As winter blankets Ann Arbor with a glistening layer of snow, the city comes alive with a plethora of exciting events to kick off the new year. From inspiring concerts to ice festivals, and lantern-lit hikes to bread-making classes, January in Ann Arbor is a month of diverse experiences that cater to every interest.

Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor eager to explore the city’s vibrant offerings, get ready to embrace the chilly charm and discover the lively spirit of our region this January!

Jump Ahead: 

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports

 

Arts + Culture

The Godfather Live | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: January 7, 3 p.m.

You’ve seen The Godfather before, but have you seen it accompanied by a live symphony orchestra? Relive this chilling film as the Grand Rapids Symphony performs Nino Rota’s Oscar®-nominated score. Before the show, join host Doyle Armbrust for “The Society of Disobedient Listeners,” a special pre-performance talk at 2 p.m. in the lower lobby of the auditorium. Get your tickets for this unique experience here!

 

Collage Concert | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: January 20, 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: Hill Auditorium

When: January 26–27, 7 p.m.

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival, a fundraiser for The Ark, began in 1977 and is now one of Ann Arbor’s most anticipated events. The festival is returning to a two-night format in Hill Auditorium for the first time since before the pandemic. Friday night’s lineup will feature Old Crow Medicine Show, Devon Gilfillian, Bailen, Darren Kiely, Sons of Mystro, and Jeff Daniels, MC. And on Saturday, you’ll hear Emmylou Harris, Michigan Rattlers, Steve Poltz, Lizzie No, The Sea The Sea, and Jeff Daniels, MC. 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’s Jupiter | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: January 27, 8 p.m.

Celebrate Mozart’s birthday on January 27th with this exceptional program showcasing Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, “a work of emotional profundity, staggering technical mastery, and titanic influence.” Witness the genius of Music Director Earl Lee leading the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, with solo performances from 2023 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Award winner Tommy Mesa. Click here to get more information and purchase tickets for this unforgettable evening!

 

Community Celebrations

Dexter Ice Fest | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: January 20, 11 a.m.–5 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 60 stunning ice sculptures crafted by Ice Dream Sculptures and sponsored by local businesses, in addition to several live demonstrations. There will also be cocoa and s’more stations and local downtown specials you can take advantage of while you’re there. If you miss the event, don’t worry — the ice sculptures will stay up until February 3rd!

 

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. You have the option to hike 5 miles, 3 miles, 2 miles or 1.5 miles. This fun, adventurous event is presented in partnership with the Crossroads Group Sierra Club, who helped build the trail with support from REI.

 

Lantern Hike at Island Lake | Brighton

Where: Island Lake Recreation Area

When: January 20, 6–9 p.m.

If you miss the First Day Hike, don’t worry — there are several other opportunities to hike with the Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area this winter. The group is hosting a series of lantern-lit hikes at night along part of the Hickory Ridge hiking trail. The 1.5 loop also includes a halfway stop at a campfire warming station! You don’t need to register for this self-guided hike; simply complete your hike any time between 6 and 9 p.m., using the lanterns and moonlight to guide the way. Hot chocolate will be available before or after your hike! Get more details here. 

 

Food + Drink

Dexter Winter Farmers’ Market | Dexter

Where: Dexter United Methodist Church

When: January 6 + 20, 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 6 and 20 this year, the Dexter Winter Farmers’ 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!

 

Artisan Bread Basics Class | Chelsea

Where: The Lakehouse Bakery

When: January 7, 2 p.m.

There’s nothing more comforting during the winter than warm, fresh bread straight out of the oven! Learn how to make your own artisan bread from scratch at this Artisan Bread Basics Class hosted by the Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea. In this engaging, hands-on class, students will learn the basics of making bread, including the process of making a sourdough starter and how to make, shape, score and bake the bread in a European hearth oven. Breads made will include ciabatta, baguette, and sourdough. 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. Click here for more details and to reserve your spot before the class fills up! If you miss this one, there are other baking classes happening throughout the month at Lakehouse Bakery.

 

3rd Annual Ypsi Bourbon Fest | Ypsilanti

Where: Ypsilanti Freighthouse

When: January 20, 4 p.m.

Calling all bourbon lovers! Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Ypsi Bourbon Fest, an indoor bourbon festival hosted at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. The festival will feature more than 100 whiskeys, store picks, and a VIP bottle section. While the focus is on bourbon, there will also be non-bourbon options, such as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options, plus food trucks, live music, vendors and more! Proceeds from this event benefit the Friends of the River, a non-profit organization working to improve water quality, access, and awareness of the rivers of Michigan. Purchase your tickets for this 21+ event here!

 

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week | Ann Arbor

Where: Various Locations

When: January 21–26

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week is an annual celebration of local food — and do we have amazing food to celebrate here in Ann Arbor! All week long, enjoy fine dining lunch and dinner course menus, family meals to-go, virtual demonstrations, and chef highlights, with many vegan and vegetarian options available. Check back on the Ann Arbor Restaurant Week website closer to the week to see this year’s menus and specials — and preview last year’s menu options in the meantime to know what you can expect.

 

Happy January!

What events are you looking forward to this month?