Things to Do in April in NYC

An annual public pillow fight at Washington Square Park in NYC

Because it's felt like full-on winter here for so long, April seems to have snuck up on us a bit this year. So before we fall too far behind, here's a quick look at just a few upcoming events slated for next month that recently caught our eye. And don't forget about those flower shows!

Fans in the stands look out at Yankee Stadium field

Opening Day in New York: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"

Play ball! Both New York baseball teams start their 2014 campaign next week, with the Mets home opener on Thursday afternoon, March 31, against the Washington Nationals; and the Yankees hosting the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, April 7, for their first home game of the season. I've been out to both New York baseball parks the past two seasons–both teams opened completely new stadiums in 2009–and can tell you that, whatever may happen on field this year (and what's opening day without hope!), you will not be disappointed by the seating, the food, and the all-around family-fun atmosphere. And in case you didn't hear (from the near constant reminder from the NY sports media), it's Derek Jeter's last opening day game.

Yellow birthday cake with colored decoractions, one of the sculptures at ArtFair in NYC

Art Events Springing Up in April in NYC

If you're not fully exhausted from all of that art-fair madness in March, two events stand out in April. (There are some great museum exhibitions opening next month too, but more on that later). First, Artexpo returns on April 4 through 6 for another huge trade show at Pier 94, this year teaming up with [Solo], which focuses on emerging and independent artists, and Decor, which showcases supplies. Even better, and running almost simultaneously in Chelsea from April 2 to the 6th, is the Affordable Art Fair, whose name is self-explanatory (prices start at $100) and features contemporary art from 78 different galleries.   

Red thunderbolt looping roller coaster at Coney Island

Pillows and Thrillers!

If you need to unleash some pent up energy after the long winter, the folks at Newmindspace are staging their massive annual Pillow Fight on Saturday afternoon, April 5, in Washington Square Park. As always, it's BYOP, and the theme this year "Superheroes vs. Villans", so break out those Dr. Doom pajamas! Speaking of unleashing energy, Coney Island's Luna Park opens for the season on Sunday, April 13, but I might wait until they unveil the insane-looking Thunderbolt roller coaster sometime before summer. I'll keep you in the loop(-de-loop!) about that monster.    

Man on a bike rides past movie theater during Tribeca Film Festival

Stars and Bars: Film and Beer Festivals Kick Off Spring

Finally, the Tribeca Film Festival returns to NYC for its 12th year, filling three downtown theaters with literally hundreds of new movies from April 16 to 27. There are lots of ways to participate here, from just buying a single ticket and showing up to purchasing one of many TFF passes, offering varying degrees of access. And if you need a beer after all that April fun, check out the Five Boro Craft Beer Fest in LIC on April 25, at which you can sample 100 different beers, all in place.

Animated statue of liberty holding a beer for Five Boro Craft Beer Festival 2014 in NYC

Those are our suggestions. What's on YOUR calendar for April 2014?

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