Spring Archives - the naturalized new yorker

March 31, 2017

Things to do in April

March 31, 2017

April is one of my favorite months in New York. It’s light later, the weather is better and the city starts to wake up from its hibernation which means more social events, weekend festivals and outdoor activities. The events all seem to be loaded towards the end of the month when there’s more of a chance the weather will cooperate, but that shouldn’t stop you from spending all month enjoying the beautiful weather and the beginning of summer in the greatest city in the world.

International Pillow Fight Day, April 1
I have ALWAYS wanted to go to this event and I’ve never made it. Each year in Washington Square Park, NYC holds a giant-ass pillow fight with hundreds of attendees (check out the video of last year’s event). The event is all in good fun, and raises money for charity at the same time. Grab your feathery pillow and check it out this weekend.

Smorgasburg, April 1 through October
Smorgasburg has got to be one of the most Instagrammed spots in NYC. Starting on April 1, head to Williamsburg any Saturday for a bonanza of food vendors, from the famous Ramen burger to other up-and-coming foods before they’re even trendy. Most of the biggest Instagram-famous food spots in New York have at some point been at Smorgasburg. The waffle ice cream cone? Yep. The raindrop cake? That, too. Go on and get a head start on this summer’s hottest eats.

Hester Street Fair Opening Day, April 15
This food-filled street fair takes over the Lower East Side every Saturday throughout the summer. Check it out for some great bites plus jewelry, clothes and basically all the best NYC’s street fairs have to offer.

The Brooklyn Folk Festival, April 28-30
Now in its ninth year, the Brooklyn Folk Festival showcases the best musical talent the borough’s got to offer. Check out this year’s lineup and see your favorite artists at Parish Hall, the Workshop Room or the main stage at the Jalopy Theatre in Brooklyn Heights.

Wine on Wheels, April 29
At City Winery in Greenwich Village, this event is a sommelier-hosted wine tasting with over 200 wines up for grabs. The tasting is part of a larger week-long event with all events individually ticketed. Though the tickets don’t come cheap, the wines on offer are some of the best of the best and served by the best in the business. Scoop up advanced tickets or take your changes and get general admission tickets day-of starting at 1pm.

New York Botanic Gardens Daffodil Wine Weekend, April 29-30
I recently bought a membership to NYBG, but unfortunately I will be out of town for this amazing event. Buy a ticket plus a $10 glass and explore the beautiful flowers all day while sipping on unlimited vino. I guess dreams really do come true. In my honor, everyone should attend this event in my stead.

March 29, 2016

Things to do in April

March 29, 2016

Spring is here, and so are some of the best events New York has to offer – April is full of them. Get out and about in the (finally) nice weather and take in all of the best New York has to offer up this month.

highline stargazing NYC

Stargazing on the High Line, every Tuesday evening

Every Thursday from April to October (subject to weather), the High Line hosts stargazing with the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York. Join the crowd 30 minutes before dusk to peep the stars through high-powered telescopes, provided by the organization. For day-of info, follow @highlinenyc on Twitter – updates will be provided every Tuesday by 3pm.

Yankee & Mets Home Openers, April 4 and April 8

The Yankees open at home against the Astros April 4 and the Mets follow on April 8 against the Phillies. Nothing says “Summer is coming!” like the baseball home openers. Find tickets to either of the games and enjoy some beer, peanuts, ice cream, and hot dogs (Can you tell my favorite part about baseball is the food? Sorry I’m not sorry).

Earth Day, April 22

Many parks around the city host Earth Day celebrations – check out Union Square or Prospect Park to learn more about Earth Day, interact with some animals, or recycle old clothes and textiles. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, sign up for the Earth Day 5K Tour that helps fun environmental education while taking participants around to the coolest green city sites. Check out The Earth Day Initiative for more info, and for specific information about parks near you.

Tribeca Film Festival, April 13-24
This annual event was created in 2002 by founders Jane Rosenthal, Robert DeNiro and Craig Hatkoff. Since then, it’s become an annual spring staple for New York, and has expanded across Manhattan to accommodate the large number of screenings. Single tickets went on sale yesterday – score yours here.

Sakura Matsuri, April 30-May 1

After attending this event last year, I can say with utmost certainty that everyone should go. It was stunning, and I caught it before most of the flowers had even bloomed. I’m hoping to make it back again this year – just make sure to utilize the bloom tracking the Garden features on its website. That way, you’re sure to catch the flowers at their peak.

March 1, 2016

Things to do in March

March 1, 2016

Happy March, New Yorkers! It’s finally feeling more like spring thanks to the amazing warm weather the past few days. Prep and get ready for all of the fun events this month has in store – Spring has sprung!

The Orchid Show: New York Botanic Gardens
February 27-April 17
The theme of this year’s event is “Orchidelirium,” exploring the risks and adventures of explores who voyaged to far-flung locales in search of rare and exquisite breeds of these beautiful flowers. On both weekdays and weekends, adult tickets are $20, but NYC residents can score $13 tickets to the grounds. The cheaper ticket, however, won’t get you into special exhibitions, so pick wisely.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17
The famous New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 11am on this Irish holiday. The parade, which runs down 5th Avenue from 44th St. uptown to 79th St. The 45 block trek takes roughly 5.5 hours, ending around 4:30pm. Partiers, beware: drinking is strictly prohibited, and anyone displaying “excessive public drunkenness” will be removed.

The Met Breuer
March 18
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is expanding. The Met is taking over the former home of the Whitney Museum on the Upper East Side – The Met Breuer will house a range of performances and exhibitions in the bold building on the corner of 75th and Madison.

Macy’s Flower Show
March 20-April 3
This annual display is a can’t-miss. Millions of flowers take over the world’s largest Macy’s, covering every nook and cranny. I attended last year and was totally blown away. Don’t miss this year’s floral extravaganza.

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
March 27
Dig out your Sunday best and your fanciest hat, and head to Fifth Avenue to celebrate Easter how only New Yorkers can. Each year, continuing a tradition that began in the 1800s, people don crazy toppers for the parade that runs down Fifth beginning at 10am and running through late afternoon.

April 27, 2015

The Blog Goes to Brooklyn!

April 27, 2015

This weekend was Sakura Matsuri, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I’ve had my tickets for this event for weeks, and have been counting down the days. I dragged my roommate, Kate, along with me out to Brooklyn for The Naturalized New Yorker’s first ever non-Manhattan post!

Getting to the gardens is easy – it’s accessible from the Subway, so we hopped on the express 4/5 train and were there in just over a half hour. After that, it’s less than a 10 minute walk to the BBG entrance on Washington Avenue (we didn’t actually use a map or any directions, just followed the giant crowd all walking in the same way).

April 10, 2015

New York Spring Happenings

April 10, 2015

I have been crazy busy at work recently, and haven’t had much of a chance to go exploring or check out anything particularly post-worthy. So, in lieu of a new post here’s a rundown of fun events coming up in New York that I’m definitely planning to attend. Since it’s spring, everything fun is starting to happen and I don’t want to miss anything (major FOMO) so I’ve been scouring the internet for fun stuff to do. If I missed any fun upcoming events, let me know!