16 things to do in January in Birmingham

tropicaleo 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Check out Tropicaleo’s New Year’s Day brunch menu! Photo via Tropicaleo

We know you’re planning on having a great New Year’s Eve celebration tonight because you checked out both of our NYE guides, but what about the rest of January 2019? Is there anything going on then? We did some research and it looks like January is going to kick 2019 off with a bang!

January 1: New Year’s Brunch at Tropicaleo

Tropicaleo is featuring a special New Year’s Day brunch menu to kick off the year! What can you find on the menu? Classic breakfasts, beef and rice traditional dishes, fruit salad with yogurt, french toast and more. Stay out late on New Year’s Eve and satisfy your hunger New Year’s morning with Tropicaleo!

January 1-31: Veganuary Challenge at Tropicaleo

veganuary 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Veganuary at Tropicaleo means an extended menu for those interested in a vegan diet! Photo via Tropicaleo

Have you ever been interested in eating a vegan diet? Now is your time to try it out! You have probably heard of the 30 Day Vegan Challenge through social media as a way to start the year in a healthily way or as a way to lighten your eco-footprint. Starting January 1st, Tropicaleo is expanding their vegan menu. They will be offering a wider variety of vegan items for those doing Veganuary or vegans in Birmingham to enjoy!

January 1-31: Sidewalk Book and Film Club

sidewalkclub 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
The Sidewalk Book and Film Club is “cheaper than film school.” Photo via Sidewalk

Join others who are interested in film each month to read an educational book about film as well as watch a film! The first Wednesday of each month, club participants will attend a kickoff meeting where they will receive their book for the month. The last Wednesday of the month, Sidewalk will host a screening of a film related to the book participants have read and host a facilitated discussion for group members. Location TBD. Join the club.

January 3: Handel’s Water Music; ASO Unwined

orchestra 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Don’t miss this unique concert by Alabama Symphony Orchestra! Photo via ASO

This concert partners ASO with Cahaba River Society, bringing people together for a healthier and cared for Cahaba River. The ASO performs Handel’s Water Music, a piece known for highly spirited movements that were played on boats for 18th century “River Parties” hosted by royalty. 

January 4: Filter — Coffee Parlor Opening Day

Birmingham, Filter Coffee-Parlor, coffee shops
Espresso shots will be rolling in at Filer-Coffee Parlor in January 2019. Photo via Filter-Coffee Parlor

Looking for a new place to get that morning caffeine burst? You can get it starting January 4 at Filter–Coffee Parlor in Five Points South. The menu will feature premium coffee from roasters across the state of Alabama, coffee, teas, specialty beverages, light food items and desserts. There will be no shortage of coffee, teas and treats, either, because the shop will be open seven days a week!

January 4: Art After 5: Game Night at the Birmingham Museum of Art

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What’s your favorite board game? Play them all at Art After 5’s game night at the Birmingham Museum of Art! Photo via Pixabay

Game night is back at Art After 5! Head to the BMA to play board games, take a gallery tour, try specialty cocktails and more. BYO game to add to the mix if you’re interested!

January 11 and 12: The Beginning: Carlos Conducts Beethoven’s First Symphony at ASO

carlosaso 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Conductor Carlos Izcaray’s program is sure to be a delight. Photo via ASO

This is part of the “Masterworks” series presented by EBSCO and Vulcan Value Partners. The show features Carlos Izcaray as conductor. Join the ASO as they begin a journey through all nine Beethoven symphonies, starting with the groundbreaking first symphony. The program also features Schubert’s final completed symphony, aptly nicknamed The Great. 

January 14: Belly Dance Class for Beginners at North Shelby Library

bellydance 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Learn belly dancing at the North Shelby Library this January! Photo via North Shelby Library

Learn all about the art of belly dancing at the North Shelby Library. Strengthen and tone, improve coordination, increase flexibility, and build confidence! Instructions will by given by Liz from Dala Tribal Dance Company. The event is free, but registration is required. Register here.

January 16: Babes Who Brunch at ROJO

rojobrunch 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
The ROJO Babes Who Brunch show accompanies a full brunch menu and open bar! Photo via Rojo

Head to ROJO in Saturday January 12th for Babes Who Brunch’s first event of 2019. Make it a New Year’s resolution to check out the hottest drag brunch in town…with thrilling performances from Cierra Symone Campbell, Victoria Taylor, Safaree Campbell Starr, Audrina Taylor and Lotus DiArmani.

The even will feature a brunch menu with eight amazing entrees starting at $8.95 and a full bar! Vegetarian dishes are also on the menu. Plus, a $20 mimosa pitcher special + extra fruit options. Gluten-free menu available upon request. Lunch + dinner menus are also available.

TWO SHOWS @ 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM!
First seating: 11:00 AM
Second seating: 1:00 PM

(All shows will begin promptly, so please arrive early for seatings. Table reservations are highly encouraged. #RSVP in advance by email at babeswhobrunchbham@gmail.com.)

January 16: Carmina Burana & the Rite of Spring at ASO

aso 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is set to play Stravinksy’s Rite of Spring for the first time in 18 years. Photo via ASO

This will be the first time since 2001 that ASO has performed Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, and you won’t want to miss it! Buy tickets here.

January 16: Confidence When It Counts Momentum Leadership Workshop

sharonmelnick 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Learn about confidence under stress from Dr. Sharon Melnick at Momentum in Birmingham. Photo via SharonMelnick.com

Join the business-savvy women at Momentum for a leadership workshop. This workshop is focused on cultivating your confidence in times when it counts — when you are stressed, for example. Dr. Melnick is the best-selling author of ” Success Under Stress: Powerful Tools for Staying Calm, Confident, and Productive When the Pressure’s On” and “Confidence when it Counts: Rise Above Self Criticism and Bias for Next Level Opportunities” and will be at the workshop to guide you.

8:30 – 11:30 at Samford University. Buy tickets here.

January 18: Third Friday in Forest Park

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Naked Art Gallery participates in Third Friday with locally made goods. Photo by Lauren Bedford

On the Third Friday of every month, the shops of Forest Park stay open late and provide beer and wine for the community. Stop by the shops for special sales and eat dinner at one of the great restaurants that stays open late! Learn more about Third Friday and Forest Park here.

January 19: Peace and the Way of Tea at Birmingham Museum of Art

bmatea 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Learn about the Japanese art of tea alongside the Japanese Heritage Festival at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Photo via the BMA

Head to the BMA for a demonstration of Japanese tea, in conjunction with the current exhibit of contemporary Japanese ceramics.
Tea will be prepared and served in 4 sessions: 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. At each time we will explain the history and significance of the way of tea, commonly referred to as “tea ceremony” in English.

January 19: Japanese Heritage Festival at Birmingham Museum of Art

japanesefestival 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
The Japanese Heritage Festival is on January 19 at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Photo via BMA

Celebrate the rich cultural history of Japan at the Japanese Heritage Festival. Using Japanese art as inspiration, the BMA will explore this beautiful culture through special art activities, tours of the Japanese gallery, and screenings of Anime. This event is FREE to attend.

January 19-20: BrickFair Alabama Lego Fan Expo at the BJCC

brickfair 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
This photo from BrickFair 2017 shows how amazing the Lego builders are.

At BrickFair you’ll find hands on games and activities, tons of amazing creations made from LEGO bricks, a variety of different vendors selling all sorts of unique LEGO related items, and so much more. BrickFair Alabama brings together LEGO fans and builders from across the USA to show off and share their amazing LEGO creations and passion for the LEGO brick.

Tickets to the show are $14 per person. Ages 3 and under are FREE. More info on showtimes and tickets here.

January 26: The Mambo Kings at ASO

mambokings 16 things to do in January in Birmingham
Catch The Mambo Kings at ASO on January 26. Photo via The Mambo Kings

Enjoy New York’s foremost Latin jazz ensemble, in concert with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The Mambo Kings apply their “explosive blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and improvisation” to classical favorites, pop hits, and jazz standards.

What are you most excited about this January? Let us know!

Lauren Bedford
Lauren Bedford
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