10 Must-See Irving Plaza Shows This Season

Irving Plaza has been hosting live music since 1978, making it an institution not just in the Union Square neighborhood but throughout all of NYC. Although it first opened its doors as a rock venue, it now hosts performers from all genres and all over the world. Enrich your evening with these upcoming shows at Irving Plaza, located just steps from The Travel Agency – Union Square.

Artists	Genre	Dates
Jutes, In Color, wilt	Alternative	Aug. 27
Slayr	Hip-hop	Aug. 28, Sep. 3
Pi’erre Bourne	Hip-hop	Aug. 30
Asal	Pop	Sep. 5
Corrine Bailey Rae	R&B	Sep. 23, Sep. 25
Julia Wolf	Pop	Oct. 2, Oct. 3
Esteman & Daniela Spalla	Latin	Oct. 27
VOILÀ	Pop-rock	Nov. 7
Tiny Habits	Folk-pop	Nov. 21
MEEK	Pop	Dec. 8

Where is Irving Plaza?

Irving Plaza is in the Union Square neighborhood at 17 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003. It’s an easy five-minute walk from The Travel Agency’s Union Square dispensary, and you’ll pass through some of Manhattan’s most bustling streets along the way. Have extra time on your hands? Pop a squat at Union Square Park after enjoying your favorite cannabis vape, then get lost in NYC’s best people-watching.

What kind of shows happen at Irving Plaza?

Whereas some NYC venues like Barclays Center are home to sports events and concerts alike, Irving Plaza is a music-only venue. Well, for the most part, one of the Irving Plaza shows we’re most excited about pairs live pop-rock with circus performances.

10 must-see shows at Union Square’s Irving Plaza

From now through the end of 2026, the highlights at Irving Plaza include alt-rock, hip-hop, and pop shows from established and up-and-coming artists.

1. Jutes: Smile You’re On Tour

The Canadian alternative artist Jutes will swing by Irving Plaza to promote his August 2026 album Chin Up Beautiful. Expect stadium-level excitement from his blend of hip-hop, emo, and pop punk, with the country-infused pop band In Color and the ‘90s alt-indebted group wilt kicking things off. Come for the openers, stay for Jutes’ larger-than-life presence.

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Doors: 6 p.m.

GA ticket price: $37.60

2. Slayr: Half Blood Tour

Freshman XXL class of 2026 star Slayr is playing two Irving Plaza shows to promote his much talked-about Half Blood mixtape. Openers for the Philly rapper’s two shows haven’t yet been announced, but since Half Blood’s deluxe version is home to an hour of music, Slayr alone will immerse you in the moment. Show up and tune in.

Dates: Friday, August 28, 2026 and Thursday, September 3, 2026 

Doors: 7 p.m.

3. Pi’erre Bourne

Two nights after Slayr’s first show, one of his biggest inspirations will hit the Irving Plaza stage. Rapper and producer Pi’erre Bourne will pull from a decade of prolific output, from his 2010s hits to his hot streak of 2020s collaborative albums. His video game-inspired production and trap-influenced percussion are sure to set the room ablaze.

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026

Doors: 7 p.m.

4, Asal: Kiss the Sun Tour

Head to Irving Plaza in early September to catch Persian-Canadian pop artist Asal’s introspective blend of R&B, alternative, and hip-hop. Settle in for a groovier, slower night as compared to the other show options — Asal’s music is for chill nights in good company.

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Doors: 7 p.m.

5. Like a Star: Celebrating 20 Years of Corinne Bailey Rae

If you know Corinne Bailey Rae for her 2006 hit “Put Your Records On,” that’s only the start of the British R&B musician’s story. Bailey Rae has released four albums in total and won two GRAMMYs, and she’s looking back on her 20-year legacy with two nights at Irving Plaza. Nip your FOMO in the bud — tickets are already nearly sold out, so it’s never too soon to get on board.

• Dates: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and Friday, September 25, 2026

• Doors: 7 p.m.

6. Julia Wolf: Deep End World Tour

Rising alt-pop sensation Julia Wolf will play back-to-back nights at Irving Plaza as summer transforms into fall. Opening her Deep End World Tour is Bee Blackwell, an acolyte of ‘90s alt-rock. Catch her now before she becomes arena-level big; after that, the time you saw her at Irving Plaza will feel like an open secret.

Dates: Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3

Doors: 7 p.m.

7. Esteman & Daniela Spalla: Amorío USA Tour

Argentina’s Daniela Spalla and Colombia’s Esteman — an LGBTQ+ hero to Latin pop fans — are stopping at Irving Plaza on their U.S. tour for their collaborative album, last year’s Amorío. Under Irving Plaza’s sweeping architecture and low blue-purple lighting, their fusion of telenovela slow-burn and pop-music honesty will transcend language barriers and shift your perspective.

Date: Tuesday, October 27

Doors: 7 p.m.

8. VOILÀ Presents: Moonbloom

The pop-rock act VOILÀ will pair its music with circus revelry for a show like little else you’ve seen. On its Moonbloom tour, the duo will bring out magicians, jugglers, sword swallowers, and aerialists, like Warped Tour with some Cirque du Soleil. It’s a spectacle, so arrive early for a prime view from the front of the crowd.

Date: Saturday, November 7

Doors: 6 p.m.

9. Tiny Habits

The folk-pop trio Tiny Habits has opened tours for Gracie Abrams, Sarah McLachlan, and Ingrid Michaelson, and they’ll headline Irving Plaza just before Thanksgiving. With rich three-part harmonies and an indie-folk opening set from Marie Dresselhuis, you’re in for a mellow path to paradise.

Date: Saturday, November 21

Doors: 7 p.m.

10. MEEK: Worldful of Weirdos Tour

A longtime songwriter for big-name artists such as Rita Ora and Martin Garrix, MEEK will bring her drag-influenced performances to Irving Plaza as the holiday season hits full steam. Her upbeat alt-pop music will deliver energy and poignancy at once. We recommend that, like MEEK, you arrive dressed to the nines — think fashion over function.

Date: Tuesday, December 8

Doors: 7 p.m.

What are some of the most iconic past shows at Irving Plaza?

In its early days, Irving Plaza was a staple venue for early punk and new wave bands. A decade into its existence, it served as the venue for The Ramones’ last-ever show on New Year’s Eve 1988.

In more recent years, Irving Plaza made headlines on Valentine’s Day 2015 when Paul McCartney announced that morning that he’d play a show there that very night. The show was as iconic for its performer as for its audience, which included Meryl Streep and Emma Stone. Suffice it to say that if you catch a show at Irving Plaza, you’re stepping into history.

What time do the doors open at Irving Plaza?

Most of the time, Irving Plaza’s doors open at 7 p.m., though for some shows, it’s 6 p.m. Check the listing for any show you’re interested in to find out when doors open.

Where can I get tickets for Irving Plaza shows?

You can order tickets through Ticketmaster, Irving Plaza’s official ticketing partner, for digital delivery or in-person pickup at will call. If you choose will call, you’ll claim your tickets when doors open using your photo ID and your credit card.

What else can I get up to near Irving Plaza?

Irving Plaza’s location near Union Square puts you within quick reach of Union Square’s best shopping and, from mid-November through just before Christmas, the Union Square Holiday Market. The market is only the start — Union Square’s holiday activities are as varied as the outside of a gingerbread house.

With the countless cafes in Union Square, you’ve got everything you need to transform your Irving Plaza outing into a Union Square date. Create an itinerary that ends with Irving Plaza to make a full day of the occasion, and don’t forget to make a pit stop at The Travel Agency.

Can I consume cannabis at shows in NYC?

You can’t smoke or vape cannabis at indoor shows in NYC, and it’s usually not allowed at outdoor shows either. While you can probably get away with consuming cannabis gummies or beverages at NYC shows, that’s tougher if the venue bans outside food and drink, which is usually the case. But none of this should discourage you from pairing your Irving Plaza show with cannabis.

Instead, it’s all about timing and discretion. Enjoy a pre-roll on the sidewalk outside Union Square Park — this is among the places where you can smoke cannabis in NYC — then head to Irving Plaza. Or, a couple of hours ahead of the show, enjoy your cannabis edible or THC drink so your effects kick in as you enter the venue. Another option is to light up at home a half hour prior to doors. However you choose to enjoy your pre-show sesh, visiting The Travel Agency before your show makes for smoother sailing.

Live from New York City, it’s The Travel Agency

Gear up for your Irving Plaza show at The Travel Agency’s Union Square dispensary, located just a five-minute walk from Irving Plaza. Looking for something to unwind with afterward? We’re open till 11 p.m. every night (and till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) with products that may promote a good night’s rest. Swing by on your commute home, or start your adventure with us — we’ll guide you to your new favorite destinations.