If you’re a New Yorker, or taking a trip to the Big Apple in April, check out our list of 20 best things to do in NYC in April.
No matter what your idea of a good time is, you are sure to find something to suit your fancy in New York City. It is one of the most diverse and entertaining places in the entire world, and has locals to match. If you have the fortune of visiting NYC during Spring time— widely regarded as the most beautiful time of year for our city— you will be sure to enjoy a marvelous selection of things to do and see. From the more flashy Broadway show type of night, to a casual afternoon sipping coffee on a park bench, there is no shortage of options. While you’re at it, you can also check out these free classes in NYC for adults.
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In looking for the best things to do in NYC in April, we consulted some reputable sources for cool events and outings in the New York City area. We sourced our information from Events 12, TripAdvisor, and Insider Guide. We compiled a list of each attraction listed in each source, and then took different tastes into consideration when choosing which activities made the final list. It should be noted that this list is ranked in no particular order.
Continue reading to learn more about the best things to do in NYC in April.
20. Hot Sauce Festival
Whether or not you’re particularly into spicy food, you’ll certainly have the time of your life attending the infamous Hot Sauce Festival in NYC. Apart from showcasing some of the spiciest and yummiest food in the area, the festival also features craft beer, live music, and a variety of ever-popular eating contests.
19. Brooklyn Folk Festival
No place else does music festivals like NYC. Brooklyn Folk Festival is just one of the many fun music festivals happening in NYC all year-round. April is an especially great time of year to take part in this type of outdoor event, since the weather is so great. This particular music festival showcases NYC’s homegrown folk artists.
18. Earth Day
Earth day is a national holiday that occurs on April 22 every year. There are a lot of activities held in the NYC area for this special day dedicated to Mother Earth, including music festivals, food carts, and free concerts featuring big name headliners. You can also generally find some great forums about nature and environmental issues.
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17. Cocktail show
It is no surprise that here are a lot of cocktail-centric events happening in NYC. We’re a city that absolutely loves an interesting and tasty (and strong) drink. The cocktail show held in April by The Imbible is a fun twist on a typical alcoholic event. It is both an event showcasing craft cocktails, as well as a platform for their entertaining cocktail-inspired musical which depicts the history of social drinking.
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16. LGBT Book Fair
Also known as the Rainbow Book Fair, this event not only showcases LGBT literature, it also provides a great place to socialize with other people who live and identify with queer life. This is the largest LGBT book fair in the entire world, and sure to be a great way to spend a nice April afternoon.
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15. Wine tasting
NYC isn’t all about craft cocktails; it is also a great city to sip a nice glass (or bottle) of wine. At the Wine on Wheels event, not only will you enjoy some high-quality wine, you will also be drinking for Wheeling Forward, a charitable organization which benefits people living in wheelchairs. Tickets to this event also include pop-up shops, symposiums, and more.
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14. Bike tours and rentals
Although this attraction is available in NYC all year round, April is an especially great time of year for outdoor activities. A nice Spring biking tour through Central Park, or any of NYC’s other idyllic natural settings, sounds like perfection. The lovely weather marks the blooming season for NYC gardens, so be sure to stop and smell those roses.
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13. Margarita tasting
Dubbed as Margarita Rumble, this event that ranks 13th in our list of best things to do in NYC in April — of course– features margaritas. The tasting event showcases all of NYC’s best margaritas. Samplings have been pre-judged from NYC’s hottest clubs and bars, in order to narrow down the list of finalists worthy of the tasting. Enjoy a nice cold one!
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12. Easter on the farm
Release the kids! Give your kids a chance to run around at Green Meadows Farm in Brooklyn, where the annual Easter Egg Hunt happens all throughout Easter week. Apart from hunting for eggs and prizes, the event also includes photos with the Easter Bunny and fun slides.
11. Free movie under the stars
Because April means spring in NYC, residents (and tourists) make the most of the weather, enjoying the sunny days and cool nights. Brooklyn and Queens both have free movie-in-the park events, where you can enjoy a great film while lounging on a comfy blanket. How’s that for some old-school, free fun?
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10. Tech Day
Do you love gadgets and technology? Enjoy them to your heart’s content at NYC’s Tech Day that ranks 10th in our list of best things to do in NYC in April. This event features all of the latest technological gadgets, and is also the biggest startup event in the US. Attending this event isn’t only fun, it is also extraordinarily interesting and educational!
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9. Horse-drawn carriage rides around NYC
Spring is a great time to explore NYC, particularly the lush Central Park area. If feeling like royalty is your cup of tea, horse-drawn carriage rides are offered around the park, which are a surefire way to get your fairytale fix. The fact that these rides aren’t found very many places makes them one of the best things to do in NYC in April.
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8. New York City International Auto Show
Held in April, this event that’s up next in our list of best things to do in NYC in April is a must-see for car enthusiasts and novices, alike. Have fun feasting your eyes on the best and mot interesting cars of this generation. If this event doesn’t turn you into a car fanatic, I don’t know what will.
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7. Go on a food trip around NYC
NYC is generally thought of as a place where you have to spend big bucks to get something decent to eat. Fortunately, there are actually tons of food choices around the city that won’t make you break the bank, if you know where to look. Try out a food tour to get a taste of the Big Apple.
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6. Art festivals
The prestigious Urban Arts Festival held in NYC during April is one of the most anticipated art events in the city. This event that ranks 6th in our list of best things to do in NYC in April is not only for fine art (like drawings and paintings), it also features some major theater, film, music, and poetry talent. Go discover the best artists in one of the most artistic cities in the world.
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5. Anime Convention
Kids and kids-at-heart are sure to have a great time at this anime convention. With the ever-entertaining cosplay, informative workshops, panels, and anime music videos, this event is a must-attend when you go to NYC in April. Artists’ alley and gaming rooms are also available.
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4. Cherry Blossom Festival
Held every spring at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the much-anticipated cherry blossoms leave New Yorkers and tourists awestruck in April. Apart from the beautiful cherry trees, the event also features over 60 attractions and programs that celebrate Japanese culture.
3. Jazz Cruise
We are continuing our list of best things to do in NYC in April with the number 3 – Enjoy soothing jazz music while marveling at NYC’s beautiful skylines. Springtime is an ideal season to be on the water in NYC, and cruising is such a luxurious and fun way to explore. I don’t even need to mention the complimentary open bar onboard, do I?
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2. Beef tasting
This event, presented by the Brisket King, features contemporary chefs in NYC and all their glorious beef creations. Tickets not only include beef tasting, but also wine, beer, and other spirits to pair with all of the yummy dishes you sample.
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1. Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival is one of the most highly-regarded film festivals in the US. It showcases a wide range of art films, as well as TV shows and music artists. Their opening night is usually kicked off with a major concert, often featuring popular headlining artists.
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We hope you enjoyed our list of best things to do in NYC in April. New York City offers a whole lot more than just these attractions, so be sure to explore all of your many options, and to visit during other times of year as well!
