Best things to do in spring in NYC
The sun will come out—eventually! Our guide to spring in NYC has flower shows, outdoor fests and cultural musts.
Once the weather warms up, these unmissable things to do in the spring in NYC will give you an excuse to spend some time soaking up the vitamin D. As the flowers begin blooming, New York will be booming with delightful events held in NYC parks as well as NYC street fairs and food festivals in NYC. Plus, get revved for spring's biggest event: the opening of Time Out Market New York in Dumbo.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the NYC event calendar for 2019
Best things to do in spring in NYC
The Orchid Show
Things get super tropical at New York Botanical Garden just in time for spring. The theme for the 17th annual flora festival is The Orchid Show: Singapore. The display features thousands of orchids in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. As usual, there will be special Orchid Evenings during which visitors can enjoy the attraction after dark and see the Supertrees, including a gorgeous display of lights, among the orchids. There will be alcoholic beverages and snacks for purchase, as well as live entertainment.
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month in NYC means it’s time to attend some incredible panels, movie screenings, parties and more hosted by badass females that are making New York a better place to be. Many of these lady-led affairs are considered the best NYC events in March, so get your tickets, blast your favorite feminist songs and go to show your support for women everywhere. You can also get involved by volunteering at women's shelters or donating to nonprofits like Planned Parenthood.
The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
Witnessing the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s picturesque cherry blossoms is just the icing on the millennial-pink cake when you attend the always crowded Sakura Matsuri. Taiko drummers, samurai-sword masters, J-rock bands and stand-up comics grace the festival’s two stages. You’ll also find a Japanese tearoom, an art gallery, and a mini flea market that hawks mouthwatering Raaka Chocolate, wall scrolls, silk wraps and a profusion of pretty flowers.
The Macy’s Flower Show
New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike flock to this floral-filled exhibition, where jaw-dropping arrangements decorated to fit a specific theme are on display for two weeks. The subject for 2019's installment at the megachain’s Herald Square location is Journey to Paradisios. Translation? It's a cosmic dream offering revelers an out-of-this-world representation of outer space. Flower arrangements are designed to show off the "mystery of the cosmos," so we imagine there will be nods to comets, stars, planets and more astrological wonders.
Frieze New York
Aesthetes will happily hop on a ferry or bus to Randall’s Island Park for Frieze New York, an expansive art festival that features displays from 200 international galleries. You have all day, so get immersed in the imaginative indoor and outdoor projects, check out the panel discussions, gawk at the new, Daniel Birnbaum–curated exhibition of virtual-reality artwork and soak in those breathtaking Manhattan views.
Shakespeare in the Park
New York’s favorite (and free-of-charge) outdoor theater returns for another season. This year kicks off with Tony Award–winning director Kenny Leon’s modernized version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, a comedic tale about romantic retribution and miscommunication (y’know, themes not unfamiliar to our modern dating-app culture). On each performance day, tickets are distributed at noon at the Delacorte Theater. Remember: You snooze, you lose.
The Tribeca Film Festival
Robert De Niro and co.'s Tribeca Film Festival has long shown a spotlight on local indie features, documentaries, foreign films, the latest from big-name talent and the greatest from up-and-coming filmmakers. We've got your complete one-stop-shopping guide to Tribeca Film Festival: our personal must-see picks, movie screenings, ticket info, a list of nearby bars and restaurants and oh-so-much more.
More things to do in spring
Nine conversation starters for this spring’s movies
You know how it goes: Everybody’s already seen the hot new movies and (show-offs) have their opinions pre-sculpted. You could always talk about Game of Thrones again. Or complain about your salad. But we say be bold. Bring up these nine questions. Embrace your inner film geek. Here are the burning issues that will spur the most discussions this spring. Who knows? You might even love the films, too.
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Events by month
NYC events in March
Make the most of the last month in winter by partaking in the best NYC events in March including St. Patrick’s Day
NYC events in April
Check out our picks for the best NYC events in April including awesome outdoor events at NYC parks and great festivals
NYC events in May
Plan your month with our events calendar highlighting the best NYC events in May 2019 including major holidays