50+ things to do in January

There is a lot to do in January. Here are 50+ of the biggest events.

Ice skating and lights

Illuminate Art Walk - This free, self-guided tour of light and art installations in downtown Raleigh runs through Jan. 5.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - The beautiful walk-through event in Cary is open through Jan. 14. Buy tickets online.

The Rink at Red Hat - Go ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater through Jan. 15! Buy tickets online.

Skate the Square - Go ice skating at Fenton in Cary through Feb. 5! Tickets are $17 but are discounted every Monday.

Events by date

Jan. 2-7: Girl From The North Country - The Broadway show coming to DPAC reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they've never been heard before.

Jan. 4: Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble - Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show.

Jan. 5: First Friday - Thousands venture to downtown Raleigh for art exhibits, artist talks and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts and more.

Jan. 5-7: Animate! Raleigh - GalaxyCon hosts three days of anime, animation, cosplay and more at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Jan. 6: Sip & Shop Pop-Up Market - Sip, shop and support local at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh from noon until 5 p.m. Vendors will be set up inside and on the covered, heated patio.

Jan. 6: NCMA Family-Friendly Tour - Tours are 30 minutes long and are best for kids ages 5 to 11 with their adult companions.

Jan. 6: NC Symphony: Mozart's Magnificent Voyage- Journey back in time to Marzart’s childhood and into the fantastic world of his most famous pieces, including The Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachmusik, and more.

Jan. 6: 5K for Make-A-Wish - This 5K in Raleigh will take place to support children with critical illnesses and their families. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

Jan. 6: Oak City Brewing Anniversary and Bonfire - There will be glassware giveaways, beer releases, a giant bonfire, live music and food trucks.

Jan. 6: Christmas Tree Toss - Think you can throw a Christmas tree further than your friends? Join Mason Jar Lager Co. for this free event to test your tossing skills. Free to play and winner gets $100 gift card.

Jan. 6: Mutts and Marshmallows 8K - The event is held at WakeMed Soccer Park. As always everyone who finishes the race gets a great mug, all the hot chocolate they can drink, and proceeds from the 'doggie dash' go to support the SPCA of Wake County.

Jan. 6-7: Raleigh Sports Cards, Toys, Pokémon, Comics, Hot Wheels Show - Come find sports cards, toys, Pokémon, comics, Hot Wheels and more as far as the eyes can see so don't miss out! Event held at the Raleigh Exposition Center.

Jan. 7: Perfectly Imperfect Pups Adoption Event - PIPs will be kicking off the new year at Lynnwood Brewing Concern from 1 to 3 p.m.

Jan. 8: Plant-Based Junk Food - This vegan junk food pop up at Funguys Brewing will feature crispy chik'n sandwiches and loaded fries.

Jan. 12: Mean Girls Drag Show - Wear pink like it's Wednesday, sip on themed cocktails, enjoy beats from DJ Alan and others at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Durham. This is event is free.

Jan. 12: Dan Tyminski Band - Part of the 2024 Down Home Concerts series, Dan Tyminski is arguably the most recognizable voice in bluegrass.

Jan. 12: Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo - This event at the fairgrounds is the largest showcase of fishing products you will find this year in one place.

Jan. 12: Smooth Jazz and R&B with a Splash of Comedy - Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Garner Performing Arts Center.

Jan. 13: Awful Movie Club - Newt Work Comedy's monthly Awful Movie Club will be showing two awful movies alongside a comedy show at the Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub. This show is recommended for ages 18+.

Jan. 13: Cary's Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade - Bring light and joy into the dark days of winter in the new Downtown Cary Park. Arrive at 6 p.m. and take your place in line, or line the parade route. If you have a lantern, please bring it along. The parade will leave at approximately 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 13: 8th Annual Polar Bear Run - This 5K Run/Walk event in downtown Selma supports Bailey's Human Rescue, a local organization with a mission to eradicate the unnecessary overpopulation of domesticated animals.

Jan. 14: Free Public Sound Bath Experience - Immerse yourself in a serene journey of sound and tranquility! This event at Dix Park features an afternoon of deep relaxation and inner peace, as ethereal tones and harmonious vibrations envelop your senses, soothing the mind, body, and soul.

Jan. 14: Cruise-In at Old North State Food Hall - Johnston County's food hall hosts this event.

Jan. 14: Chili Cookoff - All proceeds from the cook-off will benefit SUNICA. The Mason Jar Lager Company will have food trucks, a playground for kids, and of course, delicious chili!

Jan. 17-19: On Your Feet! - The inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan comes to DPAC.

Jan. 19: Ben Schwartz & Friends - Ben Schwartz brings some of his friends on stage to create a totally improvised show. Nothing is prepared beforehand, and every word is made up on the spot, creating a different comedy experience in every city.

Jan. 19: Snowman Games - Come with your family to the Kraft Family YMCA for games, activities, an indoor snowball fight and a hot chocolate bar. This event is free for members.

Jan. 19-20: NC Symphony: The Magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein - Celebrate the golden age of musical theatre and revisit Broadway favorites from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The Sound of Music and more.

Jan. 20: Eddie B - America's favorite teacher comedian comes to DPAC one night only.

Jan. 20: Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing - Four cookies will be paired with four beers in a flight - the perfect thing to satisfy your sweet tooth and beer craving at Glass Jug Beer Lab.

Jan. 20: Saturday Morning Cartoon Party - Cozy up in your favorite PJ's or onesies for Boxcar Raleigh's event. Catch your favorite childhood cartoons streaming on the TVs, sip on themed cocktails and score four free tokens just for showing up in your jammies.

Jan. 20: Dave Matthews Tribute Band - The Dave Matthews Tribute Band plays the Lincoln. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the opening band starts at 8 p.m.

Jan. 20-21: NC Vintage Bazaar - Shop some of the best vintage vendors around. Each day will feature a different group of over 80 unique vintage clothing vendors, so you’ll never shop the same stuff! From vintage T-shirts to jewelry, from the 60’s to the 2000s. Buy tickets online.

Jan. 20-21: Shen Yun Performing Arts - This performance displays 5,000 years of culture in one night. A seamless blend of: timeless stories, live East-West orchestration, innovative digital backdrops, a deeply expressive dance form, Shen Yun is something you have to see to believe.

Jan. 21: January Drag Brunch - Tickets are $35 and include a delicious brunch at Clouds Brewing and performances from some of the best local talent. Proceeds benefit our local LGBTQ+ community and individuals living with HIV.

Jan. 21: Tet Vietnamese New Year Festival - Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with cultural performances, lion dance, traditional Vietnamese food, and children's games and crafts. The event will be held at Dorton Arena.

Jan. 25: Winter Full Moon Walk - Enjoy a guided moonlit walk at NCMA to experience nature and art at night. Space is limited and preregistration is required—no walk-ups and no waitlist.

Jan. 26: The Breakfast Club (80s Party Band) - The 80s band returns to the Lincoln Theatre. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the opening band starts at 8 p.m.

Jan. 26: A College Dance for Every Body - Dance the night away and celebrate the new year with the NCMA’s accessible dance party! Enjoy a free social night with music, snacks, and good company, all in an inclusive environment.

Jan. 26-27: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert - A live orchestra performs John Williams' iconic score as the film plays at DPAC.

Jan. 27: Winter Gala - The Mill in Fuquay-Varina hosts a formal event. Tickets are $20 and the sales will be donated to the Special Olympics. A food truck and DJ will be onsite as well.

Jan. 27: Lovers Lane Pop-Up Market - Shop at Boxcar Raleigh from noon to 5 p.m. Vendors are set up in the bar and on the patio.

Jan. 27: African American Cultural Celebration - Commemorate African American history through music, art, dance, and food at the North Carolina Museum of History.

Jan. 27: S'mores and Hot Chocolate Festival - NC Eat & Play’s S’mores & Hot Chocolate Festival at Haven Farm in Knightdale will make you feel like you stepped into a real life snow globe. Tickets are only $15 and include all the festive activities, a s’mores kit and a hot chocolate tasting ticket.

Jan. 27: Bombshell Brewing Anniversary - Celebrate 10 years with food trucks, new beers and live music from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Jan. 27: Chinese New Year Festival - Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the Triangle community at Dorton Arena. Enjoy performances, authentic Chinese food and drink and family-friendly activities.

Jan. 28: Lucinda Williams - Three-time Grammy Award winner brings her "Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets" tour to DPAC.

Jan. 29: Playboy Carti - Genre-defying rapper Playboi Carti brings his “Antagonist Tour" to PNC Arena.

Jan. 31: Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton - The 7-0-7 Tour is destined to rhapsodize the senses and bewitch the heartstrings.