60 Stellar Things To Do In NYC This April

As colorful blooms brighten every corner of NYC, there are so many amazing things to put on your to-do list. Have a look below at a selection of our top activities for April, to fully embrace spring in NYC:

1. Get transported to another universe at the largest fan-made Star Wars exhibition

Explore your favorite space saga at The Fans Strike Back now open in NYC. The exhibit features over 600 collectables and figurines! Home to the largest private fan collection of Star Wars memorabilia, walk through snow-covered Hoth, take a photo with a life-sized Chewbacca and Darth Vader, and try your hand at the recreated control center. Get your tickets to the out-of-this-world experience today!

2. Exchange your old devices for cash or free pizza at Zazzy’s, LES

Found an old electronic lying around your house while doing your spring cleaning? Bring it over to Zazzy’s Pizza in the LES for their collaboration with Back Market, the leading refurbished electronics marketplace, where you’ll be able to exchange your old smartphone for up to $600 cash or $700 worth of free pizza! #SlicesForDevices ⭐️ Sponsored ⭐️

Where: 173 Orchard St.

When: Saturday, April 9, 12p.m. – 6p.m.

3. Explore Pier 57’s new 80,000-square-foot rooftop park

The largest outdoor rooftop park has officially opened in NYC, and you can find it at Pier 57 right next to Little Island! The pier has been under reconstruction for nearly a decade and more exciting features are still on their way. Come fall 2022, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy a a 16,000-square-foot food hall helmed by the prestigious James Beard Foundation in addition to the parks current 80,000 sq ft of expansive greenery and sweeping views. See more here.

4. Get groovy at the giant retro roller rink coming to Rockefeller Center

ImageFiction for Flipper’s and Tishman Speyer

Swap your blades for wheels because Rockefeller’s iconic ice rink is turning into “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace,” a famous L.A. roller rink from the 70s. The rink will officially open on April 15th! Once called “Studio 54 on wheels,” NYC will get to experience this high-energy, nostalgic skate spot all summer long. Find out more details here.

5. Go on a walking pop-art adventure with this theatrical Andy Warhol-inspired production

Travel back to the 60s with this outdoor theatrical experience in the East Village. Discover businesses, street corners, and other secret locations that were significant to the great American artist, Andy Warhol. The experience is the ultimate immersive production as you walk alongside the actors doing eclectic choreography, film, and puppetry. You don’t want to miss it! Get your tickets now.

6-9. Unwind at a glamorous concert by candlelight

The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind on a spring evening! Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, there’s a concert for everyone. Connect with our musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds with history’s most treasured masterpieces!

10-12. Eat your way through NYC’s many mouthwatering outdoor food markets

There’s not much New Yorkers get more excited about than food, and lucky for us, there are tons of open-air food markets returning to the city this April. See below for some of our favorites:

13. Listen to Queen’s most iconic songs at this Broadway concert coming to NYC

Jam out to Queen’s most legendary songs brought to life by a talented 15-piece orchestra and Broadway singers. Join them at Le Poission Rouge and dance the night away. This high-energy performance won’t be in NYC for long, so make sure to get your tickets today!

14. Find your inner moon goddess at MoonRise

This astrological journey in Bushwick is a gasp-inducing performance that mixes acrobatics, immersive installations and themed cocktails! The show goes on to showcase the stories of the 13 moon goddesses, and upon entry you can even discover your inner moon goddess based on your astrological chart. Produced by nouveau cirque veterans Rigolo, you know you’re in for a treat. Buy your tickets here.

15. Explore the dazzling depths of NYC nightlife at this critically-acclaimed cirque variety show

If you’re looking for a night of world-class entertainment, an evening at the Rose Room is just the plan for you. Get cozy at The Producer’s Club and be enchanted by a variety of nightlife performers for an evening of mystery, magic, cabaret and wonder! With sought-after nightclub acts, this unique experience blends an old-world vaudeville club with NYC’s queer circus scene. Get your tickets here.

16. See Macy’s Flower Show in full bloom

The Macy’s Flower Show is the department stores iconic, annual ode to springtime and it has finally sprung again in Herald Square. Head over now to see thousands of gorgeous blooms brightening the interior and exterior of Macy’s with jaw-dropping window displays and enormous indoor installations. After exploring the floral festivities, head upstairs to Stella 34 Trattoria and dine from their themed menu in honor of the show. Find out more here.

17. Enjoy all your favorite rides at Coney Island’s amusement parks

Both Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will open early this month! Those who check out Luna Park on opening day (April 2) will get the chance to ride the Cyclone for free and purchase a discounted wristband for the day. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will open a few days later (April 10). You’ll have your hands in the air screaming with joy on all your favorite coasters in no time! See more here.

18. Go for high tea at MarieBelle in SoHo

Raise your pinky’s high and enjoy a delightful time at Mariebelle’s for high tea. Sip on a sparkling cocktail and pair it with a tier of scones, madeleines and other sweet treats. The European-style café will whisk you away with its elegant design. Book your reservation now.

19. See NYC’s exciting new Basquiat exhibit

NYC is opening the first-ever exhibit presented by Jean-Michel’s family, and you do not want to miss it! Explore over 200 rare and never-before-seen works by the late artist who forever impacted the art world. The exhibit will honor his pieces depicting “music, the Black experience, pop culture, Black American sports figures, literature, and other sources,” in one of the most intimate perspectives you could imagine. Learn more here.

20-23. Spend your weekends at brunch…duh!

bottomless brunch west village — Photo courtesy of Pinto Garden

When the weekend calls, so does (bottomless) mimosas. NYC is famous for its brunch culture, and it makes sense—who wouldn’t want to spend their Saturdays and Sundays catching up with friends while scarfing down Eggs Benedict and champagne? Here are some of our favorite brunch plans across the city:

24. Enjoy Vanderbilt Avenue car free on weekends

Forget about traffic jams because Open Streets is returning to Vanderbilt Avenue starting April 1. The street will be shutdown from Atlantic Avenue to Park Place to make room for residents to gather, eat, drink, and play. Weekend programming will return, along with signage improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. Learn more here.

25-28. Celebrate the start of rooftop season at these amazing spots

Though March is the official start of springtime, we all know the weather wasn’t the greatest. Yet come April, NYC tends to experience fairly consistent days of warm temperatures and sunshine, which means one thing—rooftop season is in full swing! From cocktails in the clouds to enormous elevated patios, we created the ultimate springtime rooftop list for you and all of your friends. Our full list can be viewed here, but see below for some standouts.

29-32. Visit jaw dropping spots you won’t believe exist in NYC

Villa Charlotte Bronte, The Bronx. Instagram / @nyclovesnyc

As springtime rolls around, a sense of wanderlust seems to strike after a long winter of hibernation. Lucky for us, there are plenty of magical places to explore around the city that don’t even feel like NYC. From Italian villas to striking waterfalls, see our entire list here.

32. Dine al fresco on a sunny day

When the weather turns warm, there’s no better way to enjoy a meal than out in the fresh air. This NYC springtime staple got even more popular since the beginning of the pandemic, and tons of restaurants across the city have turned their outdoor spaces into a gorgeous oasis. See here for a list of our favorites.

33. Read a book under the sun at Brooklyn Library’s new outdoor reading rooms

Two years ago, they created “BPL Outdoors” — which basically mimics the function of their indoor space, “offering places for people to sit and talk, read, use our WiFi, or just relax” — and tried it out at their Red Hook and Flatbush branches with great success. They have since worked on expanding the program to 20 branches across Brooklyn. Some locations even have book carts outside for browsing! Learn more here.

34. Relax by the waterfront at NYC parks

It’s easy to forget that NYC is surrounded by so many beautiful parks on the waterfront. Check out all of the spots along the Hudson or East River, uptown or downtown, and take advantage of their killer views on a gorgeous spring day. See our list here.

35-38. Take in the skyline at a NYC rooftop concert

Enjoy vintage sounds at star-lit venues during this beautiful series of jazz-age concerts atop gorgeous NYC rooftops. They’re the perfect way to enjoy nights out in the city with live music and a show stopping view.

39. Go cherry blossom hunting

Cherry blossoms have officially arrived in NYC! Once you see the first signs of blooming you can head over to any of the places around NYC listed here to enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms in person. But don’t take too long! The trees only stay in bloom for about a week.

40. Or, discover all the other blooms around Central Park

One of the best spots to find some of spring’s most beautiful flowers are of course in Central Park! Central Park Conservancy has even created a map to help New Yorkers enjoy all the season has to offer across the 843 acres of the park. See more here!

41-43. Admire waterfront views at these beautiful bars and restaurants

From eating on historic boats with insane views of the sunset to checking out secluded seafood hotspots on NYC’s smaller surrounding islands, these are some of our favorite spots for a breezy cocktail and bites. Not all may be open yet, but see some standouts below. Check out the entire list here.

44. Head to the (drive-in) movies

Skyline Drive-In NYC opened last summer in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, at 1 Oak Street during the rise of drive-in theater options in NYC. The prime spot, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, is also a popular photo and filming location for commercials and TV shows (so you know it’s gorgeous!). They’re also adding walk-in seating and bicycle racks as the weather gets warmer so you don’t even need a car to enjoy. Find out more at their website.

45. Take a quick trip to the Netherlands…

And explore the colorful tulip fields without having to leave your apartment. Keukenhof Flower Exhibit has opened up their fields for the 2022 season and is taking everyone around the world with them! Follow their expansive land of brilliant tulips through their annual YouTube videos that take viewers on an intimate visit alongside the passionate gardeners and designers themselves. See more here.

46. Or to Paris for wine and croissants!

Sure, we all know about Little Italy and Chinatown, but did you know about Little Paris tucked away on Centre Street in Nolita/SoHo between Broome & Grand St.? This little row of French businesses are your quick trip to Paris right here in NYC. Shop the French boutiques, stop for a glass of wine and be sure to fill up on pastries all along the way. Learn more here.

47. Partake in a massive pillow fight at Washington Square Park

The annual Washington Square pillow fight is seemingly returning after a two year hiatus. Bring your pillow (and pajamas if you so please) to this hilarious event that’s supposedly taking place shortly after International Pillow Fight day, the first Saturday in April. Find out more details here.

48-52. Admire the many outdoor art installations

From a greenery-covered tower to a new mural honoring Ukraine, there is so much to see this month around NYC.

53. Go hiking with llamas & alpacas

llama alpaca walk clover brooke farm — Clover Brooke Farm

Only 2 hours from NYC, wander through bucolic pastures with adorable llamas and alpacas. This cute adventure is a unique take on your average hike, and is sure to be unforgettable. Find out more here.

54. Pack a picnic with friends

When the sun is shining down on NYC, there’s nothing better than packing a picnic and spending your day surrounded by one NYC’s gorgeous parks and gardens. Read a nice book and stretch your limbs while you lay under the blooming magnolias and cherry trees. See some of the most underrated picnic spots around NYC here.

55. Stroll through some of the best museums for FREE

free museums galleries nyc — Photo courtesy of MoMA

Spending money in NYC is as easy as breathing, but there are tons of ways you can still enjoy all the city has to offer, without breaking the bank. Many museums across the five boroughs offer free admissions, be it once-a-month specials or specific dedicated days, and they’re a great way to affordably appreciate NYC’s rich art scene. See the full list of museums here.

56. Zipline at night at this glow-in-the-dark park only an hour outside NYC

glow in the dark ziplining — Photo courtesy of The Adventure Park

A new thrilling experience is coming to LIC and it’s sure to give you an adrenaline rush! Strap in and whoosh through the trees at Long Island’s Glow in the Park. What makes this particular zipline experience so epic? You can do it at night beneath twinkling lights! See how you can soar through the sky here.

57. Check out NYC’s live music scene

things to do spring nyc — Facebook/ Cellar Dog NYC

Home to some of the most iconic music venues in the world, NYC is the perfect place to be in when you want to hear live music. Pro tip: we recommend you ditch the lines and catch some incredibly talented musicians across different bars and restaurants. See where you can here.

58. Throw some back at a beautiful beer garden

Nothing quite pairs like a nice day and a cold pint! NYC has tons of energetic beer gardens that serve as an awesome spot to meet up with friends or for a date. Look through our full list here.

59. Sing your heart out at karaoke

karaoke spots nyc — Instagram/ @karaokeboho_orchard

Get your gang together and head to one of NYC’s many karaoke bars for a night of fun, laughter, and off-tune renditions of your favorite songs. Call on your inner rock star and sing to your heart’s content, either in a private room or with an audience of strangers. Check out some great places to do karaoke here.

60. Support Ukraine alongside local NYC businesses

A display at Fishs Eddy in the Flatiron District. Credit to Hector Malave, instagram / @hecmalave

As conflict continues in Eastern Europe, New York has been taking action to support Ukraine. From fundraising initiatives to more symbolic gestures, there are many ways you can join some of the local businesses in their efforts to show solidarity. Find out some more ways here.

Tags: spring