Black and white photo showing the top of one of the Guardians of Traffic sculptures

3 things to do in Cleveland in January

Is your New Year’s resolution to engage with our local community more? The Daily has you covered with several options to explore all that Cleveland has to offer. 

With frigid temperatures increasingly likely over the next month, we stuck to options that will keep you toasty indoors. Learn more about what you can do in the CLE this January, near the Case Western Reserve University campus or around the city.

MLK Day in University Circle

Jan. 15–16

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, several institutions in our neighborhood will offer special programming.

The Cleveland Orchestra will perform its Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert, featuring music by Black composers, Sunday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. While this concert is free, tickets are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. Reserve your tickets.

Additionally, the Rink at Wade Oval, Cleveland History Center and Cleveland Museum of Natural History will offer free admission in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Skate rental at the Rink at Wade Oval will be $2 for students and $3 for all others.

With the university closed that day (Jan. 16), students, faculty and staff can take advantage of these offerings. And later in the week on Jan. 20, members of the community can hear from bestselling author Nic Stone at the university’s MLK Convocation.

Get more details about MLK Day in University Circle.

Lunar New Year

Jan. 21

Head over to AsiaTown’s Asia Plaza (2999 Payne Ave.) for the annual Lunar New Year celebration Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This free event is open to all and will be held in recognition of the Year of the Rabbit.

Though full details of this year’s event haven’t been released, the celebration will feature the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah Restaurant. 

View the event details.

Cleveland Guards Fest

Jan. 21

Though it may feel like spring is far away, you don’t have to wait to get your baseball fix. The reigning American League Central Division Champion Cleveland Guardians will host a fan festival Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Huntington Convention Center. General admissions tickets cost $15 (season ticket holders pay $5), with a portion of the proceeds going to Cleveland Guardians Charities.

Fans will have the chance to play interactive games, listen to player panels and more. Photo opportunities and autograph sessions with players also will be available for an additional fee.

Find out what players will be there and get your tickets.