Fun Queens Events in May 2022
May events in Queens that will put a little spring in your step.
By Rob MacKay and Tania Padgett
May brings warm weather and a bevy of fun times, including international eats at night, sheep-shearing during the day, a pink flower tour and all kinds of blues — music and men.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by shopping Mexican businesses in Jackson Heights.
Thursday, May 5 at 1:30 pm - 4 pm. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Small Business Week in Jackson Heights by shopping the neighborhood. There will be giveaways, a business resource fair and a performance by El Mejor Mariachi del Noreste de los Estados Unidos. The location is Manuel de Dios Unanue Plaza. It is FREE and open to the public. For more info, go here.
Ladies Sing the Blues
Vocalists Catherine Russell, Brianna Thomas & Charenee Wade give us the blues.
Friday, May 6 at 8 pm. With a seven-piece band, vocalists Catherine Russell, Brianna Thomas and Charenee Wade channel 1920s divas Bessie “Empress of the Blues” Smith, Mamie “Queen of the Blues” Smith, Ma “Mother of the Blues” Rainey, Billie Holiday, and others in this Ladies Sing the Blues event. LeFrak Concert Hall. 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing. 718-793-8080. $25-$35. For tickets go here.
Make Bouquets for Mother’s Day
What is Mother’s Day without a beautiful bouquet of flowers? Make yours.
Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. For Mother’s Day, learn the art of hand-gathering bouquets for a fresh-from-the-garden look. This outdoor workshop makes a great gift for moms and mom-figures! Each participant takes their bouquet home. All materials provided. Recommended for adults and children, ages 10+ (accompanied by participating adult). $55 Non-Member / $45 Member* Get your tickets here.
Queens Night Market
Best things to bring to the Queens Night Market is a folding chair and appetite.
Saturday, May 7 at 5 pm - 12 am. Back for a seventh year, this outdoor market features vendors that sell everything from entrées to desserts to drinks to crafts on a rolling basis on Saturdays through October. Plus, live performers join the fun in a special entertainment area. Behind the New York Hall of Science in the vicinity of 47th Avenue and 111th Street in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. FREE to get in. $6 food cap on dishes. Get more info here.
Shall we dance?
This Grammy- Award-winning ensemble features the finest tango musicians of today.
Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm. The Pedro Giraudo Tango Trio interprets tangos ranging from the great traditional, classic tangos, to more modern tangos and original compositions.. Terraza 7. 40-19 Gleane St. Elmhurst. 347-808-0518. $15: Cover charge. Mezzanine.$20. Donation suggested. Pick up tickets here.
Sheep-Shearing Festival
Time for a haircut! Watch as these sheep get their much-needed spring trims.
Saturday, May 14 at 11 am - 4 pm. New York City’s only sheep-shearing festival includes wool processing, live music, tours, crafts, scavenger hunt, hayrides and food. Queens County Farm Museum. 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Floral Park. 718-347-3276. $12; $8 (ages 4–11). FREE for 0-2 year olds. Get tickets here.
Queens Underground International Black Film Festival
This festival brings you cinema favorites.
Friday, May 20 at 6 pm - 10 pm. Back by popular demand, this one-day film festival features winners from the February/April 2022 film festival. Be prepared for big screen excitement, glamour, live performances and more. Jamaica Performing Arts. 153-10 Jamaica, Avenue, Jamaica. 718-618-6170. $35. For ticket information, visit here.
Victor Provost: Steel Pannist
Viewed as s dazzling soloist, Victor Provost takes steel-pan playing to the next level.
Saturday, May 21 at 7 pm. Born and raised on the Virgin Islands, Victor Provost is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading voices on the steelpan. He leads a musical cohort that weaves seamlessly between Caribbean Roots music, straight-ahead Jazz, and World Rhythms. His band explores the music of the Americas and the Diaspora through innovative compositions and thoughtful arrangements. Flushing Town Hall. 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing. 718-463-7700. $15/$12 members. Get your tickets here.
Tulips, Roses + Wampum
Make sure to smell the roses and the tulips on this tour.
Saturday, May 21 at 2 pm. A walking tour to explore the borough’s botanical heritage through its Native American, Dutch, and English colonial histories. Queens Botanical Garden. 43-50 Main St., Flushing. $10 Non-Member / $8 Member. Garden admission is included. Registration required. Click here to register.
AJR, GAYLE and the Blue Man Group
Indie-pop band AJR will appear at the Forest Hills Stadium with pop artist GAYLE and the Blue Man Group.
Saturday, May 21 at 6:30 pm, AJR, GAYLE and the Blue Man Group are ready to rock at the Forest Hills Stadium. 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills. 888-929-7849. $30+ Get your tickets here.
Natural Incense Crafting Workshop
This natural incense crafting workshop at Alley Pond Environmental Center is scent-sational.
Sunday, May 22 at 11 am - 12:30 pm. Certified aromatherapist Anna Mascia and Maegan Ratliff teach how to mix, blend, shape and form incense using herbs, wood spices, gums and essential oils. Alley Pond Environment Center. 224-65 7th Ave., Oakland Gardens. 718-229-4000. $28. Register here.