Now that April Fools’ Day is over and the jokes have finally stopped (at least most of them), we’re ready to get into the swing of things for this month!
Have a look below at a selection of our top activities for April, to fully embrace spring in NYC:
1. Enjoy outdoor performances at Lincoln Center’s new campus
Already home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center will serve as another hub for performances this spring and summer thanks to their recently announced “Restart Stages” program. Like the “Open Culture” and “NY Pops Up” programs (which this one is actually working in conjunction with), Restart Stages hopes to “kickstart the performing arts sector and contribute to the revival of New York City.” It will create 10 outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces on the Center’s iconic campus that can be used for many different purposes and will be open in different ways to the public, along with arts-centered activities for New Yorkers to take part in.
2. Unwind at a glamorous concert by candlelight
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is heading to Leuca! Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. From Bach to the Beatles, go on a musical journey through the ages while you sit back and savor the stunning atmosphere. Join our musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds with history’s most treasured masterpieces! Get tickets here.
3. Read a book under the sun at Brooklyn Library’s new outdoor reading rooms
Last year, 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. Now they are expanding the program to 20 branches across Brooklyn. Some locations will even have book carts outside for browsing!
4-7. Take in the skyline at a NYC rooftop concert
The renowned Mondrian Park Ave in NoMad is hosting a series of jazz-age concerts starting this March on their gorgeous rooftop terrace, called “Music Under the Stars” — and it’s the perfect way to enjoy nights out in the city again in a safe, socially distant way. Check out:
- From Ella to Amy: A Tribute to The Female Jazz Legends
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From Beethoven To Beyonce: A Musical Journey at The Mondrian Hotel
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Broadway & Beyond: A Live Performance ft. Hits From Stage to Screen
8. Head out on a rustic getaway in the Hudson Valley
Indulge your senses with a unique high-end culinary and cultural experience! City Winery believes that sounds, scents, tastes, and views should all combine to create a unique and special customer experience. As such, they have ensured that their Staycation for two is perfect down to the last detail: you and your partner will be able to enjoy a beautifully furnished private guest room in the renovated 1920s barn, have dinner in the restaurant just steps away from your lodging, and even take part in the evening’s City Winery beverage event. As a souvenir, you’ll also receive a bottle of sommelier-selected wine to take home! Get tickets here.
9-18. 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 will only be in bloom for about a week.
19. Or, take in 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!
20. Test your skills on a Nailed It! bake-off at home
Join other amateur bakers for the latest Nailed It! At Home Experience, a hilarious culinary experience, brought to you by Netflix and Fever, where failure and the mediocre are celebrated! This time your baking challenge will be inspired by the new season of the hit Netflix baking show, Nailed It! Double Trouble! Baking and decorating ingredients will be sent to your home, along with step-by-step instructions for making this all-new challenge. Grab tickets right here.
21. Check out this super cool speakeasy hidden inside the 28th St. subway station
Of course the main appeal of speakeasies are their mystery, but have you ever considered that you might be missing one every time you ride the subway? Yes, La Noxe is hidden away at the 28th St. subway station behind an inconspicuous door. But once found, guests are quickly whisked away into a secret world that’s been right underneath their nose…and quite literally their city. Find out more here.
22-31. Take in the waterfront views at these beautiful 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. Check out the list here.
32. Check out the new KAWS exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
For twenty-five years, Brooklyn-based artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly, American, born 1974) has bridged the worlds of art, popular culture, and commerce. Adapting the rules of cultural production and consumption in the twenty-first century, his practice both critiques and participates in consumer culture. KAWS: WHAT PARTY is a sweeping survey featuring more than one hundred broad-ranging works, such as rarely seen graffiti drawings and notebooks, paintings and sculptures, smaller collectables, furniture, and monumental installations of his popular COMPANION figures. Get your tickets here!
33. Visit the newly reopened Hayden Planetarium at AMNH
You can now experience all that the American Museum of Natural History has to offer once again! Though the iconic New York museum reopened back in September, the Hayden Planetarium — where visitors can journey into space right from NYC thanks to a state-of-the-art immersive theater — had to wait until movie theaters were allowed to reopen in NYC. But now it’s back with the breathtaking new space show Worlds Beyond Earth. Read more here.
34. Meditate at a calming new art installation in Downtown Brooklyn
After a difficult year it’s important to simply take some deep breaths. Ekene Ijeoma’s newest installation Breathing Pavilion at The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn is a public reminder to do just that. The installation is a part of Van Alen Institute’s Public Realm R&D program working to highlight emerging artists and unite people through public spaces. Find out more here.
35. Get the fluffiest Japanese soufflé pancakes at Flipper’s in SoHo
Flipper’s, founded in Japan in 2016, is one of the most famous soufflé pancake brands. Flipper’s SoHo opened in 2019, bringing a new experience and impression of fluffy pancakes to New York. Flipper’s Soho is offering sweet and savory pancakes, and pancake-based breakfast and brunch, coffee, tea, and boba. Sit inside or enjoy the cute outdoor setup on West Broadway, and see for yourself why everyone loves these soufflé pancakes so much!
36-45. Embrace spring florals by dining under these beautiful set-ups around NYC
With all of this lovely sunshine, what better way to enjoy the weather than dining under floral canopies that will whisk you away to paradise? Here are some of the most gorgeous floral outdoor dining setups popping up across the city just in time for spring.
46. Treat yourself to a free Krispy Kreme doughnut (if you’re vaccinated)
Krispy Kreme just announced that starting Monday, March 22, anyone who has received their COVID-19 vaccine — and shows a valid vaccination card — can get a free glazed doughnut at any store location in the U.S. Not only can you get one at any time on any day, but you can even keep getting one every day through the rest of 2021! Read more here.
47. Support #StopAsianHate in NYC
After so many horrific attacks against Asian Americans in NYC (and around the country), here are 5 ways to help make a difference.
48. Head to the Hamptons…without leaving NYC
Sandbar Rooftop, on the 23rd Floor of the Hilton, is Hamptons-themed with beach decor like lifeguard chairs, hanging lounges, and swings created from reclaimed wine barrels (we love our swings here at Secret NYC)! The rooftop first opened this fall, then closed for the winter, and is now reopening for the warm weather season on Thursday, March 25. It will then be open Thurs-Sat from 3-11 p.m, with an expanded schedule starting in April.
49. Watch the Oscars…and all the nominated films
The Oscars are taking place on April 25! Here’s where you can watch all the nominations in time…
50. Check out this new greenhouse wonderland cafe in the West Village
French bakery Maman is a NYC favorite — which may just have the best chocolate chip cookies in the city — and their newest (and largest) location is another must-visit. “Maman King” opened about two months back, at 375 Hudson St. (on the corner of Hudson & King) and is the French cafe’s largest (and most beautiful) location yet. Find out more here.
51. Head to the (drive-in) movies
Skyline Drive-In NYC opened this 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. Get tickets here.
52. Explore the secrets of Grand Central Station on this undercover tour
This is your chance to see Grand Central’s hidden tennis courts, peek into the entrance of the glass walkways and learn about a design flaw that’s as large as Grand Central Terminal’s main atrium! Discover a multi-million dollar jewel hidden in plain sight and lots more with your trusty tour guide — make reservations here.
53. Dine in Central Park’s Boathouse Restaurant once again
New Yorkers were devastated when Central Park’s iconic Loeb Boathouse closed in October due to the pandemic, but unlike many other NYC restaurants, it luckily wasn’t permanent. They reopened to the public on March 29; read more here.
54. Dance on these colorful light-up platforms in Domino Park
Only up through April 15!
55. Visit the iconic Balthazar Restaurant & Bakery
After nearly a year being boarded up, many (myself included) were beginning to wonder if they’d ever again be able to slide into one of Balthazar’s iconic red booths—and thankfully, as of Wednesday, March 24, the answer is YES! They have a giant new outdoor dining set-up, and the delicious bakery is now open too. Find out more here.
56. Get tickets to the Princess Diana musical this fall
A Princess Diana musical is heading to New York City soon, and it’s going straight to Broadway! The musical, starring Jeanna de Waal as Princess Di, is simply titled Diana and follows the story of a woman who “rocked the monarchy and changed the world; “who chose to be fearless, and as a result became timeless.” After not being able to open last March due to the pandemic, it will finally be premiering this December! But tickets are on sale now.
57. Head back to theme parks
They can reopen as of Friday, April 9! Though jury’s still out on Coney Island…
58. Head to a show at a local theater or concert venue
As of April 2, smaller theaters and performance venues can reopen at 33%. That could mean small theaters, comedy clubs, live music venues, and even iconic locations like Lincoln Center (see #1) and Radio City Music Hall could be back up and running this spring.
59. Take a quick trip to Paris and explore the Louvre on a virtual tour
At a time when museums are still closed, Paris‘s famous Louvre Museum invites you to escape, unveiling a new online gallery featuring nearly 500,000 works from its collections. It makes for a fascinating virtual (and free!) stroll, even as the museum patiently awaits its reopening.
60. Try and finish a 15-lb burrito at Cantina Rooftop
Cantina Rooftop has been selling a taco weighing over 10lbs (Big Ass Taco) for some time now, but April 1st will mark the debut of Chef Saul Montiel’s Big Ass Burrito (BAB). The menu item will only be available through the month of April so book your reservation soon!
featured image source: featured image source: instagram.com/cartoonztnz