Durham Happenings: January 2023

Happy 2023! Here’s to kicking off a new year with all things local and fun in the Bull City. From ways to jumpstart your new year off right to celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with some other winter goodies thrown in, check out what’s happening in Durham this January.

 

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 Celebrate the New Year

This year kicks off The Year of the Trail through the NC State Park system and what better way to start 2023 than with a guided hike in one of Durham’s State Parks: Falls Lake. This ranger-led hike will traverse the Rolling View Kids In Parks Track Trail that runs a 0.75-mile loop. Of course, hiking is also a great option at any park, just be sure to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and leave no trace. (There’s also a First Day Hike at Durham’s other state park, Jordan Lake but it starts alllll the way in Apex, so if you’re willing to make the trek, check it out.)

Each year, the Durham-based African American Dance Ensemble hosts a Kwanzaa celebration with 2023 being its 37th annual event. Not only will there be dance and music performances, but also children’s festivities (including an appearance from Wool E Bull) and a canned food/toiletry drive for Urban Ministries of Durham. This event is free and takes place at the Durham Armory starting at 12pm on Jan 1st.

Want to line up a weekend full of line dancing? Then sign up for Line Dance Fever & Fitness’s Nee Year Celebration! Saturday evening from 5-9pm is The Amp Up at Barriskill Dance (3642 Shannon Rd) and then Sunday is The Main Event from 12-5pm at the Durham Armory (220 Foster St). With dancing, games, and food, this event promises to be a great time. Tickets cost $35 for the all-access pass.

Martin Luther King Jr Day

Durham Parks & Recreation will host an arts-themed MLK celebration at the WD Hill Recreation Center. This free event will feature visual art, poetry open mic, arts & crafts, and live performances. It’s free and open to all ages.

 Looking for ways to do good on MLK Day? Book Harvest is hosting its 12th annual Dream Big Book Drive, this year at Golden Belt. Bring your new or gently used children’s books to donate and stick around to enjoy the community celebration. Activities will include crafts, entertainment, info tables, and even free book giveaways for kids. Be part of the Triangle’s largest book drive on Mon, 1/16 from 1-4pm.

Duke’s annual MLK Commemoration features a keynote address by the bestselling author of “ Hood Feminism” and “Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists,” Mikki Kendall. She often speaks on intersectionality, policing, gender, sexual assault, and current events. The address will take place at 3pm at the Duke Chapel.

  • To Be Announced:

    • Keep Durham Beautiful will host an assortment of service projects the week of Jan 16th. Keep an eye on their website for details as we get closer.

    • Durham Community MLK Steering Committee– In the past, this committee has served as a hub for all things MLK-related in Durham. Check their website to see if they update it for 2023 events.

 

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Recurring Events

January is a time of New Year’s Resolutions, so why not resolve to try some of Durham’s awesome monthly events? There are so many occasions that take place regularly and don’t make many event lists, so I wanted to highlight a few here to start your year off with something fresh.

  • Disney Quest: 101 Dalmatians: Wed, Jan 11th at 7pm and Sat, Jan 14th at 11:30am (309 W Morgan St, 27701)   https://sites.google.com/site/sonamchorus/upcoming-concerts

The Carolina Theatre is kicking off a 6-month journey into nostalgia with their Disney Quest: classic 2D animated films offered twice a month on the big screen. January sets the stage with 101 Dalmatians, aka the sequel to the prequel Cruella. Each film will be offered on a Wed evening and a Sat matinee, like they used to do when the films were first released. Tickets are available for $8.84 online.

Did you know the Museum of Life & Science offers two days each month that are free admission for Durham residents? This is a great way to “try out” the museum before committing to a membership, or just explore this incredible resource in North Durham if you’ve never been. In January, the Community Days are 1/13 and 1/31, so bring your neighbors and see what all the fuss is about.

Durty Bull is certainly known for their tasty brews, and they are also very into supporting local creatives. Every 3rd Sat, they host a local maker and vintage market at the brewery. From 1-5pm, sip a beer and browse the local merchants selling handmade or found wares. ROHO Sandwich Company food truck will be there and rumor has it there’s often live music.

 

Other Highlights

If gorgeous, melodious music is your jam, then check out the SONAM Winter Concert. SONAM, or Singers of New and Ancient Music, is a chorus that performs secular and sacred music while also supporting local nonprofits. Their Winter Concert supports Families Moving Forward, which works with families in the crisis of homelessness. So hear amazing music AND support a wonderful Durham organization? Sounds like a great evening!

If you’ve been waiting to splurge on a nice dinner (or lunch) date, now’s the time. It’s Triangle Restaurant Week, the time when some of the area’s best dining establishments offer pre-fixe lunches and/or dinners at very reasonable price points. So whether you’ve been eyeing that new funky Asian spot Krill or you are feeling some ramen from Dashi, check out any of the dozen Durham spots on the list this year.

Whatever 2022 brought you, be sure to start 2023 on the best foot possible by exploring all the wonderful experiences Durham has to offer!

 

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