11 Events in Manhattan You Won’t Want to Miss This Spring

As winter gives way to the warmer breezes of spring, Manhattan becomes a hub of vibrant activity. 

From enlightening professional gatherings and delectable food markets to cultural festivals and dynamic performances, the city offers an array of events that cater to every taste and interest. 

This season, immerse yourself in the unique experiences that only New York City can offer. 

Explore our guide to the top spring events across Manhattan, perfect for professionals, foodies, art aficionados, and entertainment seekers alike.

3 Professional Events in Manhattan 

New York City’s professional landscape is as dynamic as it is diverse, offering numerous opportunities for networking, learning, and growth.

NY TechDay

Date: May 10, 2024

Location: Javits Center

NY TechDay is a premier expo for tech startups, attracting a wide array of participants from ambitious newcomers to seasoned investors. This event stands out as an essential destination for anyone involved in the tech industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning about the latest technological advancements, and discovering potential partnerships.

From Day One: Manhattan 2024

Date: May 23, 2024

Location: Kimmel and Skirball Centers

From Day One is a conference aimed at fostering professional development and corporate social responsibility. It features expert-led panels and workshops that discuss ethical practices, workplace culture, and sustainability in business, providing valuable insights for professionals dedicated to advancing their careers and their companies responsibly.

Small Biz Expo 2024

Date: May 2, 2024

Location: Javits Convention Center

The Small Biz Expo is a pivotal event in New York City, designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It offers a unique opportunity to network, learn from industry leaders, and gain insights into the latest market trends. 

Attendees can participate in workshops, explore exhibitions, and connect with other business professionals, making it an essential event for anyone looking to grow their business in a dynamic environment.

This event is free to attend. 

4 Tasty Food Events and Markets in Manhattan

Manhattan’s culinary scene comes alive in the spring with events that showcase both the local flavors and international cuisine.

JAPAN Fes

Date: March – November

Location: Various locations in NYC

JAPAN Fes celebrates Japanese culture through its vast array of food offerings, from savory ramen to sweet takoyaki. More than just a food festival, it includes cultural performances and contests, providing a comprehensive taste of Japan right in the heart of New York City.

Smorgasburg NYC

Date: Weekends in spring

Location: Various locations in NYC

Smorgasburg NYC is an open-air food market that epitomizes the diversity of New York’s culinary scene. This weekend event attracts food lovers and chefs alike, offering everything from innovative vegan dishes to gourmet international bites. It’s a foodie’s paradise, perfect for those looking to explore new flavors in a lively, festive atmosphere.

Big Apple Barbecue Block Party

Date: May 20, 2024, 2024

Location: Madison Square Park, Manhattan, NY

The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party brings together the country’s top pitmasters who cook up their award-winning food for over a hundred thousand barbecue enthusiasts. Set in Madison Square Park, this event blends live music, cooking demonstrations, and seminars.

Lower East Side Food Tour

Date: Repeats weekly every Saturday, Spring 2024

Location: Various locations, Lower East Side, Manhattan, NY

Explore the rich culinary heritage of Manhattan’s Lower East Side on this guided food tour. Each week, participants discover historic sites and taste dishes from some of the best eateries in the area, providing a blend of cultural and gastronomic education.

These events are specifically selected to provide a diverse and engaging experience for anyone interested in Manhattan’s vibrant food and beverage scene during the spring season.

2 Captivating Art and Culture Events in Manhattan 

Manhattan’s spring cultural calendar is rich with art exhibitions, film festivals, and live performances, making it a global hub of artistic expression.

Tribeca Film Festival

Date: June 5 – 16, 2024

Location: Various venues in Tribeca

The Tribeca Film Festival is one of the most celebrated film festivals worldwide, known for its eclectic mix of films and its ability to draw both celebrities and cinema enthusiasts. The festival offers a wide range of screenings, from indie films to blockbuster premieres, along with panels and talks with leading figures in the film industry.

Frieze New York

Date: May 1 – 5, 2024

Location: The Shed at Hudson Yards

Frieze New York is a leading international art fair that attracts art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. Hosted at The Shed, the event features works from over 1,000 artists and 200 galleries, offering a panoramic view of contemporary art trends and movements.

2 Music and Entertainment Events in Manhattan

The city’s vibrant energy continues into the night with music and entertainment that caters to all tastes.

New York City Ballet Spring Gala

Date: May 2, 2024

Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center

The New York City Ballet Spring Gala showcases an exhilarating mix of new and classical ballets performed by one of the world’s premier ballet companies. This gala not only highlights the talent of its world-renowned dancers but also features premieres of new works that often push the boundaries of ballet as an art form. It’s an essential event for those passionate about dance and performing arts.

Governors Ball Music Festival

Date: June 7 – 9, 2024

Location: Randall’s Island Park

The Governors Ball Music Festival is a staple of New York City’s music scene, offering a lineup that spans various genres and appeals to a wide audience. Known for its energetic atmosphere, the festival combines music, art, and food into a dynamic outdoor experience, making it one of the city’s most anticipated annual music events.

Spring in Manhattan is undeniably a season of excitement and cultural richness, perfect for anyone looking to engage with the city’s vibrant community. 

From networking opportunities at professional events, sampling culinary delights at food markets, exploring cutting-edge art, to enjoying live performances, the city’s spring calendar is brimming with activities that promise to entertain and inspire. M

And if you’re interested in enlivening your workdays through community, events, and an inspiring professional environment, we can help. 

Work Better offers cost-effective, hospitality-inspired, and scalable private offices, coworking, and meeting spaces in the heart of Manhattan.

Want to learn more? Book a tour of Work Better today.