Let’s be honest, January doesn’t have the most glowing reputation. The holiday season is over, but the days are still short, the weather is still uninviting, and your will to get out of the house and do, well, anything, is basically nonexistent. That New Year’s resolution to go to the gym before work quickly gives way to scrolling TikTok. Fortunately, “Your Month IRL,” Bustle’s monthly calendar of in-person events, is here to keep the winter slump at bay.
Plenty is going on this month to coax you out of bed. Polar Plungesband local restaurant weeks offer plenty of opportunities to bring some life to your social calendar. But, for the days when leaving the comfort of your home is simply out of the question, you can still keep things interesting, thanks to some of the hottest TV premieres of the year – and one highly-anticipated book release. Find all of this and more in our January round-up below. Seasonal depression has nothing on you.
— Megan LaCreta, Editorial Associate
Some dates and details to keep in mind, regardless of which city you call home.
Is there a better metaphor for starting your year revitalized and renewed than diving headfirst into refreshingly frigid waters? Polar Plunges take place across the country over the course of January — and better yet, the money you raise or pay to participate benefits Special Olympics programs and athletes. Find a plunge in your area here.
There’s a traitor in the midst! On Jan. 8, the Emmy-winning, reality star-packed, IRL murder mystery game show returns to Peacock for its fourth season. With a cast including Lisa Rinna, Love Island’s Rob Raush, and even Mama Kelce herself, you’ll definitely want to tune in (at the very least, to keep up with the Twitter memes).
Discover how Martin Luther King Jr. Day is being observed in your area. The King Center in Atlanta hosts service events throughout the month, while Houston hosts a parade in Dr. King’s honor. Organizations like Hunger Free America curate lists of local events nationwide.
Get a jumpstart on your resolution to read more books in 2026. Following up on the success of her memoir (and soon-to-be Apple TV+ series) I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jeanette McCurdy is set to release her debut fiction novel this month. Half His Age delves into the psyche of a 17-year-old girl and her obsession with her older, married, creative writing teacher. Yeah, that Goodreads goal will be accomplished.
If your Tuesday nights just aren’t the same without Val Chmerkovskiy knee-walking across your screen, you’re in luck. The pros of Dancing with the Stars are taking their talents on tour, starting in Akron, OH, on Jan. 22. You might even catch your favorite celeb partner, with a handful of stars, including Mirrorball champion Robert Irwin, dropping in for select performances. Get your tickets here.
Dearest gentle reader, the wait is finally, blissfully over. Benedict Bridgerton will finally have his love story told in the fourth season of the show. Part one premieres on Netflix on Jan. 29, so grab some popcorn and gather your girls for another sure-to-be swoonworthy Regency romance.
For all theatre lovers, the hottest ticket in St. Louis this January is The Outsiders. The musical adaptation of the 1983 movie was a huge Broadway hit, scoring four Tony Awards in 2024. Now that the show is on tour, you don't have to book a trip to NYC to see this buzzy new musical.
— Dylan Kickham, Associate Editor
Awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes on Jan. 11, and you can get a taste of what nominees enjoy during the ceremony by visiting Nobu. The restaurant has a special Golden Yuzu Lobster dish inspired by the show available at the LA, Malibu, and Beverly Hills locations now through Jan. 11. Eat like the stars.
— Rachel Chapman, Staff Writer
Beat the January scaries at Winter Jazzfest. Running from Jan. 8 to Jan. 13, this year’s festival brings together over 100 jazz acts across Brooklyn and Manhattan’s buzziest venues. Snag tickets for individual shows, or go all-in with a marathon pass for back-to-back sets all weekend long.
— Sophie Fishman, Editorial Associate
From Jan. 23 through Feb. 8, over 500 of Chicago’s best dining establishments will be offering curated prix fixe menus for Restaurant Week. Here’s the full list of participating businesses — it’s best to book a reservation pronto!
— Gaby Bondi, Entertainment Editor
Have an event for our monthly roundup? Send it to bustlecalendar@bustle.com.
