Five fantastic spring flower shows to go see in NYC right now (2024)

Plus, tips on how to make the most of each experience.

It’s officially spring—not just on the calendar butthe weather’s starting to feel like it, too! Yellow forsythia is stretching its long tentacles through Central Park, pale pink cherry blossoms are beginning to bud on the trees, anddaffodils are bursting through the soil.These outdoor flower displays coupled with indoor floral showswill make you forget all about those bleak, cold winter days.

Here's our round-up of all the fabulous floralexperiences to see in NYC right now, plus some handy tips to make the most of each experience.

RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in spring in NYC

Macy's Flower Show

Through April 7

Hydrangeas, orchids, and roses in intricate displays fill Macy’s Herald Square for the annual flower show. Keep an eye out forglittery strawberries, a red-and-black butterfly, and aladybug with a kaleidoscope design on its back. Plus, don’t miss the larger-than-life watering cans with cascading pink foliage.

Since the flowers are live, this show is only aroundfor a limited time. Go see it now through April 7 (except for Easter Sunday when the store is closed) at Macy’s Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues). The show is free to visit, so be prepared for crowds.

Time Out tip: Don't skip the Dior displays on the mezzanine level, where you can smell the floral scents in Miss Dior perfume.

The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden

Through April 21

With their vibrant colors, delicate ruffles, and dramatic shapes, orchids love to show off their looks. This spring, theNew York Botanical Gardenis giving the divas of the plant world their moment in the spotlight as part of "The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion."

Three up-and-coming designers created massive installations inspired by thesefashionable flowers. In one, you'll see orchids turned into avant-garde clothing. Anotherfeaturesa regal orchid queen. The final section draws upon AI to create anthropomorphic creatures who don floral outfits.Florals in Fashionis on view from through April 21 at NYBG in the Bronx; adult tickets cost $35.

Time Out tip:The show dazzles anytime you visit, but we highly recommend visiting forOrchidNightson select Fridays and Saturdays where you can enjoy the display under twinkling lights with a co*cktail in hand. Tickets for Orchid Nights cost $39.

Cherry blossoms

Some bloomslast until late April to early May

These pastel petals are just starting to wake up for their spring showcase. From Central Park to theSnug Harbor Cultural Center and even some hidden spots around town, we've rounded up the best places where you can gaze at the delicate pink flowers and snap tons of photos.

We especially recommend Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Hanami Nights, running fromTuesday, April 23–Thursday, April 25, 2024 on theCherry Esplanade. During this special, ticketed event, guests can sitnear the cherry blossoms while listening to live performances, eating food from Sunrise Mart, and sipping Japanese beer and sake. Tickets are on saleherefor $37/adult.

Time Out tip:The Central Park Conservancy launcheda cherry blossom mapand Brooklyn Botanic Garden maintains aCherryWatch mapsoyou can track thebuds before you head out for a walk.Be sure to treat the trees kindly and don't disturb nature when you're going in for that close-up video.

Tulip Day

April 7

Though the chance to get a free bouquet of tulips is sold out, you can still enjoy the beautiful blooms on Tulip Day in Union Square on April 7. More than 200,000 tulips in a variety of colors will be on display thanks to the Dutch government.

Time Out tip: Get there early to see the best array of blooms. They'll be on viewbetween 11:30am and 3pmon Sunday, April 7.

Rose Room

Open Tuesdays-Saturdays

This new bar at Hudson Yards is packed with rose decor and has an excellent drink menu. Rose Room, located on Level 4 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, is home to4,000 real preserved roses from Flux de Fleur. Toast to spring by sippingaCherry Blossom Bliss with vodka, cassis, honey, espresso.

Time Out tip: The bar specializes in espresso martinis—cheers to that.

• Rossilynne Skena Culgan
  Things to Do Editor

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