Southern United States, January 9, 2026
January brings a multitude of vibrant events to Southern cities, from thrilling sports games to enlightening cultural exhibitions. Highlights include the Carolina Panthers’ playoff game and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships. These events showcase community resilience and participation, supporting local economies and fostering civic engagement. Concerts, art exhibitions, and educational conferences further enrich the cultural landscape, inviting residents and visitors alike to connect and celebrate new beginnings.
Exciting Southern Events Energizing Communities in January 2026
Discover Regional Gatherings that Foster Community Spirit
As January 2026 unfolds, cities across the Southern United States are poised to host an array of vibrant events that appeal to diverse interests. From intense sports matchups to illuminating cultural exhibitions, these gatherings highlight the resilience of local organizers and the potential for enhanced civic engagement through reduced bureaucracy.
Events like the Carolina Panthers playoff game and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships showcase how community choice and leadership can transform local landscapes. Moreover, collaborations between private sectors and cultural groups further energize community participation, laying a foundation for growth as we head into the new year.
Sports Events
Carolina Panthers Playoff Game
Charlotte, NC – The Carolina Panthers will meet the Los Angeles Rams in a crucial playoff game on January 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. This matchup marks the Panthers’ first home playoff appearance in nearly a decade, creating significant buzz in the city. Anticipated ticket prices range from $172 to $2,367, indicative of the high demand surrounding this postseason contest. Additionally, former Panthers quarterback and NFL MVP Cam Newton will lead the “Keep Pounding” drum ceremony, adding to the event’s excitement. This game is expected to have a significant positive impact on local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and bars, as fans gather to support their team.
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
Tallahassee, FL – On January 10, Apalachee Regional Park will host the prestigious 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. The event will feature races across various distances, including approximately 10 km for senior men and women, 8 km for junior men, 6 km for junior women, and a mixed relay. Tallahassee’s selection as host city enhances its profile within the sports community, cultivating pride and participation among residents and visitors alike.
Music and Cultural Festivals
Barry Manilow Concert
Tampa Bay, FL – Celebrated entertainer Barry Manilow will perform at the Benchmark International Arena on February 27 as part of his 2026 concert tour. The event is set to attract a wide range of attendees, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural vitality throughout the region.
Women’s Art Collective Exhibition
Hattiesburg, MS – From January 22 to 26, the Women’s Art Collective will present “Connected to Community” at the George Hurst Building’s Gallery of Art and Design. This free exhibition will provide a platform for artists to showcase their work while engaging actively with the local community, emphasizing the importance of local arts in fostering social connections and cultural appreciation.
Educational Conferences
Walt Disney World Conference
Orlando, FL – The Walt Disney World Conference, scheduled from January 19 to 23 at the Grand Floridian Resort, will offer attendees 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through seminars and hands-on training. Topics will include Difficult Airway, Ultrasound Techniques, and Tax Strategies, delivering valuable knowledge tailored to healthcare professionals. The inclusion of VIP experiences, such as a dessert party with fireworks, reflects the event’s emphasis on enriching personal and professional growth within a fun environment.
Home and Lifestyle Shows
Southern Utah Home Show
Hurricane, UT – The Southern Utah Home Show will run from January 23 to 25 at Washington County Legacy Park. This free event will feature cooking demonstrations and presentations, offering practical advice and fostering connections between homeowners and local service providers. Such initiatives support community stability through knowledge-sharing and collaboration among participants.
Stargazing Events
Southern Metro Public Stargazing Night
Hawthorndene, Australia – On January 16, the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA) will host a Public Viewing Night at Hawthorndene Oval. Attendees can observe celestial objects through telescopes provided by ASSA members, allowing for educational engagement and fostering community interest in science and astronomy. Early booking is recommended due to limited ticket availability, showcasing community demand for such enriching experiences.
Professional Wrestling Events
RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold
Sunrise, FL – On January 10, Real American Freestyle (RAF) will host RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold at the Amerant Bank Arena. This high-profile wrestling match will be broadcast live on Fox Nation, further promoting the entertainment sector’s role in enhancing community spirit and bringing residents together.
Battle Riot VIII
Kissimmee, FL – Scheduled for January 29 at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center, Battle Riot VIII will be produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW) and will air live on BeIN Sports USA and stream on MLW’s YouTube channel. This annual wrestling event continues to draw fans and foster community engagement through the excitement of live performances.
Conclusion
As we delve into January 2026, the Southern United States stands ready to welcome a myriad of events that cater to various interests. Each occasion presents an opportunity to strengthen community bonds, invigorate local economies, and celebrate regional cultures. It is crucial for residents to support these initiatives and engage actively in the growth of their communities in Dallas, TX, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the Carolina Panthers’ upcoming playoff game?
The game marks the Panthers’ first home playoff appearance in nearly a decade, generating significant excitement in Charlotte. Ticket prices range from $172 to $2,367, reflecting high demand. Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is scheduled to lead the “Keep Pounding” drum ceremony, adding to the event’s allure. The game is expected to boost local businesses as fans converge to support their team.
What is the Women’s Art Collective exhibition about?
The exhibition, titled “Connected to Community,” runs from January 22 to 26 at the George Hurst Building’s Gallery of Art and Design in Hattiesburg, MS. It showcases the collective’s work and its engagement with the local community.
What is the Southern Utah Home Show?
Scheduled for January 23 to 25 at Washington County Legacy Park in Hurricane, UT, the Southern Utah Home Show is a free event featuring hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and exclusive offers to enhance home living. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, win prizes, and meet top contractors, designers, and remodelers.
What is the Southern Metro Public Stargazing Night?
Hosted by the Astronomical Society of South Australia (ASSA) on January 16 at Hawthorndene Oval, this Public Viewing Night allows attendees to observe celestial objects through telescopes provided by ASSA members and engage with astronomers to learn more about the universe. Early booking is recommended due to limited tickets.
What is RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold?
RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold is a freestyle wrestling event scheduled for January 10 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. The event will be broadcast live on Fox Nation, featuring a high-profile wrestling match between Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold.
Key Features of Southern Events in January 2026
| Event Name | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers Playoff Game | Charlotte, NC | January 10 | First home playoff in nearly a decade, featuring high demand for tickets. |
| World Athletics Cross Country Championships | Tallahassee, FL | January 10 | Hosting multiple races, enhancing local pride and participation. |
| Barry Manilow Concert | Tampa Bay, FL | February 27 | A cultural performance appealing to a diverse audience. |
| Women’s Art Collective Exhibition | Hattiesburg, MS | January 22-26 | Showcasing local art and community engagement. |
| Walt Disney World Conference | Orlando, FL | January 19-23 | Educational conference with valuable CEUs for professionals. |
| Southern Utah Home Show | Hurricane, UT | January 23-25 | Free event featuring home improvement demonstrations and advice. |
| Southern Metro Public Stargazing Night | Hawthorndene, Australia | January 16 | Educational stargazing event promoting community interest in astronomy. |
| RAF 05: Covington vs. Rockhold | Sunrise, FL | January 10 | High-profile wrestling match broadcast live on Fox Nation. |
| Battle Riot VIII | Kissimmee, FL | January 29 | Annual wrestling event featuring multiple matches and live broadcast. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
