NYC In Focus

470 events parsed. 100+ curated. Zero FOMO.

Spring doesn’t officially arrive in New York until Coney Island opens its gates, the Met unveils a Renaissance master, and half the city takes to the streets for parades and protests. This is that weekend. From the 106th anniversary of Deno’s Wonder Wheel to the first comprehensive Raphael exhibition in U.S. history, we’ve cross-referenced permit data with on-the-ground intel to separate the signal from the noise.

Add events directly to your calendar using the links below. All times EST.

MANHATTAN

Art & Culture

• Raphael: Sublime Poetry Opens at The Met | March 29, 10:00 AM | Metropolitan Museum of Art
  The first comprehensive U.S. exhibition of the Renaissance master’s work, featuring 237 pieces including the Alba Madonna. Lines will be museum-opening ridiculous. + Add to Calendar
• Killing an Evening with Edgar Allan Poe | March 28, 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM | Merchant’s House Museum
  John Kevin Jones performs “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven” by candlelight in Manhattan’s most haunted house. Limited to 40 guests per show—bone-chilling and intimate. + Add to Calendar
• Hannah Montana x Maybelline Pop-Up | March 28-29, 10:00 AM | West 8th Street between 5th & 6th Ave
  Disney+ and Maybelline recreated the iconic rotating glam closet. Free entry, Polaroid photobooth, and actual props from the show. Yes, really. + Add to Calendar

Major Gatherings & Protests

• No Kings NYC Mass March | March 28, 2:00 PM | 7th Ave & Central Park South
  Flagship protest against the Trump administration, expected to draw 300,000+ to Midtown. Bruce Springsteen rumored for the Twin Cities flagship; NYC gets the Broadway shutdown. + Add to Calendar
• No Kings Upper West Side | March 28, 12:00 PM | Various locations
  Satellite demonstration for those who want to protest without the Midtown crush.

Markets & Food

• JAPAN Fes East Village | March 28, 10:00 AM | Astor Place (Broadway to Lafayette)
  The world’s largest Japanese food festival launches its 10th anniversary season. 30+ vendors serving takoyaki, yakisoba, and matcha everything. Street closure in effect. + Add to Calendar
• Union Square Greenmarket | March 28, 8:00 AM | Union Square North
  Standard bearer for NYC greenmarkets. Spring ramps and early greens appearing.
• Fordham Road BID Sidewalk Sale | March 28, 11:00 AM | Fordham Road between Jerome & Washington
  The Bronx comes to Manhattan’s doorstep with this massive commercial strip sale.

Fitness & Recreation

• NYRR Open Run: Morningside Park | March 28, 8:00 AM | 114th-116th Lower Path
  Free 5K community run through the cliffs of Morningside. All paces welcome.
• Stargazing in Morningside Park | March 28, 5:00 PM | West 113th St Picnic Area
  West Harlem Art Fund and Amateur Astronomy Association bring telescopes to the park.
• Power Tools 101 | March 28, 11:00 AM | College Avenue Garden
  Learn to safely use power tools for DIY projects. Hands-on, beginner-friendly.

BROOKLYN

Major Events

• Coney Island Opening Weekend | March 28-29, 11:00 AM | Coney Island Boardwalk
  Full district reopening. Saturday: Luna Park opens with 50+ rides. Sunday: Deno’s 71st Annual Blessing of the Rides at 10 AM, Cyclone Egg Cream Christening at 11 AM (first 99 riders get free rides + egg creams). + Add to Calendar
• Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 28, 1:00 PM | Gerritsen Avenue
  The neighborhood’s 16th annual parade—intimate, authentic, and distinctly Brooklyn Irish. Runs until 3:30 PM. + Add to Calendar
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Spring Youth Soccer | March 28, 8:00 AM | Pier 5
  Affordable youth soccer leagues for 1st-6th graders. Spring season kickoff.

Arts & Markets

• Carroll Gardens Greenmarket | March 29, 8:00 AM | Carroll Street between Smith & Court
  Neighborhood favorite with exceptional baked goods and early spring produce.
• St. Anthony Flea Market | March 28-29, 9:00 AM | West Houston between Thompson & MacDougal
  Weekend street fair with vintage finds, jewelry, and food vendors.
• Inspired by the Arts Gallery | March 28, 1:00 PM | Poe Park Visitor Center, The Bronx
  Wait, this is the Bronx—but it’s worth the trip. Multi-artist exhibit in a historic setting.

Parks & Recreation

• NYRR Open Run: Brooklyn Bridge Park | March 28, 8:00 AM | Pier 5
  5K run with views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline.
• It’s My Park at Sunset Park | March 29, 10:00 AM | Sunset Park Recreation Center
  Volunteer beautification with the Parent-Child Relationship Association.
• 25 Years of the Salt Marsh Nature Center | March 28, 1:00 PM | Marine Park
  Anniversary celebration of this hidden Brooklyn ecological gem.

QUEENS

Major Events

• The Queens Spring Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | March 29, 9:30 AM | Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  Chip-timed race around the Unisphere. Flat, fast course with live YouTube streaming. Half starts 9:30, 10K at 9:35, 5K at 9:40. + Add to Calendar
• 38th Annual Phagwah Parade (Holi) | March 29, 12:00 PM | Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill
  The largest Holi celebration in NYC—colorful powders, music, and cultural performances. Parade steps off at 133rd Street, ends at Smokey Oval Park. + Add to Calendar
• Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade | March 28, 1:00 PM | Bell Boulevard
  8th annual parade marching from 214th Place to 42nd Avenue. Family-friendly with bagpipers and step dancers. + Add to Calendar
• No Kings Queens Rally | March 28, 12:00 PM | MacDonald Park, Forest Hills
  Local gathering point for protesters avoiding the Manhattan crush.

Markets & Culture

• Jackson Heights Greenmarket | March 29, 8:00 AM | 79th Street between Northern Blvd & 34th Ave
  One of the most diverse greenmarkets in the city—expect specialties from across South Asia and Latin America.
• Forest Hills Greenmarket | March 29, 8:00 AM | Queens Boulevard between 69th Road & 70th Avenue
  Neighborhood staple with excellent baked goods.
• Carnaval San Juan Tianguismanalco | March 29, 2:00 PM | 40th Street between New Utrecht & 10th Avenue
  Traditional Mexican carnival celebration with music and dance.

Parks & Nature

• Pelham Bay Shoreline Cleanup | March 28, 10:00 AM | Pelham Bay Park Dog Run
  Community stewardship of NYC’s largest park. Gloves and bags provided.
• Birding: Early Spring Migration | March 29, 9:00 AM | Central Park (yes, Manhattan, but Queens residents should cross the bridge for this)
• Kissena Trackfam Clinics | March 28-29, 9:00 AM | Kissena Park Velodrome
  Free track cycling clinics at the historic velodrome.

THE BRONX

Major Events

• NYRR Open Run: Van Cortlandt Park | March 28, 10:00 AM | Van Cortlandt Golf House
  Free 5K through the borough’s largest park. Cross-country style trails.
• Spring Kickoff Hike | March 28, 10:00 AM | Van Cortlandt Golf House
  Ranger-led hike through the forest to welcome spring.
• No Kings Bronx | March 28, 12:00 PM | Location TBA
  Local coordination point for borough residents.

Community & Culture

• Special Waste Drop-Off | March 28, 9:00 AM | Farragut Street by East River
  Safe disposal of harmful household products. Free for NYC residents.
• HPD Outreach: Housing Resources | Through May 13 | 34 W 134th Street
  City housing resources and benefits screening. Ongoing installation.
• St. Mary’s Park Easter Egg Hunt | March 28, 1:00 PM | St. Mary’s Park
  Senator Roxanne J. Persaud hosts this free community egg hunt.

STATEN ISLAND

Major Events

• The LESS Popular Staten Island Half Marathon | March 28, 8:00 AM | South Beach Boardwalk
  2.5 loop course on the FDR Boardwalk. “For those who go against the grain.” Beachfront running with ocean views. + Add to Calendar
• The Orchid Show | March 28-29, 10:00 AM | New York Botanical Garden (technically The Bronx, but SI residents should make the trip)
  Thousands of orchids at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Local Events

• Special Waste Drop-Off Staten Island | March 28, 9:00 AM | West Shore Expressway
  Proper disposal of electronics and hazardous waste.
• Conference House Park Volunteer Day | March 28, 10:00 AM | The Blue Wave
  Beach cleanup and habitat restoration at the southernmost point in NY State.
• Donate a Bike Events | March 28, 9:00 AM | Veterans Park & Conference House Park
  Community bike donation drives.

GOVERNMENT & STREET CLOSURES

High Alert: With the No Kings protests and multiple parades, expect significant transit disruptions:

• Saturday: 7th Avenue from Central Park South to Times Square will be impassable from 2:00-4:00 PM.
• Sunday: Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill closed 12:00-5:00 PM for Phagwah Parade.
• Weekend: Astor Place closed Saturday for JAPAN Fes; Bell Boulevard closed Saturday for Bayside Parade.
• Religious Permits: Multiple street storage permits for Passover (starting March 28) in Williamsburg and Borough Park. Expect refrigerated trucks and temporary structures.

Last updated: March 27, 2026 | Sources: NYC Parks, Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination, NYPD, MTA, independent verification.