Spokane does ice skating a different way with its skate ribbon.
with the rain behind us (fingers crossed) and snowy skies ahead, January brings cozy folk festivals, reasons to recreate outside, and some out-of-this-world conventions. It's time to recuperate from the holiday hubbub with a craft brew in hand or just stay active.
January 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 | Spokane
The Numerica Skate Ribbon in downtown Spokane, which looks more like a frozen river winding through Spokane's swanky Riverfront Park than your typical ice skating rink, opens to skaters every Friday night of the month. It's not just about axel jumps and spins; skate nights also boast a DJ, a light show, and contests.
Lake Chelan Winterfest kicks off with icy hangouts in downtown Chelan.
January 16–25 | chelan and manson
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 beverage, but family activities also abound: crafts, a snow slide, and fireworks.
January 17 | Wenatchee
The Wenatchee Valley Museum observes Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with a free family-minded event; children “travel” throughout the museum with a custom passport to explore various cultures through arts and crafts.
January 22–25 | Bellingham
As always, Bellingham’s homemade winter music event celebrates all things folksy with concerts, dances, workshops, and jams. From a hands-on fiddle bowing masterclass to an open mic at Honey Moon Meadery and a classic square dance, Bellingham keeps grooving all weekend.
January 30–31 | Longview
Call it a party where the guest of honor probably won't show up. This Southern Washington festival brings together speakers who’ve pondered the great bigfoot question and even combed the forests for evidence; budding explorers can romp through the Kids Cave while adults get a selection of local beers to round out the event. New this year, the long-standing festival combines with the first Galactic Fest, where folks interested in aliens, space, and UFOs compare notes.
January 30 | bow
Taylor Shellfish Farms hosts a dinner that’s part moonlit magic and part hard work. Diners hop off a bus, driven to the farm from Seattle or Bellingham, to find drinks and a bonfire waiting. All-you-can-eat oysters are plucked right from the farm by hungry diners, and expert shuckers lend a hand to crack the fresh shellfish.
January 31 | kennewick