The 'Low Down: 5/15 - 5/28 ✨
Have you ever seen a parachuting elephant?
Hey friends,
Let me know what you caught from the last newsletter. I made it out to the Taiwan Farm Dinner at Win Son (had some of the best fresh tofu of my life), and finally got to the Keith Haring exhibit at the Brant Foundation before it closes at the end of the month. Tonight I’m headed to the Produce Parties Rhubarb Party with my rhubarb blondies in hand. And tomorrow I’m doing a 14-mile Park to Park walk (top of Central Park all the way down to Prospect) instead of the traditional Tip to Tip version. Dress code? Tourist chic. Here’s what you should check out over the next two weeks…
🎨 Frieze New York
Saturday and Sunday May 16-17 | The Shed (545 West 30th St) | $92
“Frieze New York is returning for its 15th edition, featuring more than 65 global galleries. This year’s fair has a particularly strong representation of Latin American art, with its spotlight on the region’s outstanding galleries and artists supported by two new gallery committee members – Fátima González of Campeche and Omayra Alvarado of Instituto de Visión. In the heart of New York, the city that continues to define contemporary art, this year’s edition will build on the momentum of recent years, championing creativity and offering a window into today’s most energetic art conversations.”
🛍️ FAD Market: NYCxDESIGN*
Saturday and Sunday May 16-17 | St. Paul Hall (190 Court Street) | Free
“FAD Market is excited to bring its annual NYCxDESIGN pop-up to St. Paul Hall in Cobble Hill! Set inside a beautifully restored landmark built in 1838 by renowned architect Gamaliel King, this stunning space—filled with natural light and historic stonework—provides the perfect backdrop to discover fresh talent and shop directly from independent designers. Join us in celebrating New York’s vibrant design scene with a lineup of cutting-edge designers and makers redefining home furnishings, tableware, apparel, jewelry, and more. As part of NYC’s official design festival, we’re bringing together over 60 talented creatives, offering a curated selection of must-see designs.”
🌸 Spring Flower Arranging Workshop
Sunday, May 17 | Scroll (291 Grand Street) | $125
“Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop and create your own beautiful arrangement to take home! Spend a lovely Sunday afternoon at our favorite art gallery for a spring floral arrangement workshop on May 17 from 1-3PM. We’ll teach you how to create a stunning arrangement and provide all the materials necessary. You’ll design with premium seasonal flowers in the color palette of Scroll’s current exhibition: Countryside Manners by Daniel Um and we invite you to draw inspiration from the artwork as you design.”
😂 Michelle Buteau: The Surviving And Thriving Tour*
Sunday, May 17 | Beacon Theater (2124 Broadway) | $55+
Michelle Buteau is bringing her Surviving & Thriving Tour to the Beacon Theatre this weekend, and honestly—what better use of a Sunday than laughing until your face hurts? Expect sharp, hilarious storytelling on parenting, relationships, body image, and the general chaos of being alive, all delivered with Buteau’s signature warmth, wit, and zero-filter honesty. If you loved Survival of the Thickest or just need a cathartic night out, this one’s for you.
🍍 Afternoon Tea ft. Rose’s Pineapple Shorts
Sunday, May 17 | Yun Hai Shop (170 Montrose Ave) | Free
“You are cordially invited to afternoon tea at @yunhaishop on Sunday, 5/17 from 12-4pm. Come by for pineapple cake samples by @rosespineappleshorts, as well as @bangteacompany Taiwanese oolong served in @holeepot teaware. You may have seen Rose‘s Pineapple Shorts at our shop as seasonal specials, but we’re excited to announce that they‘ll now be available year-round! We’ll have individual packs of the Classic, Black Sesame Osmanthus, and Spicy Mango flavors. In celebration of this retail launch, we‘re hosting Rose for an afternoon tea pop-up, paired with Taiwanese tea service. Chicago-based ceramic artist Lucas Lee Ho will serve BANGtea oolong in his ceramics. No RSVP required.”
🥊 Lifeshop: How to Fight
Monday, May 18 | 199 N 8th St | $40+
“It makes sense that we’re used to avoiding conflict at all costs – fights with the people we care about often leave us feeling more misunderstood, more anxious, and even more alone. In How to Fight, a Lifeshop taught by our founder Alex Simon, we’ll learn frameworks and strategies that offer a completely different way forward: an opportunity for deeper connection and closeness. We’ll practice tools that help us understand others more deeply, hear what’s really being said (instead of reacting), and walk away from fights feeling closer to the people we love – not farther apart.”
🚢 Fleet Week NYC
Wednesday, May 20 – Tuesday, May 26 | Various locations | Free
As Samantha Jones taught us, Fleet Week is the one week a year when the streets of New York are filled with eligible, available men. The Navy and Coast Guard would like you to know they're back.
A week of Navy and Coast Guard ships docked around the harbor, with free ship tours, the Parade of Ships up the Hudson on opening day, and sailors everywhere in dress whites. The Intrepid hosts demonstrations and the harbor activity is honestly one of the more cinematic free things you can do in NYC each year.
🥃 A Tasting of Spirits You Don’t Already Know...But Should
Thursday, May 21 | NeueHouse Madison Square (110 East 25th St) | $20
“What if you could try the cocktail world’s best-kept secrets BEFORE they become big? David Thomas Tao is a multi-time exited entrepreneur, Tony-nominated theater producer, writer, and one of today’s best-regarded experts on whiskey and spirits. He’s hell-bent on getting people to drink better, not just more. His exclusive spirits tastings are something of industry legend, and his next one will be here at NeueHouse. David will talk you through as you taste Casa Lotos sotol, Starlight American brandy, and Covalle tomato-water gin in cocktails designed specifically for the evening.”
🧠 Neil deGrasse Tyson: Take Me to Your Leader
Thursday, May 21 | American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park West) | $50
“The director of the Hayden Planetarium unveils his new book on what aliens might actually look like, how they'd travel here, and what they'd think of us — applying the laws of physics to a lifetime of sci-fi daydreaming. Each ticket includes a signed copy. Note: this one's restricted to AMNH members, but membership starts at $85 and effectively pays for itself if you go to the museum twice.”
🍽️ The Dinner Table at Mesiba (Williamsburg)
Thursday, May 21 | Mesiba (353 Bedford Ave) | $110
“A Dinner Party Where Strangers Become Friends. We’re crossing the bridge. For the first time in a long time, we’re bringing The Dinner Table to Williamsburg — and we’re kicking it off at Mesiba, a Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant whose name literally means “party” in Hebrew. An evening of contemporary Levantine cuisine, innovative cocktails, and the kind of connection that happens when strangers share a table.”
🍖 Rib King 2026
Saturday, May 23 | Industry City’s Courtyard 1/2 (635 2nd Ave) | $50
“We’re kicking off the summer of 2026 with our biggest Rib King NYC™ yet! Join us for Rib King NYC™ where 20+ chefs, restaurants, and BBQ experts will be smoking, saucing, grilling, and glazing their very best ribs, all vying for the 2026 Rib King™ crown. And we don’t stop at just the ribs.”
🇵🇷 Loisaida Festival
Sunday, May 24 | Avenue C / Loisaida Avenue | Free
“An East Village institution celebrating Puerto Rican culture, music, and community on Avenue C — the Loisaida Festival takes place May 24 in the East Village, with live performances, food, and the kind of neighborhood energy that makes NYC special.”
👜 Chunky Trinket Bag Charms
Sunday, May 24 | Haricot Vert’s Dreamworld (119 North 1st St) | $38
“Bold, layered, and full of texture. In this session, we’ll create oversized bag charms using a mix of materials, focusing on balance and play. The result is something eye-catching and personal, made to move with you. YOUR TICKET PRICE INCLUDES: Chunky clasp in silver or gold, 8 vintage charms & trinkets (including Picto-Charms™, chunky vintage charms, little trinkets), Hardware, Guidance and instruction”
🌭 Memorial Day Block Party
Monday, May 25 | Château Le Woof (31-01 Vernon Blvd) | $15
“Join us this Memorial Day for an epic Block Party celebration like no other! We’re firing up the grill for sausages, buttery lobster rolls, and keeping things cool with icy frosé. Expect dog-friendly vibes, and summer fun in full swing. Bring your pup, your friends, and your appetite—it’s time to kick off summer, Woof-style!”
🏒 Heated Rivalry Comedy Show
Tuesday, May 26 | The Bell House (149 7th Street) | $32
“A variety show inspired by the hit Heated Rivalry! See comedians, clowns + surprise guests at an interactive show that'll be running through your head forever. Started in LA, this show comes to BK by popular demand. Fun surprise giveaways & treats for all our friends who attend.”
🧠 The New York Philosophy Club: Williamsburg
Wednesday, May 27 | McCarren Parkhouse (855 Lorimer St) | $10
“We discuss the night’s topic in three half-hour sessions, speaking with new groups each time. Most guests stay much longer afterwards to continue their most fulfilling conversations. No previous experience required. We aim to bring together the broadest range of people and perspectives.”
🐘 The Dumbo Drop
Friday, May 29 | Washington Street, DUMBO | $25
“#DUMBODROP is our annual tradition, where thousands of toy elephants parachute down from the skies of Dumbo onto our cobblestoned Washington Street – Brooklyn’s most iconic block. Timed viewing tickets required for each Drop. Tickets include a Souvenir Elephant + Parachute, entrance to the party on Washington Street, and a chance to win major Dumbo prizes! All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Dumbo’s Title 1 public schools, PS307 Elementary + The Dock Street Middle School.”
😋 The Art of Knafeh
Sunday, May 31 | Bat Haus (459 Grand Street) | $125
“Join Chef Farah in Brooklyn for a heartwarming journey into the art of making Knafeh, inspired by her childhood visits to the legendary Habiba shop in Amman, Jordan. Each bite of this iconic dessert carries the rich flavors and cherished traditions of Nablus, where Knafeh is more than just a treat—it’s a symbol of Palestinian heritage, passed down through generations.In this hands-on class, you’ll dive into the authentic techniques and ingredients that make Nabulsi Knafeh so special. From hand-shredding kataifi dough and blending it with ghee and butter to layering creamy akawi and mozzarella cheeses, you’ll learn every step to achieving the perfect crispy, gooey, and aromatic dessert. As the Knafeh cooks to golden perfection, you’ll infuse it with fragrant orange blossom syrup and top it with crushed pistachios for the ultimate finishing touch.”
Who’s down?!
xx Anna
*Starred events = I’ll be there!