Weekly Highlights in NYC #30: April 7-13
Spring has arrived!! Here are some upcoming family parties, benefits and block parties I'm excited to attend in the coming weeks. Plus, Hannah Bronfman shares her top NYC picks....
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We're back — and spring is officially here, measured by the blooms on the trees. The energy is different, the light is different, and I certainly have a pep in my step. Below are some events I've bought tickets for and cannot wait to attend in the coming weeks.
YOAH: Running through April 19. A wordless, breathtaking Japanese circus experience at New Victory Theater. Aerial silks, soaring juggling, and glowing diabolos set to a mix of traditional Japanese drumming and electronica. Straight from Japan and making its U.S. debut. Recommended for ages 7 and up; tickets must be purchased in advance.
Fun at the Phil Family Benefit: Saturday, April 18 at David Geffen Hall. A special family concert at 2 p.m. followed by a festive party for all ages, hosted by Spotify — lively music, games, art-making, magic, and instrument tryouts. Teens get their own space at Club Concerto with a BonBon Candy Cart. Plus snacks, sweets, and a bubbly bar for the adults. Proceeds support NY Phil education programs.
Not up for the full benefit? You can also attend just the Young People’s Concert on its own.
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital Block Party: Saturday, May 2 at Industry City, Brooklyn. The inaugural block party hosted by NYU Langone takes over the Box Factory for a full day of family-friendly games, activities, and food for kids ages 6 months to 18 years. Doors open to the public from noon–4 p.m. A wonderful community event supporting Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.
Park Avenue Day 2026: Saturday, May 16 on Park Avenue, 34th–40th Streets. One of the neighborhood’s most beloved annual street festivals. Park Avenue transforms into an open-air celebration with 200+ booths of art, fashion, food, and local makers. Free to attend, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Playground Partners Annual Family Party: Wednesday, May 20 in Central Park. Hands down my favorite family event of the year — my kids and I look forward to it every single spring. Hosted by the Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, this fundraiser supports the daily care of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. There are over 25 activities for kids ages 6 months to 10 years — face painting, chess, sports, arts & crafts, music, magic, and more. Tickets always sell out.
Housing Works Design on a Dime: Tuesday, May 5. The beloved annual design fundraiser returns — this year reimagined as a one-night-only event. Top interior designers curate shoppable vignettes with luxury home décor, furnishings, and art, all marked down significantly for a great cause. General Admission 7–9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
AMNH Spring Lunch: Wednesday, April 22 at American Museum of Natural History. The museum hosts its annual celebration of leadership in environmental research and conservation — a lovely afternoon for supporters, featuring a panel of scientists on timely and compelling topics.
There’s no shortage of incredible art to see this spring. Here are three I'm particularly looking forward to checking out with the kids:
Keith Haring at The Brant Foundation: On through May 31. A focused survey of Haring’s early breakthrough years (1980–1983), set in the East Village neighborhood where he first made his name. Open Wednesday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat–Sun 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Frida and Diego: The Last Dream: Running through September 12 at MoMA. A stunning collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera, this exhibition brings together works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in an elaborate theatrical setting designed by the opera’s set designer. Organized alongside the Met’s new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego — a beautiful pairing if you’re seeing the opera too.
New Museum: After nearly two years closed for expansion, the New Museum has reopened with a new building on the Bowery that doubles its gallery space. The inaugural exhibition features over 200 artists. Worth a visit!
I'm excited to share Hannah Bronfman's NYC picks. Hannah is a born-and-bred New Yorker who has genuinely done it all. A former DJ, she parlayed her platform into HBFIT, one of the original wellness destinations on the internet. She's also an author, angel investor with over 70 investments under her belt, mother of two, and now runs Hannah Bronfman, a Substack covering wellness, beauty, and the life of a founder. And when a New Yorker with her taste shares her picks for the city, we listen:
“Spiral books: A cozy and warm SoHo kids book shop that does free story time on the weekends. They also have a partnership with the Whitney Museum and do story time events there as well. Which leads me to…
Whitney Museum: They have amazing kids programming on the second Sunday of every month. They just finished the Calder Circus exhibit and had wonderful crafts and interactive activities for families. Before that it was Alvin Ailey which was spectacular as well. Bonus, Frenchette is attached to the building and on Resy.
Or’esh: delicious Mediterranean cuisine from the group behind The Eight Six and The Corner Store. One of the stand outs are the chicken liver cigars
Space: in Brooklyn Heights is so fun for kids. We had our son‘s birthday party here. Go early. They have a great smoothie bar and you’re just a short walk from the carousel in Dumbo on the water.
Remedy Place: The perfect place to rejuvenate and recharge and the space feels very inviting so it’s nice to even go with a friend.
Soto Method: Soto was founded by Hilary Hoffman and I have really loved bringing Soto into my routine and now she has a new studio on the UES.
Rigor Hill Market: I can officially say this is the only place where I buy my bread. To know me is to know I love artisanal loafs, and this is the best bread in Tribeca.”
Thanks for sharing your picks, Hannah!
If you missed it last week I wrote about cooking for and with children, and here’s my indoor NYC activity guide
I LOVE these Donni pants (they come in great colors and so easy to dress up or down for spring). I have the pistachio and I’ll be living in them for the next few months, paired with my favorite ivory J.Crew roll neck sweater (size down).
Central Park Boathouse Rowboat Rentals are back open. It’s one of our favorite once-a-year warm weather traditions with the kids.
Central Park Conservancy puts out some great resources to enjoy the most of Central Park this spring. I’m loving this cherry blossom tracker, and for my kids, this birding guide