The Best May Events in Queens
May is bursting with a myriad of events across various categories, promising something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, artistic indulgence, or simply a fun day out, this week’s offerings are abundant and diverse. From guided tours showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of Queens to riveting theatrical performances and dynamic dance festivals, Queens is alive with activity.
May 3, Jane’s Walk, May 5. Free guided tours all around NYC, focusing on such topics as history, culture, and demographics. There are 25 excursions in Queens over the three days. Alley Pond, Astoria, Douglaston, Elmhurst, Flushing, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Fresh Meadows, Long Island City, Richmond Hill.
May 3, All My Sons, May 19. Douglaston Community Theatre presents this suspense-filled drama by Arthur Miller. Manufacturer Joe Keller has to deal with the fact that his substandard airplane parts caused the deaths of his own son and other fliers during World War II. Showtimes are 8 pm on May 3, 4, 10, 11, and 18 and 2 pm on May 11 and 19. Zion Church Parish Hall, 243-20 Church St., Douglaston.
May 3, Heather Kravas: overly merry, May 5. Six discrete dances – or episodes – unfold and accumulate in unpredictable constellations over the course of more than two hours. Friday at 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. The Chocolate Factory Theater, 38-33 24th St., Long Island City.
May 4, Viva El Cinco De Mayo, 3 pm. This festive program showcases world-renowned ensembles presenting traditional Mexican music and dance, including Tlen Huicani from Veracruz, Mariachi Real De Mexico, and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York. Queens College’s Colden Auditorium, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing.
May 4, QED Makers Market, noon. More than a dozen Queens-based artisans sell their work, including pottery, prints, jewelry, and candles. QED Astoria, 27-16 23rd Ave.
May 4, Global Mashup: Caribbean Music Night, 7 pm. Willie Martinez plays Salsa. La Troupe Zetwal does Haitian music. Then, both bands jam together. Dance workshop at 7 pm; Concert at 8 pm. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
May 4, Japanese Director Hiroshi Shimizu, May 19. Watch some earlier works by Japanese filmmaker Hiroshi Shimizu (1903–1966), who has 163 films to his name, but only around a quarter survive. The schedule features everything from stark early melodramas to lyrical tours of provincial life. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District.
May 4, Marimba Extraordinaire, 7:30 pm. Makoto Nakura launched his career as a marimbist upon arriving in NYC from Japan 30 years ago. This concert shows his journey through the works which he has commissioned along the way. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills.
May 4, Community Concert for Kids, 4 pm. Forest Hills resident Makoto Nakura explains how to play a marimba. He also offers a demonstration and participates in a Q&A. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills.
May 4, Spring Festival, 11 am. Clowns, stilt walkers, face-painting, martial arts, games, magic, music, and surprises as organized by the Bayside Hills Civic Association. Captain Dermody Triangle, 216th Street and 48th Avenue, Bayside.
May 4, Cui Fei: Vermicular Calligraphy, May 26. China-born artist Cui Fei showcases his Vermicular Calligraphy, representing a further exploration of the asemic writing found in nature. While collecting plant materials in nature, Cui became intrigued by the markings carved by beetles on tree trunks and how closely some of these patterns resemble Chinese calligraphy. Opening reception on May 4 at 4 pm. The Garage Art Center, 26-01 Corporal Kennedy St., Bayside.
May 5, Divas of Soul, 3 pm. Take a ride on the Midnight Train to Georgia while award-winning vocalist CeCe Teneal clamors for R-E-S-P-E-C-T. This celebration covers 30 years of chart-topping music from artists including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside.
May 5, CrossCurrent Dance Festival, 2 pm. The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company presents the dances of Keerati Jinakunwiphat and Lenora Lee and the music of New Asia Chamber Music Society alongside its own work as part of the 11th CrossCurrent Dance Festival. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd.
May 5, Open Street, 2 pm. Korea Art Forum spearheads an outdoor celebration with dance from diverse origins, including Jendaya Dash, Thomas Gallagher, Priscilla Marrero, Sari Nordman, Vong Pak, and various community groups. Repeats on May 12. The 62nd Street Cul-de-Sac between Woodside Avenue and the LIRR Station, Woodside.
May 5, Adoption Event, 1 pm. Various agencies offer dogs along with a pet-friendly vendor market and a dog area with a sprinkler, free tennis balls, water station, and treats. Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City.
May 5, A Jazzy Kids’ Swing-a-Long!, 4 pm. Allegra Levy and her friendly big band present songs for children. Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City.
May 5, Nature’s Muse, Paintings of Water Plant Ecosystems, 2 pm. The opening for an exhibition by guest artist Helaine Soller. Studio 41, 27-15 41st Ave., Long Island City.
May 5, Curator’s Tour, 11:30 am. Kate Wiener leads a tour of Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within. Advance registration is not required. Meet on the second floor in Area 11. The Noguchi Museum, 9-1 33rd Rd., Long Island City.
May 5, Fluid Art, noon. Jammin Canvas leads an exploration of the trendy new techniques of Fluid Art. No brushes, this is a swipe and balloon smash to create beautiful effects of flowers coming out of the marsh. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 229-10 Northern Blvd., Douglaston.
May 7, Sunset Meditation, 7 pm. Mindful Astoria brings mindfulness meditation sessions designed for all experience levels and practices. They run weekly on Tuesdays at 7 pm through Aug. 27. Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City.
May 7, CITG Jazz Ensemble, 7:30 pm. Original compositions and arrangements by the CITG Jazz Ensemble, including saxophonists Don Hansen and Bill Humphrey, guitarist Alan Tichman, bassist Gene Torres, drummer Mike Jett, and pianist Sunny Knable. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills.
May 9, Queens New Music Festival 2024, May 12. Six concerts with 38 performers playing music by more than 30 composers. The Secret Theatre, 38-02 61st St., Woodside.
May 9, Opening for Two Shows, 6 pm. Tolia Astakhishvili, who works across sculpture, drawing, painting, sound, and video, unveils his first exhibition in the United States. On the same night, Covey Gong shares his recent sculpture consisting of abstract metal armatures, disused fabrics, and extra lengths of thread. SculptureCenter, 44-19 Purves St., Long Island City.
May 9, Third Law, May 26. Through a digital game board, the audience helps shape the characters in this live play, collaborating with the artists and each other. Shows are May 9, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 10, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 11, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; May 12, 2 pm and 4 pm; May 16, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 17, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 18, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; May 19, 2 pm and 4 pm; May 23, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 24, 7 pm and 8:30 pm; May 25, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; May 26, 2 pm and 4 pm. Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City.
May 9: Jami Nakamura Lin: The Night Parade, 6 pm. Jami Nakamura Lin discusses her book, The Night Parade, on monsters, spirits, and creatures of Japanese, Taiwanese, and Okinawan folklore, her bipolar disorder, her ancestry, her father’s death, and her child’s birth. Online.May 9, Thursday Night Jazz: Isaiah J. Thompson, 8 pm. Thompson has performed with major artists, including Ron Carter, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Steve Turre, and Buster Williams. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave.
