New York City marks the arrival of spring with a citywide independent film initiative, the reopening of a major museum expansion on the Bowery, and high-profile musical residencies. The schedule for March 20 through March 22 includes diverse programming ranging from free food giveaways and neighborhood pop-ups to ticketed orchestral and pop performances.
Friday, March 20
- Art House Cinema Week New York (March 20–26). This inaugural event offers affordable screenings and limited free tickets at independent cinemas across the city and is ticketed with free options available.
- Rita’s Italian Ice First Day of Spring Giveaway. Guests can receive a free Italian ice at participating locations during business hours and the event is free.
- Barnes & Noble BTS Pop-Up. This celebration for the release of ARIRANG features a photo zone and themed giveaways at 555 Fifth Avenue from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is free.
- Lady Gaga: The Mayhem Ball (March 19–20). The artist performs a pop residency at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 PM and requires a ticket for entry.
- Uniqlo Williamsburg Grand Opening (March 20–22). The retail brand opens its new location at 103 North 6th Street with celebratory events during store hours and is free to attend.
- Grand Ole Opry at 100. A centennial celebration of the Nashville institution featuring country music performers takes place at Carnegie Hall at 8:00 PM and is ticketed.
- VCP Nature Group Walk. Participants meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Garden & Compost Site at 2:00 PM for a guided tour of the park grounds and the event is free.
Saturday, March 21
- New Museum Re-Opening Weekend (March 21–22). The museum debuts its 60,000-square-foot building expansion at 235 Bowery starting at 11:00 AM and is free to the public for the opening weekend.
- C4 Energy x Local Hoops Pop-Up. New York Knicks player Josh Hart joins this fitness-themed activation at Local Hoops during afternoon hours and the event is free.
- Spring Equinox Celebration. This community event at 1370 Westchester Avenue features seasonal programming from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and is free.
- Art Sundae. Children can participate in public art-making activities at Rockefeller Center during the day and the program is free.
- New England Symphonic Ensemble. This classical performance features multiple choirs and orchestral works at Carnegie Hall at 8:30 PM and is ticketed.
Sunday, March 22
- Whitney Biennial 2026 (March 8–August 23). The 82nd edition of this contemporary American art survey is on view at the Whitney Museum of American Art from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM and is ticketed (free for visitors age 25 and under).
- Spring Bazaar. This market features over 100 local vendors and artisans at 100 West 77th Street from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is free to enter.
- The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle (Through April 26). Floral installations depicting city icons are displayed at the New York Botanical Garden from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and require a ticket.
- National Concert Chorus. This choral performance features ensembles from across the country at Carnegie Hall at 8:00 PM and is ticketed.
