So, you woke up in New York City this morning, looked out the window, and probably realized the vibe is a little... different. It’s Monday, January 19, 2026. If the quiet streets didn't give it away, the dusting of snow definitely did.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In NYC, that means a weird mix of somber reflection, high-energy community service, and that specific type of chaos that happens when a winter weather advisory hits right as the city tries to take a day off.
The Big Snow Situation
Let's talk about the weather first because it’s kinda dominating the conversation. We’re currently under a winter weather advisory. While the city itself is looking at about 3 to 5 inches of snow, the real headache isn't the volume—it's the flash freeze.
Basically, the temperatures are hovering right in that "slushy mess" zone before they’re expected to plummet. If you’re walking over a bridge or a ramp, be careful. The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is out in full force with over 700 salt spreaders, but with 19,000 lane-miles of street to cover, they can't be everywhere at once.
If you were planning on putting your trash out—don’t. DSNY has suspended all trash, recycling, and curbside composting for the holiday. If Monday is your usual day, you’ve gotta wait until tonight to put stuff out for Tuesday collection.
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MLK Day Events: Where the Action Is
Despite the cold, the city is actually leaning hard into the "day on, not a day off" philosophy.
Honestly, the biggest draw today is over at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). It’s their 40th annual tribute to Dr. King. It started around 10:30 a.m., but the energy there is always massive. They’ve got Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II headlining, and if you haven't seen a Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE dance performance, you’re missing out on some of the best art in the five boroughs.
In Harlem, things are just as busy:
- The National Action Network (NAN) is hosting their annual public policy forum at the House of Justice on 145th Street. Rev. Al Sharpton is there with a bunch of city officials talking about policing and economic equity.
- The Studio Museum in Harlem is finally back. After being closed for seven years, they are hosting their first MLK Day in the new building. It’s a huge moment for the neighborhood.
- WNYC and The Apollo are broadcasting "MLK26: The Pan-Africanist" later today. If you don't feel like trekking through the snow, you can catch it on 93.9 FM at 3 p.m. or 8 p.m.
Surviving the MTA Today
If you have to travel, Godspeed. The MTA is running on a Saturday schedule. That’s the short version.
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The long version is that it’s a mess. There is no B train service today. Z trains? Forget about it. The G train is suspended between Bedford-Nostrand and Church Ave, which is basically a nightmare for anyone in North Brooklyn trying to get south.
Also, a heads-up for the R and N riders: everything is running funky. Manhattan-bound R trains are skipping DeKalb and running via the Q line. It’s the kind of day where you absolutely need to check the MYmta app before you leave your apartment, or you’ll end up standing on a freezing platform for 20 minutes for a train that isn't coming.
What’s Actually Open (and What’s Not)
It’s a federal holiday, so the basics are closed: no mail, most banks are shut, and the stock markets (NYSE and Nasdaq) are dark.
However, it is the first day of NYC Restaurant Week and Broadway Week. This is actually a great day to snag a reservation at that spot you’ve been eyeing or grab 2-for-1 tickets to a show, provided you don't mind the slush. Most museums are open, too. The Met and the MoMA are usually packed on MLK Day because people are looking for indoor activities that feel "cultural."
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Interestingly, there’s some talk in the local news today about a recent report regarding gig workers. Apparently, tips for Uber Eats and DoorDash drivers in the city have cratered to an average of $0.76 per delivery since the new pay rates kicked in. It’s a bit of a localized controversy right now, especially as these folks are out there biking through the snow today.
Practical Steps for the Rest of Your Monday
If you’re sticking around the city for the rest of the day, here is how to handle it:
- Check the commute: Use the TrainTime app or MYmta. Saturday schedules mean longer gaps between trains, and the snow isn't helping.
- Trash timing: Hold your bags until this evening. Putting them out now just makes it harder for the plows.
- Support local: If you’re ordering in because of the weather, maybe throw an extra couple of bucks at the delivery person. That $0.76 average is pretty grim.
- Stay warm: The temperature is expected to drop significantly this evening, leading to some nasty ice. If you don't have to be out after 6 p.m., don't be.
New York is always a bit different on these mid-winter holidays. It’s quieter, but also more intentional. Whether you’re volunteering at a community garden in Queens or just trying to navigate the G train reroute, it’s definitely a classic January day in the city.