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Gothamist Spring Guide: 20 Bright Things To Do In May

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The spring sun is finally roaring overhead and New York City is in full bloom, so what are you doing hunched over a laptop? You won't get a tan from a glowing screen (even those swank retina ones), so dive into this guide to the city's best May events and start planning your unplugged itineraries.

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With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to make a decision on gay marriage, and transgender issues now national news, the work of South African artist, photographer, and activist Zanele Muholi is more essential than ever for American audiences. Muholi has, for well over a decade, made the black transgender and lesbian citizens of her home nation her subject, challenging the world to bear witness to the quotidian violence that these communities face. Her work sprawls out across forms and genres, incorporating photo portraits, film stories, and installations. The Brooklyn Museum will open a new exhibit of Muholi's work this month, and it all begins with a <a href="https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/calendar/event/8645">presentation and walking tour led by the artist herself</a>. The entire exhibit runs until November, but Muholi's appearance is a one-night-only affair, so take a half-day at work and get to Eastern Parkway. Friday, May 1st, 2 p.m. // Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/calendar/event/8659">Free with museum admission</a>

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Ditch your Warby Parkers for an evening and slide on some three-dimensional specs for <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/3d-in-the-21st-century">BAM's 3D in the 21st Century film series</a>. A kind of progress report on the resurgence of 3D films over the last 15 years, the run of screenings includes art cinema (<a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/goodbye/">Goodbye to Language</a>), blockbusters (<a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/avatar">Avatar</a>) and, well, <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/justin-bieber-never-say-never">Justin Bieber</a>. BAM has kept the format loose and chosen to highlight technological progress over high-brow filmmaking, so if you've ever wanted to watch zombies get blown to bits in an art cinema house and really be there, this is your shot. Friday, May 1st - Sunday, May 17th; Times vary // <a href="http://www.bam.org/">BAM</a>, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/3d-in-the-21st-century">Showtimes and ticket information here</a>

Resident Evil: Resurrection

May is Asian-Pacific Heritage Month and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/482576341893343/">The Asia Society</a> is starting it off with a party at their Upper East Side museum. Sip on their specialty Leotini, a lychee-infused martini, while dancing with the NYC Bhangra Dance Company & School, touring their "Buddhist Art of Myanmar" exhibit and vibing along to Vietnamese-American DJ George Pihlgren. There will even be food from the Korilla BBQ truck and an Asian dessert bar, so whether you're feeling mochi or kimchi, there's bound to be a little something for everyone. (Sandra Song) Friday, May 1st, 6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.asiasociety.org/">Asia Society New York</a>, 725 Park Avenue, Manhattan // Free

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When Sufjan Stevens played Brooklyn in 2011, it was <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/08/03/video_sufjan_stevens_celebrates_bro.php#photo-1">a strangely vibrant and taped-up affair</a>. Two years later, the prolific folk songwriter was back with two Christmas shows at the Bowery Ballroom, and engulfed the room in confetti, blow-up unicorns and holiday cheer. But the world has been eager for the "old Sufjan" to resurface, and on his latest album Carrie & Lowell, that's exactly what happened. Stevens has delivered a masterpiece built from grief, anger, fear and hope. It's an album that demands to be heard in one continuous listen, and on May 1st and 2nd <a href="http://www.kingstheatre.com/shows/sufjan-stevens">Stevens will play the record in its entirety during two concerts at the Kings Theater</a>. There's really no way to overstate the power of his work, and with reports that Stevens's new live light show is a rapture unto itself, there's really nothing more to discuss. Buy your tickets as quick as you can. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lJJT00wqlOo" width="640"></iframe> Friday and Saturday, May 1-2; 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.kingstheatre.com/">Kings Theater</a>, 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/24717/920396">Tickets $55.95</a>

Gothamist

The Whitney Museum of American Art closed last October in anticipation of their move to <a href="http://gothamist.com/2015/04/23/new_whitney_museum_photos.php">a new Renzo Piano-designed home</a> in the West Village, and to celebrate their reopening they're taking over Gansevoort Street for <a href="http://whitney.org/Events/WhitneyBlockParty"> their opening weekend</a>. And although advanced museum reservations are gone (unless you want to get up early and grab some on a first come, first serve basis), you can still swing by for the shindig, which has map-making, karaoke and more from a diverse group of artists and community organizations. Probably most exciting though is the main stage, which will play host to performances of puppetry, dance, music and more, with special guests like Camp & Street (DonChristian, Le1f, Rahel, Boody, etc.), La'fem Ladosha and A Tribe Called Red. Saturday, May 2nd, 10:30 a.m. // <a href="http://whitney.org/">Whitney Museum of American Art</a>, 99 Gansevoort Street, Manhattan // Free

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Maybe you were just going to kick back this weekend with some Netflix, a few Seamless orders, and your new one hitter. We can't advise against doing just that, but for those who feel that truly reformed marijuana laws are something worth marching for, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1571879859724977/">NYC Cannabis Parade</a> will offer a chance to <strike>toke up</strike> speak up en masse. The demonstration begins in Midtown with a series of speakers and will then truck down Broadway to Union Square, where a four-hour "Gathering of the Tribes" is set to go down. City Council Members Jumaane Williams and Rafael L Espinal are due to appear at the parade to show their support for marijuana law reform, and it's sure to be a mighty fragrant gathering. But there's also a serious issue at the heart of it all. New York State's <a href="http://gothamist.com/2015/02/04/nys_medical_marijuana.php">medicinal marijuana plan is a disaster</a> and the racial disparity amongst marijuana arrests is <a href="http://gothamist.com/2014/10/20/pot_arrests_on_the_rise_under_de_bl.php">staggering</a>. Saturday, May 2nd, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. // Broadway between 31st and 32nd Streets, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1571879859724977/">RSVP here</a>

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Make the most of the fresh spring air (and get some cool life preserver tan lines) at the <a href="http://bronxriver.org/flotilla">Bronx River Flotilla</a>, which is finally back after construction forced it into a moratorium during the past two years. The 5 mile group trip will officially open the Bronx River Alliance's paddling season, and will help raise funds for the group's youth canoeing program. But be forewarned: this isn't a half-assed pledge drive. Each 6 person team will need to bring in $2000 in order to participate. If that price is a bit steep for you and your cronies' wallets, attendees can still enjoy a bevy of free activities including a bike raffle and kids games at the Bronx Children Museum. And another 5 mile river trip with a bargain entry fee of $40 will take place in September. Saturday, May 2nd 8:30 a.m. // Bronx Blvd at 219th Street, The Bronx // <a href="http://bronxriver.org/flotilla">Registration details here</a>

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Give in to the urge to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUpAcPAipDA">Charleston</a> at the Prohibition era-inspired <a href="http://www.nyhotjazzfest.com/">New York Hot Jazz Festival</a>, a one day blow-out of over a dozen bands, all of which recapture the swinging jazz sounds of the 20s and 30s. From <a href="http://jazztimes.com/articles/158038-3rd-ny-hot-jazz-festival-set-for-may-3">Jazztimes</a> to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/travel/5-ways-to-time-travel-and-party-in-new-york.html">New York Times</a>, the 12 hour celebration of flapper fashion, traditional jazz and the power of a great clarinet solo has been praised as a thrilling time, even if you don't own suspenders or a bowler hat. Come rested, hydrated, and ready to dance. Sunday, May 3rd, Two sessions: 12-5:45 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. // <a href="http://www.theplayersnyc.org/">The Players</a>, 16 Gramercy Park S, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.nyhotjazzfest.com/tickets/">Tickets $35-80</a>

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Known for her critically-acclaimed score for the Scarlett Johansson-starring <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoSWbyvdhHw">Under the Skin</a>, Mica Levi of Micachu and the Shapes fame is celebrating the final Sunday Session of the season with her <a href="http://momaps1.org/calendar/view/559/">Local Holiday, Local Sun, Locals, Local Rain, Local Number, Local Drink, Local Customs</a> performance. And though it may be quite a mouthful, it promises to be a one-of-kind event combining her collection of audio odds and ends, as well as colorful sketchbook projections. Don't miss this chance to see the youngest Artist in Residence at London's Southbank Center showcase what exactly goes on in her weird, wacky world. (Sandra Song) Sunday, May 3rd, 4 p.m. // <a href="http://momaps1.org/">MoMA PS1</a>, 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Queens // <a href="http://momaps1.org/calendar/view/559/">Tickets $20</a>

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The much-beloved <a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/vendys">Vendys</a> are still months away, but if it's a mass gathering of mobile kitchens that you desire, this month delivers the goods. <a href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/747723?utm_medium=NYV">The Village Voice's 4th Annual Choice Streets Food Truck Event</a> will bring over 20 food truck vendors from across New York City under one roof for a night of delicious street food and drinks. It all goes down at Pier 86 of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and will feature dishes from Andy's Italian Ice, Carl's Steaks, Domo Taco, Korilla BBQ, Snowday, The Treats Truck, and many more. As with most of the Choice Eats events, tickets are being sold in a multi-tiered system. Your perks vary based on how much you pony up, so decide now whether the early entry and gift bag are truly worth your hard earned scratch. If not, be sure to line up EARLY. Tuesday, May 5th, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. // Pier 86 of the <a href="http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/">Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum</a>12th Avenue and 46th Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/747723?utm_medium=NYV">Tickets $55-85</a>

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For two decades Jessica Hopper has been a force in music journalism, and whether her subject is Sleater Kinney or Kendrick Lamar, her work consistently slices to the sonic heart of the matter. Hopper currently sits as editor-in-chief of the nascent (and excellent) <a href="http://www.thepitchforkreview.com/">Pitchfork Review</a> and is about to publish a new book, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic. From '90s zine clippings to feature stories on Lady Gaga, Cat Power, and St. Vincent, the book is a compendium of some of the best music writing the world has seen, bar none. <a href="http://www.wordbookstores.com/event/bk-jessica-hopper-and-first-collection-criticism-living-female-rock-critic">WORD bookstore will host Hopper for an author's conversation</a>, and attendees will have a chance to purchase her book ahead of its scheduled publish date. Monday, May 11th, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.wordbookstores.com/word-brooklyn">WORD</a>, 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.wordbookstores.com/event/bk-jessica-hopper-and-first-collection-criticism-living-female-rock-critic">Free</a>

Gothamist

Hip-hop and literature come together as <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/the-breakbeat-poets-new-american-poetry-in-the-age-of-hip-hop/">The Breakbeat Poets hold a live reading series at Housing Works Cafe</a>. The event will celebrate the recent publishing of The Breakbeat Poets: New American Poetry in the Age of Hip-Hop, a compilation of work from 78 writers whose rhythmic style and subject matter blurs the lines between Wordsworth and the Wu-Tang Clan. It's a volume "for people who've never read a poem, for people who thought poems were only something done by dead white dudes who got lost in a forest, and for poetry heads," according to publisher Haymarket. NYC-based poets including Jose Olivarez, Angel Nafis, Sarah Blake, Aziza Barnes, Safia Elhillo, and Paolo Javier will be reading their own work on a night that promises hard beats and deft enjambments. Wednesday, May 13th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/bookstore/">Housing Works Bookstore Cafe</a>, 126 Crosby Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/the-breakbeat-poets-new-american-poetry-in-the-age-of-hip-hop">Free</a>

Gothamist

Harlem's vibrant culinary scene is no longer niche, nor secret, and for one massive upcoming weekend the first-annual <a href="http://harlemeatup.com/">Harlem EatUp! Festival</a> will make it the food capital of the country. Participating restaurants such as The Cecil, Ginny's Supper Club, Dinosaur Barb-B-Que, and Vinateria will be bringing top-tier chefs from across the nation into their kitchens, allowing them to create dishes never before seen or tasted. The fest's final day will include talks on everything from how to open a restaurant to the life of a working artist, and profits from the weekend will go toward <a href="http://www.citymeals.org/">Citymeals-on-Wheels</a> and <a href="http://harlemparktopark.org/">Harlem Park to Park</a>. Yes, uptown foodies, the entire thing is almost too good to be true. Maybe this is all a hangry fever dream? Thursday-Sunday, May 14th-17th; Times vary // <a href="http://harlemeatup.com/festival/">Multiple restaurants</a>, Harlem // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/harlem-eatup-tickets-15321833015?aff=Website">Ticket prices vary by venue</a>

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Venture to Bushwick for a comedy experience quite unlike any other. <a href="http://latenightbasement.tumblr.com/upcomingshows">Late Night Basement</a>, a faux-talk show hosted by Chris Rose, brings comedians, actors, other compelling characters, and a certain "colorful language" rarely heard from Letterman or Fallon. Rose is a firm believer in audience participation, and nails a sweet spot between scathing and charming humor. The show has already showcased funnypeople like Amber Tamblyn, Jon Benjamin, and Chris Distefano on its stage, so this month there's a chance for you to enjoy a drink while doubled up with laughter. If a "gun for cronuts trade-in" sketch sounds like your sort of jam, make it to the basement posthaste. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVG6WxHpgNU" width="640"></iframe> Friday, May 15th, 9 p.m. // <a href="http://www.pineboxrockshop.com/">Pine Box Rock Shop</a>, 12 Grattan Stree at Bogart Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://latenightbasement.tumblr.com/upcomingshows">Free</a>

Gothamist

It's fitting that <a href="http://www.nybg.org/frida/">The late great Frida Kahlo</a>, an artist known for her gorgeous, symbolism-heavy paintings that evoke the mysterious beauty of the natural world, is the focus of her own show at the Bronx's New York Botanical Gardens. Containing a rare display of more than a dozen original works and a reimagining of her well-known home and garden at Casa Azul, there will be a variety of events throughout the show's six-month run, including lectures, dinners, art activities and more. (Sandra Song) Begins Saturday, May 16th, 10 a.m. // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/">The New York Botanical Gardens</a>, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx // <a href="http://www.nybg.org/frida/visit.php">Weekday Tickets $20, Weekend Tickets $25</a>

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People often forget that Yoko Ono is an incredible conceptual artist and activist in her own right, so thankfully MoMA is finally putting her front and center with her first official exhibition, entitled <a href="http://gothamist.com/2014/12/12/yoko_moma.php#photo-1">Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971</a>. From her seminal "Bag Piece" performance to her unauthorized MoMA exhibit (which involved the release of flies sprayed with her scent), this exhibit will encompass 125 objects created in the decade that led up to her MoMA "debut." (Sandra Song) Opens Sunday, May 17th, 10:30 a.m. // <a href="http://www.moma.org/">MoMA</a>, 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/tickets">Tickets $25</a>

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By the end of the month it's a fair bet that the city's kids will be itching for a break. The spring air is only getting nicer, and so the cruel, cruel reality of school schedules that stretch well into June is due to get worse with each passing week. For kids 8 and up (and the parents in their employ), the <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/programs/pinkertonian-mystery">New York Historical Society is hosting The Pinkertonian Mystery</a>, an interactive whodunnit play that lets families walk through the museum encountering new characters and plot twists as they go. To put it another way: the production is Sleep No More made safe for PG audiences. Kids are asked by the actors to help thwart a criminal mastermind and join the Pinkerton Detective Agency (which<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinkerton_%28detective_agency%29"> actually exists</a>). The Pinkertonian Mystery, a <a href="http://www.liveintheater.com/">Live IN Theater</a> production, has been a runaway success for the NYHS, and this new May performance is one of four new dates added on account of high demand. Sunday, May 17th, 2-4 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/">New York Historical Society</a>, 170 Central Park West, Manhattan // <a href="https://3256.blackbaudhosting.com/3256/tickets?tab=2&txobjid=1dd7c5da-4866-404a-9fe5-110a03537455">Tickets $30-35</a>

Gothamist

Celebrate The Muppets' greatest diva at <a href="http://www.unionhallny.com/event/845521">Union Hall's 'Miss Piggy's Moi-morial Day Parade.'</a>. A continuation of the bar's Muppet Vault series, the night will include plenty of drinking, plenty of laughs, and plenty of puppet overacting. Organizers plan to screen the classic TV special The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show, along with clips from film and TV Muppets productions. The event is meant to be a thrill for Muppet fanatics (we know you're out there) and casual fans alike, and should be the perfect way to get a little weird on a Sunday when you've got no work the next day. Sunday, May 24th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.unionhallny.com/">Union Hall</a>, 702 Union Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.unionhallny.com/event/845521">Tickets $8</a>

Gothamist

Sip, slurp and sample at the <a href="http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/event/brooklyn-uncorked-3/">9th Annual Brooklyn Uncorked</a> event, which comes to Dumbo at the end of May for an evening of tipsy tastings. From Pinot Grigios to Petite Syrahs, you'll be able to try beverages from the likes of Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, Brooklyn Winery and One Woman Wines and Vineyards, all while soaking it up with food provided by Dekalb Restaurant, Gramercy Tavern, Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies and much, much more. (Sandra Song) Thursday, May 28th, 6-9 p.m. // <a href="http://www.26bridge.com/">26 Bridge</a>, 26 Bridge Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/event/brooklyn-uncorked-3/">Tickets $70</a>

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