As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, Staten Island comes alive with a wide range of spring festivals and events. From family-friendly gatherings and cultural festivities to outdoor art shows and foodie pop-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in New York City’s “greenest borough.” Below are a few can’t-miss happenings to keep on your radar as you plan your spring itinerary.
While there isn’t an official Spring Festival in Staten Island, the ferry offers free and scenic rides year-round. The months of April and May are ideal times, as you get to see the flowering dogwoods, redbuds, magnolias, cherry trees, and crabapples.
This free service offers stunning panoramic views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Combine this trip with other activities on Staten Island, such as the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden or the Financial District in Manhattan. And, if you need to stop for lunch, a place like La Rosa Chicken and Grill will fuel you up without weighing you down!
If you’re looking for a mid-week pick-me-up, this workshop will get you outdoors to enjoy the fresh spring air! Perfect for kids and adults of all ages, Junior Arborist Day is hosted on Tuesday, April 15th from 10am-12pm at Conference House Park. Join a Certified Arborist and a NYC Parks Naturalist to learn about trees, how to identify them, and how to care for them. The event is free and open to the public.
NYC Parks Walker Park Spectacular Spring Festival is a free event hosted on Friday, April 18th from noon-3pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to let the kids burn off some energy playing sports and games or unleash their creativity at the arts and crafts stations. The Easter Bunny will be there to take photos with the kids! If the weather is nice and you plan to spend the afternoon at the park, pick up a Family Meal from La Rosa Chicken and Grill and have a relaxing outdoor picnic!
Hosted on Saturday, April 19th from 10am-1pm at Mount Loretto, this event is the island’s biggest Easter celebration, featuring gourmet food, a live DJ, and your very own take-home photo with the Easter Bunny himself! Tickets are $40 for children and $30 for adults. Kids also have access to an Easter Egg hunt loaded with more than 4,000 eggs, including 10 Golden Eggs filled with special prizes! Easter baskets are included with the purchase of each ticket.
The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is the country’s biggest bike ride, with proceeds going to fund Bike New York’s free bike education program. Standard registration for youth and adults is $148 plus processing fees.
With a standard registration, you receive a helmet cover, bib, and bike plate, snacks and entertainment along the route, water stops, access to free bike repair, access to SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles, a special edition Finisher Medal, and entry to the Finish Festival on Staten Island. You can also register as a VIP member and receive a host of other perks, including guaranteed placement in the first start wave, a VIP jersey, and breakfast.
With fresh blooms, local celebrations, and plenty of outdoor fun, spring in Staten Island is the perfect moment to dive into everything the borough has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, these events promise to usher in the season with a healthy dose of excitement. Be sure to stop into La Rosa Chicken and Grill on Staten Island to recharge—we have healthy meal options like grilled chicken, wraps, and seasonal sides, including our refreshing cucumber and tomato salad!