A new year means new events! Start off 2018 with our preview of the awesome fandom conventions, pop-up exhibits, plays, and winter events that are coming your way this January.
Northeast
The Opposition with Jordan Klepper The Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, NY – Filming weekly Monday-Thursday throughout January, 2018
Open your eyes to the “truth” behind world events with Daily Show alum Jordan Klepper’s satirical Comedy Central show, The Opposition. Watch as Klepper tackles breaking news of the day, expert interviews, and whatever fresh conspiracy the “mainstream” is hiding. Klepper’s snappy newsman persona conveys no shame in voicing his opinions, and you won’t want to miss the chance to sit in on the brainchild of his fringe-friendly mind!
Arcade Comedy Theater 943 Liberty, Pittsburgh, PA – Various Shows Throughout January, 2018
Prepare to laugh at Pittsburgh’s only non-profit theater dedicated to comedy, Arcade Comedy Theater! The theater has been a staple of Pittsburgh nightlife for nearly five years, and with the opening of their brand new location, the shows (and the laughs) are only going to get bigger and better! This month, choose from a variety of hilarious shows, like Your Life: The Musical, Bonus Stage, and Comedy Royale. See you there!
Ice Castles New Hampshire 64 Railroad Street, Lincoln, NH – Opening January 5, 2018
Experience a true Winter Wonderland nestled right in Lincoln, New Hampshire! Ice Castles, an enchanting annual attraction featuring soaring castles built entirely from ice, is the perfect winter tradition for the entire family. Enjoy walking through towering ice formations, playing on frozen playgrounds, and taking pictures with the enchanted frozen princess. Even if you’re not near New Hampshire, Ice Castles is hosting six locations this year across the U.S. and Canada! There’s no better way to enjoy the cold weather!
South
Museum of Ice Cream Miami 3400 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL – Now through January 22, 2018
Prepare your sweet tooth, Miami, because one of today’s tastiest art exhibits is taking your city by storm! At Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC), explore ten reimagined installations all dedicated to the wonder that is ice cream. With interactive displays featuring popsicles, a giant pool of sprinkles, and plenty of scrumptious ice cream along the way, MOIC is the perfect way to cool off from a warm Miami January. Grab your selfie stick and dig in!
PAX South Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX – January 12-14, 2018
One of the most anticipated gaming conventions of all time is back to take over San Antonio’s Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center this month. PAX South is a weekend jam-packed with gaming freeplay, panels, live performances, and of course, PAX’s renowned Omegathon, a mega-tournament featuring games of all platforms and genres that spans the entire length of the event. Three-day passes are already sold out, but individual day passes are still up for grabs!
The 2018 Washington Auto Show Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC – January 26 – February 4, 2018
It’s time to put the pedal to the metal because the 2018 Washington Auto Show is on its way! See hundreds of exotic, luxury, concept, and showroom cars, and more than 35 domestic and import manufacturers, only at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Peer into the future of driving with connected cars and automated technologies while enjoying live music, art, and more. Be sure to reserve your tickets today, and we’ll see you there!
Midwest
Highland Optimist Shootout Highland High School, Highland, IL – January 6, 2018
The highly anticipated 27th Annual Highland Optimist Shootout Classic is right around the corner! This annual charity event, widely known as the premier high school basketball shootout in the St. Louis area, will once again bring together some of the top local and national basketball players to one gym for a full day of hoops. During this seven-game basketball event, defending Class 3A state champion Chicago Morgan Park will take on Chaminade College Preparatory School from St. Louis in the marquee game. You won’t want to miss such a fun fundraising event!
A Year with Frog and Toad Helfaer Theatre, Milwaukee, WI – January 14-28, 2018
Originally presented on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad is the perfect event for a family outing or school field trip! Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, this charming children’s musical follows the budding friendship of a cranky toad and a cheerful frog who learn it’s their differences that bring them together. This play is a tale of friendship and acceptance that your whole family is sure to love!
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) OSF Greystone Hall, Akron, OH – January 25-28, 2018
To go or not to go, that is hardly a question when it comes to Ohio Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Back by popular demand, this silly show follows three madcap men in tights as they meander their way through all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays in 97 minutes. That’s 2.62 minutes per play! You won’t want to miss this hysterical night of Shakespearean comedy.
West
Color Factory 575 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA – January through February 27, 2018
Experience life in glorious color at one of San Francisco’s hottest installations: Color Factory. Celebrating color and material, this two-story interactive exhibition covers 12,000 square feet, and features work by some incredible artists and collaborators like Jacob Dahlgren, Tom Stayte, Geronimo Balloons, and many more. Lose yourself in thousands of colored ribbons, sink into a giant yellow ball pit, and travel down the rainbow staircase! Dress down in your favorite hue and add a little color to your life now through February.
IMATS Los Angeles Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA – January 11-14, 2018
Prepare yourselves for a weekend full of artistry and makeup at this year’s IMATS Los Angeles! IMATS established the world’s first-ever makeup artist trade show in Los Angeles in 1997, so what better place to connect with other working makeup professionals? At this historical hub for film and TV productions, you can network with thousands of makeup artists in the film, TV, and fashion industry. With hundreds of exhibitors, master classes, and guest speakers, your makeup bag will be overflowing by the time you’re done!
Walker Stalker Con and Heroes & Villains Portland Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR – January 13-14, 2018
This month, the dead will rise, heroes and villains will battle, and you’ll have a front row seat to it all! Two of the most beloved traveling fandom conventions, Walker Stalker Con and Heroes & Villains, are sharing the Oregon Convention Center for a weekend packed with panels, guest speakers, photo ops, autographs, merch, and so much more. Fan favorites including Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Stephen Amell, and Jon Bernthal will make this a weekend to remember. Tickets to either of these awesome events will get you into the other, so be sure to order yours today and unleash your inner fanatic!