Categories Search

11 Exciting Events in the Ann Arbor Area to Attend January 2022

There is something so exciting about the start of the new year. The possibilities are endless, as we make goals, pick up new hobbies, and look forward to many adventures in the months ahead.

Plus, there are plenty of wintery events happening in and around Ann Arbor to kick off the new year. Mark your calendar for these exciting Ann Arbor events, from classical concerts to onesie bar crawls and ice festivals to donut-filled races!

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Collage Concert | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan

When: January 15, 8 p.m.

Each year, the Ann Arbor community looks forward to the Collage Concert, a tradition that brings together an incredible range of University of Michigan ensembles and programs for one riveting work played nonstop. The program features songs and performances one after the other without pause, including solos, 17th-century music, jazz, theatre monologues and choir performances.

 

A2SO Presents: Mozart & Shostakovich | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: January 22, 8 p.m.

Taking place five days before Mozart’s birthday, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart & Shostakovich, directed by music director candidate Oriol Sans. The program includes both Shostakovich’s impressive Symphony No. 5 as well as Grażyna Bacewicz’s symphonic Overture, which was composed during the German occupation of Poland. Purchase tickets for this memorable concert here!

 

Ann Arbor Folk Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan

When: January 28-29, 6:30 p.m.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival Ann Arbor, MI

Since 1977, The Ark has hosted the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, a fundraiser benefiting the non-profit home for folk, roots and ethnic music. This year, the festival will be back in person at Hill Auditorium over the course of two music-filled days, featuring artists like Glen Hansard, Punch Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and much more.

 

UMS Presents: Sphinx Symphony Orchestra with EXIGENCE | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan

When: January 30, 4 p.m.

Detroit’s Sphinx Symphony Orchestra is an all-Black and Latinx orchestra composed of top professionals from all over the country. The group comes together annually at the Sphinx Competition for young string players, serving as mentors to finalists and promoting works by Black and Latinx composers. UMS presents the full orchestra on its first-ever national tour alongside Exigence, Sphinx’s vocal ensemble, for Joel Thompson’s “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” which memorializes the last words spoken by seven African-American men killed by police or other authority figures. Get more information and purchase tickets for this powerful performance at U-M’s Hill Auditorium.

 

Community Celebrations

Dexter Ice Fest | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: January 22, 11 a.m.

Each January, the Dexter Chamber hosts the annual Dexter Ice Fest at Monument Park in downtown Dexter. Grab a cup of coffee or cocoa and meander through the park, admiring more than 35 stunning ice sculptures crafted by Ice Dream Sculptures and sponsored by local businesses. Plus, take advantage of local downtown specials!

 

Sports

A Very Nice Run | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Dairy

When: January 1, 9:01 a.m.

A Very Nice Run Ann Arbor, MI

Kick off the new year by going on “A Very Nice Run” with Ann Arbor Running Company and Run Ann Arbor. Starting and ending at Washtenaw Dairy, this course is “out and back,” which means you can go as far or short as you’d like by simply turning around halfway into your run. Legendary running coach Ron Warhurst has fed his world-class athletes Washtenaw Dairy donuts for years. So it’s only appropriate to enjoy a few after the race! And before the race begins at 9:01, they will present the awards for the 2021 Michigan Runner Race Series and crown the 2021 Michigan Runner of the Year. Be sure to RSVP (for free) to be entered into a raffle for some AARC swag!

 

First Day Hike | Brighton

Where: Island Lake Recreation Area

When: January 1, 1-4 p.m.

Is “get outside more” one of your New Year’s resolutions? Perfect! Ring in the new year with a hike along Hickory Ridge in Brighton with other dedicated outdoor enthusiasts. Meet at the Kent Lake beach parking lot 15 minutes before the hike begins promptly at 1:00. If the weather is warm, the group will hike 5 miles, with an easy exit at 2.5 miles. If it is snowy, the main group may exit at that point, while the hardcore can complete the whole trail. This fun, adventurous event is presented in partnership with the Crossroads Group Sierra Club, who helped build the trail with support from REI.

 

Bling in the New Year Virtual Race | Ann Arbor

Where: Anywhere

When: Throughout January

Kick off your 2022 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! This year, Bling in the New Year benefits Michigan Hands & Voices, an organization that supports families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) regardless of language or communication mode using a network of parents, professionals, and DHH individuals. Click here to register and to learn more.

 

Food + Drink

Dexter Winter Marketplace | Dexter

Where: Dexter United Methodist Church

When: January 8 + 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

All winter long, Dexter United Methodist Church hosts an indoor winter marketplace twice a month between November and April. Taking place January 8 and 22, the event hosts a variety of 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!

 

Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market

When: January 8, 15, 22 + 29, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more than 100 years, the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market has been a beloved weekly tradition for both local residents and visitors. This bustling market in Kerrytown is open all year long, including the dead of winter! At this producer-only market, you’ll find only local products from Michigan, Ohio or Indiana, and the vendors include fourth-generation farmers, bakers, coffee roasters, artisans and more. Every Saturday in January (aside from New Year’s Day), stop by to get fresh produce and other goodies for your pantry or fridge.

 

Onesie Bar Crawl | Ann Arbor

Where: The Garage Bar

When: January 15, 4-11:59 p.m.

Onesie Bar Crawl Ann Arbor, MI

Photo Courtesy of Crawl With Us

You’re never too old for a onesie! Slip on your favorite unicorn, giraffe, zebra or other onesie for the most fun and comfortable party of the year. Starting at The Blue Leprechaun, the Onesie Bar Crawl features two free drinks, exclusive drink and food specials, free cover at crawl venues, and a custom badge — all covered with a $15 ticket. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.

 

Happy 2022!

We hope you have a wonderful start to the new year this January!

(Visited 148 times, 1 visits today)