Fun Things To Do in New York City This April (2025)
April in New York means longer days and endless ways to enjoy them. Fun things to do in New York this April (2025) will make you forget winter ever existed. Feeling restless? Pop-up events and live performances are taking over parks and venues. And if you prefer something relaxing, how about a cherry blossom picnic?
The city is finally defrosting, with it comes live entertainment, outdoor markets, and street festivals. So, got plans? If not, you’re about to.
Fun Things To Do in New York This April 2025 – Events, Festivals & Shows
Cherry Blossom Season (Throughout April)
Is it even spring if you don’t post cherry blossoms? New York City’s bloom season is short but dreamlike. From Central Park to Little Island, and even a few secret spots, it’s your excuse to stroll, snap, and bask in soft pink petals while they last.
- Where: Central Park, Green-Wood Cemetery, Little Island, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Roosevelt Island, Harlem River Greenway, Sakura Park, Riverside Park, Randall’s Island Park, New York Botanical Garden
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, couples on a casual date
The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism (Until April 27)
This year’s orchid takeover at NYBG brings Mexico’s lively flair to the Bronx. Inspired by modernist architect Luis Barragán, you’ll wander through rooms bursting with color, structure, and tropical coolness.
- Where: New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.nybg.org
- Best for: Nature lovers, flower fans, Bronx daytrippers
Luzia by Cirque du Soleil (Until April 27)
What happens when a dream meets Mexico and takes a detour through water? Luzia brings Cirque’s signature spectacle, with acrobatics, surreal visuals, and moments soaked in light and rain.
- Where: Under the Big Top, Randall’s Island Park
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Best for: Cirque fans, creative souls, anyone who likes jaw-drops with their drama
April Fool’s Day Parade (April 1)
Absurd floats? Satire so sharp it cuts? Back for its 40th year, this parade skewers public figures, billionaires, and conspiracy nuts with giant puppets and street theatre.
- Where: Starts at 5th Avenue and 59th Street, New York City
- Website: www.joeyskaggs.com
- Best for: Satirists and free-speech fans.
Big Umbrella Festival (April 3-20)
The Big Umbrella Festival returns to Lincoln Center with a lineup designed for neurodiverse audiences, and it’s open to all. It’s a welcoming mix of music, dance, theater, and comedy, and you’ll also find interactive programs for kids and teens.
- Where: Multiple venues
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.lincolncenter.org
- Best for: Families, educators, and anyone who wants more inclusive arts experiences.
New York City Spring Jewelry, Antique & Object Show (April 5-7)
Looking to upgrade your flea market game? This event gathers dealers from around the world selling antique, vintage, and designer jewelry, furniture, and rare finds.
- Where: Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.nycjaos.com
- Best for: Vintage collectors, designers, and anyone into heirloom accessories.
JAPAN Fes (April 5, 6, 19, 20, 26, 27)
Japan’s a long flight away. JAPAN Fes? Just a MetroCard tap. This massive Japanese food festival returns to New York City with ramen, takoyaki, matcha sweets, and a thousand vendors across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.
- Where: April 5 – East Village, April 6 – Upper West Side, April 19 – Upper West Side, April 20 – Chelsea, April 26 – Chelsea, April 27 – Astoria
- Website: www.japanfes.com
- Best for: Foodies, families, and groups of friends.
New York’s Best Croissant – The 2025 Finale (April 5)
The city’s top bakeries compete in a flaky battle of the butter. Try the finalists’ best croissants and vote for your favorite. A panel of chefs will crown the winner.
- Where: 5th&Mad (7 E 36th St New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.annuaire.frenchmorning.com
- Best for: Pastry lovers and weekend explorers.
New York International Music Festival (April 5-9)
High school and college bands from across the country head to Carnegie Hall for this prestigious music showcase. The top ensembles earn gold, silver, or bronze, but everyone walks away with a major boost in bragging rights (and memories).
- Where: Carnegie Hall / outdoor venues such as the Central Park Bandshell or Castle Clinton at Battery Park
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.world-projects.net
- Best for: Band parents, future prodigies, and lovers of orchestral soundtracks.
FAD Market (April 5-6, April 26-27)
This pop-up’s back to tempt your wallet. FAD (Fashion, Art, and Design) rolls out curated finds from independent creators. So if you love quirky earrings, small-batch skincare, or artsy prints, you’ll want to browse.
- Where: April 5-6: Brooklyn Creates at Empire Stores (55 Water Street, Brooklyn); April 26-27: Earth Month Pop-up at Center for Brooklyn History (128 Pierrepont Street, Brookly)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.fadmarket.co
- Best for: Indie shoppers, gift hunters, and design lovers.
ILC-NYC Eid Bazaar 2025 (April 6)
You know what makes a great Sunday? Food, fashion, and a good cause. This Eid bazaar features 40+ vendors serving up global eats, handmade goods, and a fun atmosphere. All proceeds support ILC-NYC, so yes—you can feel good about that new outfit.
- Where: Our Own Space (350 6th Avenue, New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.ilc-nyc.org
- Best for: Community fun, Eid shopping, and supporting locals.
New York Knicks Games (April 6, 8, 11)
No matter how the season shakes out, a game at Madison Square Garden is peak New York City energy. Watch your favorite players do their thing, and grab a beer while someone screams “Defense” behind you for 48 minutes straight.
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.nba.com
- Best for: Basketball diehards and out-of-towners.
Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall (April 9-13)
He’s not done yet—Barry Manilow is back at Radio City for five nights of soft-focus romance and throwback tunes. He’s hitting show #49 here on April 9, and the only question is… will he hit 50 before the year’s out?
- Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.barrymanilow.com
- Best for: Longtime fans, date nights, and New York City nostalgia.
American Sublime at The Whitney (April 9-August 10)
You’ve seen her portraits—now see them in a full solo show. Amy Sherald, known for painting Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, brings 50 works to the Whitney for a career-spanning look at race, realism, and quiet power.
- Where: 99 Gansevoort St, New York
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.whitney.org
- Best for: Art lovers, modern portraiture fans, and museum wanderers.
The Joy of Sake (April 10)
With 587 rice wines, this sake tasting is the largest outside Japan. It’s the 21st year for this epic event, and it pours on the joy, tradition, and more than a few hangovers.
- Where: Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W 18th St, New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.joyofsake.com
- Best for: Sake fans, culinary explorers, and adventurous sippers.
INDIEPLAZA at Rockefeller Center (April 12)
For the fourth year, INDIEPLAZA and Rough Trade take over Rockefeller Plaza with a full day of music, art, and food. From 9 a.m., shop for records, sip something cold and hear performances across genres.
- Where: 30 Rockefeller Center b/t 5th and 6th Avenue, on 49th street
- Admission: Free. RSVP here.
- Website: www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Music fans, indie record collectors, weekend wanderers.
Fifth Avenue in the Gilded Age: Address to Impress (April 12 & 26)
These guided strolls along Fifth Avenue explore historic mansions, hidden histories, and the real-life drama of New York’s elite. From Caroline Astor’s ballroom to the Vanderbilt mansion, you’ll enjoy the street history.
- Where: Meeting point at New York Public Library Fifth Avenue at 41st Street Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
- Admission: $49 per person.
- Website: www.newyorkhistoricaltours.com
- Best for: Architecture buffs and New York City history lovers.
Earth Day 2025 Festival (April 17)
Less doomscrolling, more doing? Head to this action-packed festival featuring climate-friendly workshops, hands-on art, green tech booths, and a clean energy exhibition. There’ll be music, activities for kids, and sustainable snacks too.
- Where: Union Square (East 17th Street and Park Avenue South)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.earthdayinitiative.org
- Best for: Climate crusaders and eco-curious families.
Frick Collection’s Re-Opening (April 17)
After a long renovation, the Frick Collection is back. You can now explore more rooms in the Gilded Age mansion, including the bedroom of Henry Clay Frick himself. From gallery masterpieces to behind-the-scenes spaces, this reopening is a big deal for art and history fans.
- Where: 1 East 70th Street, New York
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.frick.org
- Best for: Art lovers and design nerds.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (April 17)
Nick Cave isn’t slowing down. With over four decades of haunting rock ballads, he’s taking the stage at Barclays Center. The latest album, Wild God, hits hard, and this live show might be one of his most remarkable yet.
- Where: Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.nickcave.com
- Best for: Longtime fans and alternative rock lovers.
Marcello Hernández at the Beacon Theatre (April 18)
Still quoting his “short king” jokes on SNL? See the real deal live. Marcello Hernández may only be 27, but he’s been making waves as one of the youngest Saturday Night Live cast members and now he’s headlining his own standup show.
- Where: 2124 Broadway, New York
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.marcello.live
- Best for: Comedy lovers and SNL fans.
Earth Day 5K Fun Run 2025 (April 19)
This 5K is open to all ages and paces. There’s a free WE ACT membership, plus a shirt and prizes for top finishers and fundraisers.
- Where: Randall’s Island Park (north of Icahn Stadium)
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.weact.org
- Best for: Earth lovers and casual runners.
Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival (April 20)
Think your hat game is strong? Wait until you’ve seen someone balance a full bird’s nest on theirs. This long-running Fifth Avenue parade is known for big hats, bigger personalities, and one of the most over-the-top Easter traditions in the city.
- Where: The parade proceeds north on Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st) offers the best views.
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.nyctourism.com
- Best for: Costume fans, creative minds, and people who love a crowd photo op.
Holi Hai 3.0 – Desi Holi Cruise Party (April 20)
A Holi cruise? With Bollywood beats, DJs, organic Holi powder, and epic skyline views, this floating party is the loud, bright break your spring needs. Dress in white, leave a rainbow.
- Where: Pier 36 New York City (299 South Street, New York)
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.event.tinakundalia.com
- Best for: South Asian community, color chasers, and cruise converts.
Sailor Moon Live Show (April 24-26)
She’s fought evil by moonlight, now she’s singing live in Palladium Times Square. The Sailor Moon Super Live brings the beloved anime to life with incredible costumes and music.
- Where: 1515 Broadway, New York
- Admission: Get your tickets here.
- Website: www.sailormoonsuperlive.com
- Best for: Anime lovers, ‘90s kids, and new-gen moonies.
Brooklyn Half Marathon (April 27)
From North Brooklyn to Prospect Park, runners pound through neighborhoods and end with bagels and schmear. Don’t want to run? Stand on the sidelines and cheer like a pro.
- Where: Starts in North Brooklyn
- Admission: Register here.
- Website: www.nycruns.com
- Best for: Distance runners and local cheer squads.
Macy’s Flower Show (April 27-May 11)
The Macy’s Herald Square flagship goes full bloom inside and out. This year’s theme is still under wraps, but you can expect hallways of plants, petals, and floral installations to brighten up your shopping trip.
- Where: 151 W 34st Street, New York
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.macys.com
- Best for: Flower fans, retail wanderers, and spring-on-the-brain shoppers.
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