Now is usually the season where we return to normal after the rush of the holidays, but in a city like Seattle, there’s no reason to slow down. Dozens of theaters, shows, and events will keep your winter spicy with enough venues to keep you busy for years.

• Attend dinner and a show at The triple door, a historical, downtown theater originally built in 1926. The triple door is still going strong with a wide variety of shows from live jazz and symphony to tasteful burlesque. The triple door is an approachable theater with a laid back, Northwest atmosphere. Come in for dinner or drinks and multiple shows or bands every night, check the schedule for the type of entertainment you’re looking for and enjoy cocktails alone or with dinner served from the Wild Ginger restaurant next door.
• Surprise your spouse with a Waterways Cruise, known for their fabulous food, you can sit while warm and toasty inside while watching the rain on the windows and the marine life swimming outside on a small and intimate cruise liner. Waterway Cruises and Events offer several different experiences depending on what you’re looking for, earn brownie points by taking your mother in law to brunch or surprise your spouse with a special Tuesday dinner on the water just because. The views can’t be beaten, and ships depart from marinas in downtown Kirkland and Seattle.
• Model Railroad Show at the Pacific Science Center, back for its 45^th year on the weekend of January 19^th model train artists create miniature worlds within the science center with old steam engines and box cars running through cities, mountains and storybook villages. Kids will love experiencing the miniature world that train enthusiasts create bringing back a forgotten time during this popular event.
• The Children’s Film Festival Seattle runs from January 24 – February 9, show your children the world through other kids eyes with International films coming from 39 countries, children ages 2 – 14 can find something to love during this festival, including short films mostly presented at the Northwest Film Forum on Capitol Hill. Special events, field trips, and workshops are all available to show your budding directors the art of filmmaking and storytelling.
• Dust off your dancing shoes at the Century Ballroom, a full calendar of salsa, swing, tango and more are available. Most evenings start with lessons, then open up for you to practice your new skills on the dance floor. The Century Ballroom will be hosting Masquerade XI on January 25^th, where you’ll have the opportunity to dance the night away in disguise.
• Pancakes and Booze Art Show will be hosted at El Corazon on January 26^th. For those of you who like your pancakes with a beer after 8:00 p.m. this art show is for you, free (with a door fee), unlimited pancakes will tide you over to enjoy over 70 artists creating masterpieces out of multiple mediums.
• Take advantage of the off-season for tourism by becoming a tourist yourself. During the winter you won’t need to book out weeks in advance, and you might even have the tour guide to yourself. Learn about anything you’re interested in, Seattle’s small batch coffee scene and where to go, where to get the best gourmet food, brewpubs, hole in the walls at Pike Place Market or even tour the Boeing assembly plant. Take a professional, year-round tour with Clipper Vacation Tours, or meet someone new with Vayable. At Vayable, ordinary people who work during the day share their knowledge and passions with tour-goers during their off time, while making extra money on the side and meeting new people, it’s a win-win.
• Winter is the perfect time to take advantage of all that the Seattle Public Library, has to offer in an incredible space. Free to the public with sharp lines, angular shapes and floor to ceiling windows, the Seattle Public Library is more than just an architectural wonder, it’s, of course full of books, perfect for cozy winter reading, and so much more. Check out their event calendar full of story times for children, monthly movies with discussions, and community resources. Not only is the calendar full of events, but they also offer programs, services, support and resources for business, education, arts, entertainment, book readings, book clubs, trivia nights and professional speeches. If the downtown library isn’t convenient there are over two dozen other locations open across the city, be sure to look into the one closest to you or make it a goal to visit several, they each offer unique and beautiful settings to spend your time. Don’t let these amazing free resources pass you by, there is plenty to offer for all ages and interests.
• The Crocodileis one of Seattle’s original grunge hangouts, it’s one reason why Seattle was put on the map in the ‘90s hosting bands like Nirvana and other icons, the venue is intimate, and the staff is still rocking out every weekend. Check the calendar, for their sporadic schedule of undiscovered talent.
• The Central Cinema is an all-inclusive experience at a retro theater serving dinner, drinks, and popcorn while you watch. The food is good, and every seat has a view, come early to order, the staff is non-intrusive. They keep the movie going interesting with a wide schedule of new and old films covering the spectrum of new, artsy, cult classics, little known, and occasional sing-alongs, give it a shot, the Central Cinema is a local favorite.

This is by no means an all-inclusive list of Seattle’s venues, poke around your neighborhood and find what makes Seattle the best city in the country. Loaded with art, food, funky vibes, and unparalleled live music, this city never gets old.