As the crisp winter air ushers in the new year, January in Rowan County offers the perfect blend of activities to warm your spirits and brighten your days. Whether you're looking for unique, monthly events or inspiring art exhibits, our charming region of North Carolina has something for everyone. Dive into the vibrant events and experiences that make Rowan County an unforgettable destination to kick off your year.
Waterworks Visual Arts Center Presents: "Never Before Seen...Modern Masterpieces"
Now - August 30, 2025
“Never Before Seen…Modern Masterpieces” will include forty works by twenty-eight leading European modernists, including such greats as Kandinsky, Monet, Picasso, and de Kooning. Spanning more than a century of art history, the exhibition will introduce viewers to several pivotal movements from French Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.
At The Throttle Diesel: Southern 6133 at the N.C. Transportation Museum
January 4 & 11, 2025
"At the Throttle Diesel: Southern 6133" at the N.C. Transportation Museum offers rail enthusiasts a unique opportunity to operate the Southern 6133 Diesel Locomotive under expert guidance. Participants can experience the thrill of controlling this iconic locomotive while exploring the rich history of Spencer's railway heritage.
Lee Street Theatre Presents: "Neil Simon's Rumors"
January 10 - 25, 2025
Catch the witty chaos of Neil Simon’s Rumors, performed by Lee Street Theatre from January 10-25. This fast-paced farce will keep audiences in stitches as a dinner party turns into a comedy of errors involving politicians, lawyers, and an uproarious sequence of misunderstandings
Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band at the Swanee Theatre
January 11, 2025
Relive the energy of a Bon Jovi concert with Slippery When Wet: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Performing at the Swanee Theatre, this tribute show captures the iconic hits and arena-rock vibes that defined Bon Jovi's legendary career.
NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures' Super Saturdays
January 11, 2025
On the second Saturday of each month, visit the First Community Center of Spencer (215 5th St.) for a special sale featuring a variety of dolls, toys, and miniatures from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Proceeds support the NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures' nonprofit mission to preserve and promote the history of these beloved collectibles, located just a short walk away.
Rowan Museum Store at the West End Plaza
January 11, 2025
The Rowan Museum's thrift shop opens to the public every second Saturday in the West End Plaza. Drop in and check out some incredible finds 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.!
Second Saturday Bookshop
January 11, 2025
The Second Saturday Bookshop at the West End Plaza (old Salisbury Mall) occurs every second Saturday of every month from 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. Most items are $2 and under and sale items include fiction, non-fiction, children's literature & more!
Second Saturday Salvage
January 11, 2025
Join the Historic Salisbury Foundation for this community market event on the green - showcasing local vendors in architectural salvage, the offerings of the Ice House, food trucks, and a local musician.
The Salisbury Symphony Presents: "Echoes of Romance: A Celebration of Forgotten Voices"
January 18, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Florence Price's music, featuring her Symphony No. 1 in E minor—a groundbreaking blend of Black American musical traditions and classical symphonic form. Complemented by iconic pieces from Strauss, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky, this concert honors underrepresented voices while showcasing timeless orchestral masterpieces.
Crawford & Power at the Swanee Theatre
January 25, 2025
On January 25, experience Crawford & Power live at the Swanee Theatre in Kannapolis. This rising country duo from Southwest Virginia brings their unique Appalachian Red Dirt Country sound, blending southern charm with modern musical flair, and has shared stages with legends like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt.
Waterworks' Annual Oyster Roast
January 25, 2025
The Waterworks Visual Arts Center Oyster Roast invites guests to indulge in food, beer, wine, and dessert for a delightful evening in support of the center’s programs. Tickets are available in advance for $100 (non-members) and $85 (members) and include access to the event, with options for additional Bourbon Tasting and Raffle purchases on the night of the event.
For more events this January, check out our event calendar and our January in the Arts blog post.
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