As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time to embrace 2025 with a lineup of Southern events. From savoring authentic Southern cuisine to immersing yourself in artistic inspiration or kicking off your running goals, these January happenings across the South promise something for everyone. Cheers to a fresh start — and Happy New Year!
January 1, 2025: First Day Hikes — Nationwide
Start 2025 on the right foot with a scenic winter hike at a state park near you! First Day Hikes, part of a nationwide initiative to encourage outdoor activity, are free and open to all ages and skill levels. Find your closest adventure by visiting stateparks.org.
January 4, 2025: 46th Annual Hill & Dale 8-Miler — Millington, TN
Kick off the year with an eight-mile trail run at the stunning Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. All proceeds benefit the park, and the race begins at 11 a.m. Registration fees start at $16.90. runsignup.com
January 8 – 11, 2025: Elvis 90th Birthday Celebration — Memphis, TN
Graceland celebrates Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday with live concerts, panels, special tours, and more. Highlights include performances by Richard Sterban, Terry Blackwood, and Estelle Brown, plus the debut of the yearlong 90 for 90 exhibit, showcasing 90 curated artifacts from Elvis’s life and career. Visit graceland.com for ticketing options.
January 9 – 19, 2025: Restaurant Week South Carolina — Statewide
Restaurant Week South Carolina is back, bringing 11 days of incredible dining experiences at hundreds of establishments across the state. From casual bites to fine dining, enjoy new menu creations, fan favorites, and special multi-course offerings — all highlighting renowned Lowcountry cuisine. restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com
January 11, 2025: Frostbite 5K Run/Walk — Louisville, KY
The Frostbite 5K is the second (and most popular!) race in Louisville’s Polar Bear Grand Prix series. Runners start at Cherokee Park’s rugby field at 9 a.m., registration is $30. A virtual option is also available. rivercityraces.com
January 18, 2026: MLK Day 5K Drum Run — Doraville, GA
The MLK Day 5K Drum Run is an invigorating way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while staying active and healthy. The run started in Atlanta, GA, in 2012, and since then, it has grown to more than 2,000 runners and walkers. This year, the Georgia race starts at First Baptist Church of Doraville. mlkday5kbham.com
January 19, 2025: BourbonHam — Birmingham, AL
BourbonHam is the Magic City’s annual fundraising event for the National MS Society. Attendees can sample various bourbons, whiskeys, and award-winning barbecue samplings while watching live music and football. The event is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Club, Inc., and general admission tickets are $150. bourbonham.com
January 20, 2025: King Day — Memphis, TN
This special event at the National Civil Rights Museum honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 96th birthday and life’s work, walking visitors through the history of how the national holiday came to be. The celebration starts at 11:30 a.m., and museum admission is free. civilrightsmuseum.org
January 20, 2025: MLK March & Festival — Austin, TX
The city of Austin, TX, also hosts a full event day that honors the life and legacy of MLK. Join the Annual MLK Community March, starting at 9:30 a.m., with a rally on the south steps of the State Capitol. The march concludes at Huston-Tillotson University for the family-friendly MLK Festival, which features vendors, local music, and more. mlkcelebration.com
January 20, 2025: Meet Us At The March — Nashville, TN
Nashville’s Historic Jefferson Street also a march to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. The event begins at 9 a.m. and is a powerful display of unity, reflection, and commitment to Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice. mlkdaynashville.com
January 23 – 25, 2025: Oxford Fiber Festival — Oxford, MS
Hosted by All Y’all Fiber, the Oxford Fiber Festival features over 20 makers offering yarn, quilts, crafting tools, and more at The Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Enjoy the Market Crawl for a chance to win prizes and Meet the Makers sessions on Saturday; market hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. oxfordfiberfestival.com
January 24 – 26, 2025: North Atlanta Home Show — Duluth, GA
Shop the latest home and interior products and services at the annual North Atlanta Home Show. In addition to booths and vendors, this year’s event also features a houseplant sale and a pickleball court, clinics, and putting green. The show takes place at the Gas South Convention Center; tickets are $7 if purchased in advance. Show hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. northatlantahomeshow.com
January 25, 2025: Winter Wine Festival — Atlanta, GA
Join the Atlanta Winter Wine Festival at Guardian Works, featuring 50+ wines, beers, and spirits. Tickets start at $50 and include a souvenir glass, live entertainment, and beverage samples, with sessions from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. atlantawinefestivals.com
January 25 & 26, 2025: Snow Fest — Highlands, NC
Snow Fest, presented by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands NC, takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. This free event features snow slides, igloo contests, a snowball toss, snow tube rides, DJ music, “snowga”, and more. snowfesthighlands.com
January 31 – February 2, 2025: 35th Annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville — Nashville, TN
Nashville’s annual Antiques & Garden Show, the nation’s largest, longest-running, and most prestigious event of its kind, celebrates the best in antiques, art, and horticulture. This year’s event hosts over 150 world-class exhibitors, garden displays, and cocktail parties. Featured speakers include Brooke Shields, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Akins, and more. Standard tickets are $30. Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. antiquesandgardenshow.com
Here’s to a fun and festive January!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
