We’re heading into the second week of March, and with it comes a slew of events, which will unfold across New York City this weekend and into next week. See what’s taking place from historical talks to behind-the-scenes tours.
Friday, March 9th
The Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) will stay open late today for Free Friday, which takes place from 5pm to 9pm. Head there to enjoy an artisanal-themed night of free admission, beer, related programming and fun games. Also make sure to check out its newest exhibition: The Business of Brooklyn.
OBSCURA / GOWANUS II opens today and runs every weekend until April 8! Learn more about the immersive, site-specific “Photographic Monument” of Gowanus that is being presented in complete photographic darkness.
Pay a visit to the New York Botanical Garden for its Orchid Show, displaying thousands of orchids that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Saturday, March 10th
Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge‘s stately exterior lies an epic origin story. Now over 130 years old, the granite and limestone structure has dazzled both tourists and residents alike. On our newest tour, author, playwright and Untapped Cities’ tour guide Justin Rivers will not only unpack the history behind the Brooklyn Bridge, but also explore its many hidden secrets. Our unique walking tour will give you a whole new appreciation for one of New York’s most iconic landmarks.
The Secrets of Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
Taste historic tea and hear about 19th-century tea etiquette at 19th Century Tea Tasting, taking place at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden. The Coffee & Tea Festival is also returning to New York City, and will run through the weekend.
Sunday, March 11th
The abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex—once the standard for United States medical care (and later transformed to the FBI headquarters when the island served as a detention center)—has been left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, Untapped Cities is bringing you behind-the-scenes for a unique exploration of the abandoned facility; on this experience, you’ll visit the contagious disease wards, the autopsy rooms and have exclusive access to places usually closed to the public.
Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital
Take a ride through the living history of the world’s largest rapid transit system (in area) by weaving in and out of the past and present transit hubs of lower Manhattan. This unique tour is designed to give a comprehensive history of the NYC Subway system, from its groundbreaking in 1901 up through the creation of the three different proprietary lines which were unified into the system we know today. We’ll uncover information and learn about spaces even the most seasoned commuter might not know about. This tour will stop in stations that are all open to the public. Using the 6 train as our own ten-car time machine, we will ride through and see three abandoned ghost stations that 4, 5, and 6 riders unknowingly pass through everyday.
Underground Tour of the NYC Subway
Monday, March 12th
The Schomburg Center’s Annual Women’s Jazz Festival will feature some of the best-known and unsung female performers in jazz. The event will take place on four consecutive Mondays in March.
Tuesday, March 13th
Weeksville Heritage Center is launching a dinner theater series, ONSTAGE At Weeksville! The event begins with “The People Before The Park,” by Keith Josef Adkins, which sheds light on a man and his son in Seneca Village, an African-American community in what is now Central Park.
Wednesday, March 14th
Legendary DJ Nicky Siano (The Gallery, Studio 54) will join historian Amy Herzog and artist Tara Mateik to discuss the pleasures, history and potentialities of disco culture at Hauser & Wirth.
Thursday, March 15th
Calling all movie buffs! The Queens World Film Festival kicks off today, featuring a variety of evocative titles to engage the diverse communities in Queens.
See all upcoming Untapped Cities Behind the Scenes Tours.
