We’re headed into the final stretch of April, which means warmer weather is (hopefully) slated to arrive. Celebrate spring and the planet we live on by checking out floral displays, attending green events and embarking on nature-themed explorations:

Thursday, April 19th

The much-anticipated Woodlawn Conservancy Trolley has arrived! On the third Thursday of each month, join the Woodlawn Conservancy for its free Throwback Thursday Trolley Tours, which will take guests to historic grave sites in the cemetery’s legendary Jazz Corner, including those of Sir Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Illinois Jacquet and more.

Friday, April 20th

The last two days for the after hours viewing of the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show take place on April 20th and 21st from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Enjoy live music and performances, sip on speciality cocktails and stroll through the lush conservatory during the finale of Orchid Evenings.

Saturday, April 21st

We also have a few tickets left for our Underground Tour of the NYC Subway. 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 New York City 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. See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten Chambers Street station and use the 6 train as your own time machine to ride through abandoned subway stations.

Underground Tour of the NYC Subway

The Museum of Sex will be presenting its walking tour of Satan’s Circus (aka the Tenderloin), led by Untapped Cities’ very own guide, Robert Brenner, who leads our tour of the Remnants of Gritty Times Square. This unique tour will be held every Saturday at noon through May 12th.

Are you a hot sauce lover? The 6th annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo is a two-day tribute to “all things spicy.” Taking place on April 21st and 22nd, the event will feature unlimited samples of 50+ handpicked artisanal craft hot sauce makers from around the globe, along with the “Stage of Doom,” where showcases and competitions will take place throughout each day. Head to the event to check out a pepper eating contest, a cocktail competition, a Chihuahua beauty pageant and more!

Harborside will once again host the Jersey City Craft Beer Festival this weekend! The event features a local assortment of over 150 beer and cider varieties, paired with live entertainment, food, interactive games and more.

Sunday, April 22nd

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 its 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

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 Secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge Tour, we’ll unpack the history behind this span, but also explore many of its 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

For more food and drinks, head to the Greenpointers’ Gardens of the Galaxy Spring Market, which takes place from 1pm to 7pm. There, you’ll find 60+ vendors, offering curated crafts and cosmic activities (henna tattoos, tarot card readings, nail art, rooftop yoga and more)!

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate the wondrous planet we live on by attending these alternative green events taking place throughout New York City.

Monday, April 23rd

Bryant Park is not the place you’d expect to find a wealth of wildlife, but the green space harbors a surprising diversity of birds during migratory season. Participate in this Spring Birding Tour to see chirpers like warblers, tanagers, and thrushes.

Tuesday, April 24th

Stargaze on The High Line with high-powered telescopes provided by the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York. This unique event takes place every Tuesday night, offering urbanites a chance to see rare celestial sights.

Wednesday, April 25th

Four extraordinary artists are creating large-scale calligraphic paintings on the windows of Brookfield Place’s Winter Garden. The pieces, focused around the poetic theme of love, will be produced over the period of two weeks. Catch artist Rupy C. Tut on Wednesday as as finishes her installation.

Thursday, April 26th

Check out the first night of House of Yes’ light + space event, a three-part series and immersive live music party, featuring cosmic visuals and performance art.

See all upcoming Untapped Cities Behind the Scenes Tours.