January in Washtenaw County brings a fresh start and a full calendar. Whether you’re ready to embrace winter’s chill or prefer to stay warm indoors, the communities of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding towns offer plenty of ways to celebrate the new year. From live performances and creative workshops, to snowy outdoor adventures and family-friendly festivals, here are some of the best events to kick off your year.

Arts + Culture

Dimanche Chaliwaté and Focus Companies

Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St, Ann Arbor
January 7th-11th

Experience a breathtaking blend of puppetry, mime, video, and clowning as Belgian theatre companies Chaliwaté and Focus bring Dimanche to Ann Arbor. Performed at the Power Center for the Performing Arts, this visually captivating production drops audiences into a world shaken by ecological collapse. The story follows a family struggling to maintain their daily routines amid extreme climate upheaval, their attempts at normalcy both humorous and haunting. With tickets starting at $44, it’s a rare opportunity to see internationally acclaimed physical theatre right in the heart of Ann Arbor.

Interwoven with the family’s tale are scenes featuring three wildlife reporters chronicling species on the brink of extinction, offering moments that are equal parts tender, absurd, and thought-provoking. As the performance unfolds, Dimanche draws viewers into a dystopian parable that highlights the fragility of the world – and the sometimes comical ways humans try to cope with forces far beyond their control. The result is a moving and imaginative experience that leaves audiences reflecting long after the final scene.

In Recital: Aristo Sham

Rackham Auditorium, 915 E Washington St, Ann Arbor
January 17th, 3 p.m.

Celebrate world-class artistry as the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra presents In Recital: Aristo Sham, featuring the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner in his highly anticipated Ann Arbor debut. Praised as “a marvel of deft characterization” and “a card-carrying risk taker,” Sham brings his expressive musicality and technical brilliance to Rackham Auditorium for a captivating solo performance. His program highlights signature works by Busoni and Brahms, offering audiences the rare chance to hear a rising star interpret these masterpieces with both sensitivity and daring.

With adult tickets ranging from $35-$45 and a generous 50 percent discount for students and children, this afternoon recital is an accessible and inspiring cultural experience for music lovers of all ages. Set in the intimate acoustics of Rackham Auditorium, the performance promises a powerful connection between artist and audience, showcasing why Aristo Sham is quickly becoming one of the most compelling pianists of his generation. Whether you’re an avid classical music fan or simply looking for a memorable January outing, this recital is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sun in Ya Hands

Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor
January 25th, 11 a.m.

Bring the whole family to the Michigan Theater for Sun in Ya Hands, a vibrant and heartfelt reimagining of The Frog Prince. Presented as part of the Not Just For Kids series, this original production by Detroit-based playwright and University of Michigan instructor Emilio Rodriguez sets the classic Brothers Grimm tale in the Caribbean, with colorful production design inspired by Disney favorites like Pocahontas and Moana. The story follows an unlikely friendship between a princess and a frog, weaving themes of courage, kindness, and selflessness into a charming, bilingual (Spanish and English) performance. To make the day even more special, families can arrive at 10:30 a.m. for an interactive drumming experience and stay after the show for a cast meet-and-greet – perfect for curious kids and young theater lovers.

This Not Just For Kids performance comes with a bonus: a Buy One, Get One Free ticket offer available through December 25th, making it an affordable and festive way to enjoy a January outing. With lively storytelling, joyful energy, and a talented cast from the Arts Academy Theatre Division, Sun in Ya Hands promises a morning full of music, laughter, and meaningful lessons. It’s an uplifting winter event that brings warmth to the heart of downtown Ann Arbor and creates an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Community Celebrations

Ann Arbor’s 10th Annual 50 First Jokes

The Ark, 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor
January 2nd, doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Start the new year with a burst of laughter at Ann Arbor’s 10th Annual 50 First Jokes, a high-energy comedy tradition that originated two decades ago at the Bell House in Brooklyn and now lights up stages across the country. This much-anticipated event brings together 50 of the region’s rising comedians and seasoned performers, each taking the mic to deliver the very first joke they’ve written for the year. The result? A rapid-fire showcase of fresh humor that sets the tone for the 2026 comedy scene in all the right ways.

The format is simple but irresistible – short sets, big laughs, and a whole lot of personality packed into one night. At just $24, it’s an affordable way to discover new Michigan comic voices you may never have heard before while supporting the local comedy community. With doors opening at 7:30 p.m. at The Ark, grab a seat early, settle in, and get ready for an evening that’s fast, funny, and the perfect remedy for the post-holiday lull.

Growing Hope’s Indoor Winter Farmers Market

Ypsilanti Farmers Marketplace, 16 S Washington St, Ypsilanti
January 10th & 24th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Growing Hope’s Indoor Winter Farmers Market brings warmth and community spirit to Downtown Ypsilanti on select Saturdays from December through March. This free market transforms the Ypsilanti Farmers Marketplace into a welcoming indoor space filled with fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, and hot, nourishing foods from area growers and makers. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, browse the seasonal offerings, and support local agriculture while escaping the winter chill. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations with vendors, discover new products, and enjoy a cozy Saturday outing.

Held throughout the winter months, the market serves as a gathering place during a season when people naturally come indoors and draw closer together. Each event offers a chance to reconnect with neighbors, enjoy the rhythms of the local food system, and keep community ties strong even in the coldest part of the year. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, hunting for handmade goods, or simply looking for a warm and vibrant place to spend a winter morning, the Indoor Winter Farmers Market is a delightful way to brighten your January.

Sports

Michigan Wolverines vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Crisler Center, 333 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor
January 5th, 6:30 p.m.

Kick off the new year with high-energy Big Ten women’s basketball as the Michigan Wolverines take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Crisler Center. This winter matchup comes with an extra dose of fun thanks to BINGO Night, turning the arena into a lively mix of hoops and prizes. The first 1,000 fans can pick up complimentary BINGO cards at the Marketing Table in Section 136, giving you the chance to win Michigan gear and other giveaways during halftime. Between the on-court action and the added entertainment, it’s an ideal game for families, students, and fans eager to start January with some maize-and-blue excitement.

To make the night even cozier, fans can take advantage of the Beanie Ticket Pack, which lets you add an exclusive Michigan beanie to your ticket for just $15. It’s a perfect way to stay warm this winter while repping your Wolverines spirit – plus, the beanie add-on is available for both the Oakland and Minnesota games. With special promotions, spirited crowds, and a classic conference showdown, this is one January event that delivers all the thrills of Michigan basketball with a little extra flair.

Washtenaw County’s Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports

George Gervin GameAbove Center, 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti
January 31st, 12 p.m.

Washtenaw County’s Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports invites families, young athletes, and community supporters to an inspiring afternoon dedicated to empowering the next generation. Presented by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, this annual event blends hands-on athletic activities with meaningful educational opportunities. The day kicks off at noon with an educational panel in The Eagles Nest, where speakers (to be announced) will share insights designed to motivate and inform young athletes and their parents. It’s an engaging way to learn about confidence, leadership, wellness, and the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

Following the panel, athletes ages 13 and under can jump into a dynamic multi-sport clinic at 12:30 p.m., featuring lacrosse, rowing, soccer, cheer, football, and more, offering kids the chance to try new skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. At 2 p.m., the celebration continues with the EMU Women’s Basketball Game, complete with post-game autographs that create unforgettable moments for young fans. It’s a high-energy, community-driven event that highlights the strength and potential of girls and women in sports – an empowering way to close out January and champion the athletes of today and tomorrow.

Food + Drink

Crullers and Churros at Zingerman’s Bakehouse

3711 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor
January 7th, 6-9 p.m.

Warm up a winter evening with the irresistible aromas of fried dough and fresh pastry at Zingerman’s Bakehouse’s Crullers and Churros class. For $110, participants get a hands-on workshop designed to demystify classic baking techniques and build confidence in the kitchen. You’ll learn how to make pâte à choux – the foundational dough behind airy crullers and crisp churros – while enjoying expert instruction in a fun, supportive environment. It’s an ideal experience for bakers of all levels who want to master beloved treats and understand the craft behind them.

Throughout the class, guests mix, fry, pipe, and taste their way through the process, transforming simple ingredients into beautifully golden pastries. The class fee also includes all materials and plenty of warm, sugary samples to enjoy along the way. By the time the evening wraps up, you’ll leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for the art of pastry, and a box of freshly made crullers and churros to show for it. For anyone looking to start the year on a delicious note, this class, and the crullers and churros you’ll make, are well worth every bite.

Ypsi Bourbon Fest

Michigan Firehouse Museum, 110 W Cross St, Ypsilanti
January 17th, 4-6:30 p.m. & 7-9:30 p.m.

Ypsi Bourbon Fest returns this January with two lively tasting sessions set inside the historic Michigan Firehouse Museum. Guests can choose between the 4-6:30 p.m. or 7-9:30 p.m. sessions, each offering access to more than 100 rare and high-end whiskeys and bourbons. From expertly crafted classic cocktails to special pours from local distilleries, the festival is a dream for bourbon lovers and curious newcomers alike. With tickets starting at just $15, it’s a great way to explore a wide range of flavors in a warm, inviting indoor setting.

Beyond the whiskey, the festival atmosphere is rounded out with live music, food vendors, and specialty booths that make the evening feel like a full celebration of local craft culture. Whether you’re sampling small-batch spirits, chatting with distillers, or grabbing a bite between tastings, Ypsi Bourbon Fest offers a spirited winter outing in one of the city’s most unique venues. It’s a perfect way to warm up a January night and experience Ypsilanti’s lively, community-driven event scene.

Happy January!

From spirited festivals to family-friendly theater, winter markets, concerts, and big-time basketball, January in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti offers countless ways to shake off the post-holiday lull and embrace the new year with energy and curiosity. Whether you’re exploring something new or revisiting a beloved tradition, these local events bring warmth and connection to the heart of winter – proof that even the chilliest month can be full of fun. So bundle up, head out, and make the most of everything this vibrant season has to offer.