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Gothamist Guide To April: 20 Ways To Savor Spring In NYC

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April is upon us, and this month comes fully loaded with fun things to do around town, including a massive pillow fight, a bevy of new film premieres, Earth Day festivities, and some good old fashioned rock and/or roll. The days are getting longer and the city's getting busier, so now's the time to mark your calendars, call up your fair-weather friends, tune up your bike and enjoy some fresh air.

Dogseat / Flickr

Skip brunch and proceed directly to <a href="http://www.fullbunnycontact.com/">Full Bunny Contact</a>, an "Insane Easter Carnival" that promises side attractions, events and games galore. It's got everything from an egg putt golf course, to Ride the Rabid (Mechanical) Rabbit, a "Dunk the Savior" tank and, of course, Full Bunny Contact (where you'll have to dodge 3 giant bunnies to collect eggs). Not into cotton-tail carnies? There's also going to be DJs, a dance floor, food, booze and a Bunny Beauty Pageant. (Sandra Song) Wednesday, April 1st - Sunday, April 5th, <a href="http://www.fullbunnycontact.com/tickets/">Times Vary</a> // <a href="http://www.csvcenter.org/">The Clemente</a>, 107 Suffolk Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.fullbunnycontact.com/tickets/">Tickets $10-60</a>

photo via Facebook

This week Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is hosting a panel discussion on utilizing the Big Apple as a fictional backdrop. At <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/set-in-the-city-the-new-york-novel/">Set in the City: The New York Novel</a>, you can join Sackett Street Writers' Workshop founder Julia Fierro as she moderates a discussion about setting stories in NYC amongst some of the city's pre-eminent novel-writing talent. Panelists include Amanda Filipacchi (The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty), Dylan Landis (Normal People Don't Live Like This), Lindsey Palmer (If We Lived Here) and Amy Sohn (The Actress), so bring your moleskine and take notes. (Sandra Song) Thursday, April 2nd, 7 p.m. // Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby Street, Manhattan // Free

photo via Facebook

MoMA's <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1549">One-Way Ticket exhibit</a> brings together different mediums used by artists during the Great Migration to showcase the way the black experience was represented from 1915 onward. Exploring the Migration's impact as the mass movement of African-Americans to the North, the exhibit centers on Jacob Lawrence's paintings, though there are also additional accounts from the likes of Langston Hughes, Dorothea Lange, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Lawrence's landmark historical pieces, prized equally for their aesthetics and contextual importance, will finally be reunited for the first time in 20 years, so don't miss out on the chance to learn more about a movement that still has a massive impact on today's cultural landscape. (Sandra Song) Begins Friday, April 3rd, 10:30 a.m. // <a href="http://www.moma.org/">MoMA</a>, 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/plan/index#hours">Tickets $25</a>

photo via MoMA

BAM's <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/space-is-the-place-afrofuturism-on-film">Space is the Place: Afrofuturism on Film </a> festival is coming to a planet near you. Named after the Sun Ra film of the same name, the festival is a "kaleidoscopic exploration of alternate and imagined black futures" that includes sci-fi masterpieces, left-field documentaries and more.Featuring everything from a dynamite roster of films like Blade to Funkadelic's Cosmic Slop to a screening of Beat This! A Hip Hop History (along with a Q&A from the legendary Afrika Bambaataa), this sounds like an avant-jazz free-for-all that'll have you jamming to an entirely new cosmic philosophy. (Sandra Song) Friday, April 3rd-Wednesday, April 15th, <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/space-is-the-place-afrofuturism-on-film">Times Vary</a> // <a href="http://www.bam.org/visit">BAM, Peter Jay Sharp Building</a>, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.bam.org/film/2015/space-is-the-place-afrofuturism-on-film">Ticket Prices Vary</a>

photo via BAM

As vague as it may initially sound, you can be assured that Matte, the Creative Agency behind the mysterious-sounding <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1643489915873850/">A Party</a>, is known for throwing some of the sickest shindigs this side of the FiDi. Co-hosted with the likes of London's Black Butter Records (the folks behind Gorgon City, Clean Bandit and Rudimental) in the legendary Bowery Bank Building, expect performances from the Gaslamp Killer, Kidnap Kid and more. This is one special label showcase you shouldn't pass up. (Sandra Song) Friday, April 3rd, 10 p.m. // <a href="http://capitaleny.com/">Capitale NY</a>, 130 Bowery, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/matte-presents-a-party-with-black-butter-records-tickets-15987333545">Tickets $30-50</a>

photo via

Ten different companies will converge upon BAM for the fourth annual <a href="http://www.bam.org/dance/2015/brooklyn-dance-festival">Brooklyn Dance Festival</a>, a NYC-centric showcase that brings together emerging artists, youth ensembles and large companies alike. Featuring performances from the likes of Martha Graham 2, the Joffrey Balley Concert Group, the Francesca Harper Project, SynthesisDANCE and more, the goal of the event is to make dance accessible to all, and is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the medium. Tickets are also available for the Festival Gala, which includes a post-show champagne reception and ample meet and greet opportunities. (Sandra Song) Saturday, April 4th, 8 p.m. //<a href="http://www.bam.org/"> BAM Fisher Theater</a>, 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn // <a href="https://brooklyndancefestival.ticketleap.com/brooklyn-dance-festival-2015-main-stage-bam-performance-and-gal/dates/Apr-04-2015_at_0800PM">Tickets $48-100</a>

photo via BAM

Sleep with one eye open because the largest urban pillow fight is coming back to Washington Square Park on April 4th. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Newmindspace?_rdr">Newmindspace</a> is hosting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/390640297773935">Pillow Fight NYC 2015</a>, a fun, family-friendly fight that only requires soft, feather-free pillows. At the end, you'll be able to donate your fluffy weaponry to local homeless shelters.(Sandra Song) Saturday, April 4th, 3 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park">Washington Square Park</a>, Manhattan // Free

photo via via Jeremy Gordon's flickr

Meet the microbes behind your favorite brews at Artlab's special science-inspired look at the Brooklyn Brewery. At the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artlab-presents-the-art-mystery-of-brewing-the-brooklyn-brewery-tickets-16238075521">Art & Mystery of Brewing</a>, you will be able to see what exactly Brewmaster Garrett Oliver puts in your pilsner and how exactly these yeasty creatures come together to create the distinct flavors of your favorite brews. (Sandra Song) Monday, April 6th, 5-7 p.m. // <a href="http://brooklynbrewery.com/verify">Brooklyn Brewery</a>, 79 North 11th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artlab-presents-the-art-mystery-of-brewing-the-brooklyn-brewery-tickets-16238075521">Tickets $10</a>

photo via Flickr

The London Souls are one of the city's best-kept secrets. A rock and roll duo that champions substance over style, guitarist Tash Neal and drummer Chris St. Hilaire spin a harmony-heavy brand of blues and, yes, soul. The group <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/794195-london-souls-new-york">will play Bowery Ballroom</a> this month ahead of their new Here Come The Girls LP release, and may very well bring the room to combustion with their searing on-stage energy. Neal's skill is almost supernatural; the Manhattan-born virtuoso has a knack for playing both rhythm and lead at once, injecting white-hot blues runs between his delicate savory progressions, while St. Hilaire has been known to wreak havoc behind the drum kit. And they do all that while singing lush vocal harmonies. If John Bonham and Gary Clarke Jr. sang like angels in a devilish blues band, The London Souls is what it would sound like. Tuesday, April 7th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com">The Bowery Ballroom</a>, 6 Delancey Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/the-london-souls-new-york-new-york-04-07-2015/event/00004E51E18A5F69?brand=boweryballroom">Tickets $15</a>

photo via Facebook

After helping to create the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and winning a seat in the senate, Elizabeth Warren continues to inspire as a take-no-shit rival of big banking avarice. This month <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/senator-elizabeth-warren">Senator Warren will pay a visit to The Strand Bookstore</a> to speak and sign copies of her best-seller A Fighting Chance. Her latest work digs into the economic fallacies of the "American dream" and outlines the dire straits that have befallen even the hardest-working middle class families. A public policy superstar (and potential presidential candidate?), Warren speaks with a moving conviction that should be taken in first-hand by anyone with even a passing interest in politics. The event is completely free to the public. Thursday, April 9th, 2 p.m. // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/">The Strand Bookstore</a>, 828 Broadway at 12th Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/senator-elizabeth-warren">Free</a>

Gothamist

Mercury Prize-winning <a href="http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/event/715615-young-fathers-brooklyn">Young Fathers have booked a show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg</a> on April 10th and it's bound to be a *mic drop* worthy performance. The Scottish hip-hop trio have a stage presence like no other, the kind of commanding power that seems impossible with little more than a computer, a drum and three MCs who spit back and forth. Young Fathers is one of the most energetic, exhilarating live performances we've seen in a long time, and this is possibly the best show you'll catch all spring. (Sandra Song) Friday, April 10th, 8 p.m. // <a href="http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/">Music Hall of Williamsburg</a>, 66 North 6th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004D5E0DDF9A5F?brand=mhw&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat139690&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_139690&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_139690">Tickets $18</a>

photo via Facebook

The <a href="http://www.societyillustrators.org/Events-and-Programs/Special-Events/2015/MoCCA-Fest-2015/MoCCA-Fest.aspx">Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art's Festival</a> brings together a slew of comic writers, zine publishers and illustrators for a weekend of panels, paints and more. Highlights include all-star special appearances by artist Aline Kominsky-Crumb (wife and frequent collaborator of R. Crumb), Understanding Comics maestro Scott McCloud and best-selling graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier. (Sandra Song) Saturday, April 11th-Sunday, April 12th, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.center548.com/">Center 548</a>, 548 West 22nd Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.societyillustrators.org/Events-and-Programs/Special-Events/2015/MoCCA-Fest-2015/Tickets-and-Directions/Tickets-and-Directions.aspx">Tickets $5</a>

photo via Facebook

Drawing parallels between society's fear of contagious disease and the fear of feminism, artist Anicka Yi's forensically-driven new exhibition <a href="http://thekitchen.org/event/anicka-yi-you-can-call-me-f">You Can Call Me F</a> uses biological information from 100 women to create works that frame women as "a viral pathogen" that "undergoes external attempts to be contained and neutralized." Go and check out this visceral metaphor of long-standing patriarchal fear before the exhibition closes on April 11th. (Sandra Song) Ends Saturday, April 11th, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. // <a href="http://thekitchen.org/">The Kitchen</a>, 512 West 19th Street, Manhattan // Free

photo via The Kitchen

It's bound to be one big juicy battle at<a href="http://www.thebloodymaryfest.com/#about-description"> Brooklyn's Bloody Mary Festival</a>. Enjoy three whole hours of unlimited tastes from twelve of the borough's best bloodies, including Pok Pok, Black Swan and Cain's Tavern, all while lining your stomach with solid eats courtesy of Delaney BBQ. There will also be other samples of local food and drink, as well as live music by the Afro-Latineers, so beat the snaking brunch lines and start your week off the right way with some pepper-infused vodka and a hint of Tabasco. (Sandra Song) Sunday, April 12th, 1-4 p.m. // Industry City, 233 37th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bloody-mary-festival-brooklyn-tickets-14833121265?aff=es2&rank=156">Tickets $50</a>

photo via Flickr

The Strand is crushing it this month. Destroy whatever's left of your seasonal affective disorder with philosopher <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/frederic-lenoir-alexandra-schwartz">Frederic Lenoir as he stops by the bookstore to discuss Happiness: A Philosopher's Guide</a>. An academic delving into the timeless question of "What is happiness, and how do we achieve it?", Lenoir's book has become an international best-seller and was just recently released in English by local indie publisher Melville House. Lenoir will sign copies of his volume and will be leading a conversation on the merits and means to happiness in modern life. He'll be accompanied by The New Yorker's Alexandra Schwartz. Tuesday, April 14th, 7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/event/frederic-lenoir-alexandra-schwartz">The Strand Bookstore</a>, 828 Broadway at 12th Street, Manhattan // Requires <a href="http://www.strandbooks.com/philosophy/0414-event-book-happiness">purchase of Happiness: A Philosopher's Guide or a $15 Strand gift card</a> to attend

Gothamist

As the worlds of hip hop, DJing, and break dancing began to take shape in New York City, three photographers were at the center of it all. Now, the <a href="http://www.mcny.org/event/documenting-hip-hop-three-angles">Museum of the City of New York presents Documenting Hip Hop From Three Angles</a>, an extended conversation with shooters Janette Beckman, Joe Conzo and Martha Cooper that will dig into some juicy details of what it was like back in the days of early battle raps and break beats. An addendum to the Museum's ongoing Hip Hop Revolution exhibit, the talk will include numerous glimpses of vintage shots taken during the 70s and early 80s, just as early hip hop music, fashion, and culture was converging to become a new American art form. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.mcny.org">Museum of the City of New York</a>, 1220 5th Avenue, Manhattan // <a href="http://35948.blackbaudhosting.com/35948/Documenting-Hip-Hop-from-Three-Angles">Tickets $12-16</a>

photo via Facebook

Once again April brings the <a href="http://tribecafilm.com/festival">Tribeca Film Festival</a>, arguably the NYC's most high-profile gathering of directors, producers, critics, and cinephiles from around the world. The 2015 festival will see the debut of 11 local female directors, including Erin Lee Carr's Thought Crimes, a gripping look at the alleged "cannibal cop" <a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/cannibalcop">Gilberto Valle</a>, and Bare, a new film from Natalia Leite that tells the story of a waitress who falls into an almost mystical, drug-fueled love affair with an older female customer. The festival will feature 40 first-time directorial premieres and well over a hundred feature films during its 11 day run. Opening night will showcase Bao Nguyen's Live from New York!, a tribute to Saturday Night Live, and the entire festival closes with a 25th anniversary special screening of Goodfellas, which will see the classic mob flick's creators and cast reuniting at the Beacon Theatre. Wednesday-Sunday, April 15th-26th, // <a href="http://tribecafilm.com/festival">Tribeca Film Festival</a>, Various venues in Manhattan // <a href="http://tribecafilm.com/festival/springstudios">Passes $40-300</a>, <a href="http://tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets">Individual tickets $10-35</a>

photo via Facebook

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1542916039296923">New York's Alright</a>, a top-notch celebration of DIY punk in all its iterations, is back and better than ever for 2015, hosting a series of curated shows in venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn. They've got everything from L.O.T.I.O.N.'s industrial-tinged hardcore punk to Sheer Mag's power pop revival vibes, so whether your tastes skew more Coil or Alex Chilton there's a little bit of something for everyone. Even better, if you keep your ear close to the ground, you'll also be able to attend some of the smaller, unofficial aftershows and party like a rock star. (Sandra Song) Friday, April 17th- Sunday, April 19th, Times Vary // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1542916039296923">Locations Vary, Check Schedule</a> // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1542916039296923">Ticket Prices Vary </a>

photo via Facebook

<a href="http://earthdayny.org/2015-events">Earth Day New York 2015</a> marks the 25th Anniversary of the educational, action-bent event that takes place in Union Square every year. Expect exhibitions on green travel and eco-friendly vehicles, as well as live music, inspiring activities and entertainment. This year will also play host to a Special Economy Exhibition, which will allow participants to learn more about the collaborative and sharing economies built upon thrifting, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-book-swap-tickets-15950468280">book swapping</a> and more. (Sandra Song) Sunday, April 19th, 12-7 p.m. // <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/union-square-park">Union Square</a>, Manhattan // Free

photo via Earth Day New York

Epic Meal Time adherents and hangover brunch enthusiasts rejoice, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bandbclassic?_rdr">the Second Annual Bacon and Beer Classic</a> is coming back to Citi Field on Saturday, April 25th. You'll be able to attend either brunch (12-3 p.m.) or dinner (7-10 p.m.), both promising three hours of indulgence with 100+ craft beers and 50+ bacon dishes from local restaurants. There will also be educational sessions on things like pig butchering and brew making, music, games and photo booths, and you've got the option to upgrade with an early-access package that will let you come in an hour early to ensure maximum meat sampling time. (Sandra Song) Saturday, April 25th, 12-10 p.m. // <a href="http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ballpark/">Citi Field</a>, 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens // <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-york-citys-bacon-and-beer-classic-2015-tickets-14456785635?aff=website">Tickets $29-129</a>

photo via Facebook

Holy Ghost Peppers! The Third Annual <a href="http://www.nychotsauceexpo.com/">NYC Hot Sauce Expo</a> is coming back to Brooklyn on the weekend of April 25th, bringing with it a Bloody Mary mixdown, too many eating contests (including Grimaldi's pizza, burritos and Buffalo Wild Wings) and a Guinness Book of World Records pepper eating event. It's bound to be a pretty fiery fiesta, so hold onto your jalapenos and bring the Tums. (Sandra Song) Saturday, April 25th - Sunday, April 26th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.brooklynexpocenter.com/">Brooklyn Expo</a>, 79 Franklin Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.nychotsauceexpo.com/tickets.php">Tickets $10</a>

courtesy of the NYC Hot Sauce Expo