Whether you’re visiting New York City for the first time or staying local for the long weekend, Memorial Day offers the perfect mix of big-name concerts, Broadway blockbusters, playoff basketball, and outdoor festivals.
From Hugh Jackman at Radio City Music Hall to Beyoncé at MetLife Stadium and Shohei Ohtani at Citi Field in Flushing, there’s no shortage of star power.
Here’s your guide to the can’t-miss events happening across the five boroughs and just beyond.
Sports
NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Knicks vs. Pacers – Game 2
The New York Knicks continue their playoff run against the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday, May 23 at 8:00 PM at Madison Square Garden.
Led by Jalen Brunson, the Knicks look to bounce back from their stunning Game 1 loss.
MLB Showdown: Dodgers vs. Mets at Citi Field
Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers face off against Juan Soto and the New York Mets in a three-game series at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens. Two of baseball’s best teams and two of baseball’s best players — at a family-friendly venue.
Game Schedule:
- Friday, May 23 at 7:10 PM (Fireworks Night) | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 7:15 PM (Kodai Senga Replica Jersey Giveaway) | Tickets
- Sunday, May 25 at 7:10 PM (National broadcast on ESPN) | Tickets
Concerts
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour at MetLife Stadium
Beyoncé’s brings her “Cowboy Carter” tour to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, with five performances slated for around the Memorial Day weekend. Plenty of dates to choose from — especially if you’re in town for longer.
Show Dates:
- Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Sunday, May 25 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
Beenie Man – King of the Dancehall Tour at UBS Arena
Dancehall legend Beenie Man headlines the “King of the Dancehall Tour” at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY, on Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 PM.
The concert features a stellar lineup including Lyrikal, Christopher Martin, Louie Culture, and Kevin Lyttle. Expect an electrifying night of reggae and dancehall music.
The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage at Barclays Center
On Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 PM, catch an iconic lineup of R&B and soul legends— Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and more — sharing the stage at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Billed as The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage show, this Memorial Day Weekend concert promises timeless hits and powerhouse vocals.
Broadway & Theater
Hugh Jackman: From New York, With Love at Radio City Music Hall
Experience the magic of Broadway and Hollywood as Hugh Jackman brings his acclaimed concert series, From New York, With Love, to Radio City Music Hall.
The performances feature songs from his iconic roles in The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, The Music Man, and The Boy From Oz, along with other surprises from his career.
Showtimes:
- Friday, May 23 at 8:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 PM | Tickets
Othello at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Starring Denzel Washington as Othello and Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago, this revival of Shakespeare’s tragedy runs through June 8 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
Directed by Kenny Leon, it’s one of the most anticipated productions of the season.
Showtimes:
- Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Friday, May 23 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 8:00 PM | Tickets
- Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 PM | Tickets
Good Night, and Good Luck at the Winter Garden Theatre
George Clooney makes his Broadway debut as journalist Edward R. Murrow in this stage adaptation of the acclaimed 2005 film.
Directed by David Cromer, the production tackles McCarthyism and media integrity with theatrical punch.
Showtimes:
- Friday, May 23 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 1:00 PM | Tickets
- Saturday, May 24 at 7:00 PM | Tickets
- Sunday, May 25 at 2:00 PM | Tickets
Broadway and Off-Broadway Shows
Also playing: Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, Aladdin, and more.
Museums
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – Fleet Week Events
The Intrepid Museum hosts a full weekend of Fleet Week programming including military displays, veteran performances, interactive exhibits, a Memorial Day ceremony, and even a visit from the Harlem Globetrotters.
Highlights include aircraft restoration tours, a Broadway showcase on Pier 86, and a book talk with Montel Williams.
Festivals & Street Life
Bryant Park Makers Market
The Bryant Park Makers Market runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily from May 23–26. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this open-air market showcases local artisans selling handmade crafts, home goods, art, and gifts—perfect for finding a unique souvenir or early summer treat.
Queens Night Market
The Queens Night Market returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, May 24, featuring international street food, local art, merchandise vendors, and live performances.
This open-air night market runs from 5:00 PM to midnight and offers an affordable, family-friendly evening.
Movies
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, opening just in time for the holiday weekend.
Expect high-octane action and long lines at theaters across the city. Watch it in Imax at AMC’s 34th Street and Lincoln Square theaters.
Top Gun: Maverick (Free Screening)
As part of the Intrepid Museum’s summer movie series, catch a free outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick on Friday, May 23.
Doors open at 6:00 PM and the film begins at sunset. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in on the Flight Deck under the stars.
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