5 Things to Do in North Carolina This January That You Won’t Want to Miss

Looking for fun January activities? Check out this list of 5 events happening this month all across North Carolina.

January is an odd time of the year. The holidays have come to an end, but the weather often stays cold for another few months. With fewer gatherings of family and friends, and outside activities on hold, it can be tough finding fun events – but we’ve got you covered. Here are five fun events happening this month in North Carolina to get you started. 

Outdoor Ice Skating @ Red Hat Amphitheater

Raleigh, Jan 12 – 16

Spend some time on the ice at the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh. UNC Health presents “The Rink”, a family friendly outdoor ice rink complete with views of the Raleigh skylines. Tickets are $6-$11. If you don’t plan on skating, there are games like giant jenga and cornhole, a hot cocoa and sweet treat bar, and for the 21+ crowd, Thursday is brewery night! 

Grab your tickets at Ticketmaster, Duke Energy Center Box Office, or at The Rink during operation hours. 

Thurs and Fri: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sun: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

Mon: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

MLK Parade and Commemoration 

Wilmington, Jan 16

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, the MLK Celebration Committee of Southeastern North Carolina is hosting a week of events commemorating his legacy, including a potluck, breakfast with the NAACP, and a Family Day.  The final celebration is a parade downtown Wilmington on Monday, January 16th, at 11 a.m. 

Wilmington is an especially important place to recognize the work of Dr. King due to its history of Black disenfranchisement, such as the 1898 coup d’etat of elected African-American officials and its continued impact on the community. 

CounterCulture Festival 

Charlotte, Jan. 21 

Based in Charlotte, Counterculture Club is a group dedicated to creating alcohol-free social events. Saturday, January 21st, from 3pm-8pm they’re hosting their first ever festival at Camp North End. There will be live music, panel discussions, local vendors, and free yoga classes! 

Blowing Rock WinterFest

Blowing Rock, Jan. 26-29

Welcome to the annual celebration of Blowing Rock WinterFest, where for four days you can fill your agenda with WinterDuck Derbies, tomahawk throwing competitions, a polar bear plunge, light festivals, a pancake breakfast, and so much more. Founded in 1998, this festival is all about the fun side of winter and has donated thousands of dollars to charitable causes.The town has even been celebrated as one of America’s “Prettiest Winter Towns” by Travel & Leisure magazine.  

Rainbow Rave 

Winston-Salem, Jan. 28 

Show out on the dance floor at the Rainbow Rave on January 28th from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at the Millenium Center. This is an 18+ underground dance event celebrating dance, music, art, and the queer community. There will be light shows, art installations, a lineup of DJs and performers, and drinks for those who are 21+. Everyone (18+) is welcome, discrimination is not tolerated, and if you cannot afford the ticket, administrators will help you find a way to attend.