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Sure, these past few months have been mild by NYC standards (remember the polar vortex?), but we’re tired of looking up at bare trees and down at covered legs. Sunday 20 marks the the beginning of spring—here’s how to celebrate. (And don't let the snowy forecast deter you—these are actually indoor activities!)
The Butterfly Conservatory
Even if March showers dampen early spring days, the American Museum of Natural History’s Butterfly Conservatory has your dose of bright colors and warm temps covered. Step into the tropical paradise of the vivarium—it’s kept at 80OF—where hundreds of species of butterflies await. If you stand still enough, a lepidoptera might just perch on you!
Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5100). 10am–5:45pm; $16–$27. Through May 29.
Macy’s Flower Show
Stop and smell the roses—and irises and lilies—at Macy’s annual floral extravaganza. This year’s theme is “America the Beautiful,” so the gorgeous greenery is all indigenous to different regions of the country. Design your own arrangements and floral crowns (which you can keep), and check out special events like book signings and a performance from Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
141 W 34th St (212-695-4400). Sun 20–April 2; free.
Macaron Day
Since 2010, celebrity baker François Payard has been bringing a tasty piece of springtime to New York City with Macaron Day. On the first official day of the season, participating bakeries across the city give away a free pastel-colored confection to each customer. If you buy a few extra, proceeds go to City Harvest.
Various locations (212-995-0888, ext 131). Sun 20 10am–5pm; free.
Full Bunny Contact
Whether or not you celebrate Easter, everyone can agree that the man-size, bipedal Easter Bunny of suburban malls is the stuff of nightmares. At this annual event, the cotton-tailed mascot of springtime becomes a player in deranged games, like FuFu’s Homerun Derby, in which a pitcher throws fake field mice for you to bop over the head, and Full Bunny Contact: the Game, in which you hoard eggs in your basket while demented rabbits try to steal them from you. (It’s fun, we swear.) For bratty youngsters, there’s always the Temper Tantrum contest.
Clemente Soto Veléz Cultural and Educational Center, 107 Suffolk St (212-260-4080). Tue 22–Mar 27 at various times; $5, $25.
BBQ Films Presents: Beetlejuice’s Wedding
It may be the season of new life—blooming flowers, weddings, baby animals—but on the vernal equinox, BBQ Films is celebrating new afterlife. The Bushwick venue House of Yes transforms into a replica of Beetlejuice and Lydia’s wedding, where you can watch the 1988 movie and join a live reimagining of the scene. Dress in your best morbid formal attire—at least one real couple will tie the knot, with others renewing their vows.
2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn. Sun 20 at 5pm; $42.50, wedding party admission $65.