From tulip-lined walkways and planetarium yoga sessions to world class music festivals, motorcycle rallies, and mouthwatering food celebrations, May in New York State is a celebration of the senses. Sip cocktails beneath the glass domes of Buffalo’s Botanical Gardens, cheer on runners and cyclists across iconic bridges and walkways, savor small batch flavors at farm to fork tastings, and wander through vibrant spring festivals from Rochester to Montauk. Whether you’re exploring antique boats, dancing on neighborhood porches, sampling global cuisine, or kicking off camping season under the stars, May offers endless ways to celebrate the outdoors, the arts, and the communities that make New York shine. 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)
🗓️When: Multiple Dates
📍Where: Statewide
💲Cost: Prices vary
Credit: @shancroix3 on Instagram
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of spring! The Long Island Tulip Festival (through May 3) 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 27-May 11). Featuring annual traditions rooted in Albany’s rich Dutch heritage, the Albany Tulip Festival (May 9-10) 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 (April 30-May 2) in the Greater Niagara region and enjoy a Mommy & Me, BFF Tulip arranging class at Meadowbrook Farm’s U-Pick Tulip Harvest (May 3).
🗓️When: May 1, 2026
📍Where: Buffalo, NY
💲Cost: $150 regular admission, $175 VIP ticket (sold out)
Credit: Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Put on your Derby best and step into a world of elegance at the Botanical Bash, where Kentucky Derby vibes meet the beauty of Buffalo’s iconic conservatory. Sip handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a gourmet cocktail-style dinner, and bid on exciting auction items, all while supporting the Botanical Gardens’ mission. VIP guests gain access to the enchanting Rose Room, complete with private seating and exclusive drink service beneath twinkling lights. It’s a night of charm, celebration, and community in one of Western New York’s most stunning settings on the eve of the Kentucky Derby.
🗓️When: May 1–3, 2026
📍Where: New Paltz
💲Cost: Free-$15
Fire up your appetite for one of the most mouthwatering weekends of the year as the Grand American Barbecue World Championship brings three days of smoky, savory, slow-cooked perfection to the Ulster County Fairgrounds. More than 80 BBQ teams from around the world will compete for top honors, filling the air with irresistible aromas while visitors enjoy live music, craft beer, cooking demonstrations, and a bustling vendor marketplace. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food, this festival delivers a full weekend of flavor and fun.
🗓️When: May 1-3, 2026
📍Where: Rhinebeck
💲Cost: $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.
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 2001. Both days will include hundreds of vendors and many great cars for sale in the Car Corral!
🗓️When: May 3, 2026
📍Where: Highland and Poughkeepsie
💲Cost: $22.50 – $160 registration fee; free to spectate.
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 back with a course offering an unparalleled view of the region as runners make their way across the historic walkway. The perfect event for any athlete, the race features five distances with the M&T Bank 1 mile, WMC Health 5k, CDPHP 10k, Imedview Half Marathon, and the Naccarato Insurance Marathon. The Hudson Valley Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, and the Half Marathon and Marathon courses are USATF certified.
🗓️When: May 3, 2026
📍Where: Rochester
💲Cost: $40
Photo Credit: RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
Find your flow beneath a galaxy of stars during this immersive yoga experience inside the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium dome. Participants move through a slow-flow vinyasa class accompanied by celestial visuals, mindful breathing, and atmospheric music. Open to all levels and all bodies, this cosmic practice offers a peaceful, inspiring way to connect movement, meditation, and the wonders of the universe. The event is BYOM—bring your own mat.
🗓️When: May 3, 2026
📍Where: New York City
💲Cost: $192.81 – $485.44 (VIP) registration for participants; free to spectate.
Photo Credit: Julienne Schaer/NYC Tourism + Conventions
Cheer on cyclists as they embark on 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.
🗓️When: May 8, 2026
📍Where: Cortland
💲Cost: $20
Photo Credit: Experience Cortland
Kick off the season with a flavorful new celebration as Experience Cortland hosts the first-ever Roots & Rhythm, a farm-to-fork tasting event bringing together Cortland County’s growers, makers, and culinary artisans for an evening of local flavor and live music at the Cortland Country Music Park. Stroll from table to table sampling everything from heritage recipes to fresh, modern bites while meeting the farmers and producers behind the region’s standout goods. The night features performances by Molly & the Ringwalds and Dock Holiday, plus bison burgers, craft cocktails, and a marketplace of local products ranging from herbs and baked goods to spirits, meats, and sweet treats. A portion of proceeds supports Seven Valleys Health Coalition, making this community-forward tasting experience as meaningful as it is delicious.
🗓️When: May 8-17, 2026
📍Where: Rochester
💲Cost: Free admission
Credit: @rochesterlilacfestival on Instagram
Spring into Rochester for the 128th 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. The festival features 10 days of live entertainment, mouthwatering food, the 47th Annual Lilac Run 5K/10K & Tim Horton’s Timbits Trot, a Kids’ Zone, the Lilac Parade, Seniors’ Day, a special events tent with wine and craft beer expos, exhibitors and vendors, and an award-winning art show.. There’s also a Sensory Space offering a calm environment for guests who need a sensory-friendly break.
🗓️When: May 9, 2026
📍Where: Manhattan
💲Cost: Free admission
Credit: @jrobertson.nyc on Instagram
Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by experiencing 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 internationally acclaimed Japanese manga artist Acky Bright, whose work has appeared in collaborations with McDonald’s, Meta, Marvel, DC Comics, BMW, Lexus, and more. 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.
🗓️When: May 9, 2026
📍Where: Clayton
💲Cost: $15 adults, $9 youth, $13 seniors, $44 families; additional rates and packages available.
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 2026! 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!
🗓️When: May 9, 2026
📍Where: Callicoon
💲Cost: $20 general admission; must be 21+ to participate in the event. Families with children are welcome, as are well-behaved, leashed dogs.
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 10 local cideries and get an exclusive taste of unreleased estate ciders from your host, Seminary Hill. Looking to indulge further? Mouthwatering food will be available to purchase. 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.
🗓️When: May 10, 2026
📍Where: Chautauqua
💲Cost: $62 plus tax, ages 12 and up; $22 plus tax, ages 5–11; free admission age 4 and under.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in timeless style at the historic Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, where lakeside charm and grand Victorian architecture set the stage for one of Chautauqua County’s most beloved spring traditions. Treat the special women in your life to an elegant brunch featuring chef-crafted dishes, seasonal favorites, and decadent desserts served in the hotel’s beautifully appointed dining room overlooking Chautauqua Lake. With its warm ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and picture-perfect setting, this annual celebration offers a memorable way to honor family and savor the beauty of spring.
🗓️When: May 13-17, 2026
📍Where: New York City
💲Cost: Weekend general admission $92 (before 3pm), $77 (after 3pm), $38 student or youth (13-18 years), $11 (children 2-12).
A prestigious event in the world of contemporary art, Frieze New York brings together approximately 70 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.
🗓️When: May 14, 2026
📍Where: Pleasantville
💲Cost: Three support levels, all include buffet & cocktail reception: $300 – Peony, $200 – Forsythia, and $150 – Daffodil.
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.
🗓️When: May 14-17, 2026
📍Where: Montauk
💲Cost: Admission/donation fee for Saturday and Sunday Main Stage performances (11 a.m. – around 6 p.m.) is $20 for a 2-day pass (children under 5 free); to attend the opening party, admission is $65 (includes appetizers and free sponsor drinks along with music all night long).
Groove to the rhythm of live music set against the picturesque backdrop of Montauk on the festival’s main stage on the Town Green or check out 40 additional venues hosting free performances! There will be over 400 performances from 100 acts, promising a harmonious blend of talent, community spirit, and coastal charm. The festival kicks off May 14 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.
🗓️When: May 15, 2026
📍Where: Statewide
💲Cost: Prices vary
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!
🗓️When: May 16, 2026
📍Where: Waterford
💲Cost: Free admission
Experience the charm of New York’s historic waterways at this fun and much-anticipated annual event featuring 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.
🗓️When: May 16, 2026
📍Where: Buffalo
💲Cost: Free admission
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!
🗓️When: May 16-17, 2026
📍Where: New York City, 9th Avenue between 42nd-57th Streets
💲Cost: Free admission
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.
🗓️When: May 17, 2026
📍Where: Newfane
💲Cost: Free admission
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!
🗓️When: May 17, 2026
📍Where: Glens Falls
💲Cost: Free admission
Calling all animal lovers! Pet Fest transforms Glens Falls City Park into a lively celebration of furry, feathered, and four-legged friends. Enjoy agility demonstrations, a Puppy Parade, a fashion show for adoptable dogs, and the always-popular Dogs Got Talent contest. With activities for all ages and well-behaved pets welcome, this free event is a joyful kickoff to the warm-weather season.
🗓️When: May 20, 2026
📍Where: Binghamton
💲Cost: $75 per person, group discount is $65 per person with a minimum purchase of 10 tickets.
Take a walk on the wild side at Ross Park Zoo’s signature fundraising event, where food, fun, and wildlife come together for an unforgettable evening. Guests enjoy a progressive dinner featuring dishes from more than 10 local restaurants as they stroll through the zoo, followed by a lively post-event party with entertainment and raffles. Every bite supports the care and nutrition of the zoo’s animal residents, making this a feast you can feel good about.
🗓️When: May 22-24, 2026
📍Where: Corning
💲Cost: Free admission
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, mouthwatering 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 Riverfront Centennial Park. On Saturday night, the festival features spectacular fireworks over the Chemung River, and on Sunday it all concludes with a Memorial Day Tribute at the park!
🗓️When: May 23-24, 2026
📍Where: Wantagh, NY
💲Cost: $10 parking fee
Step back in time as Jones Beach transforms into a Revolutionary War Village in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The special Memorial Day Weekend event will feature revolutionary reenactors portraying the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from New York, Revolutionary War encampments, a fife and drum band, Colonial era cooking demonstrations, history-themed family games, plus inflatable play areas for kids to enjoy. You’ll also encounter George Washington on horseback, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Culper Spy Ring reenactors. Once night falls, a dazzling patriotic drone show will light up the sky over the Atlantic Ocean in front of the Central Mall.
🗓️When: May 27-30, 2026
📍Where: Lake George
💲Cost: $105-$249 (online prices increase on May 17). In-person registration begins the Tuesday of Americade Week at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George.
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.
🗓️When: May 28-31, 2026
📍Where: Ithaca
💲Cost: Free admission
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.
🗓️When: May 29, 2026
📍Where: Saratoga Springs
💲Cost: Tickets start at $175; this is a 21+ event.
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!
🗓️When: May 30, 2026
📍Where: Poughkeepsie
💲Cost: Free
Kick off Pride season 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 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.
🗓️When: May 30, 2026
📍Where: Oneida
💲Cost: 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 admitted free (no strollers or carriages, please), free admission for members, call for special group tour pricing.
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.
🗓️When: May 31–June 11, 2026
📍Where: Lake George
💲Cost: Ticket prices vary by show.
Photo Credit: Lake George Music Festival
Experience the magic of classical music surrounded by the natural splendor of Lake George at this beloved annual festival. For more than a decade, the Lake George Music Festival has brought world-class musicians and rising stars together for two weeks of chamber concerts, orchestral performances, and special events. This year’s lineup includes a late night concert about the Lake George Steamboat Company’s historic Minne-Ha-Ha, Piano Mania, and intimate performances in the historic Carriage House at the Fort William Henry Hotel. It’s the perfect blend of culture, scenery, and Adirondack charm.
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