15 Things to Do in New York City This Week · May 21–24, 2026

Arts & Culture

Gabriela Vainsencher 'Basis' Opening at Asya Geisberg Gallery

Opening reception for Gabriela Vainsencher's solo exhibition 'Basis' at Asya Geisberg Gallery in TriBeCa.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 6:00 PM · Asya Geisberg Gallery, 45 White Street, New York, NY

An Evening with Aszure Barton (World Premiere)

A world premiere dance evening featuring performances by dancers from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Gauthier Dance, presented at 92NY.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:00 PM · 92NY, 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY

This Is Not About Me

A metatheatrical, non-linear love story described as 'a ROM-COM with fangs,' making its Stateside debut at 59E59 Theaters through June 7.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:30 PM · 59E59 Theaters, New York

Joan Semmel 'Continuities' at Alexander Gray Associates

Solo exhibition by painter Joan Semmel titled 'Continuities' on view through May 30 at Alexander Gray Associates in TriBeCa.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Alexander Gray Associates, 384 Broadway, New York, NY

New York Story Night #79

The 79th edition of New York Story Night, a beloved live storytelling event where real New Yorkers share personal tales.

Monday, May 25, 2026 7:00 PM · New York

Free Events

Shakespeare in the Park: Romeo & Juliet

Free outdoor performances of Romeo & Juliet kick off at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park as part of the beloved annual Shakespeare in the Park series.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 · Delacorte Theater, Central Park

Rooftop Language Exchange NYC

A free multilingual social mixer on a New York rooftop — meet new people and practice languages over drinks with LEXGO Language Exchange.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 4:00 PM · New York (rooftop venue)

Music & Nightlife

1 Hotel Rooftop Sunset Party with Khris Damion

Khris Damion takes over the 1 Hotel rooftop in Brooklyn for a sunset DJ set with sweeping waterfront views.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 · 1 Hotel, 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY

Guy'z Nite Comedy Show at Broadway Comedy Club

A special themed comedy showcase night at Broadway Comedy Club near Times Square with multiple performers.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Broadway Comedy Club, New York

Good Eggs ft. Mark Normand, Gary Vider, Matt Ruby

Time Out NY's pick for one of the best weekly comedy shows in the city, featuring Mark Normand, Gary Vider, Matt Ruby and more at New York Comedy Club East Village.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 8:00 PM · New York Comedy Club, East Village

Festivals & Special Events

Car-Free Park Avenue Day 2026

NYC closes 6 blocks of Park Avenue for a massive outdoor block party featuring 200 vendors, art, music, food, and more.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Park Avenue, New York

Sounds of Afrobeat Festival NYC 2026

An Afrobeats festival at 1313 Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn celebrating African music and culture with live performances.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · 1313 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Outdoors & Active

NYC's Rockaway Beach Opens for the Season

NYC's largest beach reopens for the 2026 summer season this weekend — free entry to enjoy the sand and surf in the Rockaways.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY

Sketch Central Park's Conservatory Garden

Join the Central Park Sketching & Art Meetup Group for a plein air drawing session at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM · Central Park Conservatory Garden, New York

Date Night

Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra at City Winery

Arturo O'Farrill and The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra bring their Latin jazz mastery to City Winery at Pier 57 for an intimate Sunday concert dining experience.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 · City Winery, Pier 57, New York City