The 9 Best Spring Events in NYC

Spring in New York is a wonderful time of year, with many exciting events, including music festivals, art fairs, and food and wine festivals. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something exciting happening in the city during the springtime.

Want to see more travel inspiration: here you can find the best Spring Weekend Getaways from NYC.

Amazing Spring Events in New York City

Here are some of the best events to check out in the springtime:

  1. 01

    Macy’s Flower Show

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    Florals are a natural part of spring but are groundbreaking when they’re presented by an iconic department store like Macy’s. Macy’s marquee stores in NYC present a two-week show that presents nearly one million trees, plants, and flowers to celebrate spring for both nature and fashion.

    People from near and far flock to this exhibition each year, and it’s one of the best places to see awe-inspiring floral arrangements that are decorated according to a given theme. For example, the theme was outer space a few years ago, so arrangements had nods to stars, comets, planets, and more.

    Picture: Courtesy of Macy’s

  2. 02

    Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival

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    You don’t have to fly to Japan to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms. Did you know you can get this same experience during spring in New York? It’s true! In April, at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, there’s a bloom of cherry blossoms each year. The event goes from April 1st until the end of the month, and visitors come from all corners of the Earth to view this event. You can enjoy live music, food vendors, and other activities in the park.

    Not only are the cherry blossoms gorgeous, but the botanical garden itself is worth a visit as well. You’ll have a hard time believing that you see so many rare plants in the middle of New York City!

  3. 03

    The Tribeca Film Festival (June 7 - 18, 2023)

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    In 2002, Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal created the Tribeca Film Festival to bring life back to the neighborhood near Ground Zero. New York City suffered greatly from the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Di Niro’s intention in creating the festival was to help New Yorkers out of this deep-seated depression and give them reason to celebrate again.

    The Tribeca Film Festival has grown over the years, and now all the big names from the film industry show up each spring – it showcases the work of emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. There are many associated events like short film presentations, film premiers, and various awards.

  4. 04

    Frieze Art Fair (May 17 – 21, 2023)

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    For art enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in spring in NYC is attending Frieze New York. It’s hosted on The Shed at Hudson Yards and features works from over 1,000 artists and 200 international galleries.

    There are many other fun things to do at the festival as well, such as sitting in on one of the famous panel discussions, soaking in the breathtaking views of The Vessel, and most importantly – immersing yourself in many imaginative outdoor and indoor projects.

    My tip: here you find the best art galleries in NYC and here the best art exhibitions in NYC.

    Photo by courtesy of Casey Kelbaugh/Frieze

  5. 05

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Spring 2023 Costume Institute Exhibition (May 5 – July 16, 2023)

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    Also known as the Met Gala, this high-profile event takes place in the spring and is known for its extravagant fashion and celebrity guests. In 2023 the The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Spring 2023 Costume Institute Exhibition will celebrate the work of Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019).

    Here you find more information about the event.

  6. 06

    Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival

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    New York City is adorned with around 300 brightly painted XL Easter eggs. The famous Easter eggs can be seen everywhere in the city centre and are also a popular photo motif. The annual Easter Parade, the Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival, moves from 49th to 57th Street.

    New Yorkers meet and walk along Fifth Avenue towards Central Park. The start is at 10:00 am in the morning, ending at 4 PM. A very popular place to watch the parade is St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Look out for all the ravishing hats and make sure you look your best! 

  7. 07

    Ninth Avenue International Food Festival (May 20 & 21, 2023)

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    Every year in May, the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival takes place over one weekend between 42nd and 57th streets. Local restaurants but also street food vendors are represented here. You can try a lot of delicious things from BBQ to Ice Cream. So foodies, let’s go!

    When?

    • Saturday – May 20, 2023 from 10 am – 6pm
    • Sunday – May 21, 2023 from 10 am – 6pm
  8. 08

    Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

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    The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit is a twice-yearly event that takes place in the spring and fall in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, New York City. The exhibit features a wide range of artwork from local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.

    The event is organized by the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the work of emerging and established artists. It has been held every year since 1932, making it one of the oldest outdoor art exhibits in the country.

    The exhibit is open to the public and is free to attend. Visitors can browse and purchase artwork from over 300 artists, and there are also food vendors and live music performances. The exhibit is a great opportunity to see and support the work of talented artists and experience the vibrant culture of Greenwich Village.

  9. 09

    Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (May 27 - 29, 2023 and June 4 - 5, 2023)

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    The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit is a twice-yearly event that takes place in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. The exhibit features a wide range of artwork from local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.

    The event is organized by the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the work of emerging and established artists. It has been held every year since 1932, making it one of the oldest outdoor art exhibits in the country.

    The exhibit is open to the public and is free to attend. Visitors can browse and purchase artwork from over 300 artists, and there are also food vendors and live music performances. The exhibit is a great opportunity to see and support the work of talented artists and experience the vibrant culture of Greenwich Village.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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