January is drawing to a close. Kick off February with a bang by attending the quirky activities New York City has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite events going down soon:
Friday, January 26th
Head to Bryant Park for its Winter Carnival, which includes an opening-night skating show, winter sports, curling, a brew house, puppet shows, and Silent Disco. The event is free (unless you opt to rent skates for ice skating).
Saturday, January 27th
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
After checking out the Winter Carnival at Bryant Park, head to Central Park’s Winter Jam, where you can enjoy free skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. The Central Park bandshell area will also covered with blown-in snow!
If you’re into the ridiculous, wacky events that New York City often plays host to, you might want to consider signing up for this year’s Idiotarod NYC, an annual, unsanctioned “race” where costumed teams decorate shopping carts and run through the streets of a deserted neighborhood.
The second annual Best of Brooklyn Festival takes place on Saturday! Enjoy some of Brooklyn’s best craft brews, 20+ of the best chefs and music from curated DJs.
Sunday, January 28th
Did you know that Central Park was once the site of a former African-American village? Or that it was previously home to an infamous casino, where alcohol flowed throughout the Prohibition? For almost 160 years, Central Park has been the green heart of the city, serving as a pastoral haven for New Yorkers and visitors alike. Even so, it still holds many secrets that have yet to be discovered. On our Walking Tour of the Secrets of Central Park we’ll explore the history behind some of its best-loved and hidden sites. Learn about the genesis, design, and evolution of the immense green space, while uncovering its many outrageous happenings, scandals and more.
Secrets of Central Park Walking Tour
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
Monday, January 29th
“Can you tell the difference between a secret and a lie?” That’s the question Caveat, a speakeasy stage for “playful, intelligent nightlife,” is asking its audience during New York City Secrets and Lies, a storytelling event that will feature Untapped Cities’ very own, Michelle Young.
Tuesday, January 30th
Hear the legendary broadcast of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Leningrad” Symphony along with excerpts from Armed Forces Radio collection during Music for a City Under Siege, organized by The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.
Wednesday, January 31st
The Tenement Museum is gathering a panel of experts to discuss the intersection of history, art, and activism during Immigrants Are Our Neighbors.
Thursday, February 1st
Yor/K/ong opens today! The exhibition features emerging artists from New York and Hong Kong, two of the world’s most dynamic cities.