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As we kick off the new year, January is bursting with incredible events to get excited about. From awesome concerts to exciting sporting events, there’s a whole mix of Houston happenings lined up to make the start of 2024 a blast. Whether you’re into music, sports, or just want to soak up some culture at a show, this list has you covered. It’s like a month-long adventure with something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the mix and embrace all the awesome experiences January has in store for us! 🎉
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🏙️ Houston-area happenings
Jan. 8-Jan. 28 — Galveston Restaurant Week: A cherished tradition on Galveston Island, this weeks-long culinary extravaganza offers discounted prix fixe menus from numerous top-notch restaurants in the area. The annual event will benefit United Way of Galveston, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, and the Family Service Center of Galveston County.
Jan. 15 — 46th Annual Original MLK Jr. Day Parade, downtown Houston: The Black Heritage Society collaborates with the City of Houston for the 46th Annual Original MLK Jr. Day Parade on Jan. 15. This event honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring a showcase of Houston’s diverse culture through costumes, floats, marching bands, first responders, community groups, and vehicles. Following the parade, the MLK Festival takes place at City Hall Herman Square Park, featuring community vendors and food trucks.
Jan. 15 — 30th Annual MLK Grande Parade, Midtown Houston: The theme of the MLK Grande Parade is “We Still Believe.” The event will showcase several performance groups.
Jan. 26-28 — Menardi Gras!, Michel B. Menard House: Celebrate Mardi Gras 2024 at the historic Michel B. Menard House, the location of the island’s inaugural celebration of this annual festival in 1856. The Galveston Historical Association’s 2024 Menardi Gras! event includes a Friday night celebration on Jan. 26 from 7-9 p.m., followed by a new addition—a Sunday Jazz Brunch on Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
🏈 Sports
Jan. 8 — College Football Playoff National Championship, NRG Stadium: Experience the pinnacle of collegiate football excitement at the College Football Playoff, where the nation’s top team will compete for gridiron glory. Taking place on Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium, the playoffs showcase the culmination of a season filled with dedication, skill, and determination. From last-second touchdowns to heart-pounding overtime victories, the College Football Playoff promises a dramatic showcase of athleticism. Join the passionate fan base to witness these athletes leave it all on the field in their quest for supremacy and the chance to hoist the coveted championship trophy.
Jan. 14 — Chevron Houston Marathon, downtown Houston: Drawing over 250,000 spectators, runners, and volunteers, it stands as Houston’s largest single-day sporting extravaganza. This year, the marathon boasts 27,000 participants, including a stellar lineup of world-class professional runners poised for record-breaking performances. Taking place on Jan. 14, the marathon kicks off and concludes in downtown Houston, promising an exhilarating experience for both participants and spectators alike.
Jan. 20 — Astros FanFest, Minute Maid Park: The Houston Astros invite fans to participate in the annual FanFest scheduled for Jan. 20, gearing up for the 2024 season. The event caters to the entire family, offering autograph sessions, photo opportunities, games, and various baseball-themed activities such as running the bases, swings in the batting cages, and bullpen throwing sessions. Additional attractions include a family fun zone, fan forums, live music, and appearances from Orbit.
MORE: Your ultimate guide to the 2024 CFP National Championship weekend
🎶 Music
Jan. 5-7 — Swingin’ Sinatra: A New Year’s Celebration, Houston Symphony: The Houston Symphony invites you to step into the New Year with the enchanting concert, Swingin’ Sinatra: A New Year’s Celebration, featuring the charismatic crooner Tony DeSare and the Houston Symphony Big Band. Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of Sinatra standards, including classics like “Come Fly with Me,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “That’s Life,” “My Way,” and “New York, New York.” The performance will also showcase beloved tunes from the golden age of Big Band and Swing. Don’t miss this musical journey at Jones Hall, with three performances from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7, as DeSare and the Houston Symphony Big Band create a memorable and swinging start to the New Year.
Jan. 9 — Beer and Brass, Saint Arnold Brewing Company: The annual Beer and Brass event at Saint Arnold Brewing Company is a cherished ROCO tradition, marking the beginning of the new year. The ROCO Brass Quintet will delight the audience with a repertoire of traditional beer hall music and beloved brass arrangements. Attendees have the opportunity to savor craft beers and indulge in bites provided by Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
Jan. 19 — Playboi Carti, Toyota Center: Houston rap enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Playboi Carti concert on Jan. 19. Originally slated to come to Houston in September, the rapper’s U.S. leg of his Antagonist Tour faced a temporary setback and is now rescheduled to hit Houston this month. Playboi Carti’s charismatic stage presence and unique blend of trap beats are set to electrify the Totyota Center, offering fans a night filled with his latest hits and energetic performances.
MORE: 24 of the most anticipated concerts coming to Houston in 2024
🎭 Shows
Through Jan. 7 — “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical,” The Hobby Center: “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical” presents the inspiring story of Tina Turner, a significant figure in the music industry who overcame obstacles to become the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. The musical showcases Turner’s achievements, including her status as one of the best-selling artists globally and holder of 12 Grammy Awards. Set against the backdrop of her chart-topping hits, the production offers a dynamic experience for audiences. Notable for its Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Katori Hall, and direction by Phyllida Lloyd, the musical pays homage to Tina Turner’s enduring legacy and musical contributions. The musical will be featured at the Hobby Center in Houston through Jan. 7.
Jan. 11-14 — Craig Robinson, Houston Improv: Houston Improv will host several special events featuring Craig Robinson in mid-January. Robinson is widely recognized for his portrayal of the acerbic Darryl Philbin, an employee at Dunder-Mifflin, on NBC’s Emmy-winning show, “The Office.”
Jan. 18-28 — Cirque Italia Water Circus, Katy Mills Mall: Cirque Italia is set to showcase its Water Circus production at Katy Mills Mall. The show follows Rafael the clown, a farm boy caught in a tornado and deposited amidst the chaos of the city. As Rafael traverses the urban landscape, he encounters a variety of personalities, reflecting the diverse facets of city life.
Jan. 19-Feb. 4 — “Parsifal,” Houston Grand Opera: Houston Grand Opera presents “Parsifal,” Richard Wagner’s final opera, renowned for its shimmeringly beautiful music and spiritual exploration. Running from Jan. 19 to Feb. 4 at the Wortham Theater Center, this revered masterpiece takes audiences on a mystical journey through a realm where time loses meaning. The plot revolves around knights protecting the Holy Grail and their wounded king, Amfortas, whose healing requires an innocent fool—Parsifal. Directed by Tony Award-winning John Caird, the production is promised to be a stunning, sensual, and colorful experience. Principal Guest Conductor Eun Sun Kim leads a notable cast, including tenor Russell Thomas as Parsifal, soprano Elena Pankratova as Kundry, bass Kwangchul Youn as Gurnemanz, and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny as Amfortas.
Jan. 19-Feb. 11 — “Pictures From Home,” Alley Theatre: Don’t miss the captivating memory play, “Pictures From Home,” at the Alley Theatre from Jan. 19 to Feb. 11. Originally featured in the Alley Theatre’s 2020 All New Festival, this Broadway hit offers a heartfelt journey back to the late 1980s. Photographer Larry Sultan turns his lens on his own parents, unraveling the truths hidden within their home movies. This intimate and comedic portrait navigates the complex dynamics between a mother, a father, and their son, posing the poignant question: who has the right to tell the family story?
Jan. 26-Feb. 11 — “Madame Butterfly,” Houston Grand Opera: Houston Grand Opera presents the revival of Puccini’s beloved opera, “Madame Butterfly,” at the Wortham Theater Center from Jan. 26 to Feb. 11. Directed by Tony Award-winning Michael Grandage, this production features internationally sought-after soprano Ailyn Pérez in the role of Cio-Cio-San, the young Japanese girl who marries American naval lieutenant Pinkerton, performed by tenor Yongzhao Yu in his role debut. Directed by Jordan Braun, the diverse cast includes mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as Suzuki, bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, bass William Guanbo Su as the Bonze, and tenor Rodell Rosel as Goro. Maestro Patrick Summers conducts, leading the audience through the heart-wrenching tale of love, abandonment, and tragic consequences in this iconic opera.
Jan. 23-28 ― “Les Misérables,” Hobby Center for Performing Arts: Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, “Les Misérables.” Witness the timeless tale set against the backdrop of 19th century France, unraveling a captivating narrative of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption. Immerse yourself in the magnificent score featuring iconic songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” and “One Day More.”
Jan. 27 — George Lopez, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land: Get ready for a night of laughter as comedy icon George Lopez brings his uproarious stand-up comedy tour, Alllriiighhtt, to the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land on Jan. 27. Renowned for his unparalleled comedic timing and facial expressions that amplify the punchlines, Lopez delivers a rare opportunity for fans to experience his unique brand of humor. The show promises an evening of raw, real-life stories interwoven with hilarious punchlines, offering a comedic journey through life, ethnicity, and the aging process. With a career spanning television, film, and comedy specials, George Lopez combines humor and insight for an unforgettable night that tackles stereotypes, embraces diversity, and leaves audiences in stitches.
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