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.