Best NYC Events Jan. 15–18, 2026 | SPARK Picks

From NYC Restaurant Week and 45 Years of Pac-Man at the Paley Center to Bryant Park bumper cars on ice, a buzzy new documentary about “dad genes,” and standout art openings, here are SPARK’s must-see New York City events for Jan. 15–18, 2026.


Exhibits You Can’t Miss

45 Years of Pac-Man
Opens Jan. 16; runs through Feb. 12
The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 25th St., NYC
paleycenter.org

45 Years of Pac Man at The Paley Center, NYC. Photo courtesy of The Paley Center

It’s been 45 years since Pac-Man hit arcades in 1980—and the obsession continues. This interactive exhibition dives into the game’s cultural impact with immersive installations, nostalgia, and hands-on fun. Fans will eat it up.


Dan Flavin: Grids
Opening reception: Jan. 15, 6–8 p.m.; runs through Feb. 21
David Zwirner Gallery, 537 W. 20th St., NYC
davidzwirner.com

Dan Flavin, untitled (in honor of Leo at the 30th anniversary of his gallery), 1987 copyright 2025 Stephen Flavin/ Artists Rights Society (ARS) New York.

The first focused examination of Dan Flavin’s grids, a pivotal body of work the artist began in 1976, spotlighting his enduring influence on contemporary art.


“The Space Between Us”
Jan. 15, 6–7 p.m. VIP opening; 7–9 p.m. public reception
One Art Space, 23 Warren St., NYC
oneartspace.com

A weeklong group exhibition in Tribeca curated by Mitchell Rodbell, featuring 12 artists exploring connection, contrast, and the emotional charge that can exist in the spaces we share.


Dining Deals

NYC Restaurant Week
Jan. 20–Feb. 12
Two-course lunches and three-course dinners for $30, $45, or $60
nyctourism.com/restaurant-week

NYC Restaurant Week runs Jan. 20 – Feb. 12, NYC. Photo courtesy of NYC Tourism

Hundreds of restaurants across the five boroughs offer prix-fixe menus at bargain prices—an ideal excuse to try somewhere new while supporting local businesses. Reservations are strongly recommended.


Outdoor Fun

Bumper Cars on Ice
Open through Feb. 28
Mon.–Fri., 2–10 p.m.; Sat., 9:20 a.m.–5:20 p.m.; Sun. hours vary
Bryant Park, 40–42nd St. between Fifth and Sixth avenues, NYC
bryantpark.org

Bumper Cars on Ice at Bryant Park. Photo by Bryan Muir

What’s more fun than bumper cars? Bumper cars—on ice—outdoors. Reserve in advance, as weekend time slots fill quickly, then linger for dining and shopping at the Bryant Park Winter Village.


Film

Dad Genes
Jan. 16, 5 p.m.
DWF NY, 850 Broadway, NYC
dadgenesmovie.com

World premiere of ‘Dad Genes’ documentary, DWF NY. Photo courtesy of dadgenesmovie.com

A world-premiere documentary following “12 months of sperm donation, 20 years later, dozens of kids, one surprising love story, zero roadmap.” A provocative and unexpectedly heartfelt look at modern fatherhood.