April showers (haven’t we had plenty of those?!?) head us into a warmer May. Before you know it, Summer will be here with all the heat and humidity anyone would want to consume in the concrete jungle that is New York. For some of us we’ll also be experiencing the joy of nearly three months of school holiday (10 weeks for public school kids!).
You can’t deny this time of year brings a renewed energy, and these next couple of months are really the very best of New York City, with outdoor fun, amazing weather, and rooftop bars. Here is AWNY’s list of the top things to do in May, and we hope to see you at one of the AWNY events too!
– curated by the AWNY Communications Team
AWNY Spring Drinks Mixer is on May 22. This annual social evening is a great way to meet new AWNY friends, catch up with old ones, and see in the warmer month, cocktail in hand. The event will be held at Chinese Tuxedo this year, a fabulous venue in Chinatown with a big Aussie influence. Cash bar (no need to purchase tix) and we encourage you to stay for dinner and enjoy Sydney Chef Paul Donnelly (previously of Mrs G’s). RSVP to awny@aaanyc.org
May 1-7 is NY Burger Week. Does anywhere in the world do burgers better than NYC? So expect the best of the best. Many venues are participating, check out the list and get tickets and info here. The week ends with Sunday’s Boozy Burger Brunch.
Rooftop Cinema Club starts now until September where you can purchase regular seats or “love seats” on the roof of YOTEL New York, 570 10th Avenue. May 4th showing of Annie Hall is already sold out $33-$39, but there are some absolute classics you won’t want to miss for fun with bubbles and popcorn on your deck chair.
If you want free movies, Bryant Park will be hosting Friday evenings commencing May 12. They provide free blankets, lawn games and food for purchase, plus the park runs Tai Chi classes 7.30am-8.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Fountain Terrace. Juggling is there on a regular basis, as well as Wednesday night dance parties. Have a look at their calendar here.
May 7 take note if you’re driving in the city on this day. 32,000 cyclists of all skill levels come from around the world for the TD Five Borough Bike Tour to roll 40 miles through every borough of New York City on streets totally free of cars. Standard and VIP Registration is sold out, but you can still ride on behalf of one of the Charity Partners. Click here to learn more. End up at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island for music, entertainment, food and drinks. Here’s a printable map.
Don’t forget on May 14, it’s Mother’s Day! Mums, be sure to put your orders in for spas in NYC for a relaxing day, best restaurants in NYC , the best shops in NYC for gifts, or flower shops for the perfect bouquet— spoil your mum, or be spoilt!
May 13 – 21 Grug and the Rainbow a children’s show brought to us by The Windmill Theatre in Adelaide will be at The New Victory Theatre in 42nd Street.
May 16 is the Australian Short Film Festival at The Asia Society.
May 25, 2017 Billy Joel is playing at Madison Square Garden. Check out ticket info here.
What New Yorkers recognize as the beginning of summer is Monday May 29: 2017 Memorial Day. You’ve earned a day off, so get out of the city if you can for a long weekend, or go to the Parade. On Memorial Day, Americans honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom. This national holiday was born after the Civil War in remembrance of fallen servicemen and women. 149th Brooklyn’s Kings County Memorial Day Parade kicks off on May 29 at 11am at 78th St and Third Ave, marching up to Fourth Ave and ends at John Paul Jones Park at 101st for the memorial service. Local service organizations march in the parade, followed by a 21 gun salute by the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton.
It is no coincidence that Fleet Week overlaps with Memorial Day weekend so don’t forget to rub shoulders with our sailors. There are a lot of scheduled events throughout the week, many free.
The Governors Island Family Fun Day is scheduled for Sunday May 28 from 11am to 4pm The island opens this weekend with free events featuring kid appropriate performances and activities. Mums and Dads do not miss. More info available here.
Photo credit: Joanna Hishon
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 