AROUND TOWN: JANUARY
Select dates in January
IllumiNature
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
www.fresnochaffeezoo.org
IllumiNature is a Fresno Chaffee Zoo cultural spectacular. This new experience features handmade Chinese lantern displays illuminated throughout the zoo, many of which are designed to imitate various animal shapes and sizes. Although it is a rain or shine event, guests may get a “rain check” if requested. Nine viewing nights are scheduled for the month of January.
January 7th
Closing Reception for A Queen Within
Fresno Art Museum
www.fresnoartmuseum.org
A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes has been in Fresno since summertime, and now its time in Central Valley is coming to an end. So, head down to the Fresno Art Museum for a final look at the exhibition that explores new femininity and storytelling in boundary-pushing fashion. This farewell evening event will include food, drinks, music, and a drag show featuring Leilani Price.
January 10th to 15th
Dear Evan Hansen
Saroyan Theatre
www.fresno.broadway.com
Broadway In Fresno presents Dear Evan Hansen. Directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif, the Tony® and Grammy® Award-Winning Best Musical has struck a chord with audiences and critics everywhere. Head to the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center to see the deeply moving and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.
January 16th
Free Entrance Day
All National Parks
www.nps.gov
Each year, the National Park Service offers select free entrance days, and the first one in 2023 will be held this month. There are over 400 National Parks in the United States, and all those that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission for the day, although this does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special hours.
January 22nd
Bird Tales
Fresno Philharmonic, Saroyan Theatre
www.fresnophil.org
Take flight with the Fresno Philharmonic! Be transported into the textural world of a bird’s attempted flight to the sun. The concert begins with Aghaei & Jacobsen’s Ascending Bird. Saint-Saëns’ The Swan and Cello Concerto No. 1 feature Armenian cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan. Respighi’s Fountains of Rome and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite will close the program.
January 28th
Gala of Wishes 2023
Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada, The Painted Table
www.wish.org/canv
Witness Make-A-Wish’s transformative power of wish-granting for Central Valley children with critical illnesses. Come and contribute to their mission at the annual Gala of Wishes, held in Fresno. It promises to be an exciting evening with great friends, good food, and delicious cocktails. Become a part of the inspiration and help them change lives one wish at a time!
January 28th to 29th
Shen Yun
Saroyan Theatre
events.fresnoconventioncenter.com
The heavenly gift Shen Yun is coming to Fresno. This boundary-pushing theatrical performance blends stunning costumes, high-tech backdrops, and an unbelievable orchestra. Experience classical Chinese dance and see legends come to life. The show invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China, whose culture was divinely inspired.
Photo courtesy of Fresno Art Museum
