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11 Socially Distanced + Virtual Events in the Ann Arbor Area to Attend January 2021

The new year is (finally!) coming and it’s bringing a plethora of events to the Ann Arbor area! This January, our event guide features several socially distanced and virtual events so you can celebrate the month while also staying safe.

Keep reading to start filling up your calendar. No matter what your new year resolution is—fitness, cooking, shopping local—there’s an event to help fulfill it. Happy 2021!

 

Jump ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

The Jayhawks Live Stream | Ann Arbor

When: January 10, 4 p.m.

Where: Online

The Jayhawks released their latest album XOXO in the middle of lockdown. While they weren’t able to host live shows to celebrate, they are happy to bring you a virtual concert on January 10th! During the January event they plan to share a special matinee show at The Ark focused on their favorite cover songs. The event can be enjoyed live or watched during a period of 48 hours afterward. Click here for all the information and to buy tickets online!

 

Dexter Winter Marketplace | Dexter

When: January 9 & 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Dexter United Methodist Church

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Dexter United Methodist Church is hosting a winter marketplace January 9th and 23rd that will host vendors from all over the area selling arts and crafts, baked goods, jewelry, fresh produce, eggs, cheese, meats and more. There will also be local musicians and vendor drawings! Social distancing, masks and one-way traffic will be required to help keep you and the vendors safe throughout the event.

 

44th Ann Arbor Folk Festival | Ann Arbor

When: January 29-30

Where: Online

Ann Arbor Folk Festival, a fundraiser for The Ark, began in 1977 and is now one of Ann Arbor’s most anticipated events. Over the course of two days, Hill Auditorium will host several incredible musical acts—which can be enjoyed virtually. For all the information, click here.

 

SculptureWalk Chelsea | Chelsea

When: Through May 2021

Where: Throughout Chelsea

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Photo courtesy of Chelsea Festivals + Events

This isn’t exclusively a January event, but if you haven’t taken advantage of it yet, you should make a point to explore Chelsea’s current SculptureWalk this month! Celebrating its 12th year this season, SculptureWalk Chelsea is an event where local artists create outdoor sculptures to be placed around town for six months. The 2020-2021 season has brought 14 new, incredible sculptures to the Chelsea area. You can explore this exciting exhibition through May of this year.

 

Community Celebrations

UFOs Over Michigan | Ypsilanti

When: January 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Did you know that Michigan has some of the biggest UFO cases on record? The 1966 sightings over Southeast Michigan and 1994 sightings over Grand Rapids each had hundreds of eye-witnesses to them, including law enforcement and radar returns. Find out more about these incredible events, as well as several other unusual UFO sightings around Michigan, at this fun virtual event from the Ypsilanti District Library! This event is completely free. Click here for the joining information.

 

Dexter Ice Fest | Dexter

When: January 23, 11 a.m.

Where: Downtown Dexter

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Photo courtesy of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce

On January 23rd, head to downtown Dexter to explore incredible and intricate ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses lined up all across the area! During the 2021 event, they plan to have more than 35 ice carvings for you to see. Please wear masks and make sure you’re social distancing when visiting.
 

Sports

New Years Day Hike | Ann Arbor

When: January 1, 9 a.m.

Where: Parker Mill County Park

We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the new year than with a wintery hike through Parker Mill! Bundle up and join the Wandering Association for a socially-distanced hike open to all ages and skill levels. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m., where you can wander through the park with trails leading to Gallup Park and Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

 

Sunday Yoga at Bløm Meadworks | Ann Arbor

When: January 10, 10-11 a.m.

Where: Bløm Meadworks

On January 10th, Bløm Meadworks is hosting a 60-minute yoga class to help you let go of stress and get ready for the coming week. Open to all skill levels, this socially-distanced class is the perfect way to dip your toes into the yoga world—and drink some mead while you’re at it! This class costs $15 and includes a one draft pour that you can enjoy afterward.

 

Bling in the New Year Virtual Race | Ann Arbor

When: Throughout January

Where: Online

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Kick off your 2021 new year resolution by participating in an exciting virtual race! Epic Races is hosting a Bling in the New Year virtual race that allows you to run, walk, cross country ski and snowshoe a 5K wherever and whenever you want. All you’ll have to do is register for the event, choose the perfect spot to complete your 5K, log your race online, and then wait for all the amazing swag to come in the mail! Click here to register and to learn more.

 

Food + Drink

Ooh La La Croissant: French Pastry Class | Ann Arbor

When: Weekly Throughout January

Where: Online

Every week this month, Zingerman’s BAKE! will take you through the process of making delicious, flaky, buttery croissants. This two-day, virtual class will teach you the techniques for working with a yeasted dough, creating a butter-laminated dough, filling the croissants, proofing them properly, and how to bake them to a rich, golden brown. These classes will fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible!

 

Handmade PASTA! | Chelsea

When: January 17, 2-5 p.m.

Where: The Lakehouse Bakery

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Have you always wanted to make pasta from scratch? It turns out that it’s actually pretty easy! Just head to The Lakehouse Bakery this January for a cooking event that will teach you the basics of making fresh pasta and an aromatic sauce. This course is limited to just 8 people to allow for social distancing so you’ll want to sign up quickly. If you miss this class, though,The Lakehouse Bakery is offering some other incredible classes this month like Easy as Pie!

 

Have a Great Month!

What local January events did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!

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