So you’ve done it – after months of holiday indulgence, you’ve committed to a Dry January. However, there are still plenty of things to do across the US to keep your mind off that wine bottle hiding in your wine rack.
Here’s our list of January events that keep the party flowing, even if the drinks aren’t.
Miami’s Art Deco Weekend
Miami may be Party Central, but the Art Deco Weekend at Miami Beach offers a fantastic way to experience the city without hitting the sauce. You can take a guided walking tour of the historic Art Deco district, enjoy a retro fashion show channeling the 20s, catch a film series, or join a classic car show. Moreover, enjoy Jazz Age concerts as this year marks a significant centennial for the iconic decade’s celebrations!
Winter Jazzfest in NYC
Arguably one of the premier events celebrating jazz in the Big Apple, Winter Jazzfest kicks off the new year with plenty of grooving. An extensive roster of musicians, with over 100 participating in 2019, will head to venues across the city over the course of nine nights, showcasing the best the genre has to offer via the work of both new talent and established greats. This year’s festival features two signature marathon concert nights, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.
Volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 15 honors activist and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Consequently, in 1994, Congress designated the federal holiday as a National Day of Service. During this three-day weekend, organizations across the US orchestrate opportunities to give back; so, find an event that resonates with your interests and invest your time in your community.
Bluff International Balloon Festival
Hot air balloons bring a touch of whimsy to any landscape, and it’s no different when they hit the Utah skies in late January for the Bluff Balloon Festival. This enchanting weekend features two balloon flights, first over Bluff, Utah, and subsequently over the dramatic Valley of the Gods. Other highlights include a nighttime “glow-in” where the balloons light up like giant lanterns, and a local artists market.
St Paul Winter Carnival
Minnesota sits at the heart of the cold north in the US, making it home to the oldest and biggest winter festival in the country. Activities abound – those willing to brave the chill will find beauty at the ice-carving and snow-sculpting competitions, while others can warm up during the King Boreas Torchlight Parade, which pays homage to the god of fire’s victory over the king of the wind.
Sundance Film Festival
January seems to be Utah’s month – for 10 days, the Sundance Film Festival invites filmmakers and film enthusiasts to Park City and Salt Lake City for a celebration of artistic and experimental cinema. Sundance hosts film viewings across an array of theaters in both cities, and while the previews and showings may appear exclusive, they are open to the public! Who knows, you may find yourself in the audience of a film destined for greatness.
Ouray Ice Climbing Festival
Held at the picturesque Ouray Ice Park in Colorado, this climbing festival attracts ice climbers from all around with its dramatic “waterfalls” of ice. The festival features climbing clinics ranging in difficulty from beginner to professional. If you’d prefer to keep your boots on the ground, visitors are welcome to watch the competitions and participate in evening festivities including dance parties, silent auctions, and more.