In NYC, the sun is shining, and it’s past time to shake off our quarantine stupor and get out of our apartments. This spring, the city is full of art and culture – we’re not entertaining any of those “New York is dead” claims – and there are plenty of COVID-safe ways to enjoy the changing weather and optimistic energy in the city.

See KAWS: WHAT PARTY at the Brooklyn Museum

This blockbuster KAWS exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum will run until September 5, 2021. It showcases the wide-ranging work of Brooklyn-based artist KAWS (born Brian Donnelly), who works in the mediums of graffiti, sculpture, painting, and more. Tickets to the popular exhibit are here; you’ll probably want to plan ahead.

Check out the cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

A short walk from the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has some of the best cherry blossom viewing in the five boroughs. The pink blooms always announce when spring has sprung.

Experience Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden

At another garden, this one in Manhattan (you need to see some green, ok?), the long-postponed Yayoi Kusama exhibit is now open for visitors. Get your tickets here.

Go out to a ball game  

Baseball season is back, at limited capacity. Whatever your team of choice, you can find tickets on the MLB website.

Grab a gelato at Saint Ambroeus’ New Shop in SoHo 

Italian restaurant Sant Ambroeus is getting into the gelato game with both indoor and outdoor seating and takeout. With flavors like “Salted Caramel Almonds” and “Pistachio Praline,” this is a spot you’ll definitely want to check out.

Get out of the city for a visit to Dia:Beacon

For a quick getaway from NYC, check out upstate art museum Dia:Beacon. Part of the Dia Art Foundation’s impressive collection resides here, and Beacon itself is a lovely city to visit. Purchase tickets here.

Attend an immersive exhibition at ARTECHOUSE 

ARTECHOUSE is known for trippy, multidisciplinary art experiences, and “Geometric Properties” fits that description. The exhibit promises to take visitors to a fractal dimension through the work of Dutch artist Julius Horsthuis. Buy your tickets here.

Enjoy a movie screening with your meal at Citizens in SoHo

If you’re not quite ready to embrace going back into movie theaters, we don’t blame you. Citizens began their COVID-friendly alternative months ago, and their pandemic movie club is still going strong. The $40 per person cost also includes dinner and drinks. See what’s showing next here.

See a stand-up comedy set at The Tiny Cupboard 

Brooklyn comedy club The Tiny Cupboard offers a mix of indoor and outdoor shows, all following social distancing protocol. On a warm spring night, catch an outdoor comedy set with gorgeous skyline views. See upcoming events here.

Enjoy live jazz and delicious New Orleans Cuisine at the Canary Club

Live music has been sorely missed by all of us, but even if we can’t attend packed concerts, there are still ways to experience this simple joy. New Orleans-inspired restaurant Canary Club has live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. See what’s coming up and make a reservation here.