Laura Mvula   (Photo: Getty Images)

1. Kick the weekend off Thursday with some laughs at Catie Lazarus’s comedy talk show Employee of the Month, this month with actor and science ambassador Alan Alda, Tony-winning playwright Sarah Jones, and activists the Yes Men.

2. Also on Thursday night, heartbreak kid Ryan Adams is at the Apollo, while soulful songstress Laura Mvula is at the stunning Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

3. Get real live rickrolled when Rick Astley performs at Webster Hall, on his first tour since 1989.

4. Or check out Flea’s fancy footwork when the Red Hot Chili Peppers play Friday and Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

5. Comedian and Community actor Joel McHale takes the stage all weekend at Carolines in Times Square.

6.And see surf-punk artist Raymond Pettibon’s prophetic revelations at the New Museum.

7. On Friday afternoon, BAM presents Reflecting on the Refugee Crisis in conjunction with its current play A Man of Good Hope. Participants include South African author Jonny Steinberg (whose book was adapted for Isango Ensemble’s production), Ethiopian-American writer Dinaw Mengestu and Iranian-American writer Roya Hakakian.

8. While at midnight, Wu-Tang's RZA has something special up his sleeve at an intimate show at City Winery.

9. On Sunday night, head to Stonewall Inn for drag extravaganza LadyQueen Season 2 Premiere! Proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood.

10. And on Monday evening, Union Hall has comedy for a cause with Ban This: Moose Lambs United. Comedians Aparna Nancherla, Mamoudou N'Diaye, Usama Siddiquee, Nasser Khan, and Eman El-Husseini band together to benefit the ACLU.

11. Also on Monday, fill your stomach at the D’Artagnan Cassoulet War. Sample your fill of the French comfort food — with submissions by chefs including Kyle Koenig of Craft, Laetitia Roubah of Benoît, and Hugue Dufour from M.Wells Steak House — and vote for your favorites. Happy weekend!