New York is an exciting destination at any time of the year, but visiting in May has many advantages. In addition to all the events taking place as the warm season begins to get underway, visitors will enjoy typically very comfortable temperatures and a less crowded city as the full wave of summer vacation tourists has yet to begin.

New York Five Boro Bike Tour

On the first weekend in May, the streets closed for the largest recreational cycling event in the US, where 30,000 cyclists can ride 42 car-free miles of New York City. The route begins in Lower Manhattan and runs through Central Park, Harlem, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, ending on Staten Island. There are rest areas along the way and the tour concludes with an island festival with food, displays and live music. Participants can then board the Staten Island Ferry for a free ride back to Manhattan. Registration is limited and must be done prior to the event.

Mother’s Day

Forget breakfast in bed—say Happy Mother’s Day with a weekend in Manhattan. From shopping at legendary department stores like Bloomingdales to visiting the Museum of Modern Art, there are countless activities to spoil Mom on Mother’s Day. Sightsee on one of the ‘hop on, hop off’ double-decker buses like Gray Line New York Tours, which offer a variety of packages covering the must-see sites. A horse-drawn carriage ride through beautiful Central Park is a great way to enjoy the spring weather, as is exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Soho and Chelsea on foot.

The International Food Festival and Street Fair on Ninth Avenue

Since 1973, this multicultural food extravaganza has taken over Ninth Avenue, closing it to cars from 37th to 57th streets. Held each year the weekend after Mother’s Day, it showcases an incredible variety of cuisines, from Argentine to Vietnamese. Enjoy delicious offerings like chorizo ​​sandwiches, spicy calamari, spanakopita, jambalaya and much, much more. The vibrant festival also features live entertainment including Egyptian belly dancing and German folk dancing, as well as performances by local bands.

Memorial Day

The Memorial Day public holiday on the last Monday in May honors those who lost their lives in the service of the country, and the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony in Central Park features military aircraft flying over the crowds. The long Memorial Day weekend traditionally begins at the beginning of summer, and there are many Memorial Day parades throughout the city. Most shops and restaurants are open, as are many major attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

fleet week

A New York tradition, Fleet Week celebrates service in the US Armed Forces with a week of exciting festivities and entertainment. Highlights of the week include tours of active military ships docked at the New York Passenger Ship Terminal, the opportunity for the community to meet many of the visiting Sailors and Marines, and a variety of events during the Memorial Day weekend, including the Memorial Day ceremony.

more events

Baseball season is also in full swing, and catching a New York Yankees or Mets game is another fun thing to do on a warm May day. The Tribeca Film Fest is also underway with dozens of movies showing at theaters throughout the Tribeca neighborhood. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage with festivals, parades, and street fairs throughout the city. And the New York AIDS Walk takes place on the third Sunday in May in Central Park.