Hi again, my lovely readers!

This is a quickie intro. I’ve got nothing of note for you this week, except for these lovely gatherings. As a reminder, submit your events here and your ads here.

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.

Wednesday, May 6: The Sparkle: A Fresh Take on Dating & Friending

Join us at The Sparkle — an interactive event designed to create playful moments among strangers, ignite chemistry, and foster deep connections. Whether you're looking for romance, new homies, or just a fun night of human connection, this experience invites you to engage with others in ways you've never done before, well beyond the usual small talk.

Sliding scale $30, 7 PM, Crossroads Cafe. Info here.

Thursday, May 7: Candle-Making Workshop at Grimm Ales

Join our guided candle-making workshop for a fun evening with friends, a lovely date, or an opportunity to meet new people. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from Grimm Ales while you craft a one-of-a-kind candle, uniquely designed by you. Sign up for our email list and receive a 10% discount.

$42, 7-9 PM, 990 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn. Info here.

Thursday, May 7: Inner Child Art Nyte

Ready to play? Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and permission to use allll the crayons. You'll make, laugh, and unwind through guided exercises, great tunes, and a room full of lovely humans — think of it as a one-night summer camp for adults where you leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and a little more free.

$25, 7-9 PM, 12-16 Vestry St. Info here.

Thursday, May 7: Phone Addiction

They say there are two kinds of people in the world: people who check their phone in the bathroom, and liars. Phone addiction isn't a sign of personal failure or lack of willpower — it's that our phones are truly designed to keep us hooked, and boy do they do their job well. In this workshop, taught by Didintle Ntsie, we'll unpack how these habits quietly shape our attention and emotions, and what it actually takes to shift our relationship with our phones.

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

Saturday, May 9: Paws and Poses

Join us for a feel-good morning of Pilates, pups, and a restorative soundbath at Maison Welles. You'll have the chance to bring your own pup and do Pilates with them (BYOP?!) — and don't worry if you don't have one, all are welcome. Each ticket includes a 40-minute mat Pilates class, 10-minute sound bath, 10 minutes to mingle with the pups, and a free pup cup. Bring your own mat or rent one for $3.

$45, 9-10 AM, 18 E 13th St, New York. Info here.

Saturday, May 9: The Awakened Mother: Celebrating our Creative Power

Join us for a joyful and soulful celebration of the creative power of motherhood. We'll create a sacred space to honor who you are at your core, and who you are becoming. This gathering will explore some of the science of spirituality and motherhood and incorporate research-based, soul-nourishing practices designed to help you reconnect to yourself. Leave feeling less stressed and more supported in motherhood.

$45, 1:30-3 PM, 141 W. 72nd Street, New York. Info here.

Saturday, May 9: The Wedding

"The Wedding" is a one-night immersive art, theatre, and music experience set within a historic former bank in NYC. The project responds to the recent turmoil and violence surrounding immigration, green cards, and H-1B visa policies in the United States, threading exhibiting artworks together through the enactment of a cross-national marriage. Guests are invited to move freely, discovering performances, videos, paintings, and installations as they appear and evolve.

$45, 8:30 PM-12:00 AM, 175 Broadway, Brooklyn. Info here.

Sunday, May 10: Kinky Carnival

Dive into Kinky Carnival: a maze of absurdly sexy stations and gloriously unhinged games at Hit Me Up. Expect Electro Operation, BDSM Twister, erotic challenges, vendors, chocolate, tarot, a cuddle corner, connection games, prizes, plus free wine and snacks. Hosted by sex educator Niki Davis-Fainbloom — expect playful chaos, instant chemistry, and delightfully ridiculous fun.

Sliding scale from $30, 6 to 9:30 PM, Hit Me Up. Info here.

That's it for this edition. Sending hugs.

Stay cozy,

Jillian