What’s On in New York, January 2020

It’s a new year and a new decade. January is a time of the year when you may be saddled with FOGO (Fear Of Going Out) and tempted to hibernate in your cosy apartment. But you probably won’t live in New York “forever” and you probably won’t lie on your deathbed wishing you’d watched more Netflix in New York. Once you’ve made the effort to get out you won’t regret it. Pop on your heavy-duty outerwear and dive into 2020.

Events Hosted and Supported by AWNY

January 23: Australian Women in Art – A Book Launch, Exhibit & Conversation

January 30: American Australian Association Arts Award

Celebrate the incredible contributions made by Australians within entertainment and the arts.  Funds raised from this Dinner will help provide scholarships to artists who will pursue their education in each other’s country. Tickets and registration are available on the AAA website.

February 12: An Evening With Sex Therapist Cyndi Darnell (SAVE THE DATE)

Here’s a chance to find out everything you ever wanted to know about sex therapy, but were to afraid to ask, with sex therapist Cyndi Darnell.

• When: Wednesday February 12, 7-8.30 pm
• Where: Manhattan location TBC
• Tickets & RSVP: Tickets will be available for purchase soon on the AAA website.

February 22: Spring Rebirth Yoga with Sound Workshop (SAVE THE DATE)

Join Ann-Marie Everitt and Leda Resurreccion for a yoga and sound spa to awaken your inner beauty and give you the strength to make it to spring. There will be gongs, tuning forks, restorative yoga, hatha yoga, story-telling, energy healing and possibly a didgeridoo.

• When: Saturday February 22, 1.30-3.30 pm.
• Where: Integral Yoga Institute, Lotus Room, 227 W 13th St, Manhattan.
• Tickets & RSVP: Tickets will be available for purchase soon on the AAA website.

Carpe Diem, Carpe New York

January 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. 

January 8: US Taxes and Expat You, A Potential Love Story (FREE Webinar)

Need help navigating the murky waters of US tax as an Aussie expat the better. Join this webinar hosted by America Josh. If you’re interested in joining online you can head over and register now (for free).

January 9: Night of 1000 Bowies

On this eve of the anniversary of David Bowie’s passing to a higher plan, honor his many faces – from Ziggy Stardust and Major Tom to the Goblin King. Bring your best Bowie look and dance the night away! Bring your gently used coats & warm clothing for the club’s annual NYCares Clothing Drive.

January 12, 7pm: My Island Home – A New York City Serenade

Aussie cabaret artist and AWNY member, Analisa Bell, is celebrating her five-year New York-i-versary, at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W 46th Street. Come along! Details and reservations here.

January 17 & 19: LGBTQ & Women’s Self Defense Classes in Brooklyn (FREE)

Learn effective self-defense techniques and how to avoid and respond to violent situations. The discussion includes everything from stranger violence to domestic violence. The classes are free, open to the public, trans-inclusive, and taught by women & queer folks. Wrap up with refreshments and community building! No previous experience necessary. Both classes are at Traditional Okinawan Karate of Brooklyn. Registration is essential – see the following links:

• Fri, January 17, 7-10pm: LGBTQ Self Defense
• Sun, January 19, 4-7pm: Women’s Self Defense

January 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.

January 21 – February 9: NYC Winter Restaurant Week

Sample an incredible array of eateries in NYC for just $26 for a two-course lunch or $42 for  three-course dinner. Australian restaurants participating include Burke & Wills, and Babu Ji.

January 21 – February 9: Broadway Week Winter

Get two-for-one tickets to some of the City’s hottest Broadway shows including Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Frozen, Harry Potter, Lion King, Mean Girls, Wicked and many more.

January 21 – February 9: NYC Must-See Week

Be a tourist in your own town with 2-for-1 tickets to some of the most popular and iconic attractions New York has to offer, including the Empire State Building Observatory, The Shed at Hudson Yards, and The Wall Street Experience.

January 24: Sex and the City Trivia Night with NYC Girlfriends

Calling all Carries, Mirandas, Charlottes and Samathas or any women smitten with the cultural phenomenon that is SATC. Join the NYC Girlfriends group in Midtown East for a night of the ultimate SATC trivia. 

January 24: Triple J Hottest 100

The Triple J Hottest 100 for 2020 is fast approaching. The big countdown will commence, 12pm Saturday January 25, AEDT, 2020 which means New Yorkers can hear it from 8pm Friday January 24, 2020. 

January 26: DUB Pies on Australia Day

If you’re getting together with your mates, DUB Pies can supply frozen pies for reheating or send out hot food in the City on the day. For the AWNY Community there’s an exclusive 10% discount for orders placed before the end of the year along with a small deposit. To place your order, email DUB Pies via info@dubpies.com or phone: (718) 974-1683.

February 1: Winter Jam in Central Park (FREE)

Snow comes to Central Park! From 11am-3pm, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and curling, live ice sculpting, a heated NYPL reading room and more at this urban wonderland.

Events to Enjoy All Month

Skiing, Snowboarding, Skating

Living in Australia means loads of outdoor time but limited opportunities for snow and ice fun. Embrace your proximity to white powder and ice rinks, and the benefits of shredding, swooshing and skating.

• Hop on the NYC Snow Bus for an affordable trip to nearby Mountain Creek or Hunter Mountain.
• American Dream offers Big SNOW, America’s first indoor snow resort, and The Rink, for ice skating. The center is accessible via Lyft, NY Waterway ferry, NJ Transit bus from the NY Port Authority.
• Enjoy outdoor skating at Industry City in Brooklyn, from Wednesday through to Sunday each week, with theme parties on Friday and Saturday night, including 70s, 80s and 90s hits. 

Veganuary: Explore a Plant Based Diet

Veganuary is the world’s largest vegan movement, inspiring people to try vegan for January and throughout the rest of the year. Veganary launched in the UK in 2014 and is coming to the US in 2020.

Dryuary: Go Alcohol-Free

Take a break from alcohol for the month of January and experience the benefits of a body sans alcohol. Dryuary is sponsored by Moderation Management, a support network for people concerned about their drinking and aiming to make positive lifestyle changes.