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. Step into the roaring 20s at this unforgettable Jazz Age Lawn Party
Transcend time at the 19th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party is returning to Governors Island this April. Show off your moves on the expansive dance floor, listen to incredible jazz at two different stages, play Pétanque, shop Paper vintage clothes and bring home pics from Moon photo booths. Get your tickets for this Prohibition-era party.
2. Be awed by acrobats at this circus-style cabaret dinner
A sensual burlesque-style circus meets a cabaret dinner at AirOtic Soirée, where audiences will experience world-class acrobats in a mesmerizing performance you can’t miss. Enjoy celebrity chef tapas, innovative drinks, beautiful costumes and seductive choreo. Reserve your spot now.
3. Step out of your comfort zone and dine while blindfolded
Why would anyone choose to eat a meal in the dark? Psychologists have said this is an ‘amplified’ way to enjoy food, and you can try it out right in Brooklyn! Choose from a meat, seafood, or vegan menu and let your tastebuds fully guide you through your meal. This experience is definitely one you won’t want to miss, and you can get your tickets here.
4. Explore Pier 57’s 80,000-square-foot rooftop park
The largest outdoor rooftop park can be found 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. The park also features 80,000 sq ft of expansive greenery and sweeping views. See more here.
5. …or check out Pier 57’s 16,000-square-foot food hall
The renowned culinary nonprofit the James Beard Foundation opened its first-ever food hall at the site of Google’s forthcoming Manhattan campus! 15 women- and BIPOC-owned food concepts are showcased alongside a modern showcase kitchen operated by the James Beard Foundation and series of community educational spaces. Read more about the food hall here.
6. Hear renditions of your favorite artists backed by a live orchestra
This unique concert series is bringing the best of Billy Joel, Taylor Swift and Queen to the stage with performances from Broadway’s best, alongside a full orchestra. Grab your tickets here.
7. 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!
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Adele
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Beyoncé
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More at Church of the Heavenly Rest
8. Go face to face with animated dinosaurs at Dinos Alive
Searching for something to do with the family? Well, look no further than Schenectady’s Dinos Alive Exhibit! This jurassic experience will bring you face to face with the historic dinosaurs that used to roam the earth many years ago, including the T-rex, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Velociraptors. Plus, visitors will get a glimpse at underwater sea giants with a virtual aquarium. Grab your tickets today!
9. Discover secret concerts popping up at surprising NYC locations
Sofar Sounds is bringing live concerts to unexpected and private locations across NYC, from art galleries to rooftops. Even more interesting, it won’t be revealed who you’ll be entertained by until the day of the performance! Grab your tickets today.
10. Spend your weekends at brunch…duh!
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:
- Jazz Brunch by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
- Sunday Jazz Brunch
- Upper West Side Socialite Bottomless Brunch at Allure
11. Explore this music and wellness experience every Sunday in Brooklyn
Sonic Sanctuary Sundays is a wellness experience where music and other healing techniques merge to help you on your personal journey. This serene event includes meditation and breath work, but also a very special sonic experience salt cave. Learn all about it and grab tickets here.
12. Celebrate the start of rooftop season at these amazing spots
Though March is the official start of springtime, we all know the weather hasn’t been 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.
13. Visit jaw dropping spots you won’t believe exist in NYC
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.
- This Lovely NYC Neighborhood Was Modeled After An English Village
- This Hidden Part Of Central Park Is Full Of Enchanting Waterfalls
- The Met Cloisters
14. 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.
15. Read a book under the sun at Brooklyn Library’s outdoor reading rooms
Three 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 to20 branches across Brooklyn. Some locations even have book carts outside for browsing! Learn more here.
16. 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.
17. Go cherry blossom hunting
Cherry blossoms are about to arrive 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.
18. 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!
19. 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.
20. Take a quick trip to Holland to see gorgeous tulip fields
Holland Ridge Farms, located about an hour and ten minutes from NYC in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, brings Holland’s tulip magic to the tri-state area. Every year, visitors can take in beautiful, vibrant fields filled with millions of tulips, and it’s supposed to open sometime in April! Learn more about this must-visit spot here.
21. 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.
22. Admire the many outdoor art installations
This year New York City has been adding so many wonderful outdoor public exhibitions for visitors to explore…and now you can too. Offering an alternative to museums, art galleries, and art exhibitions, these open-air installations are all free to check out and reside in the great outdoors of our city, including:
23. Go hiking with llamas & alpacas
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.
24. 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.
25. Stroll through some of the best museums for FREE
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.
26. Zipline at night at this glow-in-the-dark park only an hour outside NYC
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.
27. Or during the day between New York and Massachusetts
This ones for the adrenaline junkies! Ride the longest zipline in America, better known as the Cata-monster, that spans just over one mile long. Sandwiched between New York and Massachusetts, adventurers will get to take in unbeatable views of the Tri-State area. Learn more here.
28. Check out NYC’s live music scene
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.
29. 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.
30. …or enjoy a more low-key drink & meal in a hidden garden or patio
If you want to avoid the crowds and have a secluded dining experience in peace while still enjoying the great outdoors, we know just where to go. Some aren’t secret-staircase level hidden (though some are!), but rather have backyard patios or gardens you wouldn’t necessarily know about just walking by. Find all our go-to spots here.
31. Sing your heart out at karaoke
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.
32. Take a scenic train ride from for a quick getaway
Looking for a spring getaway but not sure where to go? There are tons of trains you can hop on in NYC that will take you to some gorgeous spots. Two of our favorites are:
- Amtrak’s Adirondack line with service from NYC to Montreal
- Ride a 1940s train from NYC with breathtaking views of the Hudson River
33. Eat your way through all of NYC’s delicious food trucks
New York City is no stranger to awesome street food, and you can find virtually any type of cuisine you could imagine being cooked up right on the streets! And as the warm weather comes back and you’re out on the go, you may want to stop by one to give it a try! Find some of our favorite food trucks here.
34. Take a break from the city with a romantic lakeside escape
With spring in the air, it’s hard to ignore the travel bug biting at our ankles to ditch the city for a little getaway. Lucky for you, we know just the escape! Mirror Lake Inn, in Lake Placid, NY (just five hours from the city) is the perfect romantic weekend away, and it offers beautiful grounds and gardens, award-winning dining options, a relaxing spa, a 60-foot indoor lap pool, a private beach, yoga classes, and more! Learn more here.
35. Soak up the spring sunshine and go on a bike ride
When the sun’s out, there’s no better way to kill two birds with one stone by getting you’re work out in and enjoying the great outdoors! These are some of our favorite spots for a springtime bike ride.
36. Beat your friends at mini golf
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or one that’s great for the friend group, why not go for a round of mini golf? From outdoor courses to underground venues, these are the best places to go mini-golfing in NYC.
37. Score free Gov Ball tickets
NYC’s favorite music festival is set to return this June, and before it arrives we’re letting you know how to score free tickets! The festival actually runs an earn-a-ticket program that teams up with philanthropic organizations to make a difference. Read all about the fine details here.
38. Grab an underground slice at See No Evil Pizza
Ever considered the subway isn’t just a means to get home but a prime spot for dinner? See No Evil Pizza just opened up at the 50th Street subway station, serving up subterranean pizza that’ll definitely have your mouth watering. Learn more here.
39. Catch opening day at Yankee Stadium via a vintage subway train
The New York Transit Museum is transporting Yankees fans to the stadium on opening day via a vintage subway train with the return of Nostalgia Rides. Find out all the details and how you can ride here.
40. Ride the world’s tallest indoor water slide just 30 mins from NYC
The Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer at DreamWorks Water Park (just a 30 min drive from NYC) is the world’s tallest indoor water slide—plus it even has a trapped door. It’s the perfect ride for adrenaline junkies. Learn more here.
41. 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:
42. Catch the rare total solar eclipse
New York is on the path of totality for April’s super rare total solar eclipse! Be sure to grab your free eclipse glasses while supplies last from I Love NY to protect your eyes while you catch this incredible spectacle. Learn everything there is to know about the total solar eclipse here.
Written by Justine Golata & Brianna Perry