Things to do in May in New York City While You’re Practicing Your English May 10, 2019

By now, you’re probably enjoying the warmer weather, the sunnier days, and the ability to move around without layers of scarves and heavy jackets. I know May is definitely one of my favorite months in New York City because people tend to be happier now that the weather is just a bit more pleasant. In addition to that, people want to spend as much time as they can outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and the feel of the warm sun on their skin, so you might notice that the sidewalks are more congested and the parks just have more people there.

One of the best ways to practice your English is to completely immerse yourself in the real world around others that speak the language. There are so many great opportunities to do that in New York City, as so many more people are out and about this month. So I’ve compiled some of the best activities that you can take advantage of and still be able to put your learned English skills to use – all while being in the greatest city in the world!

1. Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, May 9

If you don’t know who Billy Joel is, I suggest you look him up. Chances are, you’ve heard of his music, as he’s been around for decades now and has made a tremendous impact on the world of rock and roll. Since 2014, Billy Joel has been a franchise of Madison Square Garden, meaning that he has agreed to perform at this venue once a month indefinitely. While this means that you can actually catch this living legend any month that you want, I decided to include it in this month’s round simply because it was time! I suggest downloading a few of his albums and practice your English by the way of music! You won’t regret it, I promise you!

2. International Food Fest, 9^th Avenue, May 18 – 19

For fifteen blocks stretching up 9^th Avenue is this amazing two-day event to give you plenty to see and try. Entry into this festival is free, but I recommend bringing along some spending money because you’ll absolutely want to try all the foods available here since the tastes and bites come from all over the world. In addition to food, there’s tons of entertainment, like music, dancing, and of course, vendors. I included this event since most of you reading this come from all areas all over the world, so this is a great opportunity to get a little taste of home while you’re also learning more about other cultures – in the span of just a mile in New York City! Plus, with all these various cultures in this area, you’ll be immersed in many other languages as well, so this is your chance to not only put your English skills to use but to perhaps learn phrases from other parts of the world, too!

3. BrunchCon, Brooklyn Expo Center, May 20

So, if you’re anything like me, you love a good, hearty brunch on an early weekend afternoon. After a few Bloody Mary’s and an excellent Eggs Benedict, my Sunday Scaries seem to just go away. So, I’m particularly excited about this event, as this is your chance to try out all the great restaurants that specialize in this in-between meal, and you can finally get the chance to try out all the dishes and drinks that you weren’t sure of before. Plus, interacting with these restaurateurs and other event-goers will give your English-speaking skills some exercise. So, put on your stretchy pants and get to this brunch event!

I really do love the month of May – it reminds me of my childhood when the end of the school year was near, and that excited feeling comes back to me every single year since. Plus, the end of May is the unofficial kick-off to summer, so there’s so much to do in this great city and plenty to see. And the best part is that so many new things continue to pop up month after month, so you’ll never be bored. Grab a group of friends and start thinking of all the things you want to do and see in the next couple of months because time will go by quickly! Don’t forget to put your English skills to use with everyone you interact with – before you know it, you’ll be speaking English without even thinking about it!