Welcome to 2019! Hopefully, you’ve recovered from the chaos of the holiday season, because we’ve got plenty of activities to keep you occupied throughout January. From Restaurant Weeks and Festivals to basketball games and comedy shows, there’s a wide variety of things happening around AMLI’s apartments this month. Read on to find out more!
Atlanta
Jan 2-6: Botanical Garden Holiday Lights
Ready to “oooh” and “ahhh” at some high-tech light displays? Then this is the event for you! Immerse yourself in the 8th annual Garden Lights and Holiday Nights exhibit, displaying illuminated attractions, model trains and mesmerizing lights spanning over 30 acres. Bring your friends, bring your family, and prepare to be captivated!
Jan 13-19: Western Show
Hosted by Augusta Futurity, the Western Show includes horseback riding competitions, bull-riding, live music, dancing and more! Spice up your nights with a Western vibe, just don’t forget your cowboy boots!
Jan 19-20: Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Game
Prepare yourself for trick shots, slam dunks and a viewing of the Harlem Globetrotters on their World Tour! This event will feature comedy pieces, as well as interactions with the Globetrotters both on and off the court. Be sure to snag your tickets now! Starting as low as 8.
Jan 21: MLK Day Parade
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 21, hosted by The Henry County NAACP. Start your day off with a Prayer Breakfast, followed by a Peace March, beginning promptly at 10 AM. Tickets are only 0 per person, don’t miss out!
Austin
Jan 9: Comedy Showcase
For a night of laughter and letting the good times roll, make your way to Six Shooter, a comedy act featuring six of Austin’s best stand-up comedians. This event takes place on the second Wednesday of each month, giving you plenty of time to add some laughs into your life. The best part? Tickets are free!
Jan 12: Bridal Open House
Calling all brides! Have a future wedding that needs some planning? Gain insight and inspiration at this year’s Vista West Ranch Winter Bridal Open House! Tour the property and speak with various wedding vendors, assisting you on all your wedding details. The open house begins at 12 PM, don’t be late!
Jan 12: Bowie Elvis Fest
Grab your favorite costume and put on your dancing shoes in celebration of Elvis and David Bowie’s birthday! With live music and drinks from various vendors, you’re sure to have a good night. The event takes place from 7 PM to 1 AM, with presale tickets beginning at 5.
Chicago
Jan 2-6: Holidays Around the World
Make your way over to the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago to experience Holidays Around the World! Experience over 50 displays of Christmas trees, all representing holiday traditions from around the globe. With live entertainment performances, immerse yourself in different cultures with this one-of-a-kind experience.
Jan 20: Chili Cook-Off
Ready to put your taste buds to the test? Take a ride to Berwyn for the 11th annual chili cook-off from 11 AM – 5 PM, presented by Opportunity Knocks, a non-profit serving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your ticket will provide you with access to complimentary desserts and appetizers, live entertainment, and chili from over 20 vendors! Our advice? Show up with an empty stomach.
Jan 24: First Bites Bash
With the start of restaurant week well underway, head over to the First Bites Bash at the Field Museum for food and drink tastings from over 60 restaurants! The event takes places from 6 PM – 9 PM and is 21+ only. Don’t forget your ID!
Jan 26: Beernival
Are you a beer drinker? If so, we’ve got the perfect event for you. Come drink unlimited domestic beer while perfecting your toss at the beer pong tournament. All proceeds benefit Autism Speaks, with tickets only 5 now for a limited time. Be sure to grab one while they last!
Dallas
Jan 25: Lunar New Year Festival
One of the most prominent celebrations in Southeast Asia, the Lunar New Year Festival, has plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Taking place from 6 PM – Midnight, immerse yourself in Asian culture with authentic food, dragon dances, and martial arts demos. As the sun begins to set, busy yourself with carnival games and live performances. You won’t want to miss this!
Jan 25: ZestFest
Show some love for all things spicy at this year’s ZestFest! Enjoy food sampling from celebrity chefs, as well as live music and entertainment. Things could get pretty hot, so be sure to drink plenty of water! (Pun intended).
Jan 18: Safari Convention
An all-day convention, make your way to the Dallas Safari Club’s Convention and Sporting Expo, showcasing hundreds of exhibitors, free seminars, live entertainment, and sporting auctions. Purchase tickets for this event either online or at the door, with tickets 0 per person.
Jan 18 – Feb 9: Rodeo
A family-friendly event, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo features something for everyone. Sit on the edge of your seat while you watch live rodeo action, and then spend your evening mindlessly wandering through the endless acres of shopping and attractions. This event runs for three weeks, giving you plenty of time to check out everything this rodeo has to offer!
Denver
Jan 1 – Jan 31: Denver Food Tour
If you’re a foodie, this is a must for you! Running daily throughout the year, this Denver Food Tour can fulfill all your hopes and dreams with six delicious food tastings. Eat your way through the city while visiting historic sites and exploring some of the best dining. Tickets begin at 9, remember to bring your appetite!
Jan 5 & Jan 19: Brew You Yoga
Beer and yoga, sounds like a pretty good combination – right? Step into this vinyasa flow class (experience level doesn’t matter) before trying out three different beers at this local brewery. You’re burning calories before you drink them, so it all evens out in the end.
Jan 5 – April 13: Roots & Rhythm Swing Band
Throw on your dancing shoes, and let the good times roll! Whether you show up by yourself or with a partner, prepare to have a good time. Starting at 7 PM once each month, fine tune your dance moves with swing lessons, followed by live music and putting your skills to the test starting at 8 PM. Prices range from 0-5, don’t miss out!
Houston
Jan 4 – Jan 13: Zoo Lights
Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean your holiday spirit needs to be! Be sure to head over to the Houston Zoo turned Winter Wonderland, providing you with more than 2 million lights spreading over more than 15 miles. The perfect activity for an outing with your family or date night, make sure you add this one to the calendar!
Jan 2 – Jan 6: Loop
This activity located in downtown Houston is free of charge with endless entertainment. Head over to check out Houston’s newest art installation, featuring a cross between a music box and railway handcar, giving you the chance to watch fairytales come to life! With only seven installations, there may be a wait, but we have a feeling it will be worth it.
Seattle
Jan 5 – Sound of Music Sing-A-Long
Get ready to hit some high notes! Make your way over to the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, where you can follow along with subtitles for the entire audience to channel their inner Julie Andrews. Along with the film, participate in a costume contest with prizes. The event takes between three and four hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to warm those vocal chords up.
Jan 11 – 13: Monster Jam
For unlimited access to all things motorsports, secure your tickets to this year’s Monster Jam and place yourself in the heart of it all. Meet the drivers, secure their autographs, and hear a few engines rev. This years Monster Jam is located at the Tacoma Dome, don’t miss out on the excitement!
Jan 26: Underground Art Show
Hosted by The Seattle Pancakes & Booze Art Show, grab your friends and make your way to this exhibition – featuring over 70 artists and 300 pieces of art. Enjoy body paintings, music, booze, and you guessed it – pancakes! This isn’t something you want to miss out on. 21+ only.
Jan 18 – Jan 27: Festival at Lake Chelan
Make sure to bundle up for this winter wonderland festival! Immerse yourself in unlimited activities including (but most certainly not limited to) ice sculptures, wine tasting, live music, and fireworks! Be sure to buy tickets before they sell out, this winter activity is fiery hot!
Southern California
Dec 20 – Jan 6: Winter Festival
Tubing, nightly tree lighting, and ice skating on the largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California makes this an event you don’t want to miss out on. Kid-friendly and perfect for families or date night.
Jan 3 – Jan 6: Magic Chinese Lantern Festival
Located in Pomona, California, the Chinese Lantern Festival is perfect for all ages and provides unlimited entertainment for all. With food, entertainment, and over 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns, watch the sky light up with color. Take a walk through the festival, where you can watch Chinese artists master their craft. Tickets begin at 5.
Jan 31: Taste of San Juan
Taking place from 6 PM – 9 PM, help launch the celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas. With 25 restaurants participating, you’ll be able to bring the taste of San Juan right to your table! The event is predicted to sell out, so be sure to snag your tickets before it’s too late. Tickets are 5 for general admission or 0 for VIP.
South Florida
Jan 12: Seafood Festival
From 11 AM – 5 PM, immerse yourself in all things seafood at the 8th annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival! Close to downtown Fort Lauderdale, seafood lovers of all ages can enjoy some mouth-watering seafood dishes, starting at only . After stuffing your face with all the seafood you can handle, have a few brews and listen to some music.
Jan 26: Motorcycle Show
Make your way down to Frost Park, and help provide for the Southeastern Guide Dogs and K9s for Warriors. Check out some vintage motorcycles, browse through antiques, and listen to live music while watching Roller Derby Girls. This event is free to the public and kid-friendly, making it a win-win!
Jan 26 – Jan 27: Artwalk
Food trucks, vendors, and art oh my! At the Artwalk, immerse yourself in the arts of local vendors, all while listening to live music and trying out all of your favorite options with the food trucks. The event starts at 6 PM sharp, don’t be late!
View All Posts by Krystyna Dudka