Southern United States, December 30, 2025

January brings an exciting array of events across the Southern United States, from cultural festivals to culinary showcases, all designed to foster community engagement. Highlights include the International Gem & Jewelry Show in Dallas, the Elvis Birthday Celebration in Memphis, and the 30A Songwriters Festival in South Walton. Louisiana will showcase its culinary excellence with Restaurant Week, while Nashville will host the famous Antiques & Garden Show. Each event promises to create connections and invigorate local economies across the region.

Upcoming Southern Events in January 2026

As January 2026 approaches, the Southern United States is set to host a variety of events catering to diverse interests. Local organizers are showcasing resilience and ingenuity in bringing communities together, offering a rich array of activities that encourage engagement and highlight a spirit of individual achievement. From cultural celebrations to culinary showcases, these events have the potential to invigorate local economies and create lasting connections among residents.

January 3–4, 2026: The International Gem & Jewelry Show – Dallas, TX

This annual event brings one of America’s longest-running direct-to-consumer gem and jewelry marketplaces to Fair Park. Shoppers can browse a wide selection of fine jewelry, gemstones, beads, pearls, watches, vintage pieces, and more from designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Tickets are discounted to $6 if purchased online ($8 in-person).

January 7–11, 2026: Elvis Birthday Celebration – Memphis, TN

The 2026 Elvis Birthday Celebration at Graceland is a multi-day tribute honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with concerts, conversations, and special events. Attendees can also enjoy live music and unique fan experiences, including an exclusive sneak-peek screening of Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert.

January 8–18, 2026: Restaurant Week South Carolina – Statewide

This culinary celebration invites diners to savor specially priced menus at participating restaurants across the state, showcasing local flavors, chef creativity, and a range of regional dishes.

January 9–11, 2026: Art Deco Weekend – Miami, FL

Art Deco Weekend celebrates the iconic Miami Beach Art Deco District, boasting more than four decades of design, culture, and history. This free community event features architectural tours, vintage car shows, jazz and blues performances, outdoor markets, and evening entertainment.

January 9–11, 2026: 36th Annual Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville – Nashville, TN

Nashville’s iconic Antiques & Garden Show is a must-see for antiques, vintage decor, and garden inspiration. This year’s keynote, Living Legacy: The Classic American Style of Ralph Lauren, features David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren in conversation, offering an exclusive glimpse into the enduring style and influence of the Ralph Lauren brand. Standard tickets are $35.

January 10, 2026: 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. Registration is $30, and a virtual option is also available.

January 16–19, 2026: 30A Songwriters Festival 2026 – South Walton, FL

The 30A Songwriters Festival is a multi-day musical celebration, bringing together acclaimed singer-songwriters for intimate performances, collaborations, and storytelling through song. This year’s headlining performers include renowned artists Mavis Staples, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Margo Price, 10,000 Maniacs, I’m With Her, Nikki Lane, and Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves.

January 17, 2026: MLK Day 5K Drum Run – Birmingham, AL

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with community spirit and healthy movement at the MLK Day 5K & Fun Run. This event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, promoting unity and service.

January 18, 2026: International Wine Festival – Roanoke, VA

A signature annual event at the Taubman Museum of Art, the International Wine Festival returns with exceptional wines, delicious paired hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. Experienced wine stewards guide attendees through tasting notes, helping discover new favorites. Tickets start at $65 for this 21-and-up event.

January 18, 2026: BourbonHam – Birmingham, AL

BourbonHam, the city’s premier Bourbon and BBQ fundraiser, invites bourbon lovers to sip their way through a selection of over 50 bourbons and whiskeys. Guests can enjoy award-winning BBQ, live music, and football—all while supporting the National MS Society. Tickets start at $150.

January 19, 2026: King Day – Memphis, TN

The King Day celebration at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of reflection, community engagement, and educational learning. Programming includes special museum access, powerful exhibits, and events designed to inspire dialogue and action around civil rights and social justice.

January 20–26 & February 17–23, 2026: Asheville Restaurant Week – Asheville, NC

Asheville’s annual Restaurant Week highlights the city’s diverse and delicious local dining scene, featuring special menus and prix fixe deals that celebrate creative cuisine and Southern hospitality.

January 22–24, 2026: Oxford Fiber Festival – Oxford, MS

Hosted by All Y’all Fiber, the Oxford Fiber Festival celebrates yarn, thread, and textile arts with workshops, demonstrations, maker markets, and community activities focused on knitting, weaving, dyeing, and more.

January 23–25, 2026: North Atlanta Home Show – Duluth, GA

The North Atlanta Home Show is set to bring together the region’s top home improvement experts, designers, and vendors at the Gas South Convention Center. Attendees can browse exhibits, attend seminars, and connect directly with professionals in construction, decor, landscaping, and more.

January 29, 2026: Battle Riot VIII – Kissimmee, FL

Battle Riot VIII is an upcoming professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW) that will take place on January 29, 2026, at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center. The event promises to entertain wrestling enthusiasts with live action.

January 31, 2026: Royal Rumble – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The 2026 Royal Rumble, also promoted as Royal Rumble: Riyadh, is an upcoming professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by WWE. It marks the 39th annual Royal Rumble and will take place on January 31, 2026, as part of Riyadh Season.

For more details on these events, including ticket information and schedules, please refer to the respective event websites or contact the event organizers directly.

Event	Date	Location	Key Features
International Gem & Jewelry Show	January 3–4, 2026	Dallas, TX	Jewelry marketplace, discounted tickets
Elvis Birthday Celebration	January 7–11, 2026	Memphis, TN	Tribute with concerts and events
Restaurant Week South Carolina	January 8–18, 2026	Statewide	Specially priced menus
Art Deco Weekend	January 9–11, 2026	Miami, FL	Community celebration, free events
36th Annual Antiques & Garden Show	January 9–11, 2026	Nashville, TN	Antiques, garden inspiration
Frostbite 5K Run/Walk	January 10, 2026	Louisville, KY	Popular race in a series
30A Songwriters Festival	January 16–19, 2026	South Walton, FL	Musical performances
MLK Day 5K Drum Run	January 17, 2026	Birmingham, AL	Community spirit and unity
International Wine Festival	January 18, 2026	Roanoke, VA	Wine tastings and entertainment
BourbonHam	January 18, 2026	Birmingham, AL	Bourbon tasting and BBQ fundraiser
King Day	January 19, 2026	Memphis, TN	Civil rights celebration
Asheville Restaurant Week	January 20–26 & February 17–23, 2026	Asheville, NC	Diverse local dining
Oxford Fiber Festival	January 22–24, 2026	Oxford, MS	Textile arts celebration
North Atlanta Home Show	January 23–25, 2026	Duluth, GA	Home improvement experts
Battle Riot VIII	January 29, 2026	Kissimmee, FL	Wrestling event
Royal Rumble	January 31, 2026	Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	Wrestling pay-per-view event

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