It is finally that time of year, when the numbers on your Weather app slowly start to creep up to the 50s and even, shocker, the 60s. Springtime is around the corner and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors again. Here are some ways to celebrate spring, smell the flowers and get some sun.
April 8 – End of November
Smorgasborg
Time: Saturday’s and Sunday’s 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
This Williamsburg event has 75-100 vendors, and operates rain or shine. Bring picnic blankets to sit on the river lawns and enjoy foods like soft dumplings and churros. The winter smorgasborg has ended, so this is the time to enjoy the first month of their spring and summer event.
For more information, check out the Smorgasborg website.
All Spring and Summer
Central Park: The Loeb Boathouse
Time: Varies, Check Website Below
Price: $15 for an hour on the rowboat (Cash only), $4 for each additional minute with a $20 deposit.
This classic Central Park staple, operating for over 150 years, has rentable row boats to paddle around the pond. A restaurant, called The Boathouse, is right next to the boat rental station to make for a perfect day of rowing and lunch. They are now also offering private gondola tours of Central Park. Each rowboat and gondola holds four people and lifejackets are provided.
Check out their website for more information.
April 13
NYC Food Truck Fest 2019
Time: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Price: Free – $15
Location: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W 77th St.
This is the largest food truck festival in NYC, and has gourmet food trucks from all around the city, from BBQ to mac and cheese to cupcakes. 4,000 beverages are served and represent 4,000 public school children, and the first 4,000 attendees receive a free coupon for select drinks at any of the food trucks. 100% of the food truck space profits are donated to four local public schools. For VIP admission, $15 (online)- $20 (on site only) donations are required for limited quantities, complimentary drinks and first access to the food trucks.
Check out the details on their eventbrite page.
April 13-14
NYC Hot Sauce Expo 2019
Time: 10 a.m – 6 p.m
Price: $10
Location: Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St.
The perfect event for BBQ lovers, this annual hot sauce expo has a variety of samples from all over the world, as well as spicy food eating competitions and beer.
Check out NYC BBQ for more info and tickets.
April 13-27
Hester Street Fair
Time: Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Essex St.
This street fair is lined with 60 vendors selling crafts, vintage knick knacks, jewelry, art and food. This was founded by three Lower East Side locals in 2010, who combined the idea of a food court and flea market to empower local artists and businesses. On April 14, they are hosting a special culinary event with Hokkaido style Lamb BBQ and fruit beer. Admission is free, but plates range from $6-$45.
April 22
Earth Day 5K Green Tour 2019
Time: 9 a.m – 12 p.m, the event schedules a meeting time in between these hours depending on the hour of your tour.
Price: Free
Location: Union Square (E. 17th St. and Broadway).
Hosted by environmental education and awareness organization Earth Day Initiative, this tour goes from one environmentally-sustainable place right after the other, including a river education lab on Hudson River, a zero waste office, a top of the line NYC Department of Sanitation facility, and a rooftop farm to learn all about green systems throughout the city.
For more info and ticket booking, check eventbrite.
April 27-28
Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. two day event.
Price: $25 for students and seniors, $30 for adults
Location: Brooklyn Botanical Garden 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn.
This annual cherry blossom viewing festival is held at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and celebrates Japanese culture through cooking demonstrations, food vendors, cultural exhibitions like bonsai basics and a tea ceremony, live music, and a Japanese marketplace. Each day requires a separate ticket.
For more information, visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden website.
April 28
NYC Vegan Pop-Up Fest
Time: 10 a.m. -5:30 a.m.
Price: Free
Location: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W 77th St.
In the spirit of Earth Day, celebrate with this free, plant-based pop up event with local vendors. 100% of space rental profits at Grand Bazaar are donated to four public schools benefiting over 4,000 children. Personal donations are welcome.
Check out their eventbrite page.
February 23-April 28
The Orchid Show 2019: Singapore
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday
Price: Weekdays Adults $23 and Students (with valid ID) $20
Location: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx.
This colorful and floral event is filled with flowers native to the island of Singapore, showcasing tall and winding orchids that serve an integral part of the culture. This exhibit was designed in collaboration with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanical Gardens. They are open on one Monday, the 22nd, before the show ends on the 28th.
Check out the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid event page for more info and opportunities.
