What’s on in May 2015

A shortlist of things to do and see in NYC in May 2015, curated by Belinda Jackson.

Spring is here with gusto, warmer weather and spring flowers are being welcomed all over the city.

The new Whitney museum opens on May 1 and on May 2 they have a Block Party to celebrate their opening. In honor of the Whitney’s greatly expanded gallery space in its new Renzo Piano–designed home in the Meatpacking District, the museum will open with America Is Hard to See, the largest display of its permanent collection in history. Expect to see works by Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol, along with a staggering selection of other artists.

The Kentucky Derby will be held on May 2 at Churchill Downs. It is the longest running sporting event in the USA, having commenced in 1875 and is also the first leg of The Triple Crown. The other races in the Triple Crown are The Preakness Stakes on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes on June 6.

The Liberty will be celebrating their 4th BIRTHDAY on May 2nd and hosting a Kentucky Derby Themed party!! They will be offering complimentary Mint Julep cocktails and light fare! Races kick of at 6:24PM ET. So be sure to get there early and grab your spot! 29 West 35th Street.

Cinco de Mayo May 5 – a day to celebrate all things Mexican, so look out for specials at your local Mexican restaurant.

Five Boro Bike Tour is May 3. It’s sold out this year so if you missed out get your name on the list for next year, or, just go out and enjoy the festive atmosphere and cheer on the participants.

Pen World Voices Festival of International Literature May 4 to 10.

Mother’s Day is May 10, so pop a card in the mail to Mum or if you’re lucky enough to have your Mum in NYC get organizing.

AWNY member Karen Jacobsen – The GPS Girl, will be presenting her show “It’s never too late to recalculate” at The Triad Theater on May 12.

NY City Ballet has its Spring season at the City Center.

Frida Kahlo – Art, Garden, Life Exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden will run from May 16 to November 1. This blockbuster exhibition will be the first to examine Frida Kahlo’s keen appreciation for the beauty and variety of the natural world, as evidenced by her home and garden as well as the complex use of plant imagery in her artwork. Featuring a rare display of more than a dozen original Kahlo paintings and works on paper, this limited six-month engagement will also re-imagine the iconic artist’s famed garden and studio at the Casa Azul, her lifelong home in Mexico City.

Pitch Perfect 2 with Aussie star Rebel Wilson opens May 18.

Fleet Week NYC is from May 18 to 26.

Out From Down Under & Beyond: Fine Art From Australia and New Zealand Art Exhibition at Agora Gallery – May 19 to June 9, 2015, with Opening Reception Thursday May 21, 2015 6-8 PM. An exhibition of Oceanian art world and perspective in this show consisting of artists native and migrant to Australia and New Zealand. The works in the show range in style and medium, offering a unique insight into those artists’ backgrounds, inspirations, and environments.

Summerstage concerts throughout the summer all over the city – May 18 to Sept 24.

Shakespeare in the Park is a consummate New York City institution, one that has drawn more than 5 million people since it was first staged in the park’s Delacorte Theater in 1962. This year the production will include The Tempest, starring Oscar nominee Sam Waterston (The Killing Fields, Law & Order) and directed by Tony nominee Michael Greif, from May 27 to July 5. The park will also host performances of the bard’s late romance Cymbeline, July 27–August 23. Tony winner Daniel Sullivan, who helmed last year’s production of King Lear, returns to direct.

Memorial Day is May 25 – the official start of the Summer. In preparation for the summer check out this list of the 10 Best Parks in NYC.

75th Anniversary of American Ballet Theatre will be held on May 18. Their season runs May 11 to July 4.

The centerpiece of American Ballet Theatre’s 75th Anniversary celebrations, is The Sleeping Beauty running May 29 to June 13. Choreographed by Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, this new take on the classic will also feature costumes and design from Richard Hudson, who won a Tony Award for his work on The Lion King musical. With Hudson’s designs taking inspiration from the great Russian designer Leon Bakst, this promises to be a bold new interpretation of the material, whilst still drawing on the ballet’s rich history. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s lavish score, this timeless story of a sleeping princess, an evil witch, and the awakening kiss of a handsome prince is sure to cast a spell on your heart and imagination.

Saving Place exhibition is running through to September 13 – The Museum of the City of New York celebrates the 50th anniversary of the landmarks law with this exhibition, which explores the roots and impact of the movement through models and building samples, architectural fragments, a timeline of the history of the preservation movement, original documents, drawings, paintings, photographs and more. In the 1960s—following the demolition of the world-famous Pennsylvania Station—a huge movement came to the City that called for the preservation of our architectural history, prompting the signing of the landmarks law in 1965. Since then, the goal of preservationists has been to blend old, historically significant buildings and architecture with newer construction, adding to the City’s growth and success while keeping its past alive.

Sinatra – An American Icon – through to September 4 at The New York Public Library.