Spring weather has finally arrived in New York City! The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the children are happily screaming for ice cream. In New York City, spring means the beginning of many incredible free or affordable outdoor activities and events that visitors and New Yorkers take advantage of every year. As a native New Yorker myself, here is a list of seven upcoming events happening in Big Apple.
1) Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo Credit: Filipinos of New York
Known as "New York City's rite of spring", the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will hold their annual cherry blossom festival on Saturday, April 30, 2016 to Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 10 AM to 6 PM. The weekend celebrates traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with over 60 events and performances planned out for this year's festival. You can buy your tickets either at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or on their website. All events are held rain or shine!
2) Bronx Week
Photo Credit: New York Sightseeing Tours
Organized by The Bronx Tourism Council, Bronx Week is an annual 10-day series of events that celebrates the best of the Bronx borough. This includes a parade, multiple festivals, live music, a unique trolley tour and the induction of the latest additions to the Bronx Walk of Fame. Bronx Week will take place from Thursday, May 5 to Sunday, May 15. Check the Bronx Tourism Council's official website for more updates.
3) Shakespeare in the Park
Photo Credit: TimeOut
Founded by Joseph Papp in 1954, The Public Theater dedicates their energy in creating an American theater that is accessible to everyone in New York City with the first being Shakespeare in the Park. Held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park performs William Shakespeare's greatest plays for free! Past theater performances include The Tempest in 2015, Much Ado About Nothing and King Lear in 2014 and the Twelfth Night in 2009. This year, The Taming of the Shrew will play from May 24 through June 26, 2016. Free tickets will be given out either at the Delcorte Theater on a first-come-first-serve basis, through an online lottery or going standby.
4) The High Line
Photo Credit: The High Line
Created back in 2009, the High Line is an elevated urban linear and public park. The 1.45 mile-long park stretches from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to the northern edge of the West Side Yard on 34th Street near the Javits Convention Center. Every year the Friends of the High Line create various fun activities and attractions for the New York City public ranging from walking tours to dynamic live performances such as dance parties or poetry festivals. Hours and transportation to the High Line can be found on their official website.
5) Bronx Zoo
Photo Credit: NYC Go
Located in the Bronx, the 265 acres of land houses some of the largest and most diverse animal collection as well as award-winning exhibitions. Some of the major exhibits include the Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, World of Birds and World of Reptiles. While admission tickets or on the pricer side, general admission is free all day on Wednesdays! You can also bring food into the zoo and have a nice picnic during a sunny day. Hours and transportation to the Bronx Zoo can be found on their official website.
6) Big Apple Barbecue Block Party
Photo Credit: NYC Go
The 14th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party will take place from Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12, 2016 around Madison Square Park. The event will brings barbecue masters from across the city and nation to cook a variety of barbecue food. The event is free, however tickets for the VIP pass will be sold as well. Make sure to be in Madison Square Park that weekend!
7) Museum Mile Festival
Photo Credit: I Still Heart New York
The annual festival will take place on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 6 PM to 9 PM on Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 105th Street. The festival offers the public free admission to many of the museum's finest art collections. Participating institutions include, El Museo del Barrio, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and more. Additionally, there are various outdoor activities such as face painting, chalk drawing, live music and more. For more information, visit their official website.
