Tips for visiting NYC in May
NYC offers its best in May in terms of weather and activities. If you are planning a trip to NYC, bring your favorite outfit with you. A light jacket will work perfectly for sunny days; however, you may still enjoy your coat during night’s chill time. More precisely, the average temperature is 70F (22C) during the day, and it falls to 55F (13C) at night or early morning. So you will mostly enjoy the sun here in NYC during May.
Margaret Mead Film Festival
The Margaret Mead Film Festival, which will take place from May 2 to 4, 2025, at the American Museum of Natural History, is a thought-provoking event that explores mixed cultures, traditions, and perspectives worldwide. The festival presents a curated selection of documentaries that examine pressing social and environmental issues, offering audiences a deeper understanding of global communities. This year’s lineup includes films highlighting indigenous storytelling, climate change challenges, and the evolving definitions of identity and belonging.
Beyond film screenings, the festival hosts interactive discussions with filmmakers, anthropologists, and activists who provide firsthand insights into the subjects explored on screen. Visitors can also participate in workshops and panel talks that dive into the intersection of cinema and anthropology. Held in the awe-inspiring setting of the American Museum of Natural History, the festival offers a rare opportunity to engage with documentary filmmaking as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.
New York African Film Festival
Running from May 7 to 13, 2025, at Film at Lincoln Center, the New York African Film Festival is a celebration of African cinema, showcasing films that reflect the continent's richness, diversity, and evolving narratives. This year’s edition features a compelling selection of contemporary and classic African films spanning multiple genres, including drama, documentary, and experimental cinema. The festival highlights the works of established and emerging filmmakers, allowing audiences to explore stories that challenge stereotypes and present fresh perspectives on African identity, history, and modern life.
In addition to screenings, the festival offers engaging discussions with directors, actors, and film scholars, providing deeper insights into the films' artistic and cultural significance. Special focus will be migration, resilience, and innovation in African storytelling. With its home at Film at Lincoln Center, a premier venue for international cinema, the New York African Film Festival continues to be a key platform for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and bringing global attention to the dynamic world of African filmmaking.
South Bronx Culture Festival 2025
On May 30 and 31, the South Bronx Culture Festival will celebrate the artistic and cultural heritage of Latin America and the Caribbean. Hosted across multiple venues in the Bronx, the festival will bring together musicians, dancers, visual artists, and performers representing the rich traditions of Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and beyond. Expect electrifying live performances, dynamic dance showcases, and colorful art installations that reflect the borough’s multicultural spirit.
This year’s festival will also feature interactive workshops where attendees can engage in activities such as Afro-Caribbean drumming, salsa dancing, and traditional mask-making. Food vendors will line the festival streets, offering authentic flavors across Latin America. More than just a celebration, the South Bronx Culture Festival is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the borough’s communities. This event offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the remarkable rhythms and flavors of the South Bronx.
Manhattanhenge
Twice a year, New York City offers one of its most stunning natural spectacles—Manhattanhenge—when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s grid, creating a breathtaking glow that floods the streets with golden light. This year, the phenomenon will take place on May 29, 2025, drawing crowds of photographers, locals, and visitors eager to witness the sun sinking between the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan. The best spots to view it are wide east-west streets like 42nd Street, 34th Street, and 14th Street, where the sun appears to rest on the horizon, casting a cinematic glow over the city.
More than just a beautiful sight, Manhattanhenge is a reminder of how nature and urban design can come together in unexpected ways. Inspired by ancient solstice celebrations, the event has become a modern tradition in New York, with museums and astronomy enthusiasts hosting talks and gatherings around it. If you're looking for a unique, only-in-NYC experience, this dazzling sunset is one you won’t want to miss
The Queens Tour at Barclays Center
On May 24, 2025, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn will host The Queens Tour, featuring legendary vocalists Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. This powerhouse lineup brings together four iconic artists with a rich legacy in R&B and soul music. Fans can look forward to live renditions of timeless hits like Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody," Patti LaBelle's "On My Own," Gladys Knight's "Midnight Train to Georgia," and Stephanie Mills' "Never Knew Love Like This Before."
The Queens Tour is a rare opportunity to experience these celebrated artists sharing the stage, delivering performances that have shaped the soundtrack of generations. Tickets for the Brooklyn show are available through various outlets, with presales beginning March 20 and general sales starting March 21. Given the stature of these performers, securing tickets early is advisable. Attending this concert promises an extraordinary evening of music and nostalgia in New York City.
Stay With Us
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