Top Things to Do in New York This Spring: A Guide to NYC Spring Events & Activities in 2025

Winter is on its way out! Time to swap heavy coats for light jackets and explore everything that makes spring in New York City so special. As the parks start blooming and the city shakes off the cold, the streets come alive with outdoor activities, pop-up markets, and can’t-miss seasonal events. 

Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh way to enjoy your own backyard—or a visitor ready to experience NYC at its best—spring this year is packed with unforgettable moments. For spring in New York 2025, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of the season.

1. Experience the Best Spring Events in NYC

Spring in New York City is full of diversity and packed with events that cater to all interests. Here’s a selection of must-attend NYC spring events, outdoor festivals, parades, and cultural activities happening this spring:

• Macy’s Flower Show – From late March through early April, Macy’s Herald Square transforms into a floral paradise. It’s a free, walk-through event that’s perfect for a casual afternoon.
• Tribeca Film Festival: Happening in April—the Tribeca Film Festival showcases a mix of independent films, documentaries, and shorts. It’s a great chance to catch premieres and maybe even spot a celebrity or two.
• Carnegie Hall’s Family Day: Spring Fest – On April 19, Carnegie Hall hosts a family-friendly Spring Fest with interactive musical activities and live performances. It’s a fun outing for all ages.
• Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival – On Easter Sunday, don your most extravagant hat and join the fun along Fifth Avenue. This whimsical parade is a beloved NYC tradition, showcasing the city’s creativity and festive spirit.
• Outdoor Concerts and Festivals – As temperatures rise, NYC’s parks and venues come alive with music and cultural festivals. Keep an eye on local listings for a variety of performances, from classical ensembles to contemporary bands, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.

2. Take a Scenic Jet Ski Tour with Sea the City 

Spring is the perfect time to get out on the water—and what better way to do it than on a jet ski with the NYC skyline as your backdrop? Warmer weather and calmer waters make for an ideal ride, letting you take in the city from a whole new perspective.

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC in April, starting the 15th, Sea the City’s 1 and 2-hour Jet Ski Tours offer a high-energy way to explore the harbor. During these fantastic tours, you’ll zip past the NYC Skyline and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and Ellis Island. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, this tour gets you up close to some of the city’s most iconic sights. 

3. Stroll Through Central Park: A Springtime Wonderland

Spring’s warm, sunny days make it the perfect time to get outside and take in everything iconic Central Park has to offer. As the season unfolds, the park bursts into color, with birds chirping and cherry blossoms draping the landscape in soft pink and white. 

Here are some of the best ways to experience Central Park in spring:

• Picnic under the cherry blossoms – Pack a blanket and enjoy lunch beneath the park’s most breathtaking springtime blooms.
• Take a walking tour – Explore hidden gems, historic landmarks, and the best spots for cherry blossom viewing.
• Row across the lake – Rent a boat at Loeb Boathouse for a peaceful ride with stunning city and nature views.
• Visit the Conservatory Garden – Wander through this beautifully manicured garden bursting with tulips, lilies, and more spring flowers.
• Bike the scenic loops – Rent a bike and cruise through the park’s winding paths, stopping to admire the cherry blossoms along the way.

4. Outdoor Dining and Rooftop Bars in NYC

Spring in NYC means it’s time to take your meals outside. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a rooftop with skyline views or settling into a cozy sidewalk café, there’s no better way to enjoy the city’s top-notch food scene. From buzzy rooftop lounges to hidden garden patios, these upscale spots serve up the ultimate springtime experience.

• Westlight – Sitting atop The William Vale in Williamsburg, this rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the city. The menu includes small and large plates, complemented with a well-curated selection of beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
• SERRA by Birreria – This rooftop restaurant at Eataly Flatiron transforms seasonally, bringing a springtime Italian countryside feel to the heart of NYC. House-made pastas and rustic Italian dishes pair perfectly with regional wines and spritzes.
• Celestine – This DUMBO waterfront restaurant sits under the Manhattan Bridge, offering stunning views of the bridge and downtown skyline. The menu highlights Mediterranean coastal cuisine, paired with creative takes on classic cocktails for a perfect springtime meal.
• Bar Blondeau – Located on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, this rooftop bar offers skyline views, creative cocktails, and French-inspired bites like hot-honey fried chicken and a duck pretzel roll hotdog.

• Pier i Café – This casual café in Riverside Park offers picnic-style seating along the Hudson River. Open from April to mid-October, it’s a great mid-spring spot for burgers, seafood, and drinks in the open air.
• The Malibu Farm New York – Located at Pier 17 in the Seaport District, this waterfront spot offers farm-to-table dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy open-air seating while savoring dishes like grilled flank steak tacos and tuna poke bowls..

5. Explore NYC’s Museums and Cultural Attractions

Spring in NYC, running from March 20th to June 20th, can be a bit unpredictable, with sunshine one minute and showers the next. When the rain starts, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the city’s world-class museums. Check out The Met, MoMA (including the Cloisters), or the American Museum of Natural History for a cultural fix. 

Once the sun peeks out again, take a stroll on the High Line, relax in Central Park, or explore the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It’s all about mixing indoor and outdoor adventures to make the most of the season.

6. Spring Shopping and Clothes Markets in NYC

The Big Apple is packed with outdoor markets, pop-up shops, and street racks filled with the hottest styles every spring. Whether you’re after vintage finds, handmade accessories, or the latest fashion trends, it’s the perfect place to score a deal or find that missing piece for your wardrobe.

Beyond the everyday shopping scene, spring brings a wave of seasonal markets and  events that make browsing even more exciting. The Union Square Greenmarket offers more than just produce, with handmade goods and unique finds. Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea are go-to spots for vintage clothing and accessories, while pop-up events across the city feature up-and-coming designers and limited-edition collections.

7. Take a Spring Hot Tub Boat Tour Around NYC

Kick off spring in style with Sea the City Hot Tub Boat Tours, opening March 29th. Relax in bubbling hot tubs while cruising past breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Just a 10-minute ferry ride from NYC, this unique experience offers a refreshing twist on sightseeing. 

Whether it’s a cool spring evening or a sunny afternoon, the hot tubs are always at the perfect temperature. And since it’s BYOB, you can sip your favorite drink (no liquor) while floating past the city’s best views. Grab your friends, bring a bottle, and enjoy the ride.

8. Eat Locally at a Food Market or Festival

Spring in NYC means open-air food markets are back, serving up fresh, seasonal eats from local vendors. Whether you’re craving handmade dumplings, wood-fired pizza, or farm-fresh produce, there’s no shortage of options. With warmer weather and plenty of outdoor seating, the following markets offer great spots to grab a bite, catch up with friends, and enjoy springtime flavors: 

• Smorgasburg (Williamsburg and Prospect Park) – A go-to for creative street food with a mix of innovative vendors.
• Urbanspace Markets (Midtown) – Features a rotating lineup of local favorites with city views as a backdrop.
• Queens Night Market – Offers global bites at budget-friendly prices, perfect for adventurous eaters.
• Hester Street Fair (Lower East Side) – A must-visit for die-hard foodies, featuring gourmet treats, artisanal goods, and Manhattan’s Affordable Arts Fair.

9. Experience a Thrilling Open-Air Building Ascent

Spring in New York City offers mild temperatures and clearer skies, making it an ideal time to experience City Climb. As the world’s highest open-air building ascent, thrill seekers scale the exterior of a skyscraper over 1,200 feet above the ground. 

The activity concludes with a heart-pounding lean out from the city’s highest outdoor platform, providing unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, this unique attraction is just a short journey from anywhere in NYC.

10. Take in a Springtime Broadway Premiere

This spring, Broadway is buzzing with highly anticipated premieres. On April 3, George Clooney makes his Broadway debut in “Good Night, and Good Luck,” bringing the iconic newsman Edward R. Murrow to life. Adding to the excitement, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal team up for a star-studded production of “Othello,” promising a powerful rendition of Shakespeare’s classic.

Don’t miss “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” opening on March 27 at the Music Box Theatre. In this innovative adaptation, Sarah Snook, known for her role in “Succession,” takes on all 26 characters, offering a fresh and captivating take on Oscar Wilde’s tale. With such a stellar lineup, spring 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable season for theater enthusiasts.

11. Chill out at the Seaport

South Street Seaport is the kind of place that just feels right in spring. Warmer days mean waterfront strolls with breezy views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan’s skyline. Walk from Fulton Street to the docks, stopping by indie shops, bars, and whatever pop-up events are happening that day. 

If you’re hungry, the Tin Building by Jean-Georges is a food-lover’s playground, packed with restaurants and markets that make every meal an adventure. And for the best views? Pier 35 delivers, stretching out over the water with front-row seats to NYC’s comeback from winter.

12. Cheer on the Yankees or the New York Mets

One of the most popular spring activities in New York City is catching a game from its legendary sports teams. Baseball fans can watch the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium or the New York Mets at Citi Field, with the Major League Baseball (MLB) season running from April through October. 

Many consider a trip to these ballparks a quintessential NYC experience. If you’re visiting in April, keep in mind that the weather can be brisk, so dressing in layers is a good idea.

13. See the Wisteria Blossoms in Chelsea

Springtime in Chelsea means one thing: wisteria hysteria! As April turns to May, the neighborhood’s brownstones, especially along West 21st and 22nd Streets between 9th and 10th Avenues, become adorned with cascading purple blooms. Really, the area is on purple blast, transforming  the urban landscape into a fragrant, floral wonderland. 

While you’re in the area, grab a coffee at the High Line Hotel Coffebar and take a leisurely stroll to admire the gorgeous flowers.

14. Take in an Air Show at the Beach

Late May brings warmer weather, perfect for a day at Jones Beach—and an even better time to catch the Bethpage Air Show. Held every Memorial Day weekend, this high-energy event fills the sky with jaw-dropping stunts from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Golden Knights parachute team, and other top-tier pilots.

The shoreline turns into a natural amphitheater as spectators spread out on the sand to watch daring aerial maneuvers over the Atlantic. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and sunscreen, and get ready for one of the most exhilarating ways to spend a spring day by the water.

15. Marvel at Amazing NYC Murals

New York City’s street art scene is an open-air museum, showcasing everything from large-scale murals to hidden alleyway gems. Across the boroughs, these striking works reflect the city’s culture, history, and creative energy:

• Hip Hop Murals (Various Locations) – The city boasts numerous tributes to hip-hop legends, including:
  • Notorious B.I.G. (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn) – At the corner of Bedford Avenue and Quincy Street, a mural by Naoufal “Rocko” Alaoui and Scott “Zimer” Zimmerman of Spread Art NYC immortalizes Biggie Smalls wearing a gold crown and necklace, honoring the Brooklyn native’s enduring legacy.
  • Big Pun (Longwood, Bronx) – At 910 Rogers Pl., the artist collective Tats Cru pays tribute to South Bronx native Christopher Rios, aka Big Pun, with a memorial mural that stretches along the building’s side.
  • DMX (Harlem, Manhattan) – Part of East Harlem’s Uptown Grandscale Mural Project, this tribute to Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, is located at East 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, created by artist Blazay NY.
  • Nas (Long Island City, Queens) – Directly across from the Queensbridge Houses where Nas grew up, artists Jorit Agoch and Eli Salome-Diaz, assisted by Benny Guerra and Lawrence “Myse” Hossanah, have crafted a mural at 13-17 40th Ave. celebrating the rapper’s roots.
  • Wu-Tang Clan (Stapleton, Staten Island) – Artist Will Power’s tribute to the iconic group is located at 112 Canal St., celebrating their Staten Island origins.
• Graffiti Hall of Fame (Harlem, Manhattan) – A legendary spot since the 1980s, featuring top graffiti artists from around the world.
• Coney Art Walls (Coney Island, Brooklyn) – A rotating collection of large-scale murals by artists like Futura and Shepard Fairey, adding bold color to the boardwalk.
• Banksy’s “Hammer Boy” Mural (Upper West Side, Manhattan) – One of Banksy’s rare surviving NYC pieces, depicting a child wielding a sledgehammer.
• DUMBO Walls (Brooklyn) – Towering murals beneath the Manhattan Bridge, blending urban grit with international artistry.
• Freeman Alley (Lower East Side, Manhattan) – A tucked-away stretch packed with layered graffiti, stencils, and paste-ups.
• The Centrefuge Public Art Project (Lower East Side, Manhattan) – A community-driven mural space that constantly evolves with new artwork.
• The High Line (Manhattan) – A mix of contemporary street art and large-scale commissions, set against the city skyline.
• Einstein Mural by Kobra (Chelsea, Manhattan) – A colorful, geometric portrait of Einstein playfully blowing a rainbow-colored kiss.
• Gandhi and Mother Teresa Mural (Midtown, Manhattan) – Kobra’s thought-provoking depiction of two global peace figures side by side.

BOOK NOW – Discover NYC in Spring with Sea the City’s thrilling Jet Ski Tours!

Spring in New York is all about fresh air, longer days, and endless ways to explore the city—whether it’s taking in the cherry blossoms, catching an outdoor festival, or finding the best rooftop bar. But if you really want a one-of-a-kind adventure, Sea the City has you covered. 

Our Jet Ski Tours give you the thrill of riding through New York Harbor with unbeatable views, while our Hot Tub Boat Tours offer a laid-back way to cruise past iconic landmarks in total comfort.

No matter your preferences—adrenaline-pumping or pure relaxation—Sea the City is the best way to experience NYC from the water this spring.

Book your Jet Ski tour today and make your next city adventure unforgettable!

FAQs

When is the best time to visit New York in spring?

Spring in NYC runs from late March through June, but April and May offer the best balance of mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making them ideal months to visit.

What are the best spring events in NYC?

Must-see events include the Macy’s Flower Show, Tribeca Film Festival, and the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, each offering a unique way to enjoy the season.

What are some fun things to do in spring in NYC?

New York City is simply packed full with things to do in Spring. For instance, you can take a stroll through Central Park’s cherry blossoms or browse outdoor markets like Smorgasburg. You can also explore the city’s many rooftop bars and waterfront dining spots. The sky’s the limit for springtime activities in the Big Apple!

What are things to do in New York in April?

April brings the Tribeca Film Festival, cherry blossom season at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the return of Sea the City’s Jet Ski Tours, offering an adrenaline-filled way to see NYC from the water.