Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 28-May 4)
Planning a visit to New York City between April 28 and May 4, 2025? You’re landing right in the middle of a week filled with food pop-ups, small festivals, neighborhood events, and outdoor hangouts. Whether you’re here for a few days or just looking to switch up your usual routine, the city has plenty going on without requiring major planning. Here’s a laid-back roundup of things worth checking out:
Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 28-May 4)
1. Museum of the Moon at the Cathedral of the Incarnation
There’s a giant model of the moon hanging in a cathedral out in Long Island, yes, really. It’s part of an exhibit that combines art and science, using NASA imagery to show the moon’s surface in high detail. During the week, they’re hosting yoga sessions, music nights, and guided tours beneath the moon. It’s calm, unusual, and definitely something different.
- Website: Cathedral of the Incarnation
- Phone: (516) 746-2955
- Address: 36 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
- Price: Varies by event; check website for details.
2. Othership Sauna and Ice Bath Studio
Othership is a modern wellness spot in Flatiron that’s part sauna, part community space. People come here for guided hot-and-cold sessions that include breathwork, playlists, and a full-body reset. It’s a little more social than a regular spa and draws a crowd that’s into mindfulness but not over the top about it. Good for winding down or clearing your head.
- Website: Othership
- Phone: (212) 381-1699
- Address: 23 W 20TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10011
- Price: Sessions start at $64; memberships and discounted packages available.
3. Try the New Flavors at Kabawa
Kabawa is a new Caribbean restaurant in the East Village with bold dishes and a short, focused menu. Expect things like jerk goat, grilled fish, and spicy sauces, all served in a compact, counter-style space. The music’s good, the vibe’s casual, and the food packs a punch. It’s a solid spot for dinner that doesn’t feel like a big production.
- Website: Instagram
- Phone: (646) 790-8747
- Address: 8 Extra Pl, New York, NY 10003
- Price: Varies; check venue for details.
4. Bar Kabawa for Drinks and Small Bites
Attached to the restaurant is a bar that keeps things simple—just a few stools, a short drink list, and a relaxed atmosphere. The focus is on Caribbean-inspired cocktails, often built with rum and fresh mixers. It’s a good stop before or after a meal, or just on its own if you’re in the area and want a quick drink without a crowd.
- Webstie: Bar Kabawa
- Phone: (212) 777-7773
- Address: 12 Extra Pl, New York, NY 10003
- Price: Varies; check venue for details.
5. Season Opening at Governors Island
Governors Island officially reopens this week. It’s just a quick ferry from Manhattan, and once you’re there, it’s all open space, bike rentals, public art, and food trucks. No cars, no rush—just a place to walk, chill, or stretch out in a lawn chair. Weekends tend to get a little busy, but early mornings are calm and breezy.
- Website: Governors Island
- Address: 10 South Street, Slip 7, New York, NY 10004
- Price: Ferry rides start at $4; free on weekends before noon.
6. Japan Day at Central Park
Happening on April 28, Japan Day brings music, food, and hands-on activities to the Central Park Bandshell. There’ll be live drumming, martial arts demos, and stations where you can try things like calligraphy or origami. It’s open to everyone and draws a wide mix of visitors who want to learn something or just hang out.
- Website: Japan Day NYC
- Phone: (212) 398-7145
- Address: 1650 Broadway Ste 1210, New York, NY 10019
- Price: Free
7. PEN World Voices Festival Wrap-Up
The PEN World Voices Festival wraps up this week, with a mix of talks, panels, and readings focused on global writing and free expression. Events are spread across the city and vary from casual readings in bookstores to bigger panels at cultural centers. If you’re into books, journalism, or ideas in general, it’s worth looking into.
- Website: PEN America
- Address: Various locations across NYC
- Price: Varies; some events are free
8. See a Show at Madison Square Garden
MSG is packed this week with performances—live music, comedy, and maybe even a game depending on the schedule. It’s easy to get to by train, and the venue setup works well even if you’re sitting higher up. Plan for a line at security, but once you’re inside, it runs smoothly.
- Website: Madison Square Garden
- Phone: 212-465-6000
- Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
- Price: Varies by event; check website for details.
9. Visit Printemps in the Financial District
Printemps just opened its first US store at One Wall Street. The layout is clean and low-pressure, with clothing, accessories, and food stalls curated by Chef Gregory Gourdet. Even if you’re not shopping for anything fancy, it’s an easy spot to browse or grab a coffee without dealing with packed crowds.
- Website: Printemps NYC
- Address: 1 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005
- Price: Entry is free; dining and shopping vary.
10. Outdoor Movie Night at Green-Wood Cemetery
Rooftop Films is opening its season with a screening at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn on May 3. It’s a bring-your-own-blanket kind of night, with indie films, live music, and a few vendors selling food and drinks. The crowd’s friendly, the setting is open-air, and it’s a good change of pace from a typical movie theater.
- Website: Rooftop Films
- Phone: (718) 417-7362
- Address: 232 3rd St. Suite E-106, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Price: General admission starts at $18; discounts may apply.
That’s the week in a nutshell—plenty of low-stress ways to enjoy the city without needing a reservation three weeks out. Check individual listings for updates or last-minute changes. Also, looking ahead? Check out our latest post on Best Things To Do in New York This Week (April 21–27) to see what just wrapped up. It includes picks from the previous week, like the Frick Collection reopening, the Macy’s Flower Show, and the Easter Parade. If you missed them, it’s still worth a look in case you’re planning for next year.
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