Things to Do in Washington in January
Sure, January is a tad slow when it comes to festivals and parties around the state. But the thinning of holiday crowds and inconsistent weather makes for creative, and often more intimate, events.
DJ Night on the Ice
Jan 3, 10, 17, & 24 | Spokane
It's not quite a rink. The icy Numerica Skate Ribbon in downtown Spokane's Riverfront Park is more reminiscent of a frozen river, where skaters head in a single direction. Friday nights mean a DJ, a light show, and contests, all for the usual price of admission and rentals.
Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
jan 10, port angeles
The stunningly modern Field Arts and Events Hall hosts the Talking Heads concert film screening, but let's be real: it's mostly a dance party. Rock out on the dance floor to "Psycho Killer," sip themed cocktails, and relish in the restored Jonathan Demme film.
Lake Chelan Winterfest
Jan 17–26 | chelan
Like Frozen, but real life. Lake Chelan's signature winter event is known for its ice sculptures, which pop up around town as decor and interactive experiences, including a centrally located ice bar. A wine walk the first weekend of the festival celebrates the region's signature tipple, but family activities also abound—crafts, a snow slide, and fireworks.
Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Fest
Jan 18 | Wenatchee
The Wenatchee Valley Museum observes Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with a free family-minded event that focuses on cultural tradition as understood through arts and crafts. Children get a passport to explore various experiences, all while live dancers and musicians perform on stage.
Bellingham Folk Festival
Jan 23–26 | Bellingham
As always, Bellingham's winter music event celebrates folk songs with scheduled performances, dances, and impromptu jams. A collaboration with Fire and Story Festival adds sculptural firepits across town as focal points for storytelling and poetic recitation.
Image: Helivideo/istockphoto.com
Free National Park Day
Jan 20 | Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is the first of six days across 2024 where entrance fees are waived at all national parks. In winter, that can mean snowball fights at Paradise on the south side of Mount Rainier, or a wet ramble through the rain forest in Olympic National Park.
sQuatch Fest 2025
Jan 24 & 25 | Longview
Call it a party where the guest of honor probably won't show up. Southern Washington's Sasquatch festival brings together speakers who've pondered the great bigfoot question and even combed the forests for evidence. Children can explore the Kids Cave while adults get a selection of local beers to round out the event.
