For all of us who believe in equal rights, the First Amendment or just not overdoing it with the self-tanner, Jan. 20 is going to be the worst Friday ever. Whether you want to get the resistance started now or just need to practice some self-care, take your mind off the inauguration at these great events.
The last time Shakespeare with Benefits staged their “Bard-based variety show” was in 2012 to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief. This Friday, they’re bringing it back to raise funds for the ACLU with everything you love about Shakespeare, from his irreverent comedies to dramatic duels, and a dose of parody. $15-$50, 7-10 p.m., The West End Theatre, Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 263 W. 86th St., second floor
You won’t find Broadway stars at the inauguration — they’ll be performing right here at home for a concert benefitting organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Sierra Club. The roster packs in stage luminaries from Chita Rivera to current “Hamilton” star Javier Munoz, Tony winner Billy Porter, Rosie O’Donnell and “Spotlight” star Brian D’Arcy James. The show at Town Hall is sold out, but you can stream it at your desk on Facebook Live beginning at 3 p.m.
You have to know how the political machine works before you can tear it down from the inside. Start the resistance on Inauguration Day by hearing from people who have been working in the political trenches like Ben Yee, who worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, and Al Benninghoff, who’s worked on over a dozen congressional campaigns across the country. $5, 7:30 p.m., Union Hall, 702 Union St., Park Slope
The women-owned and run bakery-bar Butter & Scotch just launched its winter menu this week, and $1 from every single cocktail, all winter long, goes to support Planned Parenthood. Drinks include the Smash the Patriarchy (tequila, ancho reyes verde, honey, lemon, sage) and the Shirley Chisholm (sorrel-infused vodka, amara blood orange amaro, absinthe). 818 Franklin Ave., Crown Heights The Rubin Museum’s Eastern philosophy is all about peace and endurance, important lessons if we’re to survive the next four years without losing our minds. Admission is waived all Inauguration Day, with special ticketed events including yoga (BYO mat) with live music, a themed gallery tour on how the Himalayans wrestled with their own vengeful gods, and more. Free-$35, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea If your happy place is when you’re getting creative (with a happy hour-priced drink in your other hand), then come to the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Local artist Dennis Redmoon Darkeem will lead an evening of art-making including painting and collaging based on his project reflecting on the possibilities of the new year, “New Understandings.” Beer and wine at the museum’s cafe are just $5. Free, 6-8 p.m., 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx
The museum has expanded its usual Friday night pay-what-you-wish hours to the entire day, with tons of special events: guided tours about American identity through its massive portrait exhibit “Human Interest,” a speaker series by Occupy Museums (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), an immersive program within its “Dreamlands” cinematic exhibition, and more.10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., 99 Gansevoort St. This weekend’s Women’s March will be a historic show of rejecting a man who got elected despite bragging about sexual assault. But the list of grievances against the incoming president is long, and this march to the Trump building on Wall Street will protest his stances on immigration, health care, worker’s rights and more.5-11 p.m., Foley Square, 111 Worth St. Anybody: An Improvised Historical Hip-Hopera
Remember that rush of patriotic fervor when you first listened to the “Hamilton” soundtrack? We may live in more problematic times, but we’ve got North Coast, who blend freestyle rap and long-form improv comedy by choosing a figure from history (they’re down with everyone from Nikola Tesla to Louisa May Alcott) and creating a historically accurate musical set about them.$15, 9:30 p.m., The Striker, 123 E. 24th St. Given up on politics? There are other ways to create change; a rep from the New York Civil Liberties Union will be answering all your civil rights questions and how to get involved at Gemini & Scorpio’s fundraising party. Free bites and a cash bar will keep up your fighting spirit, as well as an art raffle and live music. Admission (suggested $10-$100) goes to the ACLU.5:30 p.m., RSVP for address, Gowanus
