Now that 2015 is officially underway (and now that we are actually starting to get used to typing 2015) it’s time to start looking forward, into the wonderful new year. Last week we shared our list of the top ten things that we are looking forward to in 2015 and what better way to start than by presenting you with the exciting events happening during the first month of the year! So, without further ado, we present January happenings across Delmarva:

2nd Friday Arts Stroll in Berlin

Friday, January 9

It’s the first art stroll of the year in Berlin, and it’s shaping up to be a good one! Expect the typical Berlin revelry as shops stay open later to showcase area artists and musicians. A special treat this month is the annual art show to benefit Berlin MD Arts and Entertainment. The show was one of our favorites last year, and it’s promising to be equally as exciting this year. Opening at 6pm at The Globe, Medium: Anything but Average, will feature a collection of talented area artists. It’s one you won’t want to miss!

Red Doors Gala

Saturday, January 10

The Red Doors Community Center, an outreach of St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, will hold their First Annual Gala and Art Auction. Scheduled for Saturday, January 10 from 6pm until 10pm at Fager’s Island, the evening will include fine food and beverages, live entertainment from Jazz Pianist Robert Mete, Bargain Scotch and Full Circle, wine, beer and spirits, Emcee DJ BK, and more. Tickets are $125 per person. (And stay tuned for our full article on the event!)

West O Bottle Shop & Bar Paint Night

Saturday, January 10

Our friendly, neighborhood bar and bottle shop will be opening their doors for their first Paint Night this Saturday evening at 6pm. $35 includes your 12”x12” canvas, paint, brushes, art instructor, and two glasses of wine! First up is a re-creation of a lovely dune landscape painted by New Zealand artist Richard Robinson.

Best Wings on the Shore

Sunday, January 11; 12pm-3pm

Ocean 98 presents the 2nd Annual Best Wings on the Shore Contest, calling all wing lovers to ‘wing in the new year’ at Jake’s Seafood in Rehoboth. The contest will be judged by YOU, with three categories: Best Overall, Most Creative, and Hottest.

Rehoboth Beach Film Society to hold viewing of “In Organic We Trust”

Friday, January 9 @ 7pm

Our friends at the Rehoboth Beach Film Society hold terrific screenings all month long, but as self-proclaimed foodies, we are particularly excited to see this one. “In Organic We Trust” is an eye-opening documentary from director Kip Pastor that looks for practical solutions to eating better, with an emphasis on the new “locavore” trend that promises to bolster our local farmer’s markets. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

Grand Opening of the OC Performing Arts Center

Saturday, January 17@ 6:30pm

At the tail end of 2014, we were lucky enough to get a tour of the new Performing Arts Center in the Ocean City Convention Center. We were immediately impressed with the new facility and are equally as excited for what the future holds for the auditorium. Up first is the Grand Opening, featuring the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra with a guest performance by the OC Stars. Ticket prices for the Grand Opening Celebration range from $24-$45. Tickets include complimentary hors d’ouevres.

Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival & Craft Show

January 17 & 18

It’s Delmarva’s premier presentation of nautical & wildlife artists, with noted painters, sculptors, model shipbuilders, and multi-media artists. Show times are 10am until 5pm at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

Blue Man Group at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

Tuesday, January 20

NETwork s Presentations and Blue Man Productions will travel to the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center this month to present a mix of new content and classic Blue Man favorites. Best known for their multi-media performances featuring three bald and blue characters, the Blue Man Group performances are a funny, intelligent and visually stunning show for all ages. Tickets are currently on sale online or at the box office.

Lonestar Rodeo at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

January 22-23

The rodeo will roar through town at the end of January, with a weekend pit stop at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. The Lone Star Rodeo’s Bulls, Broncos and Barrels Tour will span two nights and will include bareback bronc riding, bull riding, cowgirls barrel racing, children’s gold rush, and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children.

Bull & Oyster Roast at Harpoon Hanna’s

January 24

Harpoon Hanna’s and Ravens Roost #96 are throwing down big on Sunday, January 24 from 2 to 5pm, with their Bull & Oyster Roast. Tickets are on sale now for $20 and will be available (if not sold out) for $30 at the door. In addition to a mouthwatering collection of food, the event will include a 50/50 raffle and $2 Miller Lite and Coors Lite drafts. A portion of the events proceeds will go to the Home of the Brave.

Bury Oyster Fest

January 25

Didn’t make it to the Bull & Oyster Roast in Fenwick on January 24? Or made it and still need more oysters and fun?! No worries, simply head to Brew River in Salisbury for the Bury Oyster Fest! To be held from 2pm until 6pm, the event promises to be a ‘shuckin’ good time.’ Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door (if not sold out) and include all-you-can-eat oysters, oysters on the half shell, signature baked oysters, fried oysters and more! Live music will be provided by High Five Swan Dive. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership.

Monster Trucks Salisbury

January 30 & 31

Grab your ear plugs and get ready for the Monster Truck Winter Nationals at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center! Favorite monster trucks such as Bigfoot, Saigon Shaker, Monster Medic and Aftershock will headline this year’s show. Also on tap this year are the Tuff Trucks Challenge and daredevil ATV rider, Henry Rife. Tickets start at $20.

Empty Bowl Project

All Month Long

The Art League of Ocean City invites you to help them end hunger with their annual Empty Bowl Project! Simply attend one of the bowl making sessions (free of charge) that are held throughout the entire month of January and make a pottery bowl for the annual Soup Dinner on March 21. The Soup Dinner requires a $20 donation fee which includes a dinner of soup, bread, and desserts donated by local restaurants, along with the chance to take home your bowl. Proceeds are to benefit both Diakonia and the Art League of Ocean City. Visit the Art League’s website for dates and times for bowl making sessions.

2015 Polar Plunge Weekend Festival

January 31

The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge Weekend Festival is a winter tradition for thousands of Delaware locals and visitors, with a host of events and activities leading up to the Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Delaware. Events include an ice sculpting competition, pooch plunge, 5k Run to the Plunge, chili cook-off, and more. Sunday, get ready to dive  head first into the Polar Bear Plunge! Brrrrr!