Community lifestyle ~ Living in Abingdon in January: January Jams + small-town perks
Sandie Rhymer • January 16, 2026

If you’ve ever wondered why people fall in love with Abingdon (and then never want to leave), January is the perfect month to see it.
Yes, it’s winter. But it’s also when Abingdon leans into what it does best: cozy nights, live music, a walkable downtown, and that “everybody belongs here” feeling that’s hard to describe until you experience it.
Here are a few January highlights you can plan around — and a few reasons January is a sneaky-good time to explore Abingdon if you’re considering relocating.
January Jams 2026: Five Saturday nights of live music at The Martha
January Jams is back in 2026 with five evening concerts at 7:00 PM in the Martha Washington Inn Ballroom (produced by the Town of Abingdon).
2026 lineup + dates:
Jan 10 – Hot Brown Smackdown (opener: The Boys)
Jan 17 – Magnolia Boulevard (opener: Charlie Maples)
Jan 24 – The Tams (beach-party vibes)
Jan 30 – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (opener: Jack Hinshelwood)
Jan 31 – True Loves (opener: Post Bop Revival)
Ticketing is designed to be accessible, with general admission around $25 and VIP options that include a pre-party plus drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres.
Why it matters for “living here”: It’s not just a concert—it’s the kind of community event where you’ll run into friends, make new ones, and leave feeling like Abingdon is exactly where you’re supposed to be.
A perfect “January Day in Abingdon” (easy blog section)
If you want this blog to double as a relocation piece, this is the part that sells the lifestyle:
Morning
Coffee + pastry at Zazzy’z
Midday
Shop the brick sidewalks downtown + pop into local spots like Holston Mountain Artisans Cooperative and Abingdon Olive Oil Company
Afternoon
Local lunch + a seasonal brew at Wolf Hills (or a quick trip to Abingdon Vineyards)
Evening
Dinner at The Martha or Abingdon Tavern (yes, it really dates back to the 1700s)
Then either January Jams or an easy night at Barter Theatre
Bonus: A fun local night out that supports the community
Barter also hosts the Abingdon Rotary Frolics at the end of the month (Jan 30–31) — a “laugh-until-you-cry” fundraiser night that pours money back into local children’s programs.
If you’re thinking about moving to Abingdon (or closer to downtown, schools, work, or the trails), message me “ABINGDON” and I’ll send you a few neighborhoods/areas that match what you want—plus what’s actually available right now.










