Things to Do in NYC, January 2026
The Blankman List of music, art, theater, and more happening in New York City this New Year
The Blankman List is a monthly curated list of things to do in New York City. It showcases the full range of what there is to do, for residents and tourists alike.
I especially seek out artistic and cultural events like concerts, plays, and art exhibits, along with anything that is high-quality, notable, and/or free. There is at least one event for every day of January 2026, and no borough or event type is off limits.
Creating this list is a lot of work for me! Seeing events past the first week requires a paid subscription. All subscribers, however, receive a free highlights post.
Disclaimer: Before going anywhere, please confirm the date, time, location, cost, and description using the listed website. Any event is at risk of being rescheduled, relocated, sold out, at capacity, or canceled. Costs are rounded to the nearest dollar and may change. I try to vet quality and describe accurately, but I may misjudge. All views are my own.
Thursday, January 1
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Jazz Island, Difference Between, and More
World premiere of repertory dance works including Jazz Island by Maija García and Difference Between by Matthew Neenan; 7:30 pm; New York City Center performances through Jan 4
$45–$115
New York City Center
131 W 55th St (Midtown, Manhattan)
Friday, January 2
Adam Elbaum: Heartfelt Deceptions
Magic show with Adam Elbaum, who specializes in card tricks, levitations, and mentalism; 7:15 & 9:30 pm; Jan 2 & 3
$136–$218
69 Atlantic
69 Atlantic Ave (Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn)
Off-Broadway cabaret show featuring musical theater songs that tell stories about people who are queer and transgender; 9:30 pm (9 pm doors)
$30–$74, plus $25 food and beverage minimum
54 Below
254 W 54th St, Cellar (Midtown, Manhattan)
Crochet Club @ The Gregory Jackson Center
Social crochet club meeting for crocheters of all skill levels; 12–2 pm
Free
The Gregory Jackson Center of Brownsville
519 Rockaway Ave (Brownsville, Brooklyn)
Saturday, January 3
Lower East Side Yearbook: A Living Archive
Exhibition of photographs by Destiny Mata and from the archives of Lower East Side public housing residents; 10 am–10 pm; through Jan 4
Free
Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand St (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
Sunday, January 4
Broadway closing night of Samuel Beckett’s 1952 tragicomedy play Waiting for Godot, starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter; 2 & 8 pm
$66–$447
Hudson Theatre
141 W 44th St (Times Square, Manhattan)
Monday, January 5
Metropolitan Opera performance of George and Ira Gershwin’s famed 1935 music theater work Porgy and Bess; 8 pm; Dec 2–Jan 24
$33–$455
Metropolitan Opera House
30 Lincoln Center Plaza (Lincoln Square, Manhattan)
Tuesday, January 6
World Food Photography Awards Showcase
Showcase of photos curated by the World Food Photography Awards accompanying the Museum of Food and Drink’s exhibit on street food; all day; through Jan 11
Free
Throughout the lobby of Empire Stores
55 Water St (Dumbo, Brooklyn)
Bar trivia about the golden years of The Simpsons; 7–9 pm; first Tuesday of each month
Free
The Spare Room, The Gutter
200 N 14th St (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Wednesday, January 7
Singles mixer event developed to promote more “thoughtful dating”; 6:30–9:30 pm
$102–$112 (includes drinks + light bites; use promo code “blankman” for 20% off)
Loft in Tribeca
120 Walker St, 5th floor (Lower Manhattan)
Open-mic 5-minute storytelling competition about “bold beginnings, fresh starts, or falling in love”; 8 pm (7 pm doors)
$20
The Bell House
149 7th St (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
40% off sale on eligible categories on in-store purchases only; Jan 7–11
Free entry
Chanel flagship boutiques and select department stores
Throughout the city but concentrated along 5th Ave (Midtown, Manhattan)