This week, New York became the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, and starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, all nonessential businesses have closed and residents have been ordered to stay at home as much as possible.
While adjusting to this new reality in the city, New Yorkers are quickly moving their social lives online.
But social distancing doesn’t mean giving up all social interaction. It is a reminder that we are all in this together, and participating in online events can help support local businesses that are now economically vulnerable.
Here are some suggestions for maintaining a New York social life this weekend while keeping a safe distance from other humans:
Friday
Trans*Revolutions Virtual Symposium
The Barnard Center for Research on Women will host artists-activists — whose work centers on trans and genderqueer histories, performances, identities and aesthetics — for artist talks, a discussion and a Q. and A. starting at 2 p.m. Attendees can ask questions through Twitter and Facebook.
Visit the website to R.S.V.P. for free and to view work from the artists.
Bright Light Bright Light: Virtual Label & Single Launch Party
To celebrate the release of his new label and single, Rod Thomas, also known as Bright Light Bright Light, will be streaming an all-L.G.B.T.Q. D.J. set. Mr. Thomas, a New York-based D.J. who is known for making “80s/90s tinged electronic pop music,” will also host a Q. and A. and a special acoustic performance.
The event will stream on Facebook Live starting at 4 p.m.
Saturday
How to Train Your Dog in One Hour
If you’re one of the people who decided to adopt or foster a dog while you’re at home, spend an hour on Saturday learning how to train your new pup with the help of Annie Grossman, a dog trainer and co-founder of School for the Dogs in Manhattan. Ms. Grossman focuses on using “humane methods to change your dog’s behavior, cultivate leadership and improve your relationship.”
Visit the event page to R.S.V.P. for free. The session begins at 11 a.m. and Ms. Grossman will take audience questions.
Virtual Wine Tasting Tour
Join NYC Wine and Food Trails for a virtual wine tour of Spain’s Ribera del Duero region. Your host, Tatiana Gana, will discuss the region’s history, culture, wine styles and more. Drinking is optional, but it is recommend that participants buy a bottle of Ribera del Duero red wine to enjoy. The “tour” begins at 1 p.m.
You can purchase the $10 ticket from their website.
Sunset Lovers: A Digital Dance
Practice “social dis-dancing” and make a dance floor out of your living room with this virtual party. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature go-go dancers and music from New York D.J.s Vito Fun and Matt Denton.
Visit the event page to R.S.V.P. with a suggested donation of $10.
Sunday
Traditional Chinese Medicine Cooking Live Demo
Zoey Gong, the chef and founder of Table 81, will host a cooking demo on how to make traditional Chinese medicine-focused recipes (Think: a light herbal jelly or rice soup with goji). Table 81 is an intimate dining experience in the city that serves plant-based meals based on traditional Chinese dinners.
Ms. Gong will stream the demo live via her Instagram account starting at 3 p.m.
Serene Sunday Meditation
HealHaus, a Brooklyn-based wellness space and cafe, will host a 30-minute meditation starting at 7:15 p.m., as part of their HealHaus Live Classes series.
Participants can purchase a $10 drop-in session from their website.