Things To Do in New York This Week (April 7-13)
As spring settles in, the week of April 7–13, 2025, offers a full lineup of things to check out around New York City. The weather is starting to turn, daylight’s stretching into the evening, and it’s that time of year when the city starts to feel a bit more alive. There’s no single way to do April right, but if you’re looking for ideas, this list is a solid place to start. Whether you’re looking for live music, food, or just some time outdoors, here are a few low-stress ways to enjoy the week.
Best things to do in new york this week (April 7-13)
1. Attend the New York International Music Festival
From April 5–9, Carnegie Hall will host high school and college musicians from around the country. The New York International Music Festival mixes jazz ensembles, orchestras, and choirs in a professional setting. These students bring serious energy to the stage—many of them are already performing at a high level and this is their chance to step into a major venue. The shows are approachable and short enough to fit into an evening out.
- Website: https://www.carnegiehall.org
- Phone: 212-247-7800
- Address: Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019
- Price: Varies by event
2. See the Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden
The Orchid Show is back at the New York Botanical Garden through April 27. This year’s focus, inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán, brings color-blocked backgrounds and geometric layouts into play, all built around rare orchids. It’s a different way to see plants—very structured, minimal, and smartly designed. On certain nights, the garden hosts Orchid Nights with food, drinks, and music. You can walk around at your own pace and see the exhibit in a low-light setting.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Phone: 718-817-8700
- Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
- Price: General admission starts at $30 for adults; Orchid Nights tickets are separate
3. Catch a Show at the Blue Note Jazz Club
If you’re in the mood for live music in an intimate space, the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village is hosting nightly sets throughout the week. Known for spotlighting both jazz legends and up-and-coming talent, the club keeps its calendar fresh and its sets tight. The vibe is laid-back but the music is top-tier, with strong acoustics and a solid drink menu. It’s a good midweek plan if you’re looking for something relaxed but still active.
- Website: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/
- Phone: 212-475-8592
- Address: 131 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
- Price: Tickets usually range from $30–$45 depending on the act.
4. Catch Cherry Blossoms in Central Park
April brings the start of cherry blossom season in Central Park, especially around the Reservoir and Cherry Hill. These areas get some of the best light during the day and are usually less crowded early in the morning. If you’ve got time for a walk, or just want to sit for a bit under the trees, it’s a pretty relaxed way to enjoy spring. No planning or ticket needed—just show up and find a spot.
- Website: https://www.centralpark.com
- Address: Central Park, New York, NY
- Price: Free
5. Barry Manilow at Radio City Music Hall
Barry Manilow is doing a short run at Radio City Music Hall from April 9–13. He’ll be going through his catalog of familiar tracks, and the show is easy to follow whether you’ve been listening to him for years or just know a few songs. The venue works well for this kind of event, large enough to feel like a big concert but compact enough to keep it personal. If you’re in the mood for something easygoing, this is a safe pick.
- Website: https://barrymanilow.com/manilow-radio-city-music-hall/
- Phone: 212-465-6000
- Address: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
- Price: Tickets start at $59
6. New Directors/New Films Festival
Presented by MoMA and Film at Lincoln Center, the New Directors/New Films Festival runs through April 13. It’s focused on filmmakers just getting started—many of them are showing full-length work for the first time. The screenings often include Q&A sessions, so you get some context on how each project came together. If you’re open to films that try something different or take a few creative risks, this is a good one to explore.
- Website: https://www.newdirectors.org/
- Phone: 212-875-5601
- Address: Various locations; check the website for details
- Price: Varies by screening
7. Try New Restaurants in Manhattan
There’s always something new in the city’s food scene. Papa San at Hudson Yards has been getting attention for its Japanese comfort food, especially the grilled fish and rice bowl options. In the East Village, Bánh Anh Em offers a short but well-made menu built around fresh noodles and house-baked Vietnamese bread. Neither place is flashy, but both are worth trying if you want a low-key meal that still feels considered.
- Website: https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-new-nyc-restaurants-heatmap
- Price: Varies by restaurant
8. See “Good Night, and Good Luck” on Broadway
“Good Night, and Good Luck” is now on stage at the Winter Garden Theatre. The show looks at journalist Edward R. Murrow and his on-air stand against Senator McCarthy during the Red Scare. It’s based on the 2005 film, and George Clooney is directing this version. The production focuses more on the pressure and pacing of newsroom life than big visual effects, which keeps things grounded. It’s a strong option for anyone who likes stories pulled from real events.
- Website: https://www.broadway.com/shows/good-night-and-good-luck/
- Address: 1634 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
- Price: Tickets start at $79
9. Rooftop Films: Spring Series Preview
Rooftop Films is rolling out its Spring Series preview with pop-up screenings and film shorts at venues around the city. While the main season starts later, this early batch includes sneak peeks and local filmmaker spotlights. Some events are outdoors, others are in flexible warehouse spaces with food and drink available. It’s casual, flexible, and a good way to find new work from filmmakers you haven’t heard of yet.
- Website: https://rooftopfilms.com/
- Phone: 718-417-7362
- Address: Various venues across NYC; check website for locations
- Price: Most tickets range from $16–$22Tickets start at $40 (when scheduled)Tickets start at $40
10. Knicks Game at Madison Square Garden
The Knicks are playing at home this week. Whether you follow the team or just want a solid night out, games at Madison Square Garden are easy to get into. You’ll find food vendors, quick entry lines, and a crowd that stays active from start to finish. The arena has solid sightlines from almost every section, so even cheaper seats work just fine.
- Website: https://www.nba.com/knicks/schedule
- Phone: 212-465-6000
- Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
- Price: Varies by game and seating
With longer days and warmer weather, this is a good week to step out and see what the city has going on. No need to overthink it—just pick something that fits your mood and roll with it. If you’re traveling solo this week or planning a future visit, check out our other post, A Solo Traveler’s Guide to New York City. It covers low-key neighborhoods, reliable transit tips, and everyday spots that are easy to enjoy on your own—without needing an itinerary. No need to overthink it—just pick something that fits your mood and roll with it.
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