Don’t sleep on January in San Antonio

A time existed, probably not long ago, when there was not a lot to do in the way of large-scale events in San Antonio in January.

Save for the Army All-American Bowl, San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game, and the MLK Jr. March, things were quiet locally to begin a new year, even in recent years.

Yeah, no, that ain’t happening anymore. So let me remind you (or educate you) on the very things that make San Antonio a rather busy place in January. Plus, I've covered (yes, journalisting!) each of these festivities and I could vouch for their educational or entertainment value. 

*Dream Week San Antonio - it's actually two weeks of dozens and dozens of panel discussions, lectures, hands-on family activities, film screenings, galas, dance performances, art exhibits, tastings, poetry slams, readings and more citywide. They all pay tribute to MLK's legacy of diversity, empowerment, education and tolerance. So, there's much more than the march itself.

*PAX South -- I kinda regret having not indulged my gamer cravings. (I'm more of an 80s/early 90s gamer). But PAX making San Antonio one of its prime festival destinations is a thrill. Even if you're not a gamer, you can easily enjoy the fun, active atmosphere at the convention center - one filled that represents virtually every element of gaming culture.

*San Antonio Cocktail Conference - Imbibing for charity. Do you really need another reason to go? There are nightly tasting events, paired dinners, pop-ups, after-parties and seminars, all meant to educate patrons on the art of the cocktail, the spirits and bar industries, and cocktail culture. Proceeds to go local children's charities. 

*San Antonio Restaurant Week -- Be it the winter or summer edition, it's two weeks worth of opportunities to enjoy a multi-course, prix-fixe lunch or dinner menu at some of your favorite local restaurants. This winter's edition lasts Jan. 15-27.

Prices range from $15 lunches and $35 dinners per person at some restaurants, and $10 lunches and $25 dinners at others. More than 80 eateries around San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels are participating this winter edition. The number of participating restaurants is on the rise.

Then, $1 from every lunch and $2 from every dinner go to Culinaria's culinary education and promotion programs. Reservations are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. 

There you go, the tip of the iceberg on the local festivities you can use to fill up your January calendar. I don't want to hear any complaints that you don't know what's happening in town in the dead of winter.