The 8 Best Things To Do in January 2017

Make a resolution to spend more time with your family—at a fun run, a New Year’s festival, a special Harry Potter event and more.

January 3, 2017

Katrina Valcourt,

ENTERTAINMENT

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert

January 6 and 7

Photo: Thinkstock

Relive the magic of the first Harry Potter film on the big screen accompanied by a live performance of the score by the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. While you’re watching the performance, imagine the conductor’s baton as a wand: swish, and flick!

Blaisdell Concert Hall, $27–$79, hisymphony.org

Chance the Rapper’s mixtape Coloring Book debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, the first streaming-exclusive album to do so. He performs two shows at the Blaisdell this month, Jan. 7 and 8.

KIDS & FAMILY

New Year’s ‘Ohana Festival

January 8

Photo: Courtesy of Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster at this annual festival of Japanese arts, crafts, games, food, shopping and entertainment. But, exercise caution if you were born in the Year of the Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 …), as Chinese folklore says this could be an unlucky year for you.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, Mō‘ili‘ili Field, free, jcch.com

THEATER & ARTS

Ceramics of Hawai‘i

Through January 8

Photo: Jo Rowley, Courtesy of Hawai‘i Potters’ Guild

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hawai‘i Potters’ Guild and the many great local potters in this juried show. Says Alice Leitner, Ceramics of Hawai‘i exhibit co-chair, “We thought the time to show their work was long overdue and are excited to present the first-ever statewide all-ceramics show.”

Honolulu Museum of Art School, Linekona Gallery, hawaiipottersguild.org

EDUCATION

Ice Skating Classes

Session begins January 11

Photo: Aaron Yoshino

Seeing all those great Instagram photos at Ward Village making you wish you knew how to skate? Consider Ice Palace’s WeSkate Program, which can teach you how to glide, swizzle and wiggle. Ice Palace is open daily for public skating, and the Ward Village Ice Rink will be open through Jan. 16.

Ice Palace, $120 for eight weeks, icepalacehawaii.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Polynesian Bowl

January 21

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

More than 80 nationally ranked high-school players will come together during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend for the inaugural Polynesian Bowl, pitting Team Mariota (led by Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans) against Team Stanley (led by Ronnie Stanley of the Baltimore Ravens).

Aloha Stadium, $12–$15, polynesianbowl.com

ENTERTAINMENT

UB40 Reunited

January 21

Photo: Thinkstock

Did you know? There are two groups that go by UB40: When two of the founding members of the band decided to leave, they continued to use the name and were joined a few years later by a third founding member. This is that group, featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue.

Blaisdell Arena, $69 and up, ub40.org

ENTERTAINMENT

The Fox on the Fairway

January 27 through February 12

Photo: Thinkstock

“Golf and sex are the only things you can enjoy without being good at them,” proclaims Pamela in the opening of this play. We’d also include dancing.

Diamond Head Theatre, 15–$50, diamondheadtheatre.com

SPORTS

ESPN Jersey Fun Run

February 4

Photo: Courtesy of ESPN1420

Sports fans, now is the time to suit up and support your favorite players while getting in a bit of the athletic life yourself. Throw on a jersey or team colors and bring the family to Aloha Stadium for a 3K run/walk, games and other activities. Packet pickup will be in late January, so sign up early. (ESPN 1420 is a sister company of HONOLULU Magazine in the aio family of businesses.)

Aloha Stadium, $30–$40, pre-race activities at 8 a.m., run begins at 9, espn1420am.com