2019 is a year you can kick off with an organ concert in San Diego (see #27) or a cliffside mansion tour in Superior (#9). In February, treat your sweetie to dinner under the date palms of Imperial Valley (#5), wear a carnival mask in Venice (#44), visit Southwest Maker Fest in Mesa (#21), celebrate Waitangi Day in Wellington (#47), or take in the mineral shows in Tucson (#19).
What are your plans for the new year?
To get you started, here are 50 happenings coming up in the U.S., Canada, Italy, New Zealand, and Peru in the first part of 2019. I thought these were all worth checking out, so, instead of ranking them, I ordered them by place and time.
+Alaska
1. Gertrude Svarny: UKUQANAADAN
Now – Apr 14
Anchorage Museum, Anchorage
Exhibition of work by Unangan artist, carver, and weaver Gertrude Svarny, who interprets her history and culture using traditional materials, such as local mineral pigments, seal intestine, and sea lion whiskers.
+Arizona
2. Merry Main Street: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Now – Jan 4
Mesa City Plaza, Downtown Mesa
- Monday – Friday 5-10pm, Saturday + Sunday (+ Jan 1) 12-10 pm.
- $10 per person, including skates, for 1 hour.
- Free parking in all open lots and on-street parking areas in Downtown Mesa.
3. Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire
Now – Jan 27
Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix
Major traveling exhibition exploring the archaeological history of Teotihuacan, the first metropolis on the American continent, through more than 200 artifacts – both art and domestic objects – from the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The Aztecs discovered the ruins of the city on the Mexican Central Plateau in the 14th century and named it Teotihuacan, “the place where gods were born.” Included with paid Museum admission. $5 during voluntary-donation times.
4. Chef’s Wine Dinner Series
Now – April
Garden at Bar Bianco, Phoenix
Monthly four-course meal with local and seasonal ingredients hosted by Bar Bianco. Each dinner will be paired with wines from a different winery. Reception starts at 6:30pm with dinner to follow. Tickets $150-250.
Featured wineries:
- Jan 24: Vineyard Brands
- Feb 26: Field Recordings
- Mar 23: POE
- Apr 25: TBA
5. Date Night Dinners
Jan 4 + 18, Feb 8 + 16, Mar 1
Imperial Date Gardens (near Yuma)
Gourmet dinner served outdoors in a date grove with dates in every course. Presented by Yuma Visitors Bureau. Tickets $80.
- 5:30pm: On-site walking tour.
- 6pm: Dinner.
6. Field to Feast Tour
Jan 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
February 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 27
March 2, 6
Visitor Information Center, Yuma (201 N. 4th Ave.)
Half-day farm tour. Hands-on harvesting instruction from a local grower followed by lunch made from the produce you picked. Includes transportation, some veggies to take home, and a healthy, field-fresh lunch. Tickets $55.
7. Spring Out to Lunch Concert Series
Jan 10 – Mar 14, Thursdays at 12:30pm
Wells Fargo Garden performance area at Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Weekly outdoor concerts featuring a variety of music. Bring a folding chair or blanket. Pack a picnic lunch or purchase food on-site. Free.
8. Spirit of the City Guided Bike Tours
Visitor Information Center, Yuma (201 N. 4th Ave.)
- Jan 11 + Feb 15: Downtown Bike Tour of the Colorado River Historic State Park, Armed Forces Park, Main Street, and the Sanguinetti House Museum. Includes bike, helmet, water, fun pack, and lunch. Tickets $45.
- Jan 22 + Feb 22: Riverfront Bike Tour. Explore East and West Wetlands paths, viewpoints, history and wildlife, plus the history of the Territorial Prison Cemetery. Includes bike, helmet, water, fun pack, and lunch. Tickets $45.
9. Picket Post House Tour
Jan 12-13, Feb 2-3
Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (BTA), Superior
Rare opportunity to walk through Colonel William Boyce Thompson’s mansion on the cliffs overlooking the Arboretum. Purchase tickets at the BTA gift shop on the day you’d like to go – they will not be sold in advance. Tickets $20 (for self-guided Picket Post House tour) plus Arboretum admission ($15).
10. Amerind Museum Events
Amerind Museum, Dragoon
- Jan 12, 10:30am + 2:00pm: Agave is Life documentary screening. Q+A with the film’s producer and director immediately following each showing. Included with Museum admission.
- Feb 2–3, 10am–4pm: The Art of Jewelry Workshop with master jeweler-metalsmith Duane Maktima (Hopi-Laguna). To register call Amerind at 520-586-3666 or email amerind@amerind.org. Class fee: $200 per person (includes lunches). / Class fee with accommodations: $430 per person (double occupancy, includes overnight accommodations and meals).
- February 8–10, 10am–4pm: Mata Ortiz Show and Sale. Art on display and for sale by Chihuahua pottery artists Hector Gallegos Jr., Laura Bugarini, Graciela Martinez. and Hector Gallegos Sr.; Zapotec weaver Porfirio Gutierrez; and Taxco Silver jewelers. Daily weaving presentations at 2pm and pottery demonstrations. Included with Museum admission.
- February 18-22: Navajo Weaving Workshop with 5th generation Navajo weavers Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete. To register call Amerind at 520-586-3666 or email amerind@amerind.org. Class fee: $1530 per person (includes all supplies and lunches). / Class fee with accommodations: $2160 per person (double occupancy, includes all supplies, overnight accommodations and meals).
- March 2, 10am–2pm: Molé Feast! Prepare three traditional Oaxacan Molés — Molé Negro (which uses over 20 ingredients, including bittersweet chocolate), Molé Rojo (which adds dried fruit), and Molé Manchamantales (the “tablecloth stainer” with vibrant red chiles and tomatoes, fresh pineapple, plantain, and honey, and no chocolate). The feast will be rounded out with roasted chicken, rice, tortillas, and a spicy hot chocolate pudding for dessert. To register, call Amerind at 520-586-3666 or email Debbie@amerind.org. Cost: $85 for non-members (feast included!)
11. Well Fed Artist Workshop Series
3rd Wednesday of every month (January – June 2019)
Mesa Arts Center (Contemporary Art Building Classroom), Mesa
A series of workshops lead by working artists on networking and professional skills for artists, entrepreneurs, and makers. Refreshments provided. Free. Registration required.
- Jan 16: DIY Publishing: How to share your voice through zines with Charissa Lucille from Wasted Ink Zine Distro
- Feb 20: Active Listening: Sharing People’s Stories Through Podcasting with Jaye McAuliffe, audio journalist and producer.
12. East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival
Jan 21, 11am
Downtown Mesa
Parade and community celebration from the Mesa Convention Center down Center Street and 1st Street, ending near the IDEA Museum (route map). Free.
- 12-4pm: Festival at Macdonald Street, just north of Main. Music and art celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
13. A Wild Life: Talk by Photographer Bertie Gregory
Talk by photographer Bertie Gregory, who specializes in intimate shots of animals in their natural environment, including spaces where nature and humanity coexist.
- Jan 22, 7:30pm: Del E Webb Center, Wickenburg. Tickets $35.
- Jan 23, 7:30pm: Mesa Arts Center, Mesa. Tickets $27-41.
- Jan 24, 10:15am: Student Matinee with Q+A. Recommended for grades 3-8. Mesa Arts Center, Mesa. Student, teacher + chaperone tickets $4. Reservations: 480-644-6540.
14. Savor Yuma
Jan 22, Feb 12 + 19, Mar 5
Old City Hall, Yuma
Progressive dining experience with a tour bus that takes you to sample food at several Yuma eateries. Tickets $60.
15. We Shall Overcome: A Celebration Of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 25, 7:30pm
Piper Repertory Theater at Mesa Arts Center, Mesa
Concert of music from across African American traditions interwoven with spoken word from Dr. King’s speeches. Tickets $41.
16. Brunch Bash
Jan 26, 10am – 4pm
Cityscape, Phoenix
Festival of brunch with food and cocktail samples, live music, and beach games. A portion of the proceeds go to One N Ten. General Admisison $8 online / $10 at the door / free for kids (ages 12 and under). Additional food and beverage items available for purchase ($2-$15).
17. Tempe FanCon (formerly Tempe Public Library Comicon)
Jan 26, 10am – 4pm
Tempe Public Library, Tempe
Celebration of comics and pop culture with costume contests, authors and artists, photo ops with characters, fandom related items for sale, and food trucks. Free.
18. Quilt, Craft + Sewing Festival
Jan 31 – Feb 2
Arizona Fairgrounds
Expo with sewing, quilting, needlework, and craft supply vendors (both local and national), as well as workshops and presentations. Admission $12 (full event). $2 off with online coupon (printable PDF).
19. Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
Feb 2-17
Tucson
Two weeks of gem shows, including the original Tucson Gem + Mineral Show® plus dozens of satellite shows – many with free admission.
- Jan 24 – Feb 16, 9am-6pm: Granada Gallery. Minerals, fossils, jewelry and sculptures carved from gemstones, plus natural history displays.
- Feb 2-17, 7am-6pm: African Art Village at Cushing Street + Linda Avenue. Approximately 125 exhibitors from various countries in Africa showcase masks, beads, statues, fabrics, shea butter, and food.
- Feb 14-17: Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® at the Tucson Convention Center. 65th annual expo presented by the Tucson Gem + Mineral Society with exhibits, vendors, giveaways, lectures, and junior education area. Tickets $13 (available Jan 16) / Kids 14 and under are free with paid adult. / $2 off with online coupon (printable PDF).
h/t Visit Tucson
20. Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival
Feb 10-24
Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe
Merger of the Phoenix Jewish Film Festival (PJFF) and the East Valley Jewish Film Festival (EVJFF) that presents films on the themes of Jewish life worldwide. The Festival aims to increase awareness in the Valley of the Sun of the variety and richness of Jewish culture.
Single tickets: $11 online / $13 at the door. Festival Pass: $150
21. Southwest Maker Fest
Feb 16, 10am – 4pm
Downtown Mesa
Collaborative, one-day festival of makers seeking to achieve the vision of a connected community, empowered by creativity. Free admission.
22. Sedona International Film Festival
February 23 – March 3
Sedona
25th anniversary celebration of this festival with over 160 independent films from around the world, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, foreign films, and student films. 10-ticket pack $130.
+California
23. Blue Boy Restoration Project
Now – Jan or Feb 2019 (estimated)
Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino (Pasadena)
Watch the process of conservation work on the iconic painting The Blue Boy (ca. 1770) by Thomas Gainsborough each Thursday and Friday, 10am – noon + 2-4pm and 2-4pm on the first Sunday of the month. This is one segment of Project Blue Boy, which is ongoing from September 22, 2018 to September 30, 2019.
- Free admission with advance reservation 1st Thursday of every month, 10am–5pm.
24. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) Exhibits
Long Beach
- Now – Feb 3: Ink. Photography exhibit exploring the histories of Long Beach, the US Navy, and LA Chicano culture through tattoo art and the personal stories of 6 community members. Ink looks at the importance of the tattoo art form in Southern California and throughout the world.
- Jan 12, 10am: Dream Mask Workshop. Day-long workshop with psychotherapist Lynne Okon Scholnick, who will lead participants in making a mask by casting their own face and then personalizing it with images or objects related to a dream they’re had. Participants should bring photographs or found objects related to the symbology of their dream, as well as a sack lunch. All other materials will be provided. Fee: $45
- Free Museum admission Sundays 11am–5pm + 4th Friday of every month, 5–9pm.
25. Origami in the Garden²
Now – Apr 14, 2019
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont
Outdoor sculpture exhibition of larger-than-life origami creations by Jennifer and Kevin Box.
26. PostSecret Exhibtion
Now – 2020
Museum of Man, San Diego
A collection of the handmade postcards submitted to the PostSecret community art project from millions of people from all over the world anonymously sharing their secrets. Included with admission ($13).
- You can submit a postcard of your own or share you secret by leaving a voicemail at 619-269-3894.
27. Spreckels Organ New Year’s Day Concert
Jan 1, 2-3pm
Spreckels Organ at Balboa Park, San Diego
Outdoor concert celebrating the 104th Anniversary of the Spreckels Organ with Civic Organist Emeritus Jared Jacobsen. All ages. Free admission.
28. Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference
Apr 3-7
Ventura Beach Marriott, Ventura
Four days of creative business classes and craft workshops. Registration $475 (+ticket fee) through Jan 17 / $498 (+ticket fee) Jan 17 – Mar 1
+Colorado
29. MLK Day 2019 Celebration
Jan 17-21
Grand Junction
- Jan 18, 7pm: Poetry Slam at Charlie Dwellington’s.
- Jan 19, 4pm: MLK Jr. Celebration Potluck
- Jan 20: Avalon Theater Movie Day. “42” at 3pm + “The Hate U Give” at 7pm. Tickets for each film are $5.
- Jan 21: Commemorative March.
30. Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF)
Feb 21-23
The American Mountaineering Center (AMC), Golden
Screenings of films that aim to motivate audiences to awareness and action on environmental issues.
+Michigan
31. Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Exhibits
Detroit
- Now – Feb 17, 2019: Lost + Found. Exhibition showcasing the “accidental” art form of vernacular photography, featuring salvaged snapshots by amateur photographers, including over 500 of 1970s Detroit.
- Jan 11, 7pm + 8:30pm: Friday Night Live! The Michigan Philharmonic’s Miniature Masterpieces. Included with admission.
- Jan 12 + Jan 13, 2pm: DFT Animation Club: Liyana. Screening of the film Liyana, which follows five orphaned children from Swaziland as they craft a collective fairytale drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character, Liyana, is brought to life as she embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. Ages 10+. General admission $5
Drop-In Workshops
Make and takes in the Detroit Institute of Arts – Art-Making Studio. Included with DIA admission.
- Jan 5 + 6, 12-4pm: Design your own Paper Dolls.
- Jan 18, 6-9pm + Jan 19, 12-4pm + Jan 20, 12-4pm: Weaving on a Simple Loom.
- Feb 1, 6-9pm + Feb 2, 12-4pm + Feb 3, 12-4pm: Printmaking.
+Nevada
32. VESSEL: Ceramics of Ancient West Mexico
Now – Aug 17
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, Las Vegas
Exhibition exploring form and function through ceramic vessels from West Mexico. Suggested voluntary contribution: $5
+New York
33. Judson Dance Theater: The Work Is Never Done
Now – Feb 3, 2019
The Museum of Modern Art, Floor 2, Marron Atrium
Gallery exhibition, print publication, and performance program that celebrates the Judson Dance Theater, a group of choreographers, visual artists, composers, and filmmakers in the 1960s who would go on to profoundly shape all fields of art in the second half of the 20th century.
34. Vogue Knitting LIVE
Jan 25-27
New York Marriott Marquis, New York
Experiential knitting event with workshops at all skill levels on fit and shaping, pattern writing, lace, and socks. The weekend also includes designer fashion shows, a knitted art gallery, and a Marketplace with new yarn and accessories from around the world. 2-day Marketplace Ticket: $25 / Single 3-Hour Class: $120 / Packages: $130-985
+Pennsylvania
35. The Space in Between
Now – Feb 11
Old City Publishing (InLiquid Vestibule), Philadelphia
Signature fiber installation of the intricate hand-crocheted work of artist and international yarn-bomber Melissa Maddonni Haims.
+Oregon
36. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Exhibitions
University of Oregon, Eugene
Admission $5. Voluntary donations Wednesdays 5-8pm, the first Friday of each month, and home football game weekends.
- Now – Jan 20: Matthew Picton: Cultural Mapping. Three-dimensional aerial cartographies each based in a particular city and feature layers of cultural references and historical text.
- Now – Feb 3: Exploring Identity and Place through the Arts. Through travel as well as artistic appreciation and creation, UO students, with little to no background in art, artistically and historically reflect on autonomy, social construction, and power relations in their personal lives.
- Now – Feb 3: Paper Weight: Works in Paper by Elsa Mora. 2D and 3D pieces made solely of paper and glue, inspired by the intricacies of the human brain, the wonders that it can produce, and its potential for destruction and chaos.
+Washington D.C.
37. No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man
Now – Jan 21
Renwick Gallery
Large-scale, participatory artwork from Burning Man will take over the entire Renwick Gallery building, as well as extending into the surrounding neighborhood. The in-gallery exhibiton will include immersive room-sized installations, costumes, jewelry, and ephemera, along with photographs and archival materials from the Nevada Museum of Art. Free.
38. Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend
Now – 2019
Natural History Museum
Understanding this unique tusked whale through traditional Inuit knowledge and scientific research. Free.
- Jan 14, 6:45pm: Narwhal: A Tusk with a Twist. Lecture by Martin Nweeia on the function of the narwhal’s unicorn-like tusk. Followed by Q+A. Advance registration recommended.
39. NMWA’s New York Avenue Sculpture Project
Now – Sep 20, 2020
New York Avenue (east of the White House)
Public art space featuring changing installations of contemporary works by women artists. Currently on display is Huellas y cicatricez (Traces and scars), four totemic sculptures by Mexico City-based Betsabeé Romero that speak to themes of human migration and the natural environment. The structures are constructed from carved tires with gleaming metallic paint and interior lighting.
+Washington
40. Spencer Finch: The Western Mystery
Now – Mar 3
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle
Installation of suspended glass panes that are, in the words of the artist, “creating a moving abstraction of a sunset.”
INTERNATIONAL
+Canada
41. Carnaval de Québec
Feb 8-17
Old Quebec
Quebec Winter Carnival of outdoor activities, including Ice Canoe Race, two Parades, and live music at Jos’ Camp. Official pass: $11.53
+Italy
42. Marina Abramović: “The Cleaner”
Now – Jan 20
Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
Retrospective of more than 100 of artist Marina Abramović’s works, including video, photography, paintings, objects, installations, and performances from the 1970s up to the 2000s.
43. World’s Largest Christmas Tree
Now – Jan 7
Gubbio, Umbria
Every year, a group of volunteers arrange lamps on a hillside at the base of Mount Ingino to create what is known as the “Largest Christmas Tree of the World”. More than 300 green lights outline the shape of a 650-meter-high Christmas tree with over 400 multi-colored lights filling the center, and it becomes a backdrop to the medieval town of Gubbio.
44. Carnival of Venice
Feb 16 – Mar 5
St. Mark’s Square, Venice
Pre-Lenten celebrations with revelers in elaborate masks and costumes.
- Feb 17, 10:30am-1pm: Festa Veneziana on the water.
- Feb 28 – Mar 3, 3:30-5pm: Daily mask contests.
+Netherlands
45. Openluchtmuseum (Open Air Museum) Winter Concerts
Jan 13, 14, 20, 21 at 1:30pm + 2:15pm + 3pm
Zeeland church at Openluchtmuseum, Arnhem
Half-hour performances by various choirs, bands and singing groups.
+New Zealand
46. Gardens Magic
Jan 8-27
Wellington Botanic Garden – Soundshell stage, Wellington
Nightly outdoor concerts (8-9:30pm) and lighting installation (9-10:30pm) at the Botanic Gardens. Picnic while you watch local Wellington musicians perform. Free.
47. Waitangi Day
Feb 6
Wellington waterfront
Live performances, activities, and food to celebrate the National Day of New Zealand.
- 10am at Te Wharewaka o Pōneke: Maori performers and activities
- 10:30am – 12pm at Karaka Cafe: Traditional pit-oven cooked Hāngi available for purchase ($15).
- 12–7:30pm at Waitangi Park.
48. Otaki Kite Festival
Feb 16-17
Otaki Beach
Bring (or buy) your own kite to fly and watch Japanese Rokkaku fighting kite battles and stunt kite flying demonstrations on the beach, as well as live performances on stage. Free.
49. Māoriland Film Festival
Mar 20-24
Ōtaki
New Zealand Film Festival that welcomes Indigenous filmmakers from around the world to celebrate Indigenous creativity and storytelling.
+Peru
50. Festivity of Virgen de la Candelaria of Puno
Jan 25 – Feb 8
Puno
Festival that mixes the ancient Quechua and Aymara rituals of the Puno region with Catholic traditions. It includes a religious procession with the image of the Virgin carried aloft, Andean dance contests, mask-making, and music.
h/t UNESCO
This is my handpicked Happenings List! I’ve edited down event descriptions to be more clear and concise. As much as I try to make sure everything accurate, it’s possible it’s not. Let me know if you see anything that should be changed.
Have fun!
-S
Alaska photo via Anchorage Museum.
Michigan image via Detroit Institute of Arts.
New York photo via Vogue Knitting LIVE.
Canada/International photo via Carnaval de Québec.
New Zealand photo via Otaki Kite Festival.
Peru image © Ministry of Culture, 2012.
That’s a great list. I of course especially loved the NZ items, mainly because they’re all in my neck of the woods. They’re on every year, but the danger is always thinking you’ll have time to go to them, but then remembering too late. Thanks for the reminder.
Also though – I’d love to go to the Quebec City Winter Carnival. We went to Quebec in May, and I said I would love to be there in winter.
Thanks, Mali!
Yes, I think we all have a tendency to put off doing things that are right in our own backyard. Hopefully, you’ll have a chance to check out those NZ events and also make that chilly trip to Quebec! :)