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8 Can’t-Miss January Events in the Ann Arbor Area 2023

As we make the transition from 2022 to 2023, many of us are looking forward to new opportunities and experiences in the months ahead. Start the year off strong this January with these can’t-miss community events in and around Ann Arbor, from moving classical concerts to awe-inspiring ice festivals. If getting more connected to the community is one of your goals for the new year, this is a great place to start!

Make this chilly month a little warmer by adding a few of these exciting Ann Arbor January events to your calendar!

Jump Ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

Collage Concert | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: January 14, 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, theater monologues and choir performances. Get your tickets here!

 

Ann Arbor Folk Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: The Ark (Friday) + Hill Auditorium (Saturday)

When: January 27–28, 6:30 p.m.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival Ann Arbor, MI
Graphic Courtesy of The Ark

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival, a fundraiser for The Ark, began in 1977 and is now one of Ann Arbor’s most anticipated events. After a two-year COVID hiatus, the festival is returning in person, with a special in-the-round event at the Ark on Friday and the usual festival in Hill Auditorium on Saturday. Friday night’s Banjofest will feature Valerie June with Thao, Rachael Davis, and Yasmin Williams. And on Saturday, you’ll hear Ani DiFranco, Patty Griffin, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Gina Chavez, and many more talented musicians. All funds raised through the Ann Arbor Folk Festival will benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor’s non-profit home for folk, roots and ethnic music. Purchase your tickets here!

 

Mozart & Friends | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: January 28, 8 p.m.

Experience the music of Mozart and his contemporaries in this exhilarating program conducted by Tong Chen at the Michigan Theater. Highlights include Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4, featuring soloist Adam Unsworth, as well as Symphony No. 29, described as “a landmark…personal in tone, indeed perhaps more individual in its combination of an intimate, chamber music style with a still fiery and impulsive manner.” Click here for more information about the concert and to purchase tickets!

 

Winter Jam | Ypsilanti

Where: EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center

When: January 29, 4 p.m.

Winter Jam is back with a 40-date tour — which includes a stop at the EMU George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti on January 29. Hosted by NewSong, the concert features We The Kingdom, Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Anne Wilson, Disciple, and other contemporary Christian artists. Tickets are $15 at the door; no advance purchase is required!

 

Community Celebrations

Dexter Ice Fest | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: January 21, 12–7 p.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 80 stunning ice sculptures crafted by Ice Dream Sculptures and sponsored by local businesses, in addition to several live demonstrations. Plus, take advantage of local downtown specials!

 

Sports

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. The group will hike 5 miles, with an easy exit at 2.5 miles. This fun, adventurous event is presented in partnership with the Crossroads Group Sierra Club, who helped build the trail with support from REI.

 

Food + Drink

Dexter Winter Farmers’ Market | Dexter

Where: Dexter United Methodist Church

When: January 7 + 21, 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 7 and 21 this year, the market 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!

 

Handmade Pasta Class | Chelsea

Where: The Lakehouse Bakery

When: January 22, 3–6 p.m.

Handmade Pasta Class Chelsea, MI

There’s nothing more comforting during than the winter than a warm pasta dish — and even better if it’s handmade! Learn how to make your own pasta from scratch at this Handmade Pasta Class hosted by the Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea. In this engaging, hands-on class, students will learn how to make fresh pasta and aromatic sauces, which will be enjoyed in class. A recipe packet with clear directions will be provided, as well as all ingredients, an apron, a towel, and all required materials. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended, and feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with the pasta dish. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot before the class fills up!

 

Happy January!

What events are you looking forward to this month?

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