April showers bring…free events in New York City?! Well yes!
With the flowers blooming and that spring breeze in the air, it’s time to get out and enjoy the city…all without spending a dime.
Here’s our staff-picked list of completely FREE events happening in NYC this April that you need to check out.
1. Attend one of Juilliard’s free performances
Contrary to popular belief, not all Lincoln Center performances cost a pretty penny. Throughout the year, Juilliard students in various disciplines delight New Yorkers with gorgeous music and dance. Whether you’re interested in seeing a jazz ensemble or violinist, a pianist or opera vocalist, these talented students have you covered. Visit the Juilliard website to see what upcoming concerts are in store.
2. Take a look through Joan Didion’s archives at NYPL
The New York Public Library has acquired 300+ boxes of Joan Didion’s personal archives — from interviews with Manson family members to dinner party menus hosted alongside her husband, John Gregory Dunne. Library card holders must place a reservation with the manuscripts department to peruse her work, but taking the extra five minutes to complete your online reservation is totally worth it — this experience is every literary lover’s dream.
📍 NYPL Stephen A. Schwarzman Building: 476th Fifth Ave
🗓️ Open now
3. Free classes in NYC parks
Whether it’s an outdoor yoga class or small gathering for a gardening how-to, NYC Parks offerings are fantastic – and free! Visit the department’s website to see what current offerings are taking place at a green space near you.
📍 Various NYC parks
🗓️ Throughout April
4. Take in the world-famous Macy’s Flower Show
Experience the beauty of spring without spending a dime at the annual Macy’s Flower Show.
This free event transforms Macy’s Herald Square into a breathtaking botanic wonderland. From April 27th to May 11th, 2025, visitors can enjoy stunning floral displays, themed installations, and a feast for the senses at no cost.
While this year’s theme hasn’t been announced quite yet, you can still expect something extraordinary.
📍 Macy’s Herald Square
🗓️ Opens April 27th, 2025
5. Be one of the first to check out The Davis Center’s reopening
Central Park’s brand new Davis Center at the Harlem Meer is set to debut on April 26th, and the park is hosting a FREE event to check it out!
It’s all to celebrate the $160 million upgrade that’s been in the works in recent months, featuring a year-round recreation center, the revamped Gottesman Pool (transforming into an ice rink in winter), and refurbished public greenery.
Plus, the park’s launch event on the 26th includes free programs like live music, arts and crafts for all ages, lawn games, yoga, dance, and guided tours!
📍 The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer
🗓️ April 26th, 2025 (12 – 4 pm)
6. Catch live performances and go vinyl shopping at iNDIEPLAZA
Music enthusiasts, mark your calendars for iNDIEPLAZA, a massive FREE indie music festival taking over Rockefeller Center on April 12th.
The event celebrates Record Store Day with live performances, artist merchandise, arts & crafts, food, and drinks. Headlined by The Hives, the festival features an impressive lineup of indie artists and DJ sets.
Don’t miss the chance to also explore Rough Trade’s new location on the rink level and enjoy a day of vinyl shopping and cratedigging.
📍 Rockefeller Center Plaza
🗓️ April 12th, 2025 (12 – 9 pm)
7. Watch Sweden’s hottest upcoming musicians at Sweden Makes Music
Sweden Makes Music is an annual FREE music showcase highlighting Sweden’s most exciting emerging artists! It’s returning to NYC on April 10th for its 10th anniversary, featuring a dynamic lineup of Swedish talent making waves in the global music scene.
This year’s bill features an all-women lineup, including Sweden’s most exciting rising talents: Becky and the Birds, DJ Suzy, Saga Faye, and Molö.
Free tickets are still available for this incredible event, and this year’s rendition takes place at Nublu in the East Village! 🇸🇪
📍 Nublu (151 Avenue C)
🗓️ April 10th, 2025 (doors 6:30 pm)
8. Catch a free Earth Day concert in Times Square
Celebrate Earth Day in style with a free outdoor Broadway concert at Times Square Pedestrian Plaza.
Organized by the Times Square Alliance and Broadway Green Alliance, this event will feature live performances from renowned Broadway stars like Tony Award winner Shaina Taub and Grammy nominee Merle Dandridge.
Alongside these show-stopping headliners, over 75 students and environmental leaders will inspire audiences to advocate for a sustainable future.
For more details about the performers, check out the full event lineup and schedule.
📍 Times Square Pedestrian Plaza
🗓️ Saturday, April 26th
⏰ 11 am to 3 pm
9. Celebrate Easter around NYC
Easter is happening on Sunday, April 20th and there’s plenty of FREE, family-friendly activities to celebrate.
Some that come to mind include a free easter egg hunt in East Midtown, a free celebration at Rockefeller Center, and so much more.
🐰 See our full list of Easter events happening in New York
10. View the playful “Keff Joons” art exhibit in Brooklyn
Australian artist Cj Hendry is debuting a new art exhibit in Brooklyn this April hilariously called “Keff Joons.”
An obvious nod to the famed artist Jeff Koons and his iconic balloon animals, Hendry is putting her own spin on the iconic style by filling multiple rooms with playful floating balloon art.
The balloons are meant to invoke humor and a surreal experience, inviting gallery goers to reflect on growth, fragility, and the passage of time.
It’s completely free and it opens to the public on April 11th.
📍 50 Gold St, Brooklyn
🗓️ April 11 – 20, 2025
⏰ 10 am to 5 pm