Must List: 5 Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Yuck it up, hit the ice, watch some films
By Sarah Stackhouse January 2, 2025
How’s everyone doing in this January chill? It’s been so cold lately, and while the holiday break was a nice pause, I’m ready to settle back into a routine. Schedules aren’t the worst thing, right?
Downtown Seattle is buzzing again — turns out people really do want to live here. Saint Bread recently nabbed a spot on The New York Times’ list of 22 of the best bakeries in America (have you tried the cardamom croissant yet?), and the Seattle Central Library is opening its doors to writers-in-residence.
Now, onto this week’s events. There’s so much to look forward to:
Wet City Comedy Fest
Jan. 3-5, 6 p.m.
The Crocodile
$65+
Wet City Comedy Fest takes over The Crocodile for three nights of stand-up and belly laughs. I caught Maria Bamford live years ago, and she was incredible. This fest is a good excuse to see her, along with some of the funniest names in comedy.
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
Now-Jan. 12
Bellevue Downtown Park
$15+
The biggest seasonal ice rink in the region is still open, but not for long. Spanning 9,000 square feet, it’s a fun way to embrace winter before it’s gone. Last year, I spent most of my time hugging the wall, but it was still worth it.
Kimberly Akimbo
Jan. 8-12
Paramount Theatre
$32+
Winner of five Tony Awards, this new musical tells the story of Kimberly, a teenager living with a condition that causes her to age rapidly. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply human. Critics are calling it one of the best musicals in years.
2024 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
Jan. 8-26
Northwest Film Forum
$7+
If a trip to Park City isn’t in the cards, this curated collection of Sundance short films is the next best thing. Seven standout shorts from Sundance are coming to the Northwest Film Forum, showcasing some of the best in storytelling, animation, and documentary. I’ve gone in the past, and it’s always fascinating to see what filmmakers can do in such a short amount of time.
Tinsley – Album Release
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.
Neumos
$15+
Seattle’s own Tinsley is celebrating the release of her debut album with a show at Neumos. Tinsley has been making waves with songs like “Distract Me” and her 2023 EP Love Songs, which landed on DJ Marco Collins’ list of top Washington music picks. Her tracks have spun on KEXP, The End, and C89.5, blending indie pop and rock. For her debut album, she teamed up with local collaborators and session musicians to create something fresh and deeply personal. If you’re into artists like Feist or Sharon Van Etten, you’ll love Tinsley’s sound.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.
Follow Us
Local Businesses Step Up Against Rising Hunger
As food insecurity grows, Seattle organizations respond with coordinated meal distributions and support.
Food bank visits are up 70% since 2019, and even with SNAP benefits reinstated, many families still struggle to keep food on the table. Costs continue to rise, donations have dipped as everyday expenses increase, and the loss of federal support has left a system that was already stretched pushed even further. “Right now, we’re…
Fave Five: Jazzy and Merry
From twinkling lights to Viking bonfires, here’s how to celebrate the season.
For me, it all starts when Lou Rawls sings. One song into Merry Christmas, Baby, and I’m ready to give in to the whirl of it all. Hearing it also means the pace is about to pick up, and sometimes it does feel like too much. But that’s just the holidays—the joy comes tucked inside…
Fave Five: Settling into Fall
Warm light, early sunsets, and the comfort of small adventures.
September and October are my favorite months in Seattle. It’s still lovely outside—plenty of sun—but the air is cooler. I find myself scanning the day for something good to do before dark: a last farmers market tomato, a long walk, or a reason to make soup. It reminds me of childhood, squeezing in one more…
Must List: Five Fun Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Sep 11 - Sep 17
A fall season opener, Taste of the Sound, Downton’s farewell
Fall is just about here, showing itself in the chill of early mornings and the fog that settles over the city. It’s the season when Seattle feels like the center of the art world. We dropped into Pioneer Square to catch fashion at its most fun during First Thursday Art Walk, rounded up this season’s…