Things to Do in May

While you wait for the official arrival of summer, there are still plenty of things heating up in May. Don’t miss the must-dos of May like the Kentucky Derby, National Bike Month, Cinco de Mayo, and more.• National Bike Month: The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up, so now is the perfect time to leave the car in the garage and dust off your bike. Celebrate National Bike Month by taking a bike ride through the best cycling cities in the U.S. or plan a bike and wine weekend in the wine regions. Bikini season is almost here, so grab your bike now to pedal your way to the perfect beach body.• Kentucky Derby: Grab your Derby hat and a mint julep for “The 2 Most Exciting Minutes in Sports” at the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. Every year, over 150,000 spectators attend the Kentucky Derby to witness the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. For more information, visit www.kentuckyderby.com• Mother’s Day: Don’t forget about mom this month! Of course, mom would love a travel gift for her next vacation. But she would probably prefer to spend quality time with you, so treat her to a Mother’s Day getaway like a fitness retreat, wine tasting, spa day, or a fancy afternoon tea.
• Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) at over 120 official celebrations across the U.S., in 21 states, in cities like Cleveland, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta. No matter where you are on this day, we suggest celebrating Mexico the right way — indulging in Mexican cuisine and washing it down with a margarita (or 2).• NYC Fleet Week: A celebration of the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. A tradition since 1984, Fleet Week features various military demonstrations and a chance for the public to board select military ships. Don’t miss the ship parade in the harbor or musical performances by sailors and marines. For more information, visit www.nycgo.com• Memorial Day: Regardless of where it originated, it is an important holiday that honors those who died for the country, and serves to remind people of the high cost of war. Many formal ceremonies take place in observance. Most of them are held in local communities, and can be found by contacting a local Veterans of Foreign Wars office or local government agency. But it is also the official start of summer! Pack your new swimsuit and plenty of sunscreen for the first beach weekend of the season. Whether you’re a fan of a family-friendly spot, sun and solitude, or a lively party beach, there’s a perfect beach for you just a drive away.
• Frieze New York: Every May, Randalls Island becomes the epicenter of the art world for four days thanks to Frieze New York, the art fair housed under a massive tent. Every year since 2012, wealthy dealers and collectors descend on the fair from all over the planet, and Frieze New York will be no different, with over 200 art galleries bringing baskets of artworks of all sizes and conceivable media and then some. For more information, visit www.frieze.com
• Japan Day in NYC: If you’ve never experienced the joys of Japan Day – the celebration of Japanese culture in NYC – now is your chance. The season for outdoor activities has arrived along with lush trees and blooming tulips in NYC parks, so what better way to spend an afternoon than soaking up the sun during the annual Japanese rager in Central Park? NYC will bring Japan to you at this fun festival, and with the lineup of performances, activity tents, and other attractions, it’s safe to say this huge cultural event is certainly one of the best things to do in spring. For more information, visit www.japandaynyc.org