Every Buzzy Thing to Do, See, and Shop Around New York This Spring
Welcome to The Scene, a quarterly digest by Anna LaPlaca that highlights all the buzziest happenings across New York, from the hardest-to-get restaurant reservations to the most-anticipated art exhibits, cult-loved vintage pop-ups, and more. Here's what to see, shop, eat, and do to be the most cultured in your friend group this spring.
There's a funny thing that happens each spring in New York where the city seems to come alive all at once. Like the magnolia trees whose branches go from barren to bursting with bright-pink flowers seemingly overnight, New Yorkers are likewise coming out of hibernation en masse, filling up every patio table and park bench for miles the moment the sun comes out. The city's energy is palpable right now as everyone tries to reclaim a bit of lost time from the prolonged winter we had and, because it's New York, that means maximizing their social calendars.
It doesn't take an expert to see that one of the most defining experiences of New York in any season is going out. Whether that means literally grabbing a drink or attending a gallery opening, popping into a new boutique, or shopping a vintage market, there are an endless number of events and happenings that beckon at any given time. So much so that it can feel overwhelming when a Friday afternoon rolls around and the inevitable "what should we do tonight" text lands in the group chat. Instead of getting lost among all the TikTok reviews and "best of New York" lists out there, simply take my word for it: These eight art exhibits, restaurant openings, vintage markets, and private members clubs are the only ones you need to have on your agenda to be in-the-know this spring. Discover them here, plus what to wear to embody the vibe of each.
Article continues below 
Museum of Modern Art, now through September 12
11 W 53rd Street
The sheer number of world-class art museums is among the many reasons why you never say you're bored in New York, and this spring there are an especially exciting lineup of exhibits on view, though none have been quite as anticipated as Frida and Diego: The Last Dream. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Opera's new production of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, the MoMA exhibit explores the artistic and romantic partnership between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, spanning the duo's inimitable mark on Mexican culture and 20th-Century art as a whole.
What to Wear
964 Lexington Avenue
As a quasi-downtown resident, I hate to admit it, but Uptown is quietly becoming the new downtown. I spent a recent sun-drenched Saturday afternoon at one of Cafe Commerce's European-style cafe tables that line Lexington Avenue and can attest that, at least in the moment, it felt like the center of the world. Though its still fairly new, the French-esque bistro has instantly become the epitome of a cozy neighborhood spot—and with just 40 seats, one of the hardest-to-get tables. Come here for a quiet dinner, a sunny brunch, or solo drink at the bar, but whatever you do, don't skip the towering and iconic coconut cake.
What to Wear
Le Pop-Up, May 1-3
House of Three, 15 W 28th Street
Beloved by fashion insiders in Paris and New York, Le Pop-Up returns stateside for a spring installment bringing its thoughtfully-curated selection of antiques, vintage wares, and emerging designers. Founder and Merci C'est Vintage curator Mariana Vergara says she carefully selects each brand to create a dialogue between heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design. "This seaon, we’re presenting a series of exceptional, one-of-a-kind works, including pieces by Juju Vera, Cano an exquisite Colombian brand Shereen Mohammad, and Second Vue Eyewear, among nine others," she told Who What Wear.
What to Wear
520 Fifth Avenue
Private members clubs are a dime a dozen these days, so I normally wouldn't bat an eye at the opening of a new one. Then I heard about Moss. I was at a fashion week dinner where my seat mate was raving about a chic new wellness-focused club and as soon as I started pulling up images of the gorgeous marble-lined saunas and distressed-leather gym equipment, I was already scheming a way to visit. Situated in the heart of Midtown with an emphasis on wellbeing and community—or intellectual leisure, per their Instagram bio—Moss is the antithesis of the nightlife-centric clubs that are crowding the neighborhoods further downtown. Its split into several levels: Bedrock Aquatics and Athletics on one floor and workspaces including a podcast recording studio, vinyl listening room, and full restaurant and bar on two others. This is where you come for your 9AM pickleball sesh, not necessarily your 12AM round of martinis.
What to Wear
144 W 125th Street
Founded in 1968 and newly reopened in a striking new building designed by David Adjaye, the Studio Museum is catalog of Harlem's creative legacy and a nexus for artists of the African diaspora. Featuring a curation that spans from local and emerging names to internationally-renowned talent, the permanent collection spans over 800 artists and 200 years of works while the exhibitions and events aim to create a dialogue between the past and present. The museum's reopening is the revival of a beloved city landmark and was just recently named one of Time Magazine's Best Places in the World.
What to Wear
Not-a-Normal Market, April 17-19; May 1-3; May 8-10; June 5-7
31 East 17th Street
Not-A-Normal Show is the latest evolution of New York’s vintage market scene. Staged as a five-weekend residency, the pop-up brings together 250 vintage resellers, independent brands, and emerging designers under one roof in the heart of Union Square. Expect a mix of archival fashion, small-batch labels, and design-forward objets d'arts and a crowd that’s invested in personal style and discovery. Basically, come to see, be seen, and get inspired, whether or not you leave with a shopping bag in tow.
What to Wear
945 Madison Ave.
From Roman and Williams—the team behind La Mercerie—and Sotheby’s arrives a new French dining institution on the Upper East Side. Marcel has just opened its doors with an address you may recognize. Dropped inside the Brutalist landmark of Sotheby's former Breuer building, the space pairs classical French cooking with cinematic architecture where actual museum-grade artworks hang within arm’s reach. It's set to be hottest reservation of the spring and another win for the Uptown set.
What to Wear
39 Spring St
There have been many Parisian imports to sensationalize New York—Sézane, Printemps, to name a few—and Jimmy Fairly is the latest arrival to plant its flag. The eyewear brand opened its NoLiTa store and first U.S. outpost back in December and has rarely experienced an empty day ever since. The statement sunglasses and retro-cool opticals are favorites among celebs like Bella Hadid and our editors alike—especially the slim oval Evie and oversized Aela frames which have both become viral hits.
What to Wear
