What’s Happening in NYC in May
Slowly rising temperatures and increasingly long stretches of sunlight make late spring an excellent time to explore New York City. From your roost at Refinery Hotel, you’ll be poised to experience the greatest New York City events happening in May — a blissful season in the Big Apple before the arrival of summer’s crowds and sticky hot weather.
In addition to New York City’s regular attractions (Broadway musicals, the Statue of Liberty, a ferry ride along the Hudson) travelers visiting in May will have the opportunity to attend a number of major annual events and festivals.
Support the military during Fleet Week, hone your eye for art at the Frieze Art Fair, or sport your most spirited hat for an unforgettable Kentucky Derby bash. Consider one (or all) of these exciting events during your New York City vacation this May.
Refinery’s Kentucky Derby party
Don your most flamboyant spectator and head to the Derby — at Refinery Hotel, that is. On Saturday, May 5, New Yorkers and guests can participate in a lavish Kentucky Derby Party. In honor of the hotel’s five year anniversary, they’re hosting a grand affair that includes a trio of open bars sponsored by Corona, Maker’s Mark, and G.H. Mumm. Sip specialty cocktails (like the traditional mint julep) while enjoying live music and passed hors d’oeuvres like fresh-shucked oysters and hot brown sandwiches. Get your ticket for Derby Day in the city ($125 per person) and prepare to place a lighthearted bet on your favorite racehorse.
Fleet Week
Celebrate Memorial Day by honoring United States Marines, Navy Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen during Fleet Week, now in its 30th year. The week-long affair kicks off on Wednesday, May 23 with the Parade of Ships. This year, visitors can enjoy free, guided tours of U.S. Navy ships, Coast Guard cutters, patrol boats from the Naval Academy Yard, twin military sealift command ships, and a Royal Canadian Navy ship. The event also includes aviation events and military band concerts.
Frieze Art Fair
Join fellow art enthusiasts on the ferry to Randall’s Island during the first weekend in May for Frieze New York. The annual contemporary art fair will this year feature collections from nearly 200 galleries selected from 30 countries. (Among them, London’s Gagosian gallery, Parra & Romero from Madrid, and White Columns in New York City.) Ticket holders can also join panel discussions and performance pieces. Admission starts at $48, though you’ll want to budget a bit more (or quite a lot more) for the on-site fare provided by such acclaimed eateries as The Fat Radish, Roberta’s, and Frankies Spuntino.
Taste of Tribeca
Support local public schools while sampling plates from more than 65 of the city’s hottest restaurants, including Batard’s pork schnitzel sandwich, empanadas from Estancia 460, and steak tartare from American Cut. Buy a ticket to Taste of Tribeca in advance ($45) for six tastings and a beverage of your choice. All proceeds go to support arts and enrichment programs, meaning you can do good while feasting on top notch New York City fare. Rain or shine, bring your appetite to the corner of Duane and and Greenwich Streets on the afternoon of May 19.
