NEWSLETTER
From food lovers and birdwatchers to motorcyclists, music enthusiasts, and even pirates, May brings an array of unforgettable experiences for all in New York State. Race to the finish on a bike tour in New York City, revel in spring and floral festivities, groove to porch concerts in Buffalo, unwind with goat yoga in Central New York, and feel the adrenaline rush of an air show on Long Island—just a glimpse of the amazing events awaiting you! Don’t forget to check out what’s happening for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day weekend.
Attend a Tulip Festival (Multiple Regions)
Various Dates
Credit: @shancroix3 on Instagram
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of spring! The Long Island Tulip Festival (through May 5) brings a touch of Holland to Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden’s two farms in Manorville and Riverhead. Embrace spring enchantment at Mohonk Mountain House, where their Victorian Show Garden awakens with a mesmerizing display of 20,000 tulips for the Mohonk Tulip Festival (April 28-May 9). Featuring annual traditions rooted in Albany’s rich Dutch heritage, the Albany Tulip Festival (May 10-11) features nearly 100 artisans selling handmade crafts, a fine arts show, delicious food, a KidZone family fun area, two stages of live entertainment, and more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties! Also be sure to catch the Holland Tulip Festival (May 1-3) in the Greater Niagara region and witness spring’s colorful arrival at Meadowbrook Farm’s Tulip Walk (April 26 and May 3). Prices and locations vary.
Frieze New York 2025 (New York City)
May 7-11
A prestigious event in the world of contemporary art, Frieze New York, brings together over 60 leading New York-based and international galleries at The Shed in Hudson Yards to showcase ambitious solo, group, and themed presentations by pioneering artists as well as emerging and up-and-coming talent. New York City; prices vary.
Bird Walks at Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
Select Wednesdays through June 18
Grab your binoculars and get ready to witness a tidal wave of birds! May 10 is Migratory Bird Day when hundreds of thousands of warblers, including tanagers, thrushes, grosbeaks, flycatchers and cuckoos fill New York’s trees and skies with color and song. Join the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History for a series of 1-hour Wednesday morning bird walks to help you get a great view of our returning flying friends. Jamestown; free (registration encouraged).
Rhinebeck Antique Car Show & Swap Meet (Hudson Valley)
May 2-4
Rev your engines for a weekend of nostalgia and automotive bliss at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds! Following Friday’s swap meet, Saturday’s Rod and Custom Dust Off is devoted to hot rods, street rods, customs, race cars, and compact customs/pickups, while Sunday’s car show features unmodified antique and classic vehicles manufactured up to 1998. Both days will include hundreds of vendors and many great cars for sale in the Car Corral! Rhinebeck; $18 individual, $30 2-day weekend pass, $40 3-day weekend pass, $15 senior & veteran tickets (box office sales only). Online tickets have a $1.50 convenience fee, and children 12 and under are free.
Opening of the Antique Boat Museum (Thousand Islands-Seaway)
May 3
Credit: @Antiqueboatmuseum on Instagram
The Antique Boat Museum, home to the largest collection of antique and classic boats in North America, is getting ready to open its doors for 2025! You’re invited to the banks of the picturesque St. Lawrence River to immerse yourself in rich maritime history as you explore beautifully-restored vessels from wooden runabouts to elegant steamboats. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or simply appreciate craftsmanship, this museum is a must-visit destination in the heart of the Thousand Islands region! Clayton; $15 adults, $9 youth, $13 seniors, $44 families; additional rates and packages available.
Hudson Valley Marathon at Walkway Over the Hudson (Hudson Valley)
May 4
Get set for a one-of-a-kind run through the historic Hudson Valley! The Hudson Valley Marathon at the Walkway Over the Hudson is returning for its third year, with a course offering an unparalleled view of the region as runners make their way across the historic walkway. The race features 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon distances, making it the ideal event for any athlete. The Hudson Valley Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, and the Half Marathon and Marathon courses are USATF certified. Highland and Poughkeepsie; $22.50 – $135 registration fee; free to spectate.
TD Five Boro Bike Tour (New York City)
May 4
Photo Credit: Julienne Schaer/NYC Tourism + Conventions
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a first timer, you’re invited to take an exhilarating springtime ride through the heart of New York City, all while supporting great causes! This iconic event, organized by Bike New York, annually draws over 32,000 participants from around the world. Cyclists pedal through all five boroughs of the city — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — covering a 40-mile route that includes traversing five major bridges. New York City; $162.90 standard registration, $432.04 VIP registration.
Peony Celebration (Hudson Valley)
May 8
Credit: @cynstahgram on Instagram
Bloom lovers will want to head to Rockefeller State Park Preserve for a fun, community-based cocktail reception where you’ll be treated to the amazing tree peony garden in bloom! A fundraiser for the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve and the projects in the Preserve, the evening features a fine art exhibit and a silent auction of floral centerpieces designed and donated by local garden clubs. Pleasantville; three support levels, all include buffet & cocktail reception: $300 – Peony, $200 – Forsythia, and $150 – Daffodil.
Rochester Lilac Festival (Finger Lakes)
May 9-18
Credit: @rochesterlilacfestival on Instagram
Spring into Rochester for the 127th edition of one of its most iconic events, the Lilac Festival! You’ll marvel at the sight of 1,800 lilac bushes displaying 500 varieties of lilacs in a floral masterpiece of the deepest purples and purest whites at the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Highland Park. Enjoy live entertainment from nationally touring artists and regional favorites delivering an eclectic mix of genres from Austin Soul and New Orleans Jazz to Nigerian Afrobeat and Nashville country. Mouth watering food, the Annual Lilac Run 5K, 10K, and Dunkin' Dash, a Kids’ Zone, the Lilac Parade, Seniors’ Day, a special events tent with wine and craft beer expos, exhibitors and vendors, an award-winning art show, and a whole lot more are on tap! Rochester; free admission.
Japan Day Parade and Street Fair (New York City)
May 10
Credit: @jrobertson.nyc on Instagram
Come experience and celebrate the wonders of traditional and modern Japanese culture, art, and food at the Japan Day Parade and Street Fair on the Upper West Side. You’ll see talented martial arts groups, traditional troupes, hear the thunder of taiko drums, and more at the parade. This year’s Grand Marshal is Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America and now executive producer and head judge for Roku’s Sushi Master. Make sure to stop by the Japan Day Street Fair to indulge in delicious traditional Japanese foods, browse art, learn about history, and shop for treasures. Manhattan, free admission.
Catskills Ciderfest at Seminary Hill (Catskills)
May 10
Credit: @seminaryhillny on Instagram
Get set for an unforgettable experience for cider enthusiasts and curious visitors alike in Callicoon. Tour the world’s first Passive House-certified cidery, enjoy live music, and gather around a cozy bonfire as you sample pours from local cideries and get an exclusive taste of unrelease estate ciders from your host, Seminary Hill. Looking to indulge further? The Tasting Room provides a full meal option for an additional charge. Whether you're a cider aficionado or simply looking for a unique way to spend the day, this festival is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the vibrant spirit of the region. Callicoon; $45 general admission, $85 early access (includes a small-group tour with Seminary Hill cider maker Joshua Hinchman, an additional hour of tasting before general admission, and a special SHOC Tasting Flight and Cheese Pairing at The Tasting Room).
HV Pirate Fest 2025 (Hudson Valley)
May 10-11
Embark on a swashbuckling adventure for all ages as the Hudson Valley Pirate Festival sails into the Ulster County Fairgrounds for a weekend brimming with melodious shanties, lively jigs, thrilling swordfights, bustling marketplaces, artisanal wares, and a feast of food and drink. Plus, encounter enchanting mermaids, majestic pirate galleons, and hidden booty aplenty! This year’s fest features a Mother’s Day brunch from 1-3 p.m., free to all moms and just $5 per person for mom’s friends and family (reservations required), and a special Adults Only Night on May 10 from 7-11 pm (18+ only). New Paltz; $10 to $15 (limited time discounted tickets available online), $5 admission to Adults Only Night. Visit www.hvpiratefest.20m.com for more information.
Montauk Music Festival (Long Island)
May 15-18
Groove to the rhythm of live music set against the picturesque backdrop of Montauk on the festival’s main stage at the Montauk Yacht Club or check out the over 35 additional venues hosting free performances! Promising a harmonious blend of talent, community spirit, and coastal charm, the festival kicks off May 15 at the Westlake Fish House with an evening of music, appetizers, cocktails, and dancing. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lucia’s Angels and the East End Coalition for Women’s Cancers. Montauk; admission to the festival on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (from 11am-6pm) is free but donations are encouraged; to attend the opening party, admission is $71.06 (includes appetizers and free sponsor drinks along with music all night long); donations are encouraged for Thursday main stage performances.
Camping Season Begins (Multiple Regions)
May 16
Credit: @visit1000islands on Instagram
Campers mark your calendars for the start of camping season in New York! As the days grow warmer and the natural world awakens, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the state’s picturesque landscapes from the crisp, star-studded nights of the Adirondacks and the Catskills to the tranquil sunrise vistas along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Discover a variety of options for your stay: from parking your RV, or renting a cozy cabin or cottage, to pitching a tent beneath the celestial canopy. Discover private campgrounds, many of which can be conveniently booked through CampNewYork.com, or explore the public campgrounds managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation. For an elevated experience, indulge in New York State’s finest glamping adventures! So, gather your gear, stoke the campfire, and immerse yourself in the great outdoors—New York style! Prices vary.
Waterford Canal Festival (Capital-Saratoga)
May 16-18
Dive into the Erie Canal's Bicentennial celebration and experience the charm of New York's historic waterways at this fun and much-anticipated annual event featuring a weekend filled with boat tours, shopping, great food, and fun for all ages. Groove to the sounds of local bands and musicians, savor delectable treats from food vendors, shop unique crafts, artworks, and other goods, and witness the impressive workings of the canal locks in action while learning about their history and significance. And that’s not all! Your kids can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, and other fun activities, and you can take a leisurely stroll along the canal, participate in guided tours, and immerse yourself in Waterford’s rich history. Waterford; free admission.
Buffalo Porchfest (Greater Niagara)
May 17
Credit: Drew Brown/Visit Buffalo Niagara
Buffalo’s Porchfest offers a one-of-a-kind musical extravaganza right on the city’s porches. Dive into the local tunes at this community-driven festival where neighborhood porches transform into intimate venues for an array of bands and solo acts. Held annually in the charming Elmwood Village, named one of America’s top 10 neighborhoods, Porchfest is the perfect backdrop for a day of melody, merriment, exploration, and music appreciation in the city’s most vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural district! Buffalo; free admission.
Pride In The Sky (Hudson Valley)
May 17
Kick off Pride in the Hudson Valley on the Walkway Over the Hudson and light up the night sky in rainbow! Join in on the fun with the Pet Pawrade, Pride Flag procession, dancing under the stars, and two festivals on each side of the Walkway Over the Hudson featuring LGBTQ+ community organizations, food, drinks, entertainment, and more. Poughkeepsie; free.
Ninth Avenue Food Festival (New York City)
May 17-18
Credit: @jc_upfront on Instagram
Enter gastronomic paradise as neighborhood eateries and vendors hit the streets to dish out a smorgasbord of ethnic delicacies! You’ll indulge in classic festival favorites such as zeppolis, mozzarepas, funnel cakes, and egg creams, alongside a feast of flavors from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Greece, Haiti, Ireland, Morocco, Ukraine, and beyond. The festival atmosphere is further enlivened by a global symphony of music and dance, spanning from German folk and Arabian scarf dances to Celtic tunes and Egyptian belly dancing. New York City, 9th Avenue between 42nd-57th Streets; free admission.
Baby Goat Yoga & Wine (Central New York)
May 18
It's NY Goat Yoga's first class of the 2025 season, you know what that means right? Baby goats! Not only will the goats be at their smallest, and cutest, but NY Goat Yoga will also add wine into the mix. Enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of goat yoga inside Gilbertsville Farmhouse’s chandelier-lit barn, and reward yourself at the end of class with a glass of wine and some extra goat time. Do not worry, NY Goat Yoga staff has your back in this beginner-friendly style class as well as getting the best picture for you to share with your friends and family! South New Berlin; $45.
Newfane Apple Blossom Festival (Greater Niagara)
May 18
Get ready for a delightful springtime event that’s a perfect way for the entire family to celebrate the planting season and enjoy everything it has to offer. Presented by the Newfane Historical Society, come and savor great food, including Art Gladow's famous chicken chowder, baked goods, hot dogs, sausages, cotton candy, and pies, take in live musical performances, shop the flea market and craft vendors, see historical demos, car and tractor displays, and historical reenactments, and take part in great hands-on fun! Newfane; free admission.
Fleet Week New York (New York City)
May 23-26
This epic celebration of our sea services promises to be packed with excitement as over 2,300 service members come together to showcase the best of today’s maritime might. You’re invited to join the festivities, meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, and get up close with the cutting-edge technology of the U.S. military. Fleet Week New York sails into town with the Parade of Ships and the Intrepid Museum joins in on the fun with a free showing of Top Gun on the flight deck, musical performances, and a variety of displays, activities, and demos from the the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research and more! The weekend will conclude on May 26, with the museum’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. New York City; free admission to ship tours.
GlassFest 2025 (Finger Lakes)
May 23-25
Art, music, food, and fun are coming together for a celebration of creativity, community, and culture in downtown Corning! As you stroll the city’s historic Market Street, you’ll encounter pop-up entertainment, dining, shopping, and family activities while enjoying live music, glass exhibits, art vendors, mouth watering food, and special shopping promotions. Be sure to catch the mesmerizing live glass blowing demonstrations on Centerway Stage, where skilled artisans showcase their craft. Each night, immerse yourself in the vibrant beats and melodies during the free Rock the Park concert series in Centennial Park. On Saturday night, the festival features spectacular fireworks over the Chemung River! Corning; free admission.
Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach (Long Island)
May 24-25
Credit: @jjtrezza on Instagram
Look – up in the sky! The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are on their way to Jones Beach State Park to headline the Bethpage Air Show! Claim your spot in the sand and usher in summer on Long Island as a variety of military and civilian aerial performers from the US Army Golden Knights parachute team to the American Airpower Museum Warbirds take to the skies for a day of high-flying entertainment and fun. Wantagh; $10 parking fee.
Americade Motorcycle Touring Rally (Adirondacks)
May 27-31
Cruise into the picturesque Village of Lake George for Americade, the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally! Explore massive trade shows showcasing the latest bikes, gear, and live demonstrations, enjoy thrilling stunt shows and live comedy, and indulge in a catered dinner boat cruise over five legendary days. Plus, experience a peaceful ride through the breathtaking Adirondacks with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. The festivities also include a block party on the village’s main drag, featuring custom motorcycle shows, rodeos, street performers, delicious food, and more. Lake George; $104-$280, register online here (online prices increase after April 27). In-person registration begins the Tuesday of Americade Week at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George.
Summer SPACtacular (Capital-Saratoga)
May 30
Get ready to kick off summer in style at the Summer SPACtacular! Head to picturesque Saratoga Springs for an unforgettable evening of live music, vibrant performances, and community fun. Hosted at the iconic Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), this annual fundraising celebration promises something for everyone. Create your own adventure with live music, cocktails and mocktails, culinary delights, fireworks, and a DJ dance party on the SPAC stage! Saratoga Springs; tickets start at $175; this is a 21+ event.
Ithaca Festival (Finger Lakes)
May 29 – June 1
Get ready to experience “Enchanted Ithaca” and dive into an exhilarating fusion of art, music, and community spirit! Enjoy captivating performances, mouth watering food, a colorful parade, and a lively springtime atmosphere in the heart of Ithaca where you’ll discover nearly 100 local and regional vendors showcasing their unique creations. From exquisite jewelry to handcrafted pottery, metalwork, and more, you’ll find treasures that resonate with your soul. Don’t forget to explore the small-batch craft foods and beverages, including syrup, honey, and wine. You’ll be entertained by over 70 captivating performances, from local community groups to touring artists, gracing stages throughout the city. Ithaca; free admission.
Oneida Community Mansion House Car Show (Central New York)
May 31
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day filled with classic cars, live music, and delicious food. You’ll also get a chance to explore the historic Oneida Community Mansion House with guided tours ($10), shop for unique items in the gift shop, and take a stroll through the beautiful garden, which will be in full bloom. Oneida; free admission to the car show for spectators; Mansion House admission: $15 adults, $12 seniors (60 and over), $8 students (with ID), children 6 and under free admission (no strollers or carriages, please), free admission for members, call for special group tour pricing.
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