Both Disney Springs and City Walk will be crowded on Friday after 5. We were at both during Easter week last year and it was very crowded but manageable. Free parking starts at 6pm at City Walk so after that time the crowds really start to build.
I disagree with @Smugpugmug - there's a lot to see/do at City Walk. There are multiple locations with live music, there's also movies, mini golf, 2 escape rooms and stores with some great park themed merch (Harry Potter wands, etc.)
We learned our lesson last (early) December, will never go to Disney Springs on a weekend night again. We would have been better off using our reservation for MK.