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.