Weekend Entertainment Highlights Across US Cities: Concerts, Sports and Local Events Kick Off 2026

Los Angeles and Southern California Buzz with Music and Film Screenings

Los Angeles kicks off the first weekend of 2026 with indie rock trio **Dirty Projectors** launching a short residency at the Blue Note on Sunset Boulevard. Founder David Longstreth mixes early 2000s hits with new orchestral material from his 2024 release Song of the Earth and recent film scores.[2]

Fans can catch the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V, VI) in a triple feature at the Egyptian Theatre on Saturday, January 3, offering a big-screen experience for newcomers and families.[2]

Huntington Beach punk rockers T.S.O.L. perform at the Regent Theater, highlighted as a top local music pick by Licorice Pizza.[2]

Atlanta's Packed Weekend Lineup Features Sports and Live Music

The Atlanta Falcons host the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m., drawing crowds for the NFL matchup.[3]

Blues artist **Nathan Nelson** takes the stage at Blind Willie's Blues Club for Acoustic Sunday at 6:30 p.m., known for his rich southern vocals that emerged on the Atlanta scene in the early 2000s.[3]

• Ongoing: Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience at Exhibition Hub Art Center in Doraville, with interactive bubble installations (daily except Tuesdays).[3]
• Sandy Springs hosts Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed!, a comedic dog show at Byers Theatre on Sunday at 2 p.m.[3]

El Paso Offers Art, Sports and Unique Pop-Ups

El Paso's Fine Art Flea Market and Downtown Art Walk run Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., welcoming the new year with local art and culture.[4]

UTEP Women's Basketball faces Delaware at Don Haskins Center on Friday at 7 p.m., with tickets available online.[4]

• Magda concert at 808 venue on Friday at 10 p.m. ($28.67 tickets).[4]
• Flautas Pop-up at Poco Wine Bar on Saturday at 7 p.m., available until sold out.[4]
• Stephanie Han vs. Holm watch party at Fanatics Sports Bar on Saturday at 6 p.m.[4]

Upcoming Shows Build Excitement Nationwide

Beyond the weekend, Atlanta's Fox Theatre schedules Hell’s Kitchen — The Musical from January 7–11, inspired by the TV show.[3]

Morrissey performs live at Fox Theatre on January 18, joined by events like Blue Man Group (Jan. 24–25) and MJ The Musical (Jan. 27–Feb. 1).[3]

In LA, Winterfest O.C. and other local events continue the post-New Year's momentum.[2]

Key Weekend Events Summary

• LA: Dirty Projectors residency (Jan. 3-4), Star Wars triple feature (Jan. 3).
• Atlanta: Falcons vs. Saints (Jan. 4), Nathan Nelson blues (Jan. 4).
• El Paso: Art Walk (Jan. 2), UTEP basketball (Jan. 2), pop-ups and concerts.

These events highlight a vibrant start to 2026, blending music, sports, and immersive experiences across major US cities.[2][3][4]