree, Aladdin is "Exactly what you wished for!"

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

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and created by Tony Award®- winning Director / Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status. Turn it up, Broadway — MJ is here! • MASKS OPTIONAL - All guests are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in the theatre to protect themselves and others, but it is no longer required.

Brazilian contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes creates mural-like, abstract paintings through an innovative technique she calls “monotransfer.” She begins this process by painting her forms onto clear plastic sheets. Once dry, she layers and adheres the painted films onto the canvas, and then peels off the plastic sheets, revealing the forms in reverse. The resulting vibrant and dynamic compositions balance abstract forms, organic patterns, and geometric structures on densely textured and intricate surfaces.

Brazilian contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes creates mural-like, abstract paintings through an innovative technique she calls “monotransfer.” She begins this process by painting her forms onto clear plastic sheets. Once dry, she layers and adheres the painted films onto the canvas, and then peels off the plastic sheets, revealing the forms in reverse. The resulting vibrant and dynamic compositions balance abstract forms, organic patterns, and geometric structures on densely textured and intricate surfaces.

In a landmark theatrical event, two-time Academy Award® winner George Clooney makes his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck , an electrifying stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed film. Tune in to the golden age of broadcast journalism and Edward R. Murrow’s (Clooney) legendary, history-altering, on-air showdown with Senator Joseph McCarthy. As McCarthyism casts a shadow over America, Murrow and his team at CBS choose to confront the growing tide of paranoia and propaganda, even if it means turning the federal government and a worried nation against them. Under the direction of Tony Award®-winner David Cromer, from the original screenwriters Clooney and Grant Heslov, Good Night, and Good Luck chronicles a time in American history when truth and journalistic integrity stood up to fearmongering and disinformation - and won.

Two days before the outbreak of World War II, a scientific paper was published explaining the theoretical process of nuclear fission in which the controlled splitting of an atomic nucleus releases a vast amount of energy. Over the next decade, scientists around the world would perfect the process of harnessing that energy, developing two of the most impactful inventions of the modern era: the nuclear bomb and the nuclear power station. This exhibition chronicles the global development of the nuclear industry, for peaceful and offensive means, examining posters that both promoted and protested its use throughout the second half of the 20th century. It features the entire General Dynamics series, long heralded as one of the finest examples of corporate propaganda ever created, as well as over 60 other posters criticizing the proliferation of nuclear technology. Tim Medland is an independent curator who focuses on the history of visual and material culture. He holds an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, with a concentration in socially engaged practice. His research interests include environmental activism and sustainability, and the histories of transport, propaganda, colonialism, and migration.

Lorenzo Homar was a pioneering printmaker, poster designer, calligrapher, painter, illustrator, caricaturist, and costume and theatrical set designer. Active from the 1950s through the 1990s, few equal his impact and influence as a teacher of poster design and printmaking in Latin America. This exhibition focuses on his poster output over a thirty year period during which time his work reflected the complex history of Puerto Rico, encompassing elements of Taíno, Spanish, and African cultures as well as the rising tensions between tradition and modernity under the Luis Muñoz Marín government. His influence is so extensive that today he is known as the father of the Puerto Rican poster. Alejandro Anreus is Emeritus Professor of Art History and Latin American Studies, William Paterson University. A former curator at the Jersey City Museum and Montclair Art Museum, he is the author of over sixty articles and catalogue essays, and six books on Latin American and Latinx Art.

The Museum of Modern Art announces Jack Whitten: The Messenger, the first comprehensive retrospective dedicated to the groundbreaking art of Jack Whitten (American, 1939–2018), on view from March 23 through August 2, 2025, in the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Center for Special Exhibitions. Presented solely at MoMA, the exhibition will explore the full range of Whitten’s innovative art over his nearly six-decade career, showing more than 175 works from the 1960s to the 2010s, including paintings, sculptures, rarely shown works on paper, and archival materials. Together, these works will reveal how Whitten overturned the tenets of modern art-making to become one of the most important artists of our time. Beginning his career during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, Whitten was under great pressure to create directly representational art as a form of activism, yet he dared to invent new forms of abstraction and, in the process, transformed the relationship between art, memory, and society.

It’s the summer of 1987, and Ana García dreamsof flying away from East Los Angeles.But when her family’s garment business receives a make-or-break order for 200 dresses, Ana finds herself juggling her own ambitions, her mother’s expectations, and a community of women all trying to make it work against the odds. Based on the play by Josefina López that inspired the iconic hit film, the show features songs by Grammy Award–winning songwriter Joy Huerta (Jesse & Joy) and Benjamin Velez (Kiss My Aztec), a book by Lisa Loomer (Girl, Interrupted) with Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls), music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo (Waitress), and choreography and direction by Tony® winner Sergio Trujillo (Ain’t Too Proud).

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.

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.

Mike King is America’s most prolific gig poster artist. What began as a means of promoting his own bands’ shows in the late 1970s gradually morphed into a full-time specialty in the art of the eye-catching concert poster. Today, there are few major venues or bands that have not worked with him—his imagery has saturated into the tapestry of American music culture, appearing on album covers, t-shirts, and, most importantly, posters. The posters in this exhibition are a mere slice of a much larger visual pie—a taste of some of Mike’s rarest posters from a thirty-year spread within his ongoing career. They highlight shifts in both the available technology for making posters, from fully analog to digital, as well as how the function of gig posters has evolved from advertisements to collectible merchandise. Rather than being presented strictly chronologically, each section focuses on Mike’s process for creating the paste-up or digital file necessary to produce each type of poster.

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) opened New York City’s original underground subway line in October 1904. While the city was one of the most diverse in the country, before the introduction of the subway, most New Yorkers were not in regular contact with people outside their own neighborhoods. Initially extending from the Bronx to Lower Manhattan (with service to Brooklyn beginning in 1908) and forming part of the wider transit system, the convenient and affordable IRT encouraged riders to travel beyond their communities for both work and leisure. In order to entice people to regularly use the subway, the IRT printed two in-car poster campaigns, The Elevated Express and The Subway Sun, that highlighted each borough’s unique attractions. Of these, The Subway Sun was especially successful.

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.

🌶️🏃‍♂️ Run Against All Odds: Cinco de Mayo Run! 🌟This Cinco de Mayo, challenge yourself and celebrate resilience, community, and culture with the Cinco de Mayo Run Against All Odds! Whether you’re running for fun or for fitness, this event is all about pushing limits and embracing the spirit of overcoming obstacles—just like the holiday itself!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

Sloths will get there!Join us where sloth lovers will gather together and run. After your run, you can pick up a special Sloth Charm from our coordinators to commemorate your run!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

Founded in 2010, the Independent Art Fair is an art fair dedicated to providing meaningful art experiences for contemporary art lovers. Its sister fair, Independent 20th Century, which will be launched in 2022, will focus on important artists and international avant-garde art movements between 1900 and 2000.