NYC News
Around Town: Fleet In, Sheep Shearing Fest, Tea Time and more
May 16, 2025, 9:01.52 am ET
Fleet Week New York Returns (May 21-27)
Fleet Week is back, bringing U.S. Navy ships, Coast Guard cutters, and Canadian vessels to NYC for a week of ship tours, demos, and waterfront celebrations. Highlights include the Parade of Ships on May 21 and public ship tours at Pier 88, Pier 90, and Staten Island.
Sheep Shearing Fest at Queens Farm (May 18)
Queens County Farm hosts NYC’s only sheep shearing festival, complete with live shearing demos, wool spinning, and farm tours. Groove to live music, take a hayride, and see the sheep show off their fresh spring trims.
Smorgasburg’s AAPI Festival of Tea (May 24)
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, Smorgasburg Williamsburg hosts its first-ever Festival of Tea. Expect tastings, tea-pulling demos, and vendors like Kolkata Chai Co., Kim’C Market, and more. From matcha to masala, it’s a sip of culture you won’t want to miss.
Confidant Launches Weekend Brunch (Starts May 17)
Industry City’s breakout restaurant Confidant adds weekend brunch to its lineup. Highlights include sourdough pancakes, duck hash, and house-made trout mousse Dutch babies, plus brunch cocktails to match.
Virgil’s BBQ Debuts Cold Chinese Brisket Rolls (Memorial Day–May 31)
For National Brisket Day, Virgil’s Real BBQ gets creative with Cold Chinese Brisket Rolls. Crafted by East Coast Pit Boss Michael Conlon (alum of Hometown BBQ), it's a bold mashup of Texas BBQ and Yunnanese street food. Available through May, it’s a must-try for brisket fans.
Dolly’s Swing and Dive Expands in Williamsburg
Beloved Dolly Parton–themed dive bar Dolly’s Swing and Dive is moving to a larger space at 146 Wythe Avenue. The relocation marks a major step for this neighborhood favorite.
90’s Drag Brunch at House of the Red Pearl (May 31)
Yuhua Hamasaki brings a retro vibe to the Tin Building's House of the Red Pearl with a 90’s throwback Drag Brunch. Expect campy performances, Chinese-inspired bites, and plenty of bubbly.
Looking Ahead...
Culinary Crossroads: Innovating Indian Cuisine (June 12)
Join Asia Society New York for a panel on how Indian cuisine is evolving in NYC’s culinary scene. Hear from Roni Mazumdar (Unapologetic Foods), Maya Kaimal, and Chef Hemant Pathak, moderated by Anu Sehgal of The Culture Tree.
Keep up with New York at Cititour.com
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