The first month in a new year. While some may see it as page 1 of a new book, I tend to view as day [x] in this story called life… not sure what that says about me. Introspection aside, here are some events for you to explore in South Florida such as the Chinese Lantern Festival in Fort Lauderdale, The Meeting (which explores a conversation which might’ve taken place had Martin Luther King and Malcolm X gotten a chance to meet and pick each other’s brains), Mayor Muoio’s State of the City address, and my year-round personal favorite. Drumroll please! Taste History Culinary Tour. Woot woot. Even though we’ve rung in the new year on the 1st, there’s still time to head over and celebrate Oshogatsu at Morikami in Delray Beach (Jan. 7).

If you haven’t already, head over and read “What will you do with the next 8,760 hours of your life?”

THRU JAN. 15: Chinese Lantern Festival

Handcrafted lanterns, live kung fu coaching and performances, Chinese folk artists, shadow puppetry, Asian cuisine, dinosaur rides and more. More info: http://bit.ly/2A3Zo2M

THRU FEBRUARY: Lunch on the Shore at Flagler Shore

Bring your friends and co-workers to Flagler Shore every Wednesday for “Lunch on the Shore”. From 12–2 p.m., bring your own lunch or pre-order food from our downtown restaurants to have it delivered at Flagler Shore through Delivery Dudes, Cravy and UberEats. There will also be 3 food trucks on the southend, located at 501 S. Flagler, for you to sample from. More info: http://bit.ly/2Ecpumt

JAN. 4–7: Cirque du Soleil — VOLTA

“Volta” is the troupe’s 41st original production, a new touring show under the big top. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of action sports, the show weaves the adrenaline rush of acrobatics into a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score. More info: http://cirk.me/1N5ZYf7

JAN. 6: Robbie’s Real Pit BBQ at Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks

From chicken, pulled pork, pork tenderloin, brisket, sweet baby back ribs and St Louis style ribs, wash it all down with handcrafted cider. More info: http://bit.ly/2lZTDh7

JAN. 6 & 27: Interrupted: Raw and Informed

To create safe space to release filters blocking our frequencies. Like love, abundance, connection, receiving, i.e. A playground for everyone to learn, heal, explore, grow and share without judgment. More info: http://bit.ly/2qvjPpp

JAN. 7: Kafe HUB Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch at Kafe HUB starts at 9:00am featuring bottomless Mimosas and their Basil Lemonade Mimosas. More info: http://bit.ly/2Aw7bX8

JAN. 7: Oshogatsu: A New Year’s Celebration

The New Year is Japan’s most important and celebrated holiday. We ring in our 40th annual New Year’s celebration with the tastes, sights and sounds that define the traditional Japanese New Year. More info: http://bit.ly/2CZC35d

JAN. 12–28: South Florida Fair

The 2018 event will feature 17 days of different themed parades, including the Fair’s two signature Bike Nite parades. Each day, the Fair will highlight a famous parade from around the world, with music, colorful costumes and Mardi Gras floats, which will also be on display in the “Magical Parades” exhibition. More info: http://bit.ly/1RFeIr3

JAN. 13: Japan Information + Language Exchange

Here’s your opportunity to know more about Japan and get your long-lived questions answered by who? Japan’s natives, of course! Come and speak with some locals of Tokyo/Yokohama via social media, as well as get a brief informal beginners lesson in the Japanese language. More info: http://bit.ly/2m20EyX

JAN. 16: The Meeting

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were assassinated in just a three year period. What would have happened if the two men had met before their deaths? The Meeting is a powerful drama about the time period in which Martin Luther King and Malcolm X lived and the philosophies of those times. More info: http://bit.ly/2CZsCCI

JAN. 17: Weaving a Garden Tapestry

Participants will collaboratively weave a loom using both natural and recycled materials as well as found and created objects. You will learn basic weaving techniques, identify opportunities to use materials that are usually thrown away to create art. This art encounter celebrates the beauty of the Garden by creating a large-scale tapestry using various elements to make a unique art installation that complements the Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea exhibit. More info: http://bit.ly/2F3WKgI

JAN. 17–21: Art Palm Beach 2018

ArtPalmBeach celebrates its 21st Edition at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from January 18–21, 2017 with a preview on the evening of January 17th.

ArtPalmBeach is considered one of the most influential contemporary art fairs on Florida’s Gold Coast by both critics and art enthusiasts. International galleries from around the world will be exhibiting contemporary and emerging artists. The fair also offers a full schedule of lectures, art film screenings, artists discussions, and curatorial tours. More info: http://bit.ly/2F0ptDc

JAN. 18: Painting with Uncommon Tools Workshop

Join artist Nickie Hennevelt of Tiny Doors WPB as she guides you in creating art using uncommon tools. More info: http://bit.ly/2qBrmDp

JAN. 19–20: Dorrance Dance

Dorrance Dance aims to honor tap dance’s unique history in a new context by upholding the traditional form while pushing its rhythmic, technical, and conceptual boundaries. The company is passionately committed to expanding the audience of tap dance, America’s long-standing indigenous jazz vernacular. By incorporating other forms that have shaped the foundation of American culture — such as street, club & experimental dance — Dorrance Dance highlights the traditional elements of tap dance & its musical rhythms in a contemporary light. More info: http://bit.ly/2E72Lbc

JAN. 20: Little Havana ¡Sabor! Walking Tour

See Little Havana like a native! Join HistoryMiami Museum guide, Pepe Menendez, on a fascinating tour of one of the world’s largest and best-known Cuban neighborhoods outside of Cuba. Enjoy light bites as you walk down vibrant Calle Ocho. Discover the significance of the Ceiba Tree, learn the art of cigar making, and hear tales of performances by Billie Holiday and Count Basie at the Ball & Chain. More info: http://bit.ly/2m7zZRt

JAN. 23: Build Your Business with Live Video

Attendees will leave with a custom live streaming video strategy which includes: identifying your goals & the type of live streaming videos that work for your business, outlines/agendas for your first 3 or more videos· Identifying your niche target audience & how to connect with them, deciding how often to go live & how long your videos should be, how to re-purpose the videos after you go live in order to make the most out of each one and get found online, how to track and measure your results, a list of equipment you’ll need to get started, and more. More info: http://conta.cc/2lUel20

JAN. 24: Mayor Jeri Muoio’s State of the City Address 2018

Mayor Jeri Muoio will lay out the blueprint for her final year in office during the 2018 State of the City address. The Mayor will deliver remarks during the January breakfast of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, presented by Good Samaritan Medical Center. Learn how the Mayor’s long-term plan for economic prosperity and increased quality of life, that has driven so many key decisions over her tenure, will culminate in the new year. More info: http://bit.ly/2CpdZrb

JAN. 30: FemCity West Palm Beach January Luncheon

Connect and network with other fabulous local business women. Enjoy lunch at The Regional Kitchen & Public House. Be prepared with your 30-second “Fems-Share.” Share who you are, what you do and declare what you’re committed to creating this New Year. More info: http://bit.ly/2CxxRZ6

YEAR-ROUND: Taste History Culinary Tour

Looking to sample new restaurants while learning more about Palm Beach County’s history? Consider the Taste History Culinary Tour, offered by the Museum of Fashion & Lifestyle. You’ll get to experience the food and history of Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and Lantana, and West Palm Beach each Saturday, departing from Macy’s at the Boynton Beach Mall. More info: http://bit.ly/2qZI665

This monthly community events feature is provided as a courtesy by Lawrence Jean-Louis, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. You can contact her at ljeanlouis@nyl.com.