How to Get Out and Have Fun in Phoenix Every Weekend This January
Here’s your weekend guide to fun things to do in Phoenix this month.
Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside. Just peep the variety of options: museums, indie bookstores, restaurants, bars, music venues, local shops, and a strong sports landscape, too.
As for the actual landscape, the Valley of Sun has lots of beauty and wonderful hikes to help you appreciate it. And if you’re just visiting, there’s plenty of great hotels for your post-outdoorsy adventures. Further afield, travel to nearby wonderlands where dude ranches proliferate, or where you can gaze at the night sky unencumbered.
With all this in mind, our monthly events guide will help keep your calendar full with a variety of fun things to do in January 2024. Stay tuned here to discover the best things to do in Phoenix, updated monthly.
Arts & Culture Events in Phoenix
January 6, 20 & 27
Westgate, Free
Shop our outdoor market with homegrown makers, creators, artists, and more! Mingle with locals and meet independent, small businesses. This season’s vendors include a mixed bag of inspired products, including textiles, fashion, jewelry, unique gifts, self-care, and sustainable items. Dogs are welcome and food from Westgate restaurants will be available.
January 11
Scottsdale Arts District, Free
During this special event, which takes place throughout the Scottsdale Arts District — along Main St. from Scottsdale Rd. to Goldwater Blvd. and north of Indian School Rd. on Marshall Way to 5th Ave. — guests can enjoy live art demonstrations along the corridors of the district. As attendees stroll along the Scottsdale Arts District from gallery to gallery, they can enjoy live performances from traditional bagpipers and other entertainment. Select SGA members are also hosting events in their galleries.
January 27 & 28
Downtown, $30+
One of the most popular comedic operas of all time, The Barber of Seville kicks off Arizona Opera’s performances for 2024. For those who are new to opera, it’s a good beginner show, with an easy-to-follow storyline and a lighthearted plot. Performance will be in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles.
Sport Events in Phoenix
Jan 4, 11, 18 & 25
Various locations, Free
PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) will be offering free clinics during the month of January so golfers can get back into the swing of things. Clinics will run from 5-6 pm and players of any level and experience can come in for advice from golf pros. Sessions will cover various topics each week, from drivers to irons to wedges. Reservations required.
January 5, 7 & 21
Footprint Center, $25+
While coming out to see The Big 3 play together is almost certainly not guaranteed, the Phoenix Suns are starting to gain some momentum this season. Come watch them play some weekend matchups against the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, and Indiana Pacers down. Besides hopefully seeing a win, Footprint Center has undergone some fun new changes for this season to check out.
January 20
Mullett Arena, $75+
Hockey in the desert is in full swing and the Coyotes are sitting in a decent spot with a respectable record. Come cheer them on during an afternoon game against the Nashville Predators at their current home in Tempe! Mullett Arena is a very small venue so it gives you a chance for a more up-close-and-personal NHL experience than anywhere else.
Food & Drink Events in Phoenix
January 11–14
Wrigley Mansion
The highly anticipated return of Festivin at the Wrigley Mansion brings four days of wine, food, and education. There will be 15 events that attendees can choose from – exclusive dinners, demonstrations, classes, and a Grand Tasting. Plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit the charity Almost There: A Mom and Pups Rescue, who will have puppies on site for adoption.
January 12
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, $45
California winery Silver Oak Cellars has partnered with Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, to offer a series of wine tastings open to hotel guests and locals. The first wine tasting will be from 4 – 6 pm on jade bar’s patio ($45 per person). Guests can taste the flavors of Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet and Twomey Anderson Valley Pinot Noir during a tasting reception with paired passed small bites.
LDV Winery Winemaker Dinner
January 25
Scottsdale, $140
Ring in the New Year right—with amazing wines, engaging conversation and delicious cuisine —held at the LDV Winery Tasting Room. This exclusive evening hosted by the LDV owners and winemakers features award-winning LDV wines paired with cuisine from Benedict’s Catering. Reservations can be made by stopping into the Tasting Room or calling 480-664-4822.
January 27
Salt River Fields, $79+
This all-new food and drink festival pairs flavors from across the Grand Canyon State for attendees to enjoy at the baseball stadium. There will be food samples from dozens of local chefs and restaurants, and drinks from Arizona’s top wineries, breweries, and distilleries, along with live music. Tickets include unlimited food samples and 15 drink samples; there’s also VIP tickets available that allow for early event access.
Special Events in Phoenix
January 5–7
Mountain Shadows Resort, $1,000+
Start the new year with a transformative retreat at Mountain Shadows led by Serenity Risvik, an herbalist and sound therapist focused on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This retreat is a blend of soul coaching, mindful activities, meditation, light yoga, connecting with community, and healing opportunities, with experiences Friday night through Sunday night. The retreat costs $1,000 for single occupancy and $1,550 for double occupancy and includes a two-night stay in a Deluxe Guestroom, room tax, resort fee, yoga, journaling, group breakfast, snacks, giveaways, and more. Space is limited to 30 people.
January 19–21, 26–28
Westworld
It wouldn’t be the start of a new year in the Valley without the annual Barrett-Jackson auction to kick things off! The world-renowned event is a weeklong showcase of every kind of vehicle imaginable, both on the auction block and across the large grounds. There’s a concert on the 19th with Foreigner and then new things every day, although strolling through the rows of unique automobiles can fill the hours.