Hi again, my lovely readers!

As per usual, a reminder to share this link with your event producer friends! I’d love to feature any gatherings that facilitate new connections. I am ESPECIALLY looking for events that I would not be able to attend myself since, naturally, I hear about those less. That includes gatherings for:

• Men

• Queer folks

• POC

• People who enjoy team sports for some reason

Send me your stuff. Or BONUS POINTS, go ahead and submit the form for the communities you love. You’ll become the organizer’s favorite.

ALSO! this is the link to purchase an ad, which is great for anything that is NOT a one-off event in NYC. (Or just to guarantee your event is featured.)

Now, onto the GIF and the good stuff:

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Monday, April 13: Prospect Park Yoga Opening Day + Picnic

It's the first class of Prospect Park Yoga's 2026 season, and they're celebrating with a picnic! Join Paige, the founder, for the inaugural class of the season followed by a picnic in the park. Bring your own mat and a snack to share — an exact pin will be provided upon registration. If you can't make this one, Prospect Park Yoga hosts classes every day in the park throughout the season.

$23, 6:30–7:30 PM, Lakeside, Prospect Park (pin provided at registration). Info here.

Monday, April 13: The Cacao Salon for Founders and Creatives

Success Starts in the Body is a new kind of social salon for founders, creatives, and ambitious people who are tired of trying to think their way into confidence, visibility, and success. At FABRIK, Sasha Sakhar, Gal Bepole, and Julius V. Betila will guide you through ceremonial cacao, visibility practice, movement, meditation, and live sound. Together, you'll explore how to own the stage, speak with more confidence, and create more agency — not by pushing harder, but by changing the state you lead from.

$40–60, 6:30–8:30 PM, Fabrik Dumbo. Info here.

Tuesday, April 14: Re:Source Practice

Re:Source Practice is a somatic evening experience for anyone craving a genuine return to themselves and to others — a guided journey through body, breath, and stillness that culminates in authentic group sharing. The evening flows through somatic movement, grounding breathwork, guided meditation, and a closing circle, building a rare and collective state of embodied presence.

$35 (sliding scale available), 6–7:30 PM, Reforesters Laboratory. Info here.

Tuesday, April 14: StoryTell & Sound Mind Present: Story in Sound

Join StoryTell and Sound Mind for an intimate, immersive evening of music, storytelling, and connection featuring Pakistani-American musician and community builder Umer Piracha. The evening blends conversation, small-group storytelling, and participatory music-making — no experience needed. This is not a performance but a shared gathering to slow down, listen, and connect through story and sound.

$35, 6:30–9:30 PM, Barzakh Cafe, 147 Utica Ave, Brooklyn. Info here.

Wednesday, April 15: An UNMUTED Dialogue: Is the West Still the West?

​For 75 years, the transatlantic alliance defined the global order. It took one presidency to throw it all into question. Was the break inevitable, or did we let something worth saving fall apart?

​The evening includes a moderated discussion, audience Q&A, and small group conversations.

$10. 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Info here.

Thursday, April 16: Reflection & Connection: What Motivates Us

Want to learn more about what motivates you in your career? Join Funemployed?! & Friends for this Reflection & Connection event in Dumbo — you'll take a short motivation assessment, do written reflection, and discuss how to integrate findings into your life, whether you're in a job search, career transition, or current role. Light snacks and drinks provided.

Free, 5:30–7:30 PM, 20 Jay Street, DUMBO. Info here.

Saturday, April 18: Tarot + Charm Bracelet Workshop

A guided tarot and charm-making workshop designed to help you meet new people while creating something meaningful. Guests will be led through a beginner-friendly tarot pull and reflection exercise, with optional moments to share and connect with others, then design a custom charm bracelet or necklace based on their reading. It's a low-pressure, creative space to reflect, connect, and leave with both a keepsake and new energy for the season.

$63, 1–4 PM, Cafe Grumpy, Greenpoint (193 Meserole Ave.). Info here.

Sunday, April 19: Community Cleanup PLG Trash-a-Thon

100+ volunteers will clean every block of Prospect Lefferts Gardens in one day — flexible 1-hour shifts starting from two points: Flatbush & Clarkson and New York Ave & Empire. No experience needed, supplies provided, and all optional donations go to Flatbush Mixtape, a local mutual-aid collective.

Free, 8 AM–9 PM (sign up for a 1-hour shift or more!), Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn. Info here.

Sunday, April 19: Spring Hike: Fresh Air!

The Ladies Open Air Society is a community for women in tech and other male-dominated industries to gather outdoors in a supportive, low-pressure environment focused on connection and friendship. This month’s event is a casual spring hike at Ken Lockwood Gorge in New Jersey. It’s a relaxed opportunity to get outside, meet other women, and make friends.

Free. 10 AM to 3 PM. Info here.

A Return to Yourself—In Community

Meditating solo is restorative; together, it becomes dynamic—especially in times of global conflict. Vedic Meditation is an effortless practice that brings the mind into deep rest—releasing stress, restoring clarity and expanding creative energy. No focus or concentration required. Join a thoughtful community—new, experienced and prospective meditators—for an evening of meditation, conversation followed by Ayurvedic dinner. Come as you are; leave renewed. April 14 · 5:30 intro talk, 6:30 dinner. RSVP: [email protected]

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian