Seasonal · Spring · 2026
The best things to do in New York in April.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 10 places.
April in New York City bursts with vibrancy, painting streets with pinks, reds, and yellows under the warm sun. Locals emerge from hibernation, eager for happy hour and outdoor dining, infusing the city with bustling energy. It’s a time of rebirth after winter’s lull, perfect for exploration with longer days and 7PM sunsets.
April’s charm makes it one of the best times to visit NYC, captivating hopeless romantics with its lively spirit. In this guide I use my local experience to share the best events, pop-ups, and things to do in NYC in April. We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s jump in!
- Baseball Game (MLB Season Begins)Event · CitywideOne of the best things to do in New York City in April is to welcome back the professional baseball (MLB) season.
- Blooming Tulips CitywideEvent · CitywideTulips begin to bloom in New York City in April, symbolizing the start of spring and the end of winter, (which always overstays its welcome).
- Cherry Blossoms CitywideEvent · CitywideEvery spring, the Big Apple transforms into a breathtaking canvas of pink and white as cherry blossoms take over New York City.
- Earth Day (Multiple Festivals)Event · Union SquareDuring Earth Day the New York City Department of Transportation will be shutting down car traffic on streets in all five boroughs.
- Macy's Flower ShowEvent · Herald SquareMacy’s Flower Show is an annual spectacle that’s been a staple of spring in New York City since 1946.
- New York International Auto ShowEvent · MidtownAs one of the best things to do in New York City in April, the New York International Auto Show provides the chance to check out all the newest cars.
- New York International Music FestivalEvent · MidtownTaking over Carnegie Hall (one of the most iconic buildings in NYC) is the New York International Music Festival, one of the best festivals in New York City in April.
- New York Tartan Day ParadeEvent · MidtownThe Tartan Parade, a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, has been weaving its way through the streets of the Big Apple since 1998.
- Orchid Show at New York Botanical GardenEvent · BronxThe Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, an annual spectacle since 2003, is a mesmerizing display of one of the most diverse plant families.
- SmorgasburgMarket · WilliamsburgSmorgasburg is a foodie’s paradise, the outdoor food market returns to New York City in April, staying open until October.
Baseball Game (MLB Season Begins)
Event · Citywide
One of the best things to do in New York City in April is to welcome back the professional baseball (MLB) season.
Blooming Tulips Citywide
Event · Citywide
Tulips begin to bloom in New York City in April, symbolizing the start of spring and the end of winter, (which always overstays its welcome).
Cherry Blossoms Citywide
Event · Citywide
Every spring, the Big Apple transforms into a breathtaking canvas of pink and white as cherry blossoms take over New York City.
Earth Day (Multiple Festivals)
Event · Union Square
During Earth Day the New York City Department of Transportation will be shutting down car traffic on streets in all five boroughs.
Macy's Flower Show
Event · Herald Square · 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Macy’s Flower Show is an annual spectacle that’s been a staple of spring in New York City since 1946.
New York International Auto Show
Event · Midtown · Jacob Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001
As one of the best things to do in New York City in April, the New York International Auto Show provides the chance to check out all the newest cars.
New York International Music Festival
Event · Midtown · 881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Taking over Carnegie Hall (one of the most iconic buildings in NYC) is the New York International Music Festival, one of the best festivals in New York City in April.
New York Tartan Day Parade
Event · Midtown · 6th Avenue between 45th and 55th Streets
The Tartan Parade, a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, has been weaving its way through the streets of the Big Apple since 1998.
Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden
Event · Bronx · 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, an annual spectacle since 2003, is a mesmerizing display of one of the most diverse plant families.
Smorgasburg
Market · Williamsburg
Smorgasburg is a foodie’s paradise, the outdoor food market returns to New York City in April, staying open until October.
Best things to do in New York in April, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 Amazing Things to Do in New York City in April (2024).