Congratulations, everyone! We survived another winter in New York, and while spring in New York City may feel brief, it's definitely a season to be celebrated. The cold weather is melting away, the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and the sun isn't setting before 5 pm anymore (we could cry tears of joy over that one). After months of being cooped up indoors, it's finally time to shed your winter coat and enjoy the fresh air again.

From picnics in the park to outdoor movies to the return of night markets, there are endless things to do this spring in NYC. We rounded up everything you should check off your NYC bucket list this spring!

The Best Things to Do This Spring in NYC

Stroll Through the Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms and spring go hand-in-hand, and in New York City, there are so many amazing places to catch the seasonal blooms. From public parks and botanical gardens to stunning dining patios, we rounded up some of the best places to see the blossoms this spring.

Where: Various locations.
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Attend Orchid Nights at the New York Botanical Garden

Spring greenery and blossoms are bursting at the New York Botanical Garden, the largest city-bound botanical garden in the US. Don't miss Orchid Nights, the adults-only event happening every Friday and Saturday from March 30 through April 20, where you can take in the enchanting orchid show under the twinkling lights in the conservatory with a cocktail in hand!

Where: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
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Visit Picnic Pier

Soak up sunny days and good vibes at a new, month-long extravaganza with BBQ, picnic treats, beers, cocktails, wine, and more. Pier 15 has been taken over with beach-style picnic tables, games like ping pong, foosball, and cornhole, and a giant outdoor bar. It's spring break vibes, NYC-style!

Where: Watermark: 78 South St Pier 15, New York, NY
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Go to a Gnocchi & Pasta Making Party

These gnocchi and pasta-making classes aren't really a class—they're more of a cooking party! Choose between making fresh gnocchi or cavatelli and tagliatelle pasta from scratch. Both events kick off with an aperitivo, have an open wine and spritz bar, and music playing throughout the night.

Where: 171 Canal Street New York, NY
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See the Macy’s Flower Show

Macy’s Annual Flower Show is back for 2024, with over one million florals and fauna making up its stunning display. Using flowers native to countries from all over the world, Macy’s partners with local growers to create a truly unique combination you won’t see anywhere else. See the spectacle between March 24 and April 7 at the store’s marquee location. This event is free and open to the public!

Where: 151 W 34st Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues
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Grab a Bite to Eat at Bronx Night Market

The monthly Bronx Night Market returns to Fordham Plaza starting April 6! Join in on the largest, all-family foodie celebration in the Bronx, where you can enjoy your favorite food and beverage vendors, plus a steady rotation of more than two dozen arts and crafts merchants at every event.

P.S. Don't miss Harlem's Uptown Night Market, returning April 11!

Where: 1 Fordham Plaza, Bronx, NY
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Watch the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

Every Easter, New Yorkers flock to Fifth Avenue in their most creative spring-themed costumes and—most importantly—extravagant hats and bonnets. The iconic tradition dates back to the 1870s and typically kicks off at 10 am. The procession moves north along Fifth Avenue, from 49th Street to 57th Street, with the heart of it taking place near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Come see the creative costumes and join the fun!

Where: Fifth Avenue, from 49th Street to 57th Street
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Participate in the NYCRuns Spring Fling 5k & 10k

Start warming up those summer bodies with an as-active-as-you’d-like running tour of Governor’s Island on April 6. Enjoy stunning views of Lower Manhattan, New Jersey, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and more! Entry includes a ferry ride, a t-shirt, and post-race snacks! 

Where: Governors Island, Colonels Row, New York, NY
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Have a Picnic in Prospect Park

Pack up some sandwiches, drinks, and a blanket, and head outside for a picnic. There’s something so quintessentially spring about picnicking, and NYC has no shortage of green parks and pretty scenery to enjoy a meal al fresco. Prospect Park is an oasis in Brooklyn and offers 585 acres of space to spread out and enjoy the mild weather and spring blooms.

Pro-tip: Head to nearby Prospect Provisions and grab some artisanal sandwiches to-go if you don’t want to deal with meal prep!

Where: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
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Grab Dinner on a Rooftop

Why have dinner inside when you can have it on a rooftop? New York is arguably the best city in the world for rooftop dining with stunning views, no matter where you are in the city. Now that temperatures are hitting that sweet spot between not too hot and not too cold, it’s the perfect time to book a dinner reservation with a view. For a lineup of all the best places, check out our guide to the best rooftops in NYC.

Where: Various locations.
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Learn How to Shuck Oysters (With Wine)

Is anything more refreshing than dining al fresco with a platter of oysters and a cold glass of wine? You can shuck your oysters and eat them too at this hands-on oyster shucking class that takes participants through a journey of shucking, tasting, and pairing four types of oysters to learn about the various flavors and textures of each. Enjoy wine pairings along the way, and take home the skills and tools you need to prepare a platter of oysters on the half shell at home.

Where: Seamore’s Market Bar & Restaurant: West 52nd Street, New York, NY
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Take a Boozy Yoga Class

Yoga, but make it boozy. Perfect for beginners and seasoned yogis alike, this social, interactive yoga experience is where self-care becomes community care. Think “yoga drinking game” with games, icebreakers, storytelling, and dancing with a beverage in hand, all through the vehicle of a super fun beginner-friendly yoga class. Tickets include two glasses of wine (or a non-alc option)!

Where: Moxy NYC Times Square: 485 7th Ave, New York, NY
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Tour Long Island Vineyards

Escape the city for a day and spend the afternoon sampling wines and touring some of Long Island's most notable vineyards. This all-inclusive package includes tours of three award-winning wineries with multiple tasting opportunities at each destination, a gourmet picnic lunch with sandwiches, water, and snacks, plus roundtrip transportation to and from Manhattan. Sounds like a perfect Sunday.

Where: Pickup at 85 Delancey St, Lower East Side, New York, NY
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Book a Private Omakase Experience

Sushi Suite 1001 offers the world's first hotel room-turned-restaurant experience! When you arrive, check in and receive your room key to unlock your unique food experience, featuring a 4-seat sushi counter and your very own private chef for a 90-minute, 17-course progressive Omakase. Plan to arrive early for drinks on the terrace!

Where: Hotel 32|32: 32 E 32nd St Suite 1001 Suite 1001, New York, NY
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See the City in the Five Boro Bike Tour

If you really want to take advantage of warmer temperatures and celebrate the return of spring, consider biking your way through all five boroughs at the Five Boro Bike Tour on May 5. The course starts in lower Manhattan, goes through Central Park, and cuts across the Harlem River before winding its way down through Brooklyn and Queens with snack stops and entertainment along the way. You'll round things out with a finish festival at Fort Wadsworth Park in Staten Island!

Where: The starting line is at Franklin Street and Sixth Ave
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Attend the Brooklyn Whiskey & Spirits Fest

Try over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits and explore new favorites while learning from experts on a whiskey tour at the Brooklyn Whiskey & Spirits Fest on March 23. You can sample craft selections from Kentucky Bourbons to Irish Whisky. There will also be Vodka, Gin, Tequila, and local brews, plus live music, vendors, merchandise, and food options!

Where: Industry City: Building 5 Suite 52A, 33 35th Street, Brooklyn, NY
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