Thanks to a heroic airline pilot's miraculous water landing and an upcoming inauguration, New York is feeling hopeful and optimistic this weekend. We're still freezing our butts off, but we're trying to be positive about it (on Sunday, the temperature might briefly rise above freezing!).

And many of us are happily looking forward to a long weekend, a day of service on MLK Day, and lots of partying on inauguration night. Here are some more weekend events to check out:

• One Step Beyond -- Party at the first One Step Beyond bash of 2009 at the American Museum of Natural History. Music is courtesy of DJ Tim Sweeney and the groovy space visuals are courtesy of the Rose Center for Earth and Space.



• Cycle World International Motorcycle Show -- See the newest and coolest bikes at the annual motorcycle show at Jacob Javits this weekend. Highlights include an exhibit of rare and antique Harleys, the unveiling of the latest models, and prize giveaways.



• Underground Amazing New York Race -- Explore the dark and mysterious tunnels beneath New York City on this all-indoor, all-underground scavenger hunt.

A US Airways plane made an emergency landing in the Hudson River this afternoon after taking off from LaGuardia Airport. The plane remains nearly submerged as of 5:05 PM, but The New York Times is reporting that all passengers are safe.

The plane, US Airways flight 1549, was bound for Charlotte, N.C., with 148 passengers and 5 crew members. The reason for the crash landing? Sources say that two birds simultaneously flew into the plane's two engines.

The latest reports say that passengers are cold but uninjured. The NYPD, Coast Guard, a Circle Line boat, and several commuter ferries swiftly came to their rescue after the landing.

I can't imagine a worse day for crashing into the Hudson. It was less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit in New York City at the time of the crash. My sympathies go out to those brave and cold passengers and rescuers!

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has set up a family center at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near LaGuardia Airport. Meanwhile, air traffic officials said they have resumed flights in and out of LaGuardia.

See live coverage on MSNBC

Read more details from The New York Times

Eyewitness photos on Gawker.com

Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images

What are you doing on Inauguration Night? You could stay home in front of the TV, but wouldn't it be more fun to hit one of these New York City inauguration parties. Watch the coverage while also enjoying drink specials, fried pickles, live music, and other entertainment.

See our top 6 NYC inaguration party picks.

Heard about another great inauguration bash? Send me the details.

Next week is a big one in New York City and now is the time to make plans.

1) Clear your schedule to mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 19th with a day of community service. Take part in celebrating MLK Day as "A day ON, not a day OFF." Learn more and find volunteer projects in New York City.

2) New York foodies should be finalizing their strategies to make the most out of New York Restaurant Week, which kicks off on Sunday, January 18th. If the current economy has forced you to reduce your budget for dining out, Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to treat yourself without spending a fortune.

Oh yeah, and you've probably heard about that other low-key, totally underhyped event next week -- the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. About.com's own Rachel Cooper will be covering Inauguration Day, so check out her coverage for all of the details.

Where will you be watching the inauguration? If you've heard about a great inauguration party or event in New York City, let me know.