The new year brings both new happenings and returning annual events—all worth attending! This January, our event guide features concerts, live shows, showcases, animal encounters, charity events, winter races and more.
Keep reading to learn more, fill your calendar and purchase your tickets where necessary. But don’t worry! If you added budgeting to your list of New Year’s resolutions, you’ll find several free events, too. 
 

Jump ahead:

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

 

ARTS + CULTURE

 

50 First Jokes at the Ark | Ann Arbor

January 2, 8 p.m. | The Ark

The Ark is welcoming 2019 with comedy. Join the fun as 50 stand up comedians tell their first jokes of the year!
 

The Great Tamer | Ann Arbor

January 18 – 19, 8 p.m. | Power Center
Recommended for guests 16 years and above, The Great Tamer is a visual arts performance unlike any other. Greek artist Dimitris Papaioannou, who also created the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, has created a show that explores the human life as a journey. It has resulted in a surreal masterpiece that has now been viewed all over the world. For more information, click here.
 

A2 Tech Film Showcase | Ann Arbor

January 18, 5 – 9 p.m. | Michigan Theater
The A2 Tech Film Showcase is one evening of film and discussion that explores the consequences of technology. Taking place in Ann Arbor’s Michigan Theater, the event includes screenings of nine short films, food and refreshments, and a panel discussion with the filmmakers. Tickets are free but you can register here.
 

Creatures of the Night 2019 | Ann Arbor

January 18 and 25, 7 – 9 p.m. | The Creature Conservancy
Designed specifically for guests 18 years and over, Creatures of the Night is an event at The Creature Conservancy that allows you to meet and learn about animals that are primarily active at night, including porcupines, a kangaroo, a sloth and bats. For more information, click here.
 

Collage Concert | Ann Arbor

January 19, 8 p.m. | Hill Auditorium
Collage Concert is 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.
 

Ann Arbor Folk Festival | Ann Arbor

January 25 – 26, various times | Hill Auditorium
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 the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Rufus Wainwright, Haley Heynderickx, Brandi Carlile and more. Tickets are available for single nights, or both, and you can get more information here.  
 
 

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

 

Puppies & Pints | Ann Arbor

January 10, 6 – 8 p.m. | Hyatt Place Ann Arbor

Hyatt Place Ann Arbor is teaming up with Wolverine State Brewing Co. and The Devoted Barn for a food, craft beer and puppy-filled event. Your $35 ticket includes a tasting flight of four Wolverine State beers, a complimentary pint of your choice, food pairings from Hyatt Place, play time with puppies from The Devoted Barn, the opportunity to adopt a puppy, tours of the hotel, and a parting gift. Ticket proceeds benefit The Devoted Barn of Newport and you can buy yours here.
 
 

SPORTS

 

Mighty Good New Years Day Run | Ann Arbor

January 1, 9 a.m. | Mighty Good Coffee

Ann Arbor Running Company and Mighty Good Coffee are joining forces on New Year’s Day for a family-friendly run beginning at the coffee house and continuing on an out-and-back course on the B2B trail so you can run as far or as short as you’d like. To sign up for this free run, click here.
 

Frosty Freestyle & Krazy Klassic | Brighton

January 12 – 13, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Huron Meadows Metropark
Just a quick drive north of Ann Arbor, Epic Races, Huron Meadows Metropark and Team NordicSkiRacer are teaming up to host the Frosty Freestyle & Krazy Klassic. The two-day event offers cross-country races with distances perfect for first-time skiers and experienced Nordic competitors alike. For more details and registration, click here.
 
 

FOOD + DRINK

 

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week | Ann Arbor

January 13 – 18, various times | Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week is a biannual event hosted by Main Street Area Association. The event brings together upwards of 50 restaurants all over town, which offer special lunch and/or dinner menus for a fixed price. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself to some of our town’s best local eats! Check out the winter menus here.
 
 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!