Spring has finally sprung! After the brutal winter, it is very much welcomed. In NYC, with spring, come all the outdoors events and activities. Below I will list some of my favorite upcoming activities from April - August that are currently listed on Facebook.

APRIL

SAKURA MATSURI FESTIVAL (Brooklyn Botanical Gardens)

Unfortunately, the Sakura Matsuri festival has already come and gone. The weather was amazing, but a lot of the cherry blossoms were not yet fully bloomed. This year's festival had a massive turnout in comparison to previous years.

MAY

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL (Randall's Island)

When: Saturday, May 2nd @ 11:00AM

Admission: FREE!

https://www.facebook.com/events/823407161079202/

In case you missed the Sakura Matsuri Festival in April, you can still go to the Cherry Blossom Festival at Randall's Island! Unlike the Sakura Matsuri Festival, admission will be free! There are also lots of fun activities like the releasing of the butterflies and kite making. So make sure to make it out there if you have the chance!

Holi Hai (Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza)

When: Saturday, May 2nd @ 11:00AM

Admission: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/holi-hai-2015-by-nyc-bhangra-dance-company-tickets-15847469207

https://www.facebook.com/events/345235019004126/

Holi is a great (and fun) opportunity to experience Indian culture! It involves getting covered colored powder, what is there not to love?

JAPAN DAY (CENTRAL PARK)

When: Sunday, May 10th @ 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Admission: FREE!

https://www.facebook.com/events/335171250007398/

Japan Day is a great way to celebrate Japanese culture! The event is relatively low key, but it is a fun thing to do if you want to go out and do something. You'll get to see cosplayers, try out some fun activities and even try out Japanese snacks.

JUNE

TASTE OF TIMES SQUARE (TIMES SQUARE)

When: Monday, June 1st @ 5:00PM - 9:00PM

Admission: Tickets are $1, food costs between 1-6 tickets

https://www.facebook.com/events/976229902401772/

Taste of Times Square is a fun, food-tasting event open to everyone in Times Square. First, you purchase tickets and then you roam the streets deciding what to spend your tickets on. It's a fun way of becoming acquainted with the restaurants in the Times Square area.

GOVERNOR'S BALL (RANDALL'S ISLAND)

When: Friday, June 5th - Sunday, June 7th @ 11:00AM

Admission: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-governors-ball-music-festival-2015-tickets-3798681960?aff=facebook1113

https://www.facebook.com/events/1600954043458375/

Governor's Ball is the first big festival in the summer festival season. It is a 3-day festival featuring artists like deadmau5, Drake, Florence + the Machine and many others. If you're willing to splurge, it is worthwhile.

THE 10TH ANNUAL JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY (GOVERNOR'S ISLAND)

When: Saturday and Sunday: June 13th and 14th & August 15th and 16th @ 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Admission: https://www.eventsprout.com/events/arenella-productions-llc

https://www.facebook.com/events/972582169427940/

Enjoy the Jazz Age outdoors with your friends! There is a picnic, live music and people dressed up in period pieces. Check it out if you want to try something different.

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC WITH STARTUP WEEKEND (CENTRAL PARK)

When: Wednesday, June 17th @ 8:00PM

Admission: FREE!

https://www.facebook.com/events/990124091012950/

Want to see the New York Philharmonic perform free in Central Park? Yes, yes you do.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Smorgasburg (90 KENT AVE, BROOKLYN)

When: April - November, Saturday and Sunday @ 11:00AM - 6:00PM

Admission: FREE! Just have to pay for food at individual booths.

http://www.smorgasburg.com/

Don't know what to eat over the weekend? Check out Smorgasburg! The food options are many and the view of the Manhattan skyline is amazing.

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR BROOKLYN (90 KENT AVE, BROOKLYN)

When: Every Saturday, June 6 - 27 @ 11:00AM - 6:00PM

Admission: FREE! Just have to pay for merchandise.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1424710454491433/

This event will be taking place alongside Smorgasburg for every Saturday in the month of June. If you like crafts and little knick knacks, this is for you!

QUEENS NIGHT MARKET (FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK)

When: Every Saturday, April 25 - October @ 6:00PM - Midnight

Admission: FREE! Just have to pay for food at individual booths.

http://queensnightmarket.com/

Night markets are now officially in New York! The food is plenty, but the lines are long. It is worth the visit if you have never visited an Asian night market before. There is grilled squid, octopus balls, and lots of other unique food offerings.