February is almost over, and the warmer weather is a welcomed change for New Yorkers. In celebration of (soon-to-come) spring, participate in all the exciting activities taking place soon ranging from tours to film festivals.
Friday, February 23rd
Marking the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary, the Brooklyn Historical Society has teamed up with the Chamber to launch The Business of Brooklyn, an exhibit that features artifacts from businesses that started in Brooklyn throughout the last 150 years.
Love movies and film? The Unusual Film Festival kicks off today and runs through the 27th. Head to the Walter Read Theater to watch 13 rare and underrated films.
Saturday, February 24th
Try unlimited samples of drinks from 60 breweries during the NYC Beer Week Opening Bash at Brooklyn Expo Center. If you’re thirsty for more, make sure to also check out our guide to NYC’s Best Annual Drinking Events.
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
Sunday, February 25th
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
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival is finally here! Celebrate by heading to Hester Street to check out stunning floats, lion and dragon dancers and a variety of live performances.
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, February 26th
The 14th Annual A Shared Dream Tribute Concert, honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will unfold inside the Pilgrim Church, Renaissance Convention Center.
Tuesday, February 27th
Get in some exercise at NYRR Open Run, taking place at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The community-based and volunteer-led run is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, February 28th
Participate in Earth Celebrations’ Ecological City, a multi-faceted sustainability effort that culminates with a parade. In preparation, join a costume workshop, where you can design your own hand-crafted puppets and nature-oriented costumes.
Thursday, March 1st
ON AIR FEST, a new audio/podcast event at Wythe Hotel, will take place from March 1-4. It will bring together people from across art, music, media and more for the first of its kind gathering. Major names slated to participate include Laurie Anderson, Dylan Marron, The Moth, Marvel Comics, ESPN, WNYC to name a few.