I threw up my first night living in Manhattan. The salad I bought from a Wolfgang Puck kiosk in St. Louis did not sit well upon landing in Newark, and the bumpy van ride to Manhattan only made it worse.
It was January of 2009, only days before Obama’s first inauguration. So on the eve of Trump’s second, I decided it was time to make myself sick all over again.
Except, this time, it’s because I’m going into business for myself.
Brooklyn Magazine published my popular Weekend Guide for years but now I’m branching out and expanding my coverage to the entire city.
I’m calling it New York Weekend Guide and I’m working to make it the best things to do column in NYC for locals, tourists, and media professionals sifting through the endless coverage options.
This week is a test run of things to come. You’ll find a short list of things to do, highlighting some of the city’s best culture.
Drop me a line to talk ideas, have your events considered, or advertise with us.
Have a great weekend,
Josh
P.S. If the new Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown sparked your interest in NYC’s protest and folk history, dive deeper with the self-guided audio tour Pride and Folk, Stonewall and Gaslight: A Self-Guided Tour of Greenwich Village.
Readers of the New York Weekend Guide can use code BOB&PETE to take the tour for free. Thanks to TellBetter for the code.
Thursday, January 16
🤠 Desert 5 Spot x MusiCares at Dolly Parton Tribute Night
Desert 5 Spot NY is hosting a Wildfire Relief Fundraiser in partnership with MusiCares to support music professionals affected by the LA wildfires. The event kicks off tonight during the venue's 1st Annual Dolly Parton Tribute Night, featuring live music and a Dolly look-alike contest.
Guests are encouraged to donate $20+ for entry, including a complimentary cocktail, with 10% of bar proceeds going to wildfire victims. The fundraiser runs through Saturday.
Friday, January 17
💃 Luis Fernando & Arloafterdark present: The Werk Room
It’s that time of year—Drag Race season is here! Arlo After Dark & Luis Fernando Present: The Werk Room is a weekly watch party for the ultimate Drag Race fans. Join the fun every Friday through April as the latest episodes air live. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the watch party kicking off at 8 p.m.
Afterward, meet the queens from this season, then get ready for sizzling live performances from Season 17 queens Suzie Toot and Onya Nurve. The party lasts late, so bring your best moves—twirl, duck walk, and death drop with your squirrel friends! Tickets are 2 for 1 through Thursday night.
Saturday, January 18
🎭 Where We're Born at Adult Film
Adult Film is a Bushwick-based collective of actors focused on the connections between performers, writers, and directors. Operating out of a three-story brownstone, they produce intimate plays, offer acting classes, and host screenings.
Their latest production, Where We’re Born by Lucy Thurber, explores the lives of three friends in a small Massachusetts town, whose routine is upended by the return of Tony's cousin, Lily, from college. Her efforts to merge her two worlds cause everything to unravel.
Performances take place in Ridgewood, with a Q&A by Thurber on January 25.
🎬 In Dreams Begin Responsibilities: A Jonathan Rosenbaum Double-Bill
In celebration of In Dreams Begin Responsibilities, a new collection of writings by Chicago-based critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, Metrograph welcomes the legendary critic back to New York City. Rosenbaum will join filmmaker Michael Almereyda for a conversation, sign copies of his book, and present two films from the collection: Yasuzō Masumura’s Giants and Toys (1958) and Dušan Makavejev’s WR: Mysteries of the Organism (1971). Rosenbaum will also sign books on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 19
👯♀️ Lady Bunny's Disco Tea Dance
The bitch is back in Brooklyn—and she’s starting early because, well, she’s earned it! Join New York icon Lady Bunny as she spins her favorite disco hits at this classic Tea Dance on Sunday afternoon. Grab your gays, gals, and theys, and hit the dance floor at C’mon Everybody.
Go Josh!!