January Events in Michigan
January marks the start of the new year, which means plenty of new things to try. All across the state annual events are renewing for 2022 and the opportunity to attend is hard to ignore.
Whether you want to see unique seasonal art or you want to attend a popular concert, watch sports or get active yourself, or even if you just want to usher in the new year with a relaxing trip, there’s never been a better time to get out and try something new for 2022.
Things to Do in January in Metro-Detroit
Plymouth Ice Festival
The Plymouth Ice Festival is one of the largest ice festivals in Michigan and it’s free to attend. On the festival’s 40th anniversary, see ice as you’ve never seen it before.
From January 8-10, 2022, explore downtown Plymouth with plenty of activities and events, not to mention restaurants and bakeries with delicious food and numerous unique shopping spots. Be sure and check out the shops along Main Street, Penniman, Forest Place and Ann Arbor Trail.
Ice sculptures are displayed 24 hours a day and stay around even after the event has ended, but visiting during event days promises way more than just art from ice.
Insider’s Tip: You’ll find some of the area’s best Italian food at Nico and Vali on Wing Street, one of our favorite eat-in and carry-outs in Metro Detroit. Try the Chicken Carbonara – it’s amazing!
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Celebrate the songs and the artist in the musical, which highlights the life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King. The show runs January 4 – 10 at Detroit’s amazing Fisher Theater.
Novi Home and Garden Show
Thinking about doing some putting in a new kitchen or expanding your garden space? You’ll find ideas galore at the Novi Home and Garde Show, Michigan’s largest home and garden expo, running January 21-23, 2022, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
Sesame Street LIVE Let’s Dance!
See Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, and the whole Sesame Street gang live at the historic Fox Theater, with shows running January 20 – 39, 2022.
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
It’s two nights days of folk music at Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium, where you’ll find stars such as Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and more. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29, 2022.
Mt. Clemens Ice Carving Show
The 15th annual ice carving show is back and better than ever in downtown Mt. Clemens, from January 31 through February 2.
Winter Bridal Celebrations
ShowIt’s Michigan’s biggest and best bridal show, held at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit on January 29, 2022.
More Detroit Shows, Events and Things to Do in January
January is a great month for shows in Detroit. All throughout the month, Detroit’s many iconic venues will be hosting concerts, stage shows, and more.
Detroit’s January concert lineup spans several genres with iconic artists like The Weeknd, Mother Mother, Eric Church, Patti LaBelle, and more headlining unique and spectacular shows.
Meanwhile, Metro-Detroiters of any age can find a stage show for them with a range of experiences from Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” to Shatner’s World with William Shatner.
January Sporting Events in Detroit
In mid-winter every year, nearly all of our favorite sports are active and engaging. Between hockey, football, and basketball, there’s no shortage of exciting sporting events to attend this month.
Watch the Lions close up their season, see the Red Wings excel as the hockey eason peaks, or get a jump on the basketball season by cheering on the Pistons.
Whether we succeed or fail we love to support our local teams and there’s no better time than during the bitter cold of mid-winter to get on the band-wagon.
January Shows, Events, and Things to Do in West Michigan
World of Winter Festival
In Downtown Grand Rapids the World of Winter Festival kicks off January with tons of fun for the whole family. This festival takes advantage of Michigan’s cold climate to provide interesting and unique ways to enjoy the season.
With the goal of encouraging Grand Rapids to become a more active city during the winter months all programming, events, and activities are free.
With the added security of social-distance in consideration of pandemic concerns, you can feel safe while getting out and enjoying the winter in one of Michigan’s most exciting cities.
Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
In Kalamazoo, craft beers reign supreme and the Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is the perfect opportunity to see just what the city’s breweries have to offer.
This celebration highlights the skilled artisans who make local craft beverages, which aside from brewers, includes distillers and winemakers as well.
Southwest Michigan has a significant history and relationship with the craft beverage industry and with Kalamazoo front and center during the Craft Beverage Week, anyone interested in the creation of their favorite local drink should make a stop.
Ride the Muskegon Luge
It’s the only wheel luge track in the USA, and you can ride it this winter at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Park. Want more winter fun/. You’ll find a 1400’ dual mega Zipline and hiking trails, too.
January Shows, Events, and Things to Do in Mid-Michigan
Zehnder’s Snowfest
Frankenmuth is a top winter destination in Michigan, especially during the Christmas season. But what about after the holidays have passed? Well, Frankenmuth is still a fantastic spot and Zehnder’s Snowfest has a big role in maintaining Frankenmuth’s popularity throughout the winter.
Each year artists sculpt fantastic figures in snow and ice and visitors from all around gather in town to see the skillful creations and enjoy all the fun entertainment and activities available to visitors of all ages, including fireworks, a petting zoo, and more.
Michigan Coral Expo
When you think of corals, you might think of beaches, reefs, and summer, but for those in the reef-keeping hobby don’t stop caring for corals once the summer fades away.
On January 30th, engage with your favorite hobby or learn something new about reef aquarium keeping at the Michigan Coral Expo in Lansing.
Being both the largest reef-hobby event in the state and one of the largest single-day events in the country means that the Michigan Coral Expo Has been a staple destination of many local aquarium keepers.
Things to Do in January in Northern Michigan
Fat Chance Fat Tire Bike Race
Fat Chance is the cornerstone of Northern Michigan’s fat-tire biking culture. On January 29, 2022, prepare for another legendary race at Crystal Mountain with both new and familiar faces.
The new course this year has participants and spectators alike buzzing about the event, as the new course offers a 360-degree view for onlookers. For 90 minutes, participants will race through and break up the pack through singular sections with plenty of excitement for all.
Wilderness Sleigh Ride & Dinner
At Treetops Resort in Gaylord, plan a magical winter excursion into the forests for memory unlike any other. Here you can ride a sleigh through the wilderness of northern Michigan as you glide through a secluded bit of the resort’s property.
Afterwards, a gourmet four course meal at Hunter’s Grille will be waiting for you to enjoy with loved ones as snow falls outside and adds to the enchanting winter forest all around.
Annual Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race
The Annual Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race on January 9, is back this year and better than ever. The TCSDR is a favorite winter activity in the Upper Peninsula.
Starting and ending in Muskallonge State Park, this dog sled race offers incredible views of an icy Lake Superior and all the wild coastline that neighbors it.
The history of transportation via dog sled in Northern Michigan is rich and culturally significant ever-still, so making your way up to the Upper Peninsula this January is a great way to celebrate the historical significance of man’s best friend in Michigan.
Bonus Event: State-Wide
Polar Plunge 2022
If you know, you know; the Polar Plunge is a huge deal. It’s the one event of the year where we come together in the middle of winter to do something extreme to support something fantastic.
Each year Michigan residents support Special Olympics Michigan by committing to taking a dip in the frigid waters of the Great Lakes.
By doing this, we raise money in support of Special Olympics Michigan which provides training and services to thousands of athletes with disabilities state-wide. Take the plunge and support a cause which aims to create a more accepting and inclusive world.