The Bucket List • May 2017 • NYC Edition

Summer is emerging in the city, so it is finally time to trade in the boots for some flip-flops. Catch the legendary Barbra Streisand at Barclays Center, enjoy new and classic movies along with views of the New York skyline with Roof Top Cinema Club. Witness the best that the art world has to offer at Art New York or head out to Governors Island for Frieze New York. If food is what you are looking for please your taste buds with Choice Eats food festival or Taste of the Lower East Side. Whatever you’re looking for, The Bucket List has you covered.

The Imbible at New World Stages | Monday – Saturday 
Since 2014, “The Imbible” shows have combined comedy, science, storytelling, and of course, drinks to take audiences on musical journeys through time and space while learning about the history of various cocktails and spirits. A separate brunch version of the show begins Memorial Day Weekend.

Red Bull Music Academy Festival | April 29 – May 21
Experience a wide variety of different music, from new jack swing to Brazil’s proibidão and South Africa’s gqom at various venues around the city. Catch acts giving uniquely different performances, such as an interdisciplinary experience with Solange, Gucci Mane’s piano bar, and Moodyman performing Prince. Join an-depth discussion of 20th-century composer Alvin Lucier or listen to one of cinema’s great directors Werner Herzog talk music in film. This is a unique experience for any music connoisseur.

Pen America World Voice Festival in the Great Hall at Cooper Union | April 30 – May 7
Join a unique conversation in the historic Great Hall at Cooper Union, where Lincoln gave his famous address to slavery. Artists, politicos, and writers speak out to these diverse times in our nation. Various events include panels and open discussions.

2017 Met Gala at The Met Fifth Avenue | May 1
The formal opening of the Rei Kawakubo exhibition is invitation only for the elite. But those lucky to attend will get a first look at the exciting and non-conforming fashion collection. Co-chairs will be musical artists Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams, and Vogue fashion editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Invite Only.

NYC Independent Film Festival | May 1 – May 7
Celebrate the best in independent cinema, including short films, feature films, music videos, animated pieces, and new art forms, including virtual reality, which push the boundaries of cinema. The festivals support upcoming artists and offer panels, classes, and seminars for filmmakers and fans to network.

Rooftop Cinema Club | Begins May 2
Relax on giant lawn chairs as you watch some of your favorite characters – old and new –  on the big screen atop various rooftops throughout the New York City skyline. The films range from a variety of cult, classics, and new releases every night through June. Hurry up and book your tickets now. They’re selling fast.

Taste of the Lower East Side at Metropolitan Pavilion | May 3
Returning for their 17th year, Taste of the Lower East Side brings guests together several favorite LES restaurants and bars, such as Beauty & Essex, Schiller’s Liquor Bar, Boulton and Watt, Mr. Purple, and The Stanton Social. The energy at Taste sets the festival apart from other food events as it includes opens bars, DJs, and games where you can win big.

Art New York at Pier 94 | May 3 – May 7
Presented by Art Miami, the preeminent producer of leading international contemporary and modern art fairs, the event will showcase artwork from over 150 galleries and 1,200 artists. The global creators represent over 50 countries.

Context New York at Pier 94 | May 3 -May 7
The sister to Art New York serves as an alternative and unique opportunity for leading dealers and artists to be marketed and promoted internationally. Context New York provides the ultimate platform for veteran and unseasoned collectors to enjoy and acquire cutting-edge pieces.

NYC X Design | May 3 – May 24
Hosted throughout various venues across New York City, NYC X Design is the official citywide celebration of design, commerce, culture, educations and entertainment, including exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, launches and open studios. The month-long event covers a wide variety of events that will please everyone.

Downtown Urban Arts Festival | May 3 – May 20
The festival offers a cultural crossroads of theater, film, music and poetry presented at renowned venues throughout downtown Manhattan. The purpose of the festival is to provide up-and-coming voices with a platform to be heard. Experience the artists of tomorrow.

TEFAF New York Spring at Park Avenue Armory | May 4 – May 8
The inaugural Spring collection welcomes over 93 exhibitors with art from all over the world. The fair guides people through the complexities of the art world with a focus on top quality pieces. A must-see for art enthusiasts.

Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons “Art of the In-Between” at The Met Fifth Avenue | May 4 – Sept. 4
The 2017 exhibition will look at the work of Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo, who is best known for her avant-garde designs that challenge the way that people look at traditional beauty. The collection doesn’t conform to traditional standards and should be an interesting treat for fashion enthusiasts.

Cinco de Mayo | May 5
If you want a taste of latin flavors of Cinco de Mayo, La Contenta’s Chef Luis Arce Mota doubles up with Mexican roots and French training offering one of NYC’s exciting culinary options for the holiday, and if craft cocktails are your fix, Alex Valencia (formerly of Bathtub Gin) serves up top-notch options at their bar. The theater district’s Toloache offers authentic food and a mariachi performance. Those looking for food and a show should head to Nitehawk Cinema. The eat-in Brooklyn movie theater is doing a Cinco de Mayo brunch paired with Latin-themed cinema. The Cinco de Mayo NYC Parade begins at noon.

Frieze New York  at Randall’s Island Park | May 5 – May 7 
The international fair provides patrons an opportunity to experience leading contemporary art galleries that travel around the world. The event also includes panel discussions and lectures that feature world-class art teachers and collectors.

Barbra Streisand at Barclays Center | May 6
Back by popular demand, Barbra Streisand returns to the Barclays Center for a single-night event not to be missed. Witness the only recording artist to achieve number one albums in every decade spanning throughout her 60-year career.

The Whisky Extravaganza at the Prince George Ballroom | May 10
The event, which hosts tasting evens and master classes in major cities throughout the U.S., offers whiskey enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the beverage from around the world. Start out with an educating master class then move on to the rewarding part (the tasting). Cheers.

The Food Book Fair at Ace Hotel New York | May 11 – May 14
Dubbed as the “Coachella of writing about eating,” the Food Book Fair is part festival, part conference, which intersects food culture. The fair celebrates book literature – everything from cookbooks to food magazines, food memoirs, and food comics are in tow.

Choice Eats at Metropolitan Pavilion | May 19
Choose from over 50 restaurants that come together from all five boroughs to present a premiere food event. Sample the best that the city has to offer – from appetizer to dessert. All guests must be 21 years or old to attend. Come with an appetite.

Vulture Festival at Milk Studios | May 20 – May 21
If you just can’t wait until comic-con, Vulture Festival should curb your appetite. Enjoy panels, lectures, and discussions with pop culture favorites, including Chelsea Handler, Aziz Ansari, the cast of “Shameless,” Stephen Colbert, and more.

Ricky Gervais at Madison Square Garden | May 21
In his first tour in over seven years, “Humanity” is Ricky Gervais’ grand return to the stage. The worldwide tour stops at the Garden for a single-night event. The funny-man is best known for his iconic BBC show “The Office.”

Taste New York at Pier A Harbor House | May 24
Experience the ultimate beverage tasting event featuring local New York state craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits. The event celebrates the best in local and regional creators. Pair your beverage with a tasty local treat.

Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden Arena | May 25
Join musical legend Billy Joel at his monthly residency at Madison Square Garden Arena. The iconic singer has had 33 number one hits during the span of his incredible career. It’s a night any music enthusiast won’t want to miss.

Brooklyn Uncorked | May 26
Follow up Taste New York with award-winning wines from local New York state wineries and foods. For its 10th year, the selection comes from the most popular restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan.