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.

Also! Last week I did a callout for certain types of events, and y'all showed up. So here are even more events that I’d love to feature… because I selfishly want to attend them myself:

• One-time volunteering opportunities

• Women’s weightlifting workshops that are for beginners

• Meditation circles and gatherings where you read spiritual texts

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 gatherings:

Gatherings

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

Monday, April 20: Finding Work You Love

Maybe you don't hate Mondays — you're just in the wrong job. If you're feeling stuck in a career or unsure about your next move, this workshop will help you uncover your strengths, challenge your limiting beliefs, and realign with work that truly excites and fulfills you.

$44 with code JOYLIST (scholarships also available). 8 to 10 PM. 199 N 8th St, Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Info here.

Monday, April 20: How to Touch

A playful exploration of how we communicate through touch — how to listen, reassure, regulate, and deepen our connection through touching and being touched. In this workshop, you'll learn and experience a different approach to the magical physical, social, and emotional language of touching and being touched (non-sexual!!).

$44 with code JOYLIST (scholarships also available for $25). 5:45 to 7:30 PM. 199 N 8th St, Brooklyn (Williamsburg). Info here.

Tuesday, April 21: Astro on Tap NYC 171: Live from our Pale Blue Dot

Started in 2013 right here in Brooklyn, Astro on Tap NYC is a free event series that has expanded around the world. Monthly NYC events run on the 3rd Tuesday of the month and feature astronomy researchers, professionals, communicators, and enthusiasts presenting short, engaging talks — plus games with prizes. This month, the 171st edition celebrates Earth Day. Bring your curiosity and drink in the universe with us!

Free, 7:00-9:00 PM, Somethin' Else, 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn. Info here.

Thursday, April 23: The Sing Easy

The Sing Easy is a welcoming, drop-in singing workshop led by artist and voice coach Jess McAvoy, designed especially for beginners. It blends the relaxed vibe of a casual choir with a holistic approach to voice, offering exercises to open up your voice regardless of experience level. This supportive environment empowers you to expand your voice practice, find natural harmony with yourself and others, and simply enjoy singing.

Donation-based, 7-8:30 PM, 150 W 28th St, Suite 303. Info here.

Friday, April 24: Let Life Flow — A Creative Reset for Spring

Join a guided acrylic pouring art practice as we gently explore what it means to let go and step more fully into our lives. Through conversation and reflection, we'll explore releasing old timelines, shifting the stories we tell ourselves, embracing curiosity and creativity, and trusting life's unfolding. Like painting, life happens in layers — and beauty emerges when we remain open, patient, and trusting. No art experience needed; just come as you are and leave feeling inspired, grounded, and more connected to yourself.

$55, 6-7:30 PM, 12-16 Vestry St, 4th Floor. Info here.

Saturday, April 25: Intermediate Friendship: Level Up Your Friendship Game

Intermediate Friendship is a full day of structured practice — games, experiments, and exercises refined over a decade — that help you see your patterns and try something different. It's not therapy or a buttoned-up lecture; it's real practice with real people. We'll dive deep into the ways we make and break connection, how to deepen connection, and how to repair disconnection.

$99, 9:30 AM-7 PM, Fractal Tech, 111 Conselyea St, Floor 2, Brooklyn. Info here.

Saturday, April 25: North BK: Trash pick up social music party fest

Spring has sprung, but the sidewalks are still giving post-winter garbage chic. A lot of the trash got tossed around all winter, and nobody's magically coming to clean it up for us — come join the McCarren Park cleanup at 10 a.m. (bags and gloves provided), or grab some friends and tackle your own block. Then reward your civic heroism with a post-cleanup drink and maybe flirt with a fellow trash goblin.

Note from Jillian: I love that trash pickup parties are seemingly becoming a trend?!

Free. 10 a.m to 1 PM. McCarren Park. Info here.

Saturday, April 25: Hyggehiking NYC Earth Day + Birbs

Take to the open streets for NYC's Car-Free Earth Day in conjunction with migratory bird season, reveling in the parks, public art, and birdwatching hotspots of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The day culminates with cozy conversation, tea, and zine-making. Each hygge hike is an exploration of the green spaces throughout our city — a chance to gain a visceral understanding of its neighborhoods and local lore, meet people who make NYC feel like a smaller, closer-knit community, and discuss the projects, ideas, and events we're most excited about. Bring your curiosity, reliable footwear, and your friends!

Free ($20 suggested), 10 AM-10 PM, starting at 182 Broome St. (10-mile hike). Info here.

Saturday, April 25: VoicePlay

VoicePlay is a safe space to play with voice as a tool for healing and expression in connection with others. Come explore your embodied expression in this cozy afternoon of somatic and vocal exploration, experimentation, and play — with vocal improvisation, relaxation of the body, deep listening, traditional somatic practices, and connection with the inner sounds waiting to be expressed. The workshop concludes with a group voice and movement improvisation, fostering connection and freedom.

$25, 1-2:30 PM, 303 Saratoga Ave, Brooklyn. Info here.

Saturday, April 25: Manimals Faire: DnD and RocknRoll on the LES

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of their Game of Thrones rock & roll concept album SEVEN, queer theatrical glam punk band The Manimals are hosting an epic Renaissance Faire-themed party at Baker Falls. During the day, guests can join a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, play board games, make medieval crafts, or get glittered at the glitter bar — with tarot readings by Jaynie Arkana, photos by Vonesper Studios, drinks, vendors, and more (Ren Faire garb and cosplay highly encouraged!).

In the evening, live entertainment takes the stage with drag by Hela Rebuke and Buzz Lightqueer, burlesque by Marianna Cross, sword-swallowing by Gin Minsky, live music by electronic bardcore artist Siide Quest, and The Manimals performing their album in full. The all-day event is a uniquely gamified experience, where guests can earn points by participating in activities and making friends to win prizes.

Note from Jillian: This sounds amazing. If you go, please email me a picture!

$20, 2-10:30 PM, Baker Falls, 192 Allen St. Info here.

Sunday, April 26: The D Word (Drag!)

THE D WORD is a monthly all-trans, dyke, and/or sapphic drag and burlesque revue at Henrietta Hudson, celebrating all things queer — and all are welcome. Hosted by Pacha, the show features the gorgeous and talented Julius Nicoy, Mariquita, Reina NoBuena, and Se7en. Come make a friend (or more) while enjoying show-stopping drag and burlesque, games, and more.

$0-$25 pay-what-you-can donation, 9:30-11:30 PM, 438 Hudson Street, NY 10014. Info here.

Sunday, April 26: Heart Opener Class at Othership

An immersive journey into the realm of heartfelt connection. We’ll explore and embody feelings of love, gratitude and compassion, some of the most profound human emotions, to create more meaningful connections and create a richer experience of life.

Expect a sauna to sweat, ice bath to drop-in, towel waving, aromatherapy, stretching, breathwork, vocal toning, periods of complete darkness, sharing and self inquiry.

Note from Jillian: Othership classes can be a great solo time, OR an awesome moment to make friends. If you’re looking to gab, make sure you get there early and chat people up in the waiting area outside the sauna. Plus, after an ice bath, you will be bonded for life.

$64, or use this link for 22% off your first visit. 7:15 PM. 23 W 20th St. Info here.

Learn how to become the Comment Queen (Or King) of LinkedIn

Jillian, The Joy List founder, here. Fun fact: My regular job is being a ghostwriter and a LinkedIn content creator. This Thursday I’m teaching a class on how to become a master of the LinkedIn comments section. It’s perfect if you:

• Want to start posting on LinkedIn, but the idea makes your palms sweat

• Are already writing on LinkedIn, but every post feels like you’re about to get eaten by wolves

• Want to grow your audience, but regular “hacks” feel cheesy… and make you worry that your account will be banned

Join us this Thursday! A recording will also be available if you can’t make it live.

Everyone will also get notes from the call, as well as a free bonus deck on how to write a great hook and CTA.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian