Whether you’re looking for an escape to be at an annual party or a spot to take in a spectacular show, there are plenty of fun things to do in the city of lights.
3. Palm Sunday festival and Palm Sunday mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Star-filled concerts and a solemn Palm Sunday mass will be part of the Palm Sunday celebrations at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on April 30. Joining in with the huge religious festival will be Chuck Bennett and the Moving Company, who will perform specially commissioned pieces to celebrate Mass. On Palm Sunday, the mass is celebrated the full time, celebrating the role that the palm branch plays in the Christian faith.
Where: 908 Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, Manhattan
When: April 30, 6-8pm
How much: Free
4. Dandy Festival and “Palmacker”
6,000 kids will take part in the Dandy Festival and “Palmacker” at North Park Theatre in Manhattan on May 1. The event has been designed for children aged four to 10 years old and will feature special events including an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts projects, an Easter bunny, a fancy dress contest and plenty of sunshine. The outdoor event will run from 10am-5pm.
Where: 1610 Seventh Avenue and 137th Street, Manhattan
When: May 1, 10am-5pm
How much: Free
5. Spring Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival
From craft beer to fine wines and spirits, New York has plenty of creative people putting their imagination to use. The Spring Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival will showcase a range of imported and domestic beers, cocktails and wines from some of the city’s top producers. The event will also include chef demos, seminars and special DJs. The Spring Beer, Wine and Spirits Festival will take place at the Longacre Theater (127 West 47th Street, Manhattan) from 12-5pm on May 1.
Where: 1612 Broadway at West 47th Street, Manhattan
When: May 1, 12-5pm
How much: $50-$100
6. Harlem Film Festival
The Harlem Film Festival will screen all kinds of movies for adults and children from May 2-8. The festival is being presented by the New York City Ballet and features films from diverse genres including comedy, drama, suspense, musicals and documentaries. The festival will also feature performances from students from Dance Association of Harlem, and screenings will be held at the Spring Theater in Harlem as well as the IFC Center and AMC Empire 25 in Times Square.
Where: Alvin J Gilman Theater at the Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Fifth Avenue at 59th Street, Manhattan
When: May 2-8, various times
How much: $15-$17
7. Spring & Summer Movie Fest
The soundtrack of movie lovers will be provided by the New York City Audience Coalition, which will be screening free music films in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The series will also have panel discussions, meet and greets with artists and behind-the-scenes movie sessions. The films will be screened at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and the Brooklyn Academy of Music from April 21-May 14.
Where: Apollo Theater, 708 West 125th Street, Manhattan
When: April 21-May 14, various times
How much: Free
8. Palazzo Vagabond: 10th Anniversary Bash
After 10 years, the Palazzo Vagabond is celebrating with its 10th Anniversary Bash on May 3. There will be casino games and a Champagne toast to celebrate its last ten years in the US. Special music performances by Leidys and George DeLucco will be present along with chefs from Fortuny Appetit and Triolo Succulents discussing the venue’s art, history and philosophy. The Palazzo Vagabond is the flagship of the Barefoot Restaurant Group and is located at 10th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan.
Where: 10th Street and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
When: May 3, 7-10pm
How much: Free
10. Marble Stone Weekend
A mainstay of this season is the Marble Stone Weekend, which will take place at Potemkin Villas. A typical afternoon at the Coney Island Casino is filled with games of poker, roulette, blackjack and more. If you’re looking for a bar where you can relax and unwind