Happy New Year! Whether you’re a recent arrival in New York or have a few seasons under your belt, the start of a new year brings a whole new set of opportunities and adventures. Here’s what’s on in January 2019:
AWNY kicks off the new year with a fun event open to all plus a special offer for the AWNY community:
Tues Jan 22, 7 – 10pm: Trivia Night at The Australian Bar & Restaurant
All ladies and gents are welcome to join Australian Women in New York for a night of trivia and drinks at the friendly Australian Bar and Restaurant. It’s a great chance for us to enjoy the company of other Aussies (and friends). There is no entry fee for the trivia night. There is a cash bar for purchasing food and drinks off the menu, which includes Aussie favorites such as traditional meat pies, sausage rolls and Australia’s “national drink”, lemon, lime and bitters.
RSVP is essential as we will need to reserve tables for our group. You can RSVP directly via the Facebook event or email AWNY.
Before Jan 7: Discount Code for DUB Pies and Sausage Rolls
As a favor to the AWNY Community, our mates at Down Under Bakery (DUB) Pies are offering a special DUB Pies discount code on frozen pies and sausage rolls ahead of New Year’s Day and Australia Day 2019.
Simply use AWNY2018 before January 7th for 10% off frozen orders! Bonza mate!
Just be sure to put a note in the comments of the order telling DUB which Monday in January you’d like the order shipped (DUB only ships on Mondays) or email catering@dubpies.com.
This discount also works for 10% off your Aussie Day hot food catering orders if you want to do pies and sausage rolls for your office (minimums apply.) The number of hot food deliveries they can do for Aussie Day is limited – so get in early (and before the Jan 7 deadline to get the discount) so you don’t miss out! 50% deposit required at time of confirmation for catering orders.
Check out DUB Pies for more information.
Fri Dec 28, 12 – 1pm: Good Riddance Day
Gather at Times Square to let go the negative energy of 2018. Good Riddance Day is inspired by a Latin American tradition in which New Year’s revelers stuffed dolls with objects representing bad memories before setting them on fire. But don’t worry… no fires here! Shred-It will take the lead on destroying those unwanted memories. #GoodRiddanceDay
Mon Dec 31: New Year’s Eve
Where will you ring in the New Year? Times Square always plays host to the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, where people come at 3pm to get a spot for a 6pm start, with no public restrooms and freezing cold. Otherwise watch from home, snuggled under a blanket with friends and something bubbly close by. If you’re lucky maybe a friend in NYC has a view of the action. Otherwise make like a true New Yorker and shun the ball drop altogether. Instead you can ring in the New Year at a rooftop bar, cruise around the harbour or take a midnight ride or run through Central Park. And remember, the NYE fireworks take place in Central Park and not on the East River – we don’t want you waiting in the cold for nothing!
Tues Jan 1: New Year’s Day Swim with Coney Island Polar Bear Club
Hangover cure or health boost? Find out for yourself with an “invigorating” plunge in the Atlantic with hundreds of other brave swimmers on this New Year’s Day tradition. The suggested donation is $25.
Jan 4 – Jan 12: NYC Winter Jazzfest
Shake off the winter blues and immerse yourself in Winter Jazzfest: an annual New York celebration of contemporary jazz and the exciting new sounds. There are more than 100 performers in this year’s Jazzfest, with a blend of upcoming and established artists. The festival culminates in a 2-day marathon in The Village. Tickets can be purchased for individual shows, the marathon or the entire fest.
Mon Jan 21: Martin Luther King National Day of Service
In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. In the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Use the National Service search tool to find an opportunity to serve your community. #MLKDay
Jan 21 – Feb 8: NYC Restaurant Week
Enjoy a 3-course dinner at one of NYC’s finest restaurants at just $42 (or a 2-course lunch for just $26). There are more than 380 restaurants participating including Aussie restaurants: Babu-Ji and Burke & Wills.
Sat Jan 26, 11am – 3pm: Winter Jam in Central Park (FREE!)
Snow comes to Central Park! You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding, live ice sculpting, ice bowling, Taste NY Winter Market & Warming Hut, dodgeball and more!
Sat Jan 26: Australia Day
This year Australia Day falls on Saturday January 26th. AWNY will be providing a comprehensive round-up of events in NYC so be sure to check back on our website. Otherwise there are plenty of Aussie bars and restaurants and coffee shops in NYC where you can get together with a group of friends and enjoy familiar food and drinks.
Jan 27, 12 – 5pm: Aussie LIve Music Arvo and Triple J Hottest 100 at The Delancey
The Australian Consulate-General is hosting an afternoon featuring Aussie artists along with the Triple J Hottest 100 at The Delancey on the Lower East Side. The lineup is being finalized. If you’re interested in performing (and you’ve got a band, are a DJ or anything in between, can do a minimum 20 minute set, are Australian (or mostly Australian) and will be in New York in late January) direct message the Australian Consulate-General in NYC.
Until Feb 3: The Life and Works of MC Escher in NYC
Experience the life and works of MC Escher at the first-ever exhibition in NYC, at innovative creative hub, Brooklyn’s Industry City, with over 200 original works.
All Month: NYC Subway Art Walking Tour
The best way to beat the cold is to keep moving! Join Free Tours by Foot on this climate controlled subway and walking art tour, starting out in Midtown. Become an expert on navigating the NYC subway system with Bronx-born tour guide, Darryl Reilly. Reservations are required.
Tues Feb 19: The Chills at The Bell House
Revered New Zealand band and champions of the Dunedin sound, The Chills, fronted by Martin Phillips, perform at Brooklyn live-music haven, The Bell House. Tickets are $28 advance or $35 at the door.
AWNY has a jam-packed calendar of events coming up in 2019, so be sure to “watch this space“!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 