This weekend, the city buzzes with vibrant events waiting to be explored. From engaging cultural experiences to activities the whole family can enjoy, there’s a little something for everyone. Dive into the highlights and map out your ideal weekend plans.
Welcome In: A Motown Christmas
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM
Location: 2320 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10027 (United Laundré)
Price: Free
On Friday, December 13th, United Laundré will set the stage for Welcome In: A Motown Christmas, a celebration of Black art and Harlem entrepreneurship. This festive evening will feature live renditions of Motown classics from legends like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, mixed with a touch of contemporary R&B. Bringing the spirit of the season to Harlem, the event promises a vibrant night of music and culture while shining a spotlight on the neighborhood’s creative and entrepreneurial talent.
Off the Wall: The Affordable Art Fair at Culture Lab LIC
Date: Friday, December 13th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: 5-25 46th Avenue, Queens, NY 11101 (Culture Lab LIC)
Price: Free RSVP
Holiday shoppers and art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase featuring over 100 talented local artists this season. The event offers an extensive collection, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and textiles, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers. A standout highlight is the 2024 edition of “Off the Wall,” a special collaboration with the LIC-based BrickHouse Ceramic Center, which will display an array of stunning ceramic pieces crafted by skilled local artists.
Third Annual Jazz Night: Year of Alice
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: 23 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Brooklyn Peace Center)
Price: $65
The Third Annual Jazz Night returns to the Brooklyn Peace Center this December, bringing together music, culture, and community for an unforgettable evening. Co-sponsored by the John & Alice Coltrane Home, this year’s event embraces the theme “Background is Foreground,” honoring Alice Coltrane’s legacy and the often-overlooked influences that shape art and spirituality. Hosted in the historic Gilded Age building, the night will feature live jazz performances, a silent auction, and light refreshments, with all proceeds supporting the center’s transformative programs in peacebuilding, trauma resilience, and the arts.
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: 2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10026 (Harlem Tavern)
Price: Free
The Black Everywhere NYC Winter Party promises an evening of holiday fun and community connection. Guests are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit with bold, quirky fashion, donning their most outrageous holiday sweaters for a playful twist on seasonal style. Highlights include a lively White Elephant Gift Exchange, where attendees can swap $20-or-less mystery presents, sparking laughter and surprises throughout the night. While enjoying the camaraderie, attendees can purchase appetizers and drinks to round out an unforgettable evening of festive cheer and meaningful connections.
Remonstrance! A History of Social Justice in Queen
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 2:30 PM-4:30 PM
Location: 143-35 37th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354 (Kingsland Homestead)
Price: $7.18-$12.51
Join the community for the grand opening of the new gallery exhibit, The History of Social Justice in Queens. The exhibit will feature a collection of never-before-seen images, tracing the journey from the Flushing Remonstrance in the 1600s to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 70s. In addition to the visual presentation, poet David Mills will provide a powerful performance that adds a personal and evocative narrative to the historical context, deepening the community’s understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the past.
We hope you take some time to enjoy these weekend events!