[May 2024] NYC food pop-ups, events, specials, food festivals, and things to do

Previous: April 2024 food events

My allergies are killing me, but the great food merry-go-round of NYC food pop-ups, events, and food-related happenings continues spinning. At least the heat hasn't smote us all yet 😬. With the weather steadily warming, comfortable, warm outdoor dining (and drinking) has started up again, I've noticed.

While the weather remains palatably mild (at least for the next two weeks 💀) I'm looking forward to spending time gorging myself on tasty dishes at NYC food festivals, and sauntering through the many GrowNYC greenmarkets the city has to offer.

If you know any other NYC food pop-ups, food events, food-centric (or just interesting and offbeat) things to do happening this month or upcoming, please comment below so we can get it on this list.

Recurring

• Sundays, 10AM-5PM | Grand Bazaar NYC in UWS, Manhattan
• Fridays, 8AM-1PM | Get a discount on high quality smoked fish (lox yay!) every Friday from Acme Smoked Fish in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Order between noon on Tuesdays to noon on Friday and pick up at your selected pick up time between 8am and 1pm on Fridays
• Saturdays, 10:30AM-2PM or sold out | Brooklyn Curry Project (@brooklyncurryproject) dishing out locally sourced, plant based & gluten free South Indian food from a tent is located on Willoughby Avenue across the street from Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn
• Saturday, 4PM-12AM | Queens Night Market (@queensnightmarket), a large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens, featuring over 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring small-scale cultural performances, all celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens. Happens weekly in Flushing Meadow, Queens | $5 and under per dish
• Various dates | James Beard Platform events | about $100-$200
• Weekends | Banh does weekend specials (announced via Instagram) in Manhattan Valley

May 1 - 4

• 5/2, Thursday, 7PM-8:30PM | Benny Blanco, Half Baked Harvest founder Tieghan Gerard, and “The Pasta Queen” Nadia Caterina Munno in Conversation @ 92nd Street Y on the UES, Manhattan | Online tickets $15, in person tickets starting at $25 (for memebers) to $75
• 5/2, Friday, 6PM and 9PM | Dinner party with Sante (@santephl) and Hera (@hera.nyc).4 Course Family Style Menu INCLUDES WINE PAIRING and COCKTAIL. Limited seating. In Bushwick, Brooklyn. | $95 per person
• 5/3, Friday, 7PM | Benjamina Ebuehi and Vallery Lomas in Conversation: I’ll Bring Dessert @ 92nd Street Y on the UES, Manhattan | Tickets starting at $25
• 5/3, Friday, 5PM until sold out | Tikkun BBQ pop-up (@tikkunbbq) (the menu) @ Maggie Hall's in Astoria, Queens
• 5/4, Saturday, 12PM until sold out | Tikkun BBQ pop-up (@tikkunbbq) (the menu) @ Astoria Woodworking Collective in Astoria, Queens
• 5/4, Saturday, 11AM-1PM | Meet Jess Damuck as she signs Health Nut at the Union Square Greenmarket | FREE (books available for sale)
• 5/4, Saturday, 1PM-7PM (or sold out) | The Laksa Shop (@thelaksashop) pop-up (menu) @ Other Half Brewing in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
• 5/4, Saturday, 11AM-5PM | NY Indonesian Food Bazaar (halal and vegetarian options; cash, Venmo, and Zelle accepted) in Elmhurst, Queens
• 5/4, Saturday, 7:30PM-10:30PM | LEV (@lev.nyc) x The Hancock Dinner @ in Bed-Stuy | Tickets via Eventbrite SOLD OUT 😢

May 12 - 18

• 5/12, Sunday, 3PM-7PM | The Laksa Shop pop-up (menu) @ Wild East Brewing Co. in Gowanus, Brooklyn
• 5/14, Tuesday, 6PM | FLAVORS from the FARM with author Emma Hearst in conversation with Odette Williams @ Archestratus Books + Foods (@_archestratus_) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn | $5 for entry OR $35 for entry and book
• 5/16, Thursday, 6:30PM | TALK AND TASTE: AN EXPLORATION OF LATE NIGHT EATING AND DRINKING IN ASIA WITH BESSOU AND LOCAL ROOTS. Inspired by the casual but thoughtfully crafted late-night food throughout cities in Asia and the drinks that accompany them, Local Roots founder Wen-Jay Ying, Maiko Kyogoku and chef Elena Yamamoto of Bessou, drink expert Mandy Zhang, Hana Makgeolli founder Alice Jun, and Little Banchan Shop are coming together to create an experience that transports attendees to the late-night diners, markets, and pubs across Asia. Because the food is designed for imbibers, a variety of beverages including Baijiu from Ming River, Soju from Hana Makgeolli, and passion fruit cocktails with Toki Suntory Japanese whisky will be perfectly paired. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: $95 GA tickets
• 5/16, Thursday, 5PM-9:30PM | Pop up 5-course pre fixe dinner from Chef Carlton Halaby with Luis Herrera and Conner Updegrave @ Rhodora Wine Bar (@rhodora_wine_bar) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Proceeds from the dinner go to Palestine Children's Relief Fund providing life-saving aid to children on the ground in Palestine. Please come for a specially curated 5 course menu for a great cause. | $80 per person, reserve via Resy
• 5/16 & 5/17, Thursday and Friday, 5PM-11PM | The Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community of Astoria welcomes everyone to its 50th annual festival. Rides and games for children of all ages. Food and desserts. Greek music and dance. Shopping. Raffles.
• 5/17, Friday, 6:30PM | DINNER: CHEF MASAKO MORISHITA’S ITAMESHI DINNER. An Exploration of the Intersection of Japanese and Italian Cuisine with 2024 James Beard Emerging Chef Award Nominee. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: Dining Table $170 | Internal Chefs Counter $185 | External Chefs Counter $150 SOLD OUT
• 5/17, Friday, 4PM-10PM | Global Village NYC's AAPI Month : Asian market & Food & Japanese Drum Performance at The Crown One (34-20 Linden Pl, Flushing, NY 11354) in Queens | Limited presale tickets for $12 (which includes One Free Drink & $5 Off Voucher), regular tickets for $12 (which includes One Free Drink), and last minute tickets for $15 (which includes One Free Drink) available for sale here.
• 5/18, Saturday | Tikkun BBQ pop-up (@tikkunbbq) (the menu) @ Dutch Kills Bar in Astoria, Queens
• 5/18, Saturday, 2PM-10PM | NY Indonesian Food Bazaar is hosting their first pasar malam (night market) at Culture Lab LIC in LIC, Queens and will be selling Indonesian food (halal and vegetarian options; cash, Venmo, and Zelle accepted)
• 5/18, Saturday, 1PM | BRUNCH: A KAMAYAN FEAST FROM THE FILIPINO-INSPIRED KORA BAKERY. Filipino-Inspired Sweet and Savory Bites and Beverages from the Team Behind Doughnut Sensation Kora Bakery. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: Dining Table $95 | Internal Chefs Counter $105     
• 5/18, Saturday, 1PM-11PM | The Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community of Astoria welcomes everyone to its 50th annual festival. Rides and games for children of all ages. Food and desserts. Greek music and dance. Shopping. Raffles.

May 19 - 25

• 5/19, Sunday, 1PM-10PM | The Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Community of Astoria welcomes everyone to its 50th annual festival. Rides and games for children of all ages. Food and desserts. Greek music and dance. Shopping. Raffles.
• 5/19, Sunday, 4PM | TALK AND TASTE: BANCHAN AND PINTXOS WITH CHEF JEFFREY KIM AND MATTHEW LEE. Korean and Spanish Tapas and Tipples with the Team from Nudibranch. 3-course menu. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: General Admission: $95    
• 5/19, Sunday, 10AM-6PM | JapanFes (@japanfes) in Park Slope, Brooklyn (5th Ave, 9th - 10th St)
• 5/19, Sunday, 10AM-6PM | Philippines Fest (@philippinesfest) 5th Avenue between 10th Street and 11th Street, Park Slope Brooklyn NY
• 5/19, Sunday, 1PM-5PM (or sold out) | The Laksa Shop (@thelaksashop) pop-up (menu) @ Heart of Gold in Astoria, Queens
• 5/19, Sunday, 12PM-1PM | Bethlehem with author Fadi Kattan. Join us for a very special conversation with author, chef and restauranteur Fadi Kattan. He lives and runs a restaurant in Bethlehem and will be joining us over Zoom. The talk will be moderated by Professor Nevine Abraham of Carnegie Mellon University. Save the date and preorder a book today 🙂 WITH Archestratus Books + Foods (@_archestratus_) OVER ZOOM | $5 for entry OR $40 for entry and book
• 5/21, Tuesday, 6PM-9PM | The 2024 Queens Taste Gala. Bring your appetite & quench your thirst in excess as The 2024 Queens Taste Gala is ready to dish out decadence for a great cause! You'll feel the philanthropic feel-good vibes as you savor fare from 50+ beloved neighborhood restaurants & local businesses. A full list of participating restaurants and more can be found here. Gala @ New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens | Tickets via Eventbrite starting at $125 for one ticket or $200 for two tickets OR $49 on Pulsd while the deal remains
• 5/21, Tuesday, 7PM-9PM | Cookbook Club: The JEWISH HOLIDAY TABLE @ Archestratus Books + Foods (@_archestratus_) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn | FREE, just RSVP on the website
• 5/22, Wednesday, 6:30PM | Food For Thought: A Grand Chefs Tasting, hosted by Cooke School at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Chelsea, Manhattan. Join Cooke School for a special night celebrating Cooke's legacy of educational excellence. Beautiful mission. | tickets starting at $500 (for those of you who have mad money)
• 5/23, Sunday, 7PM | DINNER: DAISIES HYPER-SEASONAL PASTA AND WINE DINNER PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE. Featuring James Beard Semifinalist Joe Frillman and Pastry Chef Leigh Omilinsky of Chicago’s Daisies. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: Dining Table $170 | Internal Chefs Counter $185 | External Chefs Counter $150 
• 5/25, Saturday, 10AM-6PM | Dragon Fest (@dragonfests), an annual outdoor Chinese food & culture festival with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from China. @ Astor Place in Manhattan
• 5/25, Saturday, 2-11PM | Bark Barbecue x Palmira Barbecue Hog Roast Celebration. Ruben Santana (Bark BBQ) and Hector Garate (Palmira BBQ, Charleston, SC) host an unforgettable hog roasting on at Time Out Market in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Come try delicious samples and enjoy signature cocktails while dancing to live music courtesy of Max Banda and DJ Ray Suave from 2 pm to 7 pm, followed by Latin Mix from 7 pm to 11 pm. It will be a day full of fun, food, and entertainment that you won't want to miss! | Tickets via Eventbrite

May 26 - 31

• 5/26, Sunday, 10AM-6PM | JapanFes (@japanfes) in Greenwich Village, Brooklyn (Washington Sq; N University - Macdougal)
• 5/26, Sunday | Passport to Taiwan Festival in Union Square North, Manhattan (17th Street and Broadway)
• 5/26, Sunday, 3PM-7PM | The Laksa Shop pop-up (menu) @ Wild East Brewing Co. in Gowanus, Brooklyn
• 5/26, Sunday, 10AM-6PM | In Collaboration with Catholic Action of Mary, Philippines Fest (@philippinesfest) is having their first pop up in Jersey City on Manila Avenue between 1st and 4th Street
• 5/30, Thursday, 7PM | DINNER: CHEF EINAT ADMONY AND CHEF JOSE GARCES‘ LADINA DINNER. Join chefs and friends Einat Admony and Jose Garces for an exciting culinary collaboration. Bringing together their respective Middle Eastern and Latin backgrounds, the joint menu will merge their distinct cooking styles which have garnered international recognition and accolades including multiple nominations for James Beard Awards, with chef Garces winning the Best Chef Mid-Atlantic category in 2009. @ Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA) in Chelsea, Manhattan | Tickets via James Beard Platform: Dining Table $185 | Internal Chefs Counter $200 | External Chefs Counter $160 
• 5/30, Thursday, 7PM-8:15-ish | BookBook Club: How to Cook a Wolf by MFK Fisher @ Archestratus Books + Foods (@_archestratus_) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn | $5 for entry OR $29.99 for entry and book
• 5/31, Friday, 6PM-8PM | Spring Rosé Festa @ Eataly NYC Downtown in FiDi, Manhattan | $85 via Eataly OR $65 via Pulsd

Upcoming (so grab cheaper tickets now)

• 6/7, Friday, 7PM-10PM | The 9th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Night Market. This event is a cultural celebration honoring immigrant heritage, through food and music. Come celebrate local flavors and cuisines, all while raising funds to support language access programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC! The 9th Annual Night Market will feature a premium open bar, exquisite food from local vendors, exciting games, raffles, live entertainment & so much more! | $49 GA tickets through Pulsd while they're available OR $100 early bird tickets via website

Where to find other food pop-ups and events

• Resy has a Events and Special Experiences page if you've got money and want to spend it on fancy shit