May’s New York auction slate rang up roughly $2.5B, led by a record Pollock and high‑ticket Rothkos and Brâncuși works.

ArtPhilly’s inaugural What Now: 2026 turns the city into a stage with more than 30 new commissions and neighborhood activations through July 2. Highlights include premieres at Bartram’s Garden, the Mann and the Annenberg Center.

The Cleveland Orchestra returns to Cain Park on July 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. — Anthony Parnther conducts and free tickets are available through the Cain Park box office.

Costumed interpreters have moved into the rebuilt Alden House at Plimoth Patuxet, bringing the English Village back to life ahead of America 250 programming.

Rob Base, the Harlem MC behind "It Takes Two," died May 22 after a private battle with cancer. His family said he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

David Lomelí will return to The Dallas Opera as general director on June 1. His appointment lands as the company rides strong fundraising and award-winning programs.

Willie Puckett Jr., a key figure in New Orleans bounce, died May 3 at 50. He helped popularize the "Doggie Hopp" and "trip out" dances that shaped local club culture.

Black Pearl Books will close its Burnet Road storefront on June 20 while continuing online sales and scheduled author events during a planned transition.

The 14th annual Atlanta Fringe opens next Wednesday and runs two weeks across East Atlanta and Little Five Points, with dozens of shows and free family programming.

Ryan Porter, a founding member of the West Coast Get Down and frequent collaborator with Kamasi Washington and Kendrick Lamar, has died after a severe car crash. Friends launched a fundraiser to support his daughters.

The National WWII Museum hosted a sold-out early screening of Tom Hanks’ 20-part WWII series ahead of its Memorial Day premiere.

The National Gallery’s Jazz in the Garden returns with an 'American Sounds' lineup of Appalachian folk, Creole jazz, brass bands and more across Friday nights this summer.

Ohio State’s Billy Ireland reopens May 23 with a redesigned ‘Story of Comics’ gallery and Chris Ware’s exclusive U.S. presentation.