Your Saturday & Sunday Lineup: Free Events Across All Five Boroughs
Spring has officially arrived in New York City, and this Easter weekend is bursting with free things to do — from outdoor food markets and egg hunts to cultural celebrations and museum freebies. Whether you are exploring Brooklyn with the kids or strolling Fifth Avenue in your finest bonnet, there is something for everyone this April 4–5 weekend. Here is your complete guide.
Don’t Miss: Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival
This is it — the one event you absolutely HAVE to experience if you are in Manhattan on Sunday. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival returns to Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 57th Street on Sunday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no formal structure — just show up, wear something spectacular, and join the parade. The area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral is ground zero for the most creative bonnets, outrageous outfits, and camera-ready moments. It is completely free to participate or watch. This is one of New York’s oldest and most joyful public traditions, and if the weather cooperates, you are in for an unforgettable afternoon.
Saturday, April 4
Smorgasburg Season Opener — Williamsburg
New York’s favorite outdoor food market kicks off its 16th season at Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s lineup includes more than 70 vendors featuring one of the most globally diverse menus ever — think Korean shaved ice, Fuzhounese dumplings, Mexico City–style tacos, and Colombian grilled meats. Admission is free; bring your appetite and your wallet for the food.
Von King’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt — Brooklyn
Head to HVK South Terrace in Herbert Von King Park from noon to 3 p.m. for an Easter egg hunt packed with surprises and special prizes. There will also be arts and crafts and a candy land photo booth. This event is free and open to all ages — perfect for families.
Pohela Boishakh — Bengali New Year at King Manor, Queens
Celebrate the Bengali New Year at King Manor Museum in Jamaica, Queens from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy performances by CUNY City College’s Bollywood dance team, live singing and instrument playing, plus art activity stations and games for the whole family. Totally free.
Easter Egg Hunts Across the Parks
NYC Parks is hosting egg hunts throughout the boroughs. At Ashford Learning Garden, kids ages 7–12 can join an egg hunt adventure from 1 to 3 p.m. (advance registration on Eventbrite required). Meanwhile, Whole Neighborhood Garden hosts a family-friendly celebration from noon to 2 p.m. with an egg hunt, games, and crafts. Nehemiah 10 Community Garden runs its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 1 to 3 p.m. as well.
NYRR Open Run — Citywide
Start your Saturday with a free 5K community run through New York Road Runners’ Open Run program. These weekly runs happen in neighborhood parks across all five boroughs and require no registration — just show up and run. Check the NYRR website for your nearest location.
Sunday, April 5
Smorgasburg — Prospect Park
The Sunday edition of Smorgasburg launches at Breeze Hill in Prospect Park, also running 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Same incredible food vendor lineup, different park, different vibe. Both Saturday and Sunday markets will run weekly through October.
Spring Celebration at Riverbank State Park — Manhattan
Welcome the season at Riverbank State Park in upper Manhattan from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy lawn games, craft workshops, free carousel rides, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. This is a great pick for families with young children, and it is completely free.
Free Museum Admission This Weekend
If you are a Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank cardholder, the Museums on Us program gives you free admission this first weekend of April at participating institutions. Just show your debit or credit card plus a photo ID. Participating museums include:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — both The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- The Studio Museum in Harlem (Saturday only)
- The Jewish Museum (Sunday only)
Not a Bank of America cardholder? No worries. Several museums also have regular free or pay-what-you-wish windows. Check out our complete guide to free museums in NYC for all the details.
Looking Ahead
Next weekend brings even more free action. The NYC Tartan Day Parade marches up Sixth Avenue on Saturday, April 11, starting at 2 p.m. from West 45th Street. And mark your calendar for April 18 when MoMA PS1 throws a massive free Block Party celebrating its 50th anniversary in Long Island City — artists, musicians, and interactive installations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New York never runs out of free things to do. Get out there this weekend and take advantage of everything the city has to offer.
For more ways to enjoy NYC on a budget, check out our guide to the best jazz bars with live music and the St. Patrick’s Day 2026 recap.
