January is a cold, wet reality check after the festive atmosphere of the holiday season and is often ranked as the worst month of the year to no one’s surprise. Whether you are working off the holiday excesses, working on a new year’s resolution, or getting back in the swing of work / school, the short, dreary days can dampen anyone’s spirits.

In the Scenic 98 Coastal community, Mardi Gras looms just around the corner with parades beginning on January 26^th. While the weather is ideal for fires and football, we have our eye on the following 5 events to help stave off the January blues.

Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival: Winter Series - January 11-14

ESCMF (Multiple Venues), Baldwin County, AL

Eastern Shore Chamber Music Festival provides live, mesmerizing classical chamber concerts all along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay free of charge to our audiences. Our potent blend of contemporary and classic repertoire has got folks sayin’ that we’re hitting all the right notes. Admission to the events on January 11, 13 and 14 is free. Tickets to the January 12 event featuring dessert and sparkling wine at Fairhope Chocolate are $45. Click here to find out more

Lunar New Year Gallery Night - January 19

Palafox Street(From Garden to Main), Pensacola, FL

Taking ART to the streets each month with artists, music, food, and businesses —the Culture of Pensacola! Gallery Night Pensacola is a nonprofit organization with a dedicated goal of inspiring culture, engagement, and the practice of arts of all types in an entertaining event for all ages and walks of life. Our monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists, and recruit the best creators our area has to offer. This family-friendly event will feature live music, local vendors, kids' activities, King Cake tastings, and more!

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents: Firebird - January 20 & 21

Saenger Theatre, Mobile, AL

Mobile Symphony Orchestra was created in 1996 by the board of Mobile Symphony to serve the community by utilizing and developing local professional musicians. Firebird explores the relationships between the works of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, and Duke Ellington, three of the most groundbreaking composers over the course of two centuries. Tickets are still available at MobileSymphony.org

TOOL In Concert - January 27

Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS

While this requires a day (or weekend) trip to Biloxi, TOOL has a well-earned reputation for excellent visual production and energetic performances. Formed in 1990, TOOL has released five studio albums, won four GRAMMY Awards, and delivered countless mesmerizing live experiences over the course of their nearly 35-year career. The band completed multiple sold-out tours in the US and Europe since their critically acclaimed album, Fear Inoculum, was released in 2019. Ticketmaster.com

‍OWA Arts & Crafts Festival - January 27

OWA Parks & Resort, Foley, AL

If a trip to Biloxi isn’t your speed, you can experience Coastal Alabama’s latest arts and crafts extravaganza! Immerse yourself in a sensory delight of local art, live music, and meticulously crafted goods showcasing the region’s rich cultural tapestry. This immersive festival offers you the unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and actively participate in various artistic endeavors! As a family-friendly affair, this event ensures fun for all and the best part – it’s entirely free to attend and relish.

Honorable Mentions:

January 17: Shane Smith and the Saints - The Soul Kitchen, Mobile, AL

January 18: Art of Mixology, Cocktails in Film - The Hope Farm, Fairhope, AL

January 19: The 6^th Annual King Cake Off - Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall, Mobile, AL

January 20: Bourbon, Bacon, and Brews Tasting Event – O’Riley’s Irish Pub, Pensacola, FL