From MSG comedy history to a Caravaggio making its NYC debut, plus 2-for-1 Broadway deals and the Met Opera's final bow on Porgy and Bess—here's your curated guide to the best things to do in NYC this weekend.
January in New York has this particular magic: the holiday chaos has cleared, tourists have thinned out, and the city settles into its crisp, caffeinated rhythm. It's cold, yes—but that's what makes a packed concert hall or a matinee opera feel like exactly the right idea. This weekend delivers on every front: blockbuster comedy at The Garden, world-class classical music, hip-hop royalty, and art that flew in from Rome specifically for you (or close enough).
We combed through hundreds of events on AllEvents to pull together this list—prioritizing things that are genuinely this weekend or never (or at least, this weekend while the buzz is fresh). That means opening weekends, final performances, and the kind of one-night-only shows you'll regret missing when Monday arrives.
NYC Restaurant Week and Broadway Week are also in full swing, which means you can pair that matinee with a three-course dinner for $45. Not a bad Saturday if you ask us.
How this list works: We've mixed music, comedy, culture, sports, food, and outdoor experiences so there's something for everyone. Each pick includes who it's really for, what makes it special, and the practical details you need. Bookmark your favorites on AllEvents to keep track.
What it is: The comedian who went from SNL casualty to Netflix superstar caps his three-night MSG residency on Saturday—an arena run that would've seemed impossible four years ago.
Why go: Love him or hate him (and plenty do both), Shane Gillis packing Madison Square Garden is a cultural moment. His brand of unapologetic, often un-PC comedy has found a massive audience, and there's something undeniably electric about seeing a comic in a venue usually reserved for rock legends and championship games.
Who it's for: Fans who've been following since the podcast days, comedy obsessives curious about what "arena standup" looks like in 2026, and anyone who wants to say they were there.
Need-to-know: Multiple shows Jan 22-24, Saturday show at 8PM. Tickets range from around $120-$1900 depending on seats. Madison Square Garden, Midtown. Doors at 7PM.
What it is: Two late-night kings share one stage for an evening of political humor and observational comedy at the gorgeous Beacon Theatre.
Why go: You rarely get two hosts of this caliber together, and the Beacon's acoustics and art-deco grandeur make it feel infinitely more intimate than watching on your laptop. Expect sharp takes on the news cycle and the kind of crowd energy that only live comedy can generate.
Who it's for: Anyone who's ever texted a friend "did you see Last Week Tonight last night?" This is the live version of that conversation.
Need-to-know: Sunday, January 25, 7:30PM. Beacon Theatre, Upper West Side. Tickets from $169+.
What it is: The Gershwins' groundbreaking American opera, blending jazz, blues, and classical traditions, in its final performances of this run at the Metropolitan Opera.
Why go: This production marks the opera's 90th anniversary, and the Met's current staging—with bass-baritone Alfred Walker and soprano Brittany Renee—has been earning raves. After Saturday's matinee, it's done. The Met does not mess around with revivals; if you've been meaning to catch this, the window is closing.
Who it's for: Opera lovers, musical theater fans curious about the form's American roots, and anyone who's ever had "Summertime" stuck in their head.
Need-to-know: Performances January 22 (7:30PM) and January 24 (1PM matinee only). Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center. Tickets from ~$153.
What it is: Piano virtuoso Yuja Wang joins conductor-composer Thomas Adès for a program featuring Rautavaara's dramatic Piano Concerto No. 1, plus works by Ives and Saariaho.
Why go: Yuja Wang is one of those performers who makes classical music feel urgent and alive—her technical precision paired with Adès's adventurous programming makes this a standout night at David Geffen Hall. The program is part of the NY Phil's "US at 250" series, adding thematic depth to an already compelling lineup.
Who it's for: Classical music devotees, piano enthusiasts, and curious newcomers who want a truly world-class introduction to orchestral music.
Need-to-know: January 22-24, 7:30PM nightly. David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center. Tickets available via NY Phil.
What it is: The Wu-Tang legend brings his legendary flow to the East Village's beloved Webster Hall.
Why go: Ghostface is hip-hop royalty—Ironman, Supreme Clientele, Fishscale—and seeing him in a venue this size (versus an arena) means you're getting an intimate look at one of the genre's greatest. Webster Hall's recently renovated Grand Ballroom sounds better than ever.
Who it's for: Hip-hop heads, Wu-Tang fans, and anyone who appreciates lyrical mastery in a room small enough to feel the bass in your chest.
Need-to-know: Friday, January 23, doors 6:30PM, show 7:30PM. Webster Hall, East Village. 16+. Tickets available.
What it is: Yes, that Bill Murray. The comedy legend has been touring with his blues/rock outfit, performing classic American music with a rotating cast of talented musicians.
Why go: Bill Murray singing blues standards is exactly as delightful and surreal as it sounds. The show blends live music, storytelling, and that signature Murray charisma—it's part concert, part hangout with your most interesting friend.
Who it's for: Bill Murray completists, live music lovers who want something unexpected, and anyone who thinks rock stars have gotten a little too predictable.
Need-to-know: Saturday, January 24, doors 6:30PM, show 7:30PM. Webster Hall, East Village. 16+. With Jimmy Carpenter Band opening.
What it is: The Grammy-winning New Orleans institution brings their signature fusion of funk, jazz, and second-line tradition to Williamsburg.
Why go: Rebirth has been leading New Orleans' brass band revival since 1983, and their live shows are pure joy—expect dancing, sweating, and the kind of communal energy that makes you forget it's winter outside. Brooklyn Bowl's bowling-alley-meets-concert-hall vibe only adds to the fun.
Who it's for: Funk lovers, New Orleans music fans, and anyone who needs to shake off January's doldrums with a serious groove.
Need-to-know: Saturday, January 24, doors 6PM, show 8PM. Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg. 21+. With Stoop Kidz. Tickets ~$50.
AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
What it is: The CNN anchor and Bravo impresario—real-life best friends—take the stage for a candid, often hilarious conversation at the Beacon Theatre.
Why go: These two have genuine chemistry and a willingness to go off-script. Expect behind-the-scenes media stories, surprisingly honest banter, and the kind of celebrity crossover that actually delivers entertainment value.
Who it's for: Bravo loyalists, news junkies, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good celebrity friendship.
Need-to-know: Friday January 23 & Saturday January 24, 8PM. Beacon Theatre, Upper West Side. Tickets from ~$148.
Brooklyn Nets v. Boston Celtics
What it is: The defending champions visit Brooklyn for an NBA matchup at the Barclays Center.
Why go: The Celtics are always a draw, and Barclays has that energetic, slightly underdog Brooklyn vibe that makes even a rebuilding season feel engaging. Plus, downtown Brooklyn's pre-game food scene has exploded—make an evening of it.
Who it's for: Basketball fans, Celtics-haters looking for catharsis, and anyone who wants to experience a pro game without the Manhattan premium.
Need-to-know: Friday, January 23, 7:30PM. Barclays Center, Downtown Brooklyn. Tickets widely available.
What it is: A rare loan from Rome's Galleria Borghese brings Caravaggio's first masterpiece to New York, displayed alongside related drawings and paintings at the intimate Morgan Library.
Why go: This painting almost never leaves Italy. Seeing Caravaggio's revolutionary use of light and his uncanny ability to make fruit look more alive than most portraits—in a small, contemplative gallery—is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Who it's for: Art lovers, Caravaggio devotees, and anyone who wants a hushed, reverent museum experience (as opposed to fighting crowds at the Met).
Need-to-know: On view through April 19, 2026. The Morgan Library & Museum, Murray Hill. Tues-Sun, 10:30AM-5PM (Fridays until 8PM). Admission: ~$26.
What it is: The first major U.S. exhibition on the German Expressionist painter Gabriele Münter, featuring over 70 paintings and photographs in the Guggenheim's iconic rotunda.
Why go: Münter co-founded the Blue Rider movement and was essential to early 20th-century modernism—but she's been overshadowed by history (and by her more famous partner, Kandinsky). This exhibition corrects the record beautifully.
Who it's for: Art history buffs, Expressionism fans, and anyone who enjoys walking the Guggenheim's spiral while discovering an artist they should've known about all along.
Need-to-know: On view through April 26, 2026. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Upper East Side. Daily 10:30AM-5:30PM. Admission: $30.
What it is: An immersive digital art experience transforming Chelsea Market's century-old boiler room into a GPU-powered sensory wonderland.
Why go: ARTECHOUSE has become NYC's go-to for cutting-edge immersive experiences, and SUBMERGE showcases work from global digital artists who are pushing what "art exhibition" even means. It's Instagram-friendly, sure, but genuinely innovative too.
Who it's for: Digital art enthusiasts, families looking for something beyond the usual museums, and anyone who wants to feel like they've stepped inside a video game.
Need-to-know: Through March 31, 2026. ARTECHOUSE, Chelsea. Daily, timed entry. 2-for-1 adult tickets available with code MSW26 during NYC Museum Week (through Feb 12). Tickets from ~$25.
What it is: The city's biggest dining event returns with prix-fixe menus at nearly 600 restaurants across all five boroughs.
Why go: Three-course dinners for $45 or $60 at spots that normally charge double? Yes please. This is your chance to try that buzzy new restaurant you've been eyeing—or revisit an old favorite without the sticker shock.
Who it's for: Foodies, date-night planners, and anyone who believes a great weekend should include at least one exceptional meal.
Need-to-know: January 20 - February 12, 2026. Reservations open now at nycgo.com/restaurantweek. Pro tip: weekday lunches are easier to book than Saturday dinners.
What it is: Classic New York winter activities at three iconic rinks, each with their own vibe.
Why go: Bryant Park is free admission (just pay for skate rental) and feels like skating in a snow globe surrounded by Midtown towers. Rockefeller Center is the tourist's classic—cheesy but magical. Wollman Rink in Central Park has the most cinematic backdrop.
Who it's for: Romantics, families, visitors doing the full NYC winter experience, and locals who've been meaning to go for years.
Need-to-know:
Bryant Park: Free admission, skate rental ~$20. Through March 1.
Rockefeller Center: Reservations recommended. Through April.
Wollman Rink, Central Park: Open daily. Check hours online as they vary.
NYC Broadway Week runs through February 12 with 2-for-1 tickets to dozens of shows—from Wicked to Hamilton to The Great Gatsby. Pair it with Restaurant Week for a quintessential NYC Saturday.
UNIQLO Friday Nights at MoMA offers free admission every Friday 5:30-8:30PM if you want to cap the week with art and people-watching.
What's the weather like this weekend in NYC?
Cold. Expect temperatures in the 20s-30s°F. Layer up, especially for anything outdoors.
Are events selling out?
Shane Gillis and Porgy and Bess are the tightest tickets. Restaurant Week reservations at popular spots go fast—book ahead.
Best neighborhoods to explore this weekend?
The Upper West Side has a concentration of big events (Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center). Williamsburg delivers for live music (Brooklyn Bowl, Rough Trade). Chelsea works for ARTECHOUSE plus gallery-hopping.
Is it worth booking Restaurant Week if I've never done it?
Absolutely—but manage expectations. It's prix-fixe value, not the full menu experience. Choose restaurants you've wanted to try anyway.
Ready to lock in your weekend? Browse all NYC events on AllEvents, save your favorites, and set reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. This city never stops giving you reasons to leave the apartment—and this weekend, it's showing off.