Exciting Events Around New York: May 2025
Apollo Music Café
The Apollo Music Café series presents independent artists to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, and rock), this series showcases artists drawn from the independent music scene who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
The Amours
Friday, May 2nd at 10:00pm
The Amours sing the language of love. Sisters Jakiya Ayanna and Shaina Aisha use their powerhouse vocals to deliver a soulful night of R&B at the Apollo Music Cafe.
Julius Rodriguez
Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00pm
Drummer, pianist and composer Julius Rodriguez (Orange Julius) travels all lanes of jazz. This multi-instrumentalist has electrified the genre and redefined a sound that is solely his alone. Be in the room to see Julius and his friends celebrate and close-out the Apollo Music Café season.
Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sunday, May 18th at 3:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $25
The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a family matinee of Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse – an exciting retelling of Aesop’s Fable, City Mouse and Country Mouse. Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse references the rich traditions of the Black South, modern-day life in Harlem, and the unique expressions of dance, music and poetry that arise when cultures collide, and unites the dynamic artists of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company together with students from the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Conceived as a celebration of the Harlem community, this full-length story ballet is an uplifting event for the whole family!
Lahore Literary Festival in New York 2025
Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Tickets: $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. Senior/Students: Use code SENSTU at checkout for a discount
“Lahore Literary Festival – a safe place for dangerous ideas.” —The Guardian
“Rarely has an event framed around books and ideas felt so urgent.” —New York Review of Books
The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), one of South Asia’s premier cultural events, returns to Asia Society New York, exploring contemporary Pakistan through artists, writers, and other experts. The festival will present American audiences with a more nuanced view of Pakistan, with discussions on fiction and nonfiction writing, art, science, history, and politics. LLF 2025 brings Lahore and New York together with a vibrant selection of lyrical, literary and musical offerings: speakers this year include Manan Ahmed, Iftikhar Dadi, Qudsia Rahim, Yasufumi Nakamori, Ustad Naseeruddin Saami and more. The program also features a poetry session with this year’s Pakistan Youth Poet Laureates, Mashallah Saif and Aiman Tahir Khan. The evening closes out with a qawwali and khayaal concert by the legendary Saami Brothers Qawwal (concert tickets on sale separately here).
2025 Asia Arts Game Changer Awards
Monday, May 12th from 6:00pm t0 9:00pm
6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM | Seated Dinner
Dress Code | Cocktail Attire
This celebration is Asia Society’s biggest fundraiser for its Arts and Culture sector and for the Asia Society Museum’s exhibitions, and it is also a vital source of our programmatic funding. For more information, please contact Mariel Pezik Pajoow at mpajoow@asiasociety.org.
This year we honor Huang Ruo, Alexandra Munroe, Shirin Neshat, and Yang Fudong.
Sō Percussion
Wednesday, May 7th through Saturday, May 17th
Location: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Tickets: start at $35
Globally celebrated for peerless virtuosity and unbounded curiosity, new-music powerhouse quartet Sō Percussion has thrilled BAM audiences alongside composer Steve Reich, and in their own genre-mashing triumphs Where (we) Live, Imaginary City, and A Gun Show. For this intimate eight-concert residency, the pulse is unstoppable as these hometown heroes weave together classical and pop music styles into something new, original, and inviting.
Week one brings Sō together with Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw to perform a staged work of selections from their two most recent acclaimed collaborations, Rectangles and Circumstance and Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part. The show also features Ringdown, Shaw’s brilliant art-pop duo with partner Danni Lee Parpan. The evening-length show is called Who Turns Out the Light, a theatrical creation staged by visionary director and filmmaker Mark DeChiazza.
Then during week two, Sō welcomes genre-bursting innovators This Is the Kit (Kate Stables) and Helado Negro (Roberto Carlos Lange) for four evenings of unpredictable musical fusion. Look for reworked songs from each composer’s beloved catalog and brand-new collaborations bursting with sonic invention and rhythmic joy.
It’s not just a concert series—it’s a sonic revolution in eight acts.
Lollise x Loboko
BAM FREE MUSIC
Thursday, May 8th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
Botswana-born Brooklynite singer, artist, and fashion designer Lollise sprinkles transfigured play-songs from her childhood with boldly contemporary statements of identity and purpose on her recent debut LP, I hit the water. She teams up here with Loboko, an infectious Brooklyn dance band anchored by Congolese guitar virtuoso and vocalist Yohni Loboko, for a powerful fusion of trans-African pop styles, featuring original music from both acts.
San Farafina is a Canadian DJ and multimedia artist who seeks to explore the sounds of the global underground through her mesmerizing polyrhythmic blends and textured, genre-fusing sets. Her signature sound seamlessly merges classic dance synths and global rhythms with a modern ethos, drawing inspiration from her eclectic upbringing and her Haitian-Filipina roots. As a core member of the Moonshine Collective, San Farafina is performing at some of the world’s most renowned clubs and festivals, including Primavera Sound, Dour Festival, Nitsa Club, and Osheaga, and touring in cities across Europe, North America, and Africa. She also manages Club Sagacité, a multidisciplinary artistic project aimed at uplifting underrepresented groups of artists in Montreal.
DanceAfrica Festival 2025
Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $25
This Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Hand in hand with our cultural partners—the visionary DanceAfrica Council of Elders, the cultural custodians at Weeksville Heritage Center, our forward-thinking friends at MoCADA, and Bed-Stuy stalwart The Billie Holiday Theatre—we’ve assembled an experience guaranteed to open minds and lift spirits.
Enjoy traditional dance and music from Mozambique, view exhilarating visual art, sample FilmAfrica’s illuminating cinematic offerings, participate in classes and late-night dance parties, and mingle with neighbors from around the block and around the globe in the iconic outdoor bazaar. It’s all waiting for you at Brooklyn’s most unmissable summer celebration!
First Saturday: Friends and Family
Saturday, May 3rd from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: throughout the Museum
Tickets: register for free
Bring your friends and family to May’s First Saturday, showcasing the vibrant artistry, rich histories, and recreations of the Asian American and Pacific Islander diasporas in New York.
Teacher Workshop: What’s in a Label?
Wednesday, May 14th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Education Studios, 1st Floor
Tickets: Registration is $20 (Members: $13.50). Not a Member? Join today!
Educators: Join us for a professional development workshop focused on writing texts for museum exhibitions. Head to our American Art galleries with curator Caroline Gillaspie to analyze traditional and experimental object labels. Think critically about what curators and museums communicate through these didactics. Then, practice your art-writing skills with museum educator Henry Wahlenmayer, who will model lessons and activities to use in your classroom.
Dezron Douglas Quartet
Monday, May 12th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $25
Bassist and composer Dezron Douglas arrives at Dizzy’s Club with his quartet to debut new music ahead of their next recording. The evening will also feature selections from their first release, ATALAYA. Experience the excitement of hearing fresh compositions take shape in an intimate club setting, where every note feels alive. With world-class musicians and the unmatched ambiance of Dizzy’s, this is a night for jazz lovers to savor.
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Dezron Douglas, bass
George Burton, piano
Joe Dyson, drums
Emilio Modeste, saxophones
Future of Jazz Orchestra
Monday, May 19th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Nestled above Columbus Circle with stunning views of Central Park, Dizzy’s Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends the magic of live jazz with the warmth of an intimate atmosphere. From iconic artists to rising stars, each performance celebrates the vibrant spirit and diversity of jazz. Paired with a thoughtfully curated menu, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy world-class music, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable moments in the heart of New York City.
Bill Charlap Trio
Tuesday, May 20th through Sunday, May 25th
Tickets: start at $20
Experience the brilliance of Bill Charlap and his acclaimed trio in an evening of masterful jazz. This ensemble is celebrated for its effortless swing, deep musicality, and seamless interplay. The Grammy-Award winning pianist has shared the stage with legends like Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, and Barbra Streisand. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of jazz’s most celebrated trios bring their signature elegance and spontaneity to the stage.
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Bill Charlap, piano
David Wong, bass (5/20, 5/22-5/25)
Joey Ranieri, bass (5/21)
Kenny Washington, drums
Christian McBride
Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Bass legend Christian McBride takes the stage with two powerhouse ensembles, delivering a night of swing, soul, and serious groove. First, he honors his mentor, Ray Brown, with a hard-hitting trio featuring pianist Benny Green and drummer Greg Hutchinson, delivering hard-driving rhythm and effortless swing.
Then, McBride shifts gears with his boundary-pushing quintet, Ursa Major, featuring Nicole Glover, Ely Perlman, Mike King, and Savannah Harris. With fresh originals and fearless energy, this intergenerational group brings bold new sounds to the forefront.
Two sets, two distinct vibes, one amazing night!
The JLCO Plays the 70s
Thursday, May 29th through Saturday, May 31st
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Experience the electrifying spirit of the 1970s as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra brings this transformative decade to life through music. Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and former JLCO member Ted Nash, this memorable evening reimagines the era’s most influential sounds with fresh, dynamic arrangements. Immerse yourself in the boundary-pushing genius of Weather Report, Chick Corea, the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Orchestra, Quincy Jones, Horace Silver, Gil Scott-Heron, and more. Adding to the magic, special guests Hubert Laws and Tom Harrell join the JLCO for a performance that celebrates artistic revolution, fearless innovation, and the unrestrained creativity of the ‘70s.
New York Hysterical: Stand-Up Comedy
May 2nd, May 9th, and May 16th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Robert H. Smith Auditorium
Free with pay-as-you-wish admission
Back by popular demand! Enjoy an early-bird hour of comedy with acclaimed NYC stand-ups. Host Tom Delgado—a comedian, actor, tour guide, and certified New York City history nerd—leads a night of laughs at the Museum with a Gotham spin. Pay-as-you-wish hours are from 5–8 pm, so come early or stay late to explore exhibitions like Robert Caro’s The Power Broker at 50 and Real Clothes, Real Lives.
Designing Women Market
Saturday, May 17th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Location: 1st floor, Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History
Meet our Spring 2025 Designing Women! The NYHistory Store is celebrating our annual Designing Women Market, a curated marketplace that showcases products by women makers, designers, and entrepreneurs who create a unique range of jewelry, textiles, accessories, quality crafts and more. Come and meet our women makers!
First Friday
Friday, May 2nd from 10:00am to 9:00pm
FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY & OPEN LATE
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum Members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6 – 9 PM. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Posters & Cocktails: Atomic Edition
Wednesday, May 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $45
End the spring season with a bang (hopefully not literally) with the latest edition of Posters & Cocktails. Join Nicholas Lowry of Swann Auctions Galleries, Don Spiro of the Green Fairy Society, and our very own Executive Director & Curator, Angelina Lippert, for a night of explosive entertainment straight out of the nuclear age in honor of the exhibition Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace. Split the atom between corporate propaganda and social activism in this Cold-War infused evening of posters accompanied by appropriately themed beverages.
The night’s events will switch between specialty atomic-themed cocktails and the witty reparté of Nicho and Angelina as they highlight some of the best posters from both General Dynamics and numerous anti-nuclear movements around the world.
Mother's Day Tea
Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th
Seating Times: 11:00am and 1:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House, Mark Twain Room
Tickets: Adults $50; Children $30 with adult
Celebrate all the special women in your life with a luxurious tea this Mother’s Day! Choose from seatings at 11:00AM or 1:30PM this weekend and enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection served in historic Wave Hill House. Provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances, the menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm.
Mother's Day Picnic
Sunday, May 11th from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Wave Hill House Lawn
Tickets: Free with admission (premium weekend)
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Wave Hill opens the Wave Hill House Lawn for picnicking. Bring your own or leave it all to us and order a custom picnic basket available only at Wave Hill by our exclusive caterers Great Performances.
Bring your blanket or folding chairs and relax while enjoying our custom menu with your loved ones. In addition to picnicking on the lawn, limited seating will be available for picnic purchasers at Wave Hill House in Armor Hall and the Kate French Terrace. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
CityPickle at Wollman Rink
Daily: 8am-9pm
Come play on our 14 courts, the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast.
Playing on professional courts in Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink? Our dream come true too! CityPickle is thrilled to offer C&D Nets, net sponsor of the PPA and APP, JOOLA x CityPickle custom paddles for rent, and Franklin X-40 balls to provide an elevated playing experience for all.
Special Event Cabana Party
Looking for a unique way to celebrate a special event? Book a two hour cabana party for memories that will last forever.
Cabana Parties offer private use of a court and adjacent cabana, where players can enjoy pickleball and hang out in their own private lounge, enjoying food and drinks between matches.
- Two hour time slots
- Each “spot” includes one court and one cabana
- One host books for their group
- Up to eight players allowed per court
- Four complimentary paddle rentals per court
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