Things to do on a Sunday in New York

Want to live out your Met Gala fantasy? New Yorkers from all over are invited to get all dolled up for "The People's Ball" at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library on May 4, celebrating inclusivity and individuality through fashion and performance.

The free event, held on the eve of the Met Gala, offers an alternative to expensive, exclusive galas and showcases the diverse styles that make up New York City's urban runway. Attendees can walk the runway in their favorite outfits, with DJs and performers entertaining the crowds between the fashion moments. 

Guests of honor this year Academy Award-winning designers Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther) and Paul Tazewell (Wicked). The event is hosted by Delissa Reynolds and Ariel Polanco with musical performances by Storm Marrero and DJ sets by djFRiTZo. It's co-curated by Souleo.

Be sure to register in advance. 

The Met Gala? In this economy? The Debt Gala provides an inclusive alternative to the Met Gala—all to raise money for Americans in medical debt. 

The third annual Debt Gala returns to Brooklyn's Bell House on Sunday, May 4, with the theme "Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches." The tongue-in-cheek event swaps formality for fun, reshaping the traditional gala experience into an open celebration for all. The theme is meant to encourage guests to channel the gilded extravagance of immense wealth—silk, lace, pearls, and beyond—and distress it as they see fit. Rips, shatters, stains, and all manner of unraveling are welcome.

In addition to throwing a great party, the event also centers economic justice and the struggle to afford rising costs of care. In its first two years, the Debt Gala has helped eliminate over $2.5 million in medical debt for struggling families. This year, proceeds from the Debt Gala will support Undue Medical Debt and For the Gworls. 

"The Debt Gala is a protest, a love letter, a fundraiser, and a fashion show. 'Eat the rich,' but make it formalwear," added Molly Gaebe, co-founder of The Debt Gala. "At the Debt Gala, we're redistributing wealth, fun, and attention where they truly belong."

Rooftop Cinema Club takes movie-going to a whole new level—literally. This rooftop film series at a midtown skyscraper offers stunning views and an impressive lineup of films. 

In addition to the movie magic, the venue also offers movie snacks, a full bar and cute photo opps. This season features movies that will appeal to ‘90s kids, a Grease sing-along, Pride films, Wine Wednesdays and lots more when the 2025 calendar opens in May. Here’s the full list of what’s coming to Rooftop Cinema Club’s big screen.

The foxtrot, lindy hop, salsa, hustle and vogue all have roots in New York City, whether they were born here, shaped here or popularized in the city’s clubs. A new exhibit at Museum of the City of New York turns the museum into a dance floor as it digs into the fascinating history and important role of these dances and more.

“Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor” celebrates 200 years of social dance in New York City. It highlights the city’s dance floors as sites for connection, creativity and joyful rebellion. You’ll get to see everything from 1800s-era ball gowns to Louis Armstrong’s trumpet to Celia Cruz’s shoes to Big Daddy Kane’s outfits. Plus, digital screens throughout the exhibition offer dance lessons—and it’s nearly impossible not to move your body when the music starts.

Grab your dancing shoes, and go see it now through February 22, 2026 in East Harlem.

A great way to kick off the outdoor season will be right under the Brooklyn Bridge at Gotham Park’s free community block party on Saturday, May 3.

The block party will take place on Park Row and Rose Street beneath the Brooklyn Bridge on the Manhattan side and it will be Gotham Park's third annual event of the sort. Expect over 3,500 visitors to stop by over the span of six hours: a fun-filled and people-filled happening indeed!

You can RSVP for your free tickets right here. 

What's better than a walking tour of New York City? A free walking tour of New York City—and more than 200 of them will be available May 2-4 as part of Jane's Walk NYC festival hosted by the Municipal Art Society.

This beloved annual event, named after famed activist Jane Jacobs, invites New Yorkers to lead walks that celebrate urban life, culture, hidden gems, street art and more. Any New Yorker can lead a walk—and anyone can attend. 

Fragrant lilies, puffy hydrangeas and vibrant mums have combined to create a dreamy floral escape inside Macy's Herald Square location. An annual rite of spring, this year's Macy's Flower Show, titled "Floral Dreams Unfold," is now on view through May 18. 

The show begins outside the store with the retailer's signature windows. Each one features lush floral displays, alongside this season's fashions. Then, the journey continues inside, where you'll be met with swirling floral spirals, a shimmery beanstalk decoration and topiary chameleons. As you continue through the store, look for a dragonfly display, a tribute to bees and a cool digital installation.

Find the show at 151 W 34th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The destination is free to visit, so be prepared for crowds.

One of the best live music venues in the city has announced its summer concerts schedule. Here's what's coming to the Rooftop at Pier 17 this May:

May 1 and 2 – Elderbrook
May 7 – Trivium & Bullet For My Valentine
May 13 – Peter Cat Recording Co.
May 15 – Amyl and The Sniffers
May 22 & 23 – Peach Pit & Briston Maroney
May 24 – Dance Gavin Dance
May 28 – Mayday Parade
May 30 – JET
May 31 – Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

You can purchase tickets here or in-person at at the AXS Box Office at Pier 17.

The Brooklyn Flea's newest flea market returns to the underpass of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway along Meeker Avenue between Union and Lorimer Avenues. Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm, peruse a trunk-style market where vendors sell vintage finds, cool collectibles, and handmade goods right out of their cars, with a lineup curated by the people behind the beloved and renown Brooklyn Flea.

Along with being a great spot to hunt for hidden gems, the BQ Flea is also a perfect weekend stop for good local food and a lackback community vibe.

Dance is always mesmerizing to watch, but this weekend you can see incredible feats of movement—on ice! The Ice Theatre of New York will perform on May 2, 3 and 5 at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Pier 61. 

The one-hour program consists of nine short ice dance performances, a blend of transfixing, lyrical and whimsical creative pieces. One performance is set to a recording of birdsong, while another was inspired by the dancer's experience aboard a US Coast Guard icebreaker in the Arctic. Yet another performance features three performers interconnected by a white sheath that requires their skillful collaboration. 

Ice Theatre of New York is the first nonprofit ice dance company in the U.S., and it's celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.