Weekly Highlights in NYC #29: March 17-23
Spring is finally in the air. There are so many beautiful art shows to check out, where to spot the best cherry blossoms, and some spring picks I have on my mind...
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate. 🍀 A reminder that the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is running on Fifth Avenue today, starting at 11 a.m. It may affect some traffic and midday commuting times. And if your kids are off school today, what a fun activity!
The city is buzzing with amazing art events and exhibitions this week and over the next couple of months. It’s moments like these are exactly why I love living in New York.
The Met’s 19th Annual Evening Celebrating Women: Tonight, Tuesday, March 17, from 6–8 p.m. at The Met. This year’s honorees include Misty Copeland, among other women leaders in the arts, education, and government. Remarks begin at 7 p.m. Free, but advance registration is required.
Whitney Biennial 2026: Just opened and now on view through August 23, the 82nd edition features work by 56 artists and collectives reflecting the current moment — tension, tenderness, humor, and unease. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Lillian Bassman: Bazaar and Beyond at The Met: On view through July 26. A beautiful exhibition exploring the work of fashion photographer Lillian Bassman, whose abstract, darkroom-distorted images redefined mid-century fashion photography.
New Museum Reopening: This weekend! After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum reopens on Saturday, March 21 with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition, New Humans: Memories of the Future, features over 200 artists. Admission is free this opening weekend (March 21–22) — tickets must be reserved in advance.
Guggenheim Day Camp: Friday, March 20. A full day of art exploration for kids. A good option if you’re looking for something structured and creative for those who may not have school.
Art Cart at the Guggenheim: Saturday, March 21, drop-in, hands-on art-making for families. Free with museum admission.
MoMA Mart Faux Food: Reminder, the MoMA popup food market (in SoHo) closes March 29 — last chance to check it out if you haven’t been.
Affordable Art Fair is back, held in Chelsea and running March 18–22. With 90 galleries and every piece priced between $100 and $12k, it's one of the most accessible art fairs around. Family Hours on Sunday, March 22 (10am–5pm) welcomes kids 10 and under, with art activities for little ones too. We've found some great things for the kids at Tag Fine Arts, a gallery that will be exhibiting there.
The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle at NYBG: Running through April 26, floral artist Mr. Flower Fantastic transforms the Conservatory into a tribute to NYC — orchid-covered brownstones, subway stations, stoops, and slice shops. Visiting this is high on my spring to-do list.
Cherry Blossom Season is Coming: Cherry blossoms will soon start to appear around the city (early April). It’s one of my favorite “I Love New York” moments. Here are some of the best places in Manhattan to catch them: Ladurée Soho, Central Park (specifically around reservoir/Bridle path, Pilgrim Hill, Cherry Hill, Cedar Hill and the Great Lawn), Carl Schurz Park, Riverside Park, Roosevelt Island, and Harlem River Greenway
And if you want to make an evening of it in Brooklyn, Hanami Nights at Brooklyn Botanic Garden runs April 21–24 from 5–8:30 p.m.— cherry blossoms lit up at night, live music, bento boxes, sake, and Japanese beer under the famous Kanzan trees. Tickets sell out fast.
I’m still in full spring break prep mode — and Julia Amory never disappoints. The prints and colors are always excellent. I have my eye on this gorgeous pink top, this top and matching skirt, and this toiletry bag set — the print is too good.
Dôen just opened on Madison Avenue (78th Street). I have this little jazzy bag and shoes and love them both, now eyeing another fun bag. Speaking of Madison Avenue shopping, I was just in Tuckernuck (84th Street) and they have fantastic spring pieces like this pink cardigan, tie skirt, colorful dress (hello Easter outfit), with a fresh white silky cardigan.
My kids love Hello, Broadway!. It’s a beautiful interactive book that plays actual song clips from top Broadway shows while introducing kids to the world of musical theater. My son cannot put it down. A perfect gift for any NYC kid, or a great NYC-specific pick for out-of-towners.
…and if you missed it, here is my spring break guide, ski guide and indoor NYC activity guide.