It has been a warm start to May, beckoning people outdoors and into the sun. This week, enjoy a host of outdoor activities taking place across New York City ranging from walking tours to immersive musical performances.

Friday, May 4th

Get free tickets to the Red Bull Music Festival event at Deno’s Wonder Wheel by becoming an Untapped Cities Insider! Kicking off the season on May 4th is musician, singer and producer, John Maus, who will present his “visceral and haunting take on synth-pop” at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, where he will create a musical score for five rides.

To celebrate Jane Jacob’s birthday and to pay tribute to her legacy, the Municipal Art Society of New York will be hosting over 200 citizen-led walking tours that will allow people to take in local history and focus on urban design. Jane’s Walk events will be held from May 4th to the 6th, and you can find one close to you here.

Saturday, May 5th

The Queens International Night Market reopens for the season this Saturday!

The New York Landmarks Conservancy will host its 8th annual Sacred Sites Open House on May 5th and 6th. Join various religious congregations in a celebration that includes performances, activities, concerts, and special tours! For a full list of participating sites, click here.

We also have a few tickets left for our Underground Tour of the NYC Subway. Take a ride through the living history of the world’s largest rapid transit system (in area) by weaving in and out of the past and present transit hubs of lower Manhattan. This unique tour is designed to give a comprehensive history of the New York City Subway system, from its groundbreaking in 1901 up through the creation of the three different proprietary lines which were unified into the system we know today. See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten Chambers Street station and use the 6 train as your own time machine to ride through abandoned subway stations.

Underground Tour of the NYC Subway

Sunday, May 6th

The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex — once the standard for United States medical care (and later transformed to the FBI headquarters when the island served as a detention center) — has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, Untapped Cities is bringing you behind-the-scenes for a unique exploration of the abandoned facility; on this experience, you’ll visit its contagious disease wards, the autopsy rooms and have exclusive access to places usually closed to the public.

Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital

If you’re an animal lover and want to spend the day with cats, then Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Camp has got you covered! This two-day event will be hosted at the Penn Plaza Pavilion, and will feature speakers, vendors, and cat adoption representatives. Grab your tickets here!

Frieze New York at Randall’s Island Park ends today! Head there to shop for artwork from 190 galleries and participate in a curated program of talks, performances and more.

The story of Grand Central Terminal is that of New York City itself: the structure embodies the social, cultural, economic and technological evolution around it. It is one of great men, feuding architects, ingenuity, rejuvenation, secrets and surprises. On our Secrets of Grand Central Terminal tour, we will tell you these stories — about what once was, what could have been, and what can be. Join us to see the transit hub’s hidden tennis courts, peek into the entrance of its glass walkways and much more.

Tour of the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal

Monday, May 7th

The 9th annual Indie Film Fest celebrates its opening day this week! Shining a spotlight on low-budget and emerging filmmakers from around the world, the weeklong event includes screenings, educational panels, and presentations. View the different sessions and get your tickets here.

Tuesday, May 8th

The Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse, The Honorable William Wall, has moved to its summer location in New York Harbor. The clubhouse is a barge with an open-air upper deck and an enclosed lower level where you can take in the incredible views of New York City from the water.

Wednesday, May 9th

Acclaimed musical composer and sound artist, Tristan Perich, will premiere his 50-violin and 50-speakers piece at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. This immersive, experimental show will combine classical violin melodies with electronic music performed by Lesley Flanigan. This event is part of the much anticipated annual Red Bull Music Festival, which Untapped Cities Insiders have free tickets for. Learn more.

Thursday, May 10th

The South Bronx Job Corp Center is one the most significant landmark buildings in New York City. If you’re interested in discovering its history, attend architect David F. Gibson’s talk that will illustrate the restoration of the building. This event is featured as part of the Artisan Lecture Series.

See all upcoming Untapped Cities Behind the Scenes Tours.