Spring is finally here, which means you can now venture outside and enjoy the sunshine. So what should you be doing to take best advantage of it? I've found nine things that everyone should be doing before it gets too hot, and you should definitely make an effort to get through!
9. Go to the baseball (“a baseball game”)
Sitting and watching the baseball gets REALLY hot in the summer, so you should go now! You can check out either the Yankees (at Yankee Statdium) or the Mets (at Citi Field).
The Yankees games will generally cost you more, but Yankee Stadium is definitely worth checking out at least once. The Mets Stadium (Citi Field) is so much fun and will cost you less in general. I can't recommend it enough for a night out with friends (even during the week).
When you're there, instead of a hot dog, get a (sweet) sausage with peppers and onions. I love mine with ketchup AND mustard, but apparently, I'm a monster for having both.
Check out StubHub and SeatGeek for tickets.
8. Visit the New York Botanical Garden
Sure. It's just flowers. But HAVE YOU SEEN THEM!? It's up in The Bronx,
There are all sorts of shows available throughout the season (and beyond) and make for a lovely day out if you just want to stroll and take in some colors. If you have IDNYC, it's free!
7. Shakespeare in the Park
Speaking of free… THIS IS FREE TOO! So many good free things.
While the official Shakespeare in the park is closed for the season (they're rebuilding the location this year) there is a free series of roaming performances:
SUITE OF SUMMER PROGRAMMING INCLUDES:
MOBILE UNIT’S BILINGUAL MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF THE COMEDY OF ERRORS RETURNS WITH FREE TOUR TO ALL FIVE BOROUGHS
MAY 28 – JUNE 30, 2024
FREE OUTDOOR SCREENINGS OF THIRTEEN’S GREAT PERFORMANCES ON PBS CAPTURE OF 2019’S MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING DIRECTED BY KENNY LEON
FREE AT-HOME STREAMING OF THIRTEEN’S GREAT PERFORMANCES
BLOCK PARTY AT THE PUBLIC’S DOWNTOWN HOME ON JULY 2
Check it out and more information here.
There are so many breweries involved, it's on May 18, and you can buy tickets right now.
4. Bryant Park Picnic Performances
Did you even know that there is a dance party in Bryant Park EVERY WEEK!? There's instructions, there's live music, and there's loads of people having just a fine old time. From their website:
Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. This summer, enjoy extraordinary artists and events in collaboration with a wide array of New York's cultural institutions.
3. Rooftop Bars
In general, take advantage of the rooftop bars of New York City.
You will want to in summer, but that's when all the tourists are here, and when it gets too hot to properly enjoy a sit-down. So get in early when it's just becoming nice!
You could even enjoy a popsicle in a drink at the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar (although I wouldn't say the drinks were “reasonably” priced, so expect to pay for the view and the drink – it's pretty fun)!
2. Queens Night Market
This one is a really, really good idea for families, for friends, for couples, or even if you just want to enjoy some food on your own.
I'll let them tell you what they do, because they know best:
The Queens International Night Market is a large, family-friendly open-air night market in Queens, featuring up to 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring small-scale cultural performances, all celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens.
Basically, there's so much food and fun going on at once, all throughout the Spring, you will love every moment of Queens.
Not to be missed! Bring me back something tasty!
1. Be Outside
Now. You're either going to love me or hate me for this #1. But the best advice: GET OUTSIDE!
This city becomes warmer, and greener, and more colorful in spring, especially after a long and cold and gray and blerk winter.
Get out there, sit in a park, eat a bagel, enjoy a cold brew, and watch the world go by for a few minutes.
