May’s Top Free or Low-Cost Events in DC, NYC, PHL

May’s Top Free or Low-Cost Events in DC, NYC, PHL

May is here which means school is almost out for the summer! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or family vacation, Amtrak is excited to share with you our recommendations for May’s top free or low-cost events in D.C., New York City, and Pennsylvania that are only a train ride away!

May Amtrak Low Cost Free EventsAll of the events and destinations listed can be reached via our Northeastern trains!

Plus…

Traveling on Amtrak this spring is worth double the points with Double Days from Amtrak Guest Rewards. Register and travel March 18 – May 18 to earn 2X the points toward great rewards like Amtrak travel, upgrades, hotels and more. Register here for your last chance!

Passport DC: Washington, D.C.

May is International Culture Awareness Month in Washington D.C.,  and it’s only fitting to take part in Passport DC, which is a month-long festival that highlights D.C.’s growing multicultural population and its diplomatic community. This D.C. only experience allows you to stroll inside a foreign embassy with the Around the World Embassy Tour on May, 4th. Passport DC is your chance to experience cultures from all around the world while walking down Embassy Row and taking part in the unique events and festivals they each have to offer.

Memorial Day Parade: Washington D.C.

The National Memorial Day Parade, which will be held on May 27th at 2pm, and will start on Constitution Avenue. The National Memorial Day Parade is unique, as it honors the sacrifices that men and women have made for our country, directly in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. This year will mark the fifteenth year of the largest Memorial Day event, which brings hundreds of thousands of people across the country to pay tribute to all of those who have sacrificed their lives while serving our country.

Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum: New York City, NY

Head down to the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in NYC from May 22-27th to celebrate Fleet Week. Fleet Week is a week filled with live music, performances, interactive experiences and events that all lead up to Memorial Day. Fleet Week honors the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country by educating participants on science, air, and space. Unable to make it to Fleet Week? Make sure to mark your calendars because starting May 24th, Intrepid’s Summer Movie Series begins. Catch a movie under the stars, and this time you are on the ship’s flight deck! Admission is free and tickets will be distributed first-come, first-serve.

Governors Island: New York City, NY

Starting May 1st, Governors Island will be open for the summer season! Head on over to experience this vehicle-free island in the middle of New York Harbor. Check out the longest slide in NYC, which is three stories high! From amazing views of the NYC skyline, biking tours to overnight accommodation, Governors Island is packed with things to do! Check out the ferry schedule to begin planning your day.

Artsfest of Greater Harrisburg: Harrisburg, PA

This Memorial Day Weekend, head over to the 52nd Annual Artfest of Greater Harrisburg to experience world-class art from artists all around the region and country. Enjoy the views of the Susquehanna River while indulging on famous food vendors and listening to live bands. Stroll through Riverfront Park to experience the largest festival in the Harrisburg region where over 40,000 visitors will attend! Nearest Amtrak Station: Harrisburg

First Friday: Lewistown, PA

First Friday is a local tradition that is held in Lewistown PA, where local businesses and organizations come together to host an event on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy pottery, live music, screen print and more. The events are held at local shops in the area to help promote small businesses. Keep an eye out for the announcement on the location for Friday, May 3rd! Nearest Amtrak Station: Lewistown Junction

Check out our previous blog post, April’s Top Free or Low-Cost Events in D.C., NYC and PHL, to see additional events you can still experience in the month of May!