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At long last, New York City is in bloom. Fragrant lilacs, colorful tulips and perfectly pink cherry blossoms have burst forth after a brutal winter.
To celebrate the season, expert florists have wrangled spring blooms into incredible displays across the city. From outdoor flower gardens to indoor floral installations, here are all the free flower shows to see in New York City right now, along with tips to make the most of each experience.
RECOMMENDED: Best free things to do in NYC
1. Fleurs de Villes' tribute to Downton Abbey
When: Through May 4
Where: Hudson Yards
Purple orchids, white lilies, brown magnolia leaves, blue delphiniums and more have been transformed into magnificent floral creations depicting the sumptuous clothing of television series Downtown Abbey. More than a dozen local florists showcased their creativity by crafting stunning floral mannequins for the latest Fleurs de Villes exhibition at Hudson Yards.
Even if you're not a fan of the TV show, this free exhibition is definitely worth seeing while it's on view through May 4. Each display is made of fresh flowers and botanicals. As Fleurs de Villes co-founder Karen Marshall says, "This is perishable art. Perishable art is must-see art."
Time Out tip: To highlight the show, Hudson Yards is offering special deals, floral-themed tastings and bouquet workshops. Here's the full list of activations.
2. Macy's Flower Show
When: Through May 18
Where: Macy's Herald Square
An annual rite of spring, this year's Macy's Flower Show, titled "Floral Dreams Unfold," is now on view.
The show begins outside the store with the retailer's signature windows, each one featuring lush floral displays alongside this season's fashions. The journey continues inside, where you'll be met with swirling floral spirals, a shimmery beanstalk decoration and topiary chameleons. As you continue through the store, look for a dragonfly display, a tribute to bees and a cool digital installation.
Time Out tip: This is a popular one, so be prepared for crowds. The store opens at 10am daily, so you might want to get there early.
3. Gardens of Renewal at Madison Square Park
When: Through Labor Day
Where: Madison Square Park
Find some peace in Madison Square Park as you walk along a meditative spiral pathway aptly dubbed Gardens of Renewal. Located across the park’s Redbud and Sparrow Lawns, the new path is a beautifully landscaped spiral that invites reflection while highlighting the political urgency of the climate crisis. Along the walk, you'll encounter a planting palette made up of increasingly rare—and nearly disappearing—native species.
Artist Lily Kwong (you may remember her from her gorgeous orchid show a few years ago) collaborated with the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create the destination.
Time Out tip: There's a QR code on site that you can scan to hear a meditation designed by sound practitioner Sandra Sears. The audio clip is meant to unfold over the duration of your perusal of the spiral.
4. Upper West Side Tulip Festival
When: Through early May
Where: West Side Community Garden
Tulips in a rainbow of colors have made their seasonal debut at the West Side Community Garden, a hidden oasis of springtime splendor. The garden is home to more than 10,000 tulips in every color and variety imaginable. Pink, yellow, red, purple and orange tulips—plus a few cool multi-color blooms—fill the garden's raised beds. As for varieties, see if you can spot the differences between parrots, darwins and triumphs—all different types of tulips.
Enter through a wrought iron gate on West 89th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues to find the secret garden, open daily from dawn 'til dusk. The flowers are at the end of their blooming season, but you can still catch them if you get there soon!
Time Out tip: Though it's free to visit, the garden is fully volunteer-run and could benefit from a donation if you're able to.
5. Cherry blossoms
When: Through early May
Where: All across NYC
Part of what makes cherry blossom season so special is its fleeting nature. So, while the blooms are still around, go find som and snap a few photos to remember them by when those blustery, cold NYC days return.
Cherry blossoms are in bloom all across the city, from Central Park to Green-Wood Cemetery to Brooklyn Botanic Garden and more. Here's our full list of where to find them.
Time Out tip: The Central Park Conservancy launched a cherry blossom map and Brooklyn Botanic Garden maintains a CherryWatch map so you can track the buds before you head out for a walk. Be sure to treat the trees kindly and don't disturb nature when you're going in for that close-up video.