New York City offers a variety of cultural, artistic, and community-focused events during the second weekend of May. The schedule features the opening of a major fashion exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the conclusion of the annual Macy’s Flower Show, and several Mother’s Day activities. Free museum access and public festivals are also available across multiple boroughs.
Friday, May 8
- Macy’s Flower Show (Through May 10). This floral exhibition transforms the main floor of Macy’s Herald Square with botanical displays during store hours (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- United in Sound: America at 250 (May 8). This musical program at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall (7:30 p.m.) explores the history of American music through jazz and classical works and is a ticketed event.
- Whitney Museum Free Friday (May 8). The museum offers complimentary admission and gallery access at its Gansevoort Street location (5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Mother’s Day Paint Night (May 8). This guided art session is held at 2180 First Avenue (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Skate Night (May 8). This community skating event takes place at the Tanahey Playground multi-purpose field (4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
Saturday, May 9
- Japan Parade & Street Fair (May 9). The street fair on 72nd Street (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and the parade on Central Park West (1:00 p.m.) celebrate Japanese culture and are free to the public.
- Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration (May 9–10). This event at the New York Botanical Garden’s Daffodil Hill (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) features lawn games and live music and is a ticketed event.
- Macy’s Mother’s Day Celebration (May 9). This event at Macy’s Herald Square (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) includes beauty demonstrations, snacks, and a gift-wrapping station and is free to the public.
- MUJI Mother’s Day Bouquet Workshop (May 9–10). This hands-on floral activity is held at MUJI locations in Hudson Yards, Cooper Square, and 59th Street (12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Bird Bonanza (May 9). This nature-focused program takes place at the Urban Farm (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Summer on the Hudson: Nature Explorers! (May 9). This educational outdoor session is held at the 102nd Street Field House in Riverside Park (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Spring Pickleball Tournament (May 9). This organized competition occurs at the outdoor tennis courts in Riverside Park (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
Sunday, May 10
- Costume Art (May 10–January 10, 2027). This exhibition opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (10:00 a.m.) to examine the history of the dressed body and is included with museum admission.
- Whitney Museum Free Second Sunday (May 10). The museum provides free admission for all visitors during standard hours (10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Tommee Tippee Mother’s Day Flower Cart (May 10). This pop-up at Washington Market Park (11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) provides complimentary flower bouquets and feeding guides and is free to the public.
- Macy’s Flower Show (Final Day) (May 10). The annual floral display concludes at Macy’s Herald Square during store hours (11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and is free to the public.
- Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration (May 9–10). This garden party continues at the New York Botanical Garden (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) with family activities and food vendors and is a ticketed event.
